Alesis ADAT-XT manual Conventions

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT Digital Multitrack Tape Recorder. To take full advantage of the XTÕs functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this userÕs manual carefully.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the XT. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about multitrack recorders should use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the XT.

Chapter 1: Introduction. Deals with the necessary preparation before recording and playing, including connections to external devices. This chapter also discusses the difference between ÒthreadedÓ and ÒunthreadedÓ tapes.

Chapter 2: Your First Session with the ADAT-XT. This section provides a brief tour of the XT, shows you how to format a tape, record and playback, set locate points, auto punch-in and out, bounce tracks, and points out other various features.

Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like inputs and outputs, footswitches and the ADAT Optical Digital Interface), and proper hook-up procedures. Chapter 4: Basic Operations. Covers the user interface of the XT and the way to use its basic control features, how to read the display, and how to navigate through and edit parameters.

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT Operation. How to lock together multiple ADAT Compatibleª devices, and how to record and transfer digital audio between them. Chapter 6: Applications. Describes several real-world examples of how the XT may be used.

Appendices. Features an explanation of digital audio recording concepts, trouble- shooting, maintenance and service information, specifications, a Glossary and an Index.

CONVENTIONS

All front panel buttons, LEDs, display icons and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the XT, using all capital letters and in brackets (Examples: [PLAY] button, [AUTO INPUT] button, EDIT icon, etc.).

✪

When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the XT.

ADAT XT Reference Manual

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Contents Alesis ADAT-XT Introduction Adat XT Reference Manual Conventions Adat XT Reference Manual Contents Basic Operations Analog Recording Basics Digital Recording Basics Why S-VHS? Index Maintenance/Service Cleaning Obtaining Repair Service Setting UP AC Power HookupUnpacking and Inspection ChapterSetting Up About Audio Cables Line Conditioners and ProtectorsBasic Audio Hookup Input NormalingThreaded VS. Unthreaded Word on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette TapeOperating Environment Thermal Considerations in Rack MountingMounting on a Shelf or NON-RACK Enclosure Avoiding Electromagnetic InterferencePOWER-UP,AND Tape Insertion Your First SessionABS 0H 15M 48S ABS n0 F0Formatting a Tape a Must Sample Rate SelectionFormatting a NEW Tape Recording While FormattingTrack Selection and Setting Levels To record-enable a trackREL 0H 01M 29S Making a RecordingTransport Buttons RecordingTo make a recording Record LED turns off, while the Play LED remains litTo engage Review mode To engage Cue modePlayback Reviewing and CueingREL 0H 00M 00S LocatingPage Creating a Loop To loop a section of tapeAutomated Recording RehearsingTo automatically punch in and out Measure twice or more, and cut only onceTrack Delay ABS 00 % 00 C70 mS Pitch ControlTo adjust the display brightness Track CopyDisplay Brightness To bounce audio from one track to anotherInput Jack Characteristics ConnectionsAnalog Audio Unbalanced Inputs Analog Audio Unbalanced OutputsAnalog Audio Balanced Inputs and Outputs Additional groundsAnalog Audio Input Mode Input ModeSync IN/OUT To synchronize multiple XTs and/or ADATsDigital Audio IN/OUT To connect the digital optical networkFootswitches Rehearse and Auto Record featuresXT Remote VersaBasic Operations Tape FormattingFormatting Considerations Complete FormatFormat Extend Be sure the tape is completely rewoundABS Pr 0t 0 FF ABS Pr 0t 0 nWrite Protect Override To extend the format on a partially formatted tapeReading the Display Display Icons Basic Operations 01M 29S Time Counter & ABS/REL ButtonLocate SelectedBasic Editing Edit Value ButtonEntering Numeric Values Editing Individual DigitsInput Select Analog InputDigital Input Track CopyBasic Operations Auto Input Monitor Input MonitorALL Input Monitor Peak Mode Button Fine Meter ModeMeters Recording a Benchmark T APERecord Enable Setting LevelsTransport Controls EjectRewind /REVIEW Fast Forward /CUERECORD/PUNCH in or OUT StopWhether the tape being played is formatted or not To start recordingSample Rate Clock Record Crossfade TimePositions as before To select the sample rateDisplaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS FA dE 2To set the Crossfade Time About Pitch Changing To turn Track Delay on and off To set the Track Delay amountTo set multiple tracks to the same Track Delay value 10 mSAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time Autolocation ControlsLocate Setting Locate Points LocatingTo store a Locate Point memory on the fly To edit a Locate Point memoryAuto Looping Auto ReturnAuto Play Loop LimitAuto Record Tape LengthLooped Recording RehearsalEuropean equivalents and approximate recording times To set the tape lengthErroneously selected, to avoid damage to the tape Footswitch Controlled Punching Footswitch ControlsFootswitch Controlled Autolocating Using the XT Remote Overview OperationSynchronizing Machines Master /SLAVE Interaction Achieving LockIndependent Slave Mode Master Format ENABLED, Complete FormatMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Formatting Multiple TapesMaster Format DISABLED, Format Extend Master Format DisabledBefore punching into format record Making Digital Backups Recording Digital AudioBouncing Tracks Between Adats Reassigning Channels to Different TracksTo make a backup tape Recording Digital Audio from Other SourcesTape Offset Digital Clock ConsiderationsSetting the Machine Offset ABS 0H 00M 00SCombining XTS and Adats XT Transport SpeedSample Rate VS. Pitch Control Input MonitoringPolarity Differences Here are some possible solutionsConnections Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Chapter Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Adat XT Reference Manual Applications Combined MULTITRACK/MASTERING DeckLIVE/LONG-TERM Recording Midi Machine Control Virtual Remote Control Locking to Video Code only MasterComputer Control Midi Systems Virtual TrackingLibraries and Archives Modular RecordingUsing Track Copy AS a Digital Router Calculating Tape Offset Using the LocatesPress Edit VALUE, then press Locate Digital Recording Concepts Analog Recording BasicsDigital Recording Basics Appendix aWHY S-VHS? Troubleshooting TROUBLE-SHOOTING IndexRE-INITIALIZING Appendix BError Rate Display About Error Rate ReadingsABS d1 SP E rr ABS d1 SP r E9Adat Head Maintenance Tape Maintenance Safe Tape MAINTENANCE/SERVICECleaning Drum Time DisplayMaintenance Obtaining Repair ServiceRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis Customers in the USAAppendix B Troubleshooting Error Codes Appendix CAutomatic Brake Calibration Procedure Steps to Take Before Calling for Help SpecificationsAppendix D Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Glossary Or Analog-to-Digital ConverterBus DATMidi MMCOutput SMPTE/LTCVHS VitcIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual