Alesis ADAT-XT manual Operation, Overview, Synchronizing Machines

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Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

MULTIPLE ADAT-XT

OPERATION

OVERVIEW

By itself, a single XT provides a lot of flexibility. However, in a multiple ADAT system presents a whole new set of possibilities. Keep in mind that since the XT is an ADAT - compatible machine, you can intermingle any number of XTs and ADATs together— up to 16 machines total for 128 tracks (see the section entitled Combining XTs and ADATs on page 63). When linking multiple XTs and/or ADATs together, the first ADAT in the chain is referred to as the “master”, and the rest are called “slaves”. Each slave is locked to the master, and relies on the time reference from the master machine to keep the system synchronized.

Connections are easy to make; one 9 pin D connector for each slave. A slave will automatically detect a master and go into slave mode.

INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT

OUTPUT

Using the 8-channel proprietary digital bus, you can also bounce tracks between machines in the digital realm. Not only does this result in a perfect copy, but one that is perfectly synchronized with the original. This means you can make perfect safety backups and archives of recordings. One creative way of using a multiple ADAT system (though it can be done with just one XT) is to dedicate two tracks of one machine for stereo mix-down. Since these mix tracks are always in sync with the rest of the system, you can execute a seamless punch at any time. For example, you could mix-down different sections of a recording independent from one another, making changes in the mix as you go along.

Each slave XT can have its own tape offset, with respect to the master machine. Combine this feature with the ability to bounce tracks in the digital domain, and you have the ability to perform cut-and-paste style assembly editing.

SYNCHRONIZING MACHINES

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 Chapter Setting UPAC Power Hookup Unpacking and InspectionSetting Up Line Conditioners and Protectors About Audio CablesInput Normaling Basic Audio HookupWord on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette Tape Threaded VS. UnthreadedAvoiding Electromagnetic Interference Operating EnvironmentThermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Mounting on a Shelf or NON-RACK EnclosureABS n0 F0 POWER-UP,AND Tape InsertionYour First Session ABS 0H 15M 48SRecording While Formatting Formatting a Tape a MustSample Rate Selection Formatting a NEW TapeMaking a Recording Track Selection and Setting LevelsTo record-enable a track REL 0H 01M 29SRecord LED turns off, while the Play LED remains lit Transport ButtonsRecording To make a recordingReviewing and Cueing To engage Review modeTo engage Cue mode PlaybackLocating REL 0H 00M 00SPage To loop a section of tape Creating a LoopMeasure twice or more, and cut only once Automated RecordingRehearsing To automatically punch in and outPitch Control Track DelayABS 00 % 00 C 70 mSTo bounce audio from one track to another To adjust the display brightnessTrack Copy Display BrightnessAnalog Audio Unbalanced Outputs Input Jack CharacteristicsConnections Analog Audio Unbalanced InputsAdditional grounds Analog Audio Balanced Inputs and OutputsInput Mode Analog Audio Input ModeTo synchronize multiple XTs and/or ADATs Sync IN/OUTTo connect the digital optical network Digital Audio IN/OUTVersa FootswitchesRehearse and Auto Record features XT RemoteComplete Format Basic OperationsTape Formatting Formatting ConsiderationsBe sure the tape is completely rewound Format ExtendTo extend the format on a partially formatted tape ABS Pr 0t 0 FFABS Pr 0t 0 n Write Protect OverrideReading the Display Display Icons Basic Operations Selected 01M 29STime Counter & ABS/REL Button LocateEditing Individual Digits Basic EditingEdit Value Button Entering Numeric ValuesTrack Copy Input SelectAnalog Input Digital InputBasic Operations ALL Input Monitor Input MonitorAuto Input Monitor Recording a Benchmark T APE Peak Mode ButtonFine Meter Mode MetersSetting Levels Record EnableFast Forward /CUE Transport ControlsEject Rewind /REVIEWTo start recording RECORD/PUNCH in or OUTStop Whether the tape being played is formatted or notTo select the sample rate Sample Rate ClockRecord Crossfade Time Positions as beforeTo set the Crossfade Time FA dE 2Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS About Pitch Changing 10 mS To turn Track Delay on and offTo set the Track Delay amount To set multiple tracks to the same Track Delay valueLocate Autolocation ControlsAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time To edit a Locate Point memory Setting Locate PointsLocating To store a Locate Point memory on the flyLoop Limit Auto LoopingAuto Return Auto PlayRehearsal Auto RecordTape Length Looped RecordingErroneously selected, to avoid damage to the tape To set the tape lengthEuropean equivalents and approximate recording times Footswitch Controlled Autolocating Footswitch ControlsFootswitch Controlled Punching Using the XT Remote Synchronizing Machines OperationOverview Achieving Lock Master /SLAVE InteractionFormatting Multiple Tapes Independent Slave ModeMaster Format ENABLED, Complete Format Master Format ENABLED, Format ExtendBefore punching into format record Master Format DisabledMaster Format DISABLED, Format Extend Reassigning Channels to Different Tracks Making Digital BackupsRecording Digital Audio Bouncing Tracks Between AdatsRecording Digital Audio from Other Sources To make a backup tapeDigital Clock Considerations Tape OffsetABS 0H 00M 00S Setting the Machine OffsetInput Monitoring Combining XTS and AdatsXT Transport Speed Sample Rate VS. Pitch ControlConnections Here are some possible solutionsPolarity Differences Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Chapter Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Adat XT Reference Manual Combined MULTITRACK/MASTERING Deck ApplicationsLIVE/LONG-TERM Recording Midi Systems Virtual Tracking Midi Machine Control Virtual Remote ControlLocking to Video Code only Master Computer ControlModular Recording Libraries and ArchivesCalculating Tape Offset Using the Locates Using Track Copy AS a Digital RouterPress Edit VALUE, then press Locate Appendix a Digital Recording ConceptsAnalog Recording Basics Digital Recording BasicsWHY S-VHS? Appendix B TroubleshootingTROUBLE-SHOOTING Index RE-INITIALIZINGABS d1 SP r E9 Error Rate DisplayAbout Error Rate Readings ABS d1 SP E rrAdat Head Maintenance Drum Time Display Tape Maintenance Safe TapeMAINTENANCE/SERVICE CleaningCustomers in the USA MaintenanceObtaining Repair Service Refer ALL Servicing to AlesisAppendix B Troubleshooting Appendix C Error CodesAutomatic Brake Calibration Procedure Appendix D SpecificationsSteps to Take Before Calling for Help Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Or Analog-to-Digital Converter GlossaryDAT BusMMC MidiSMPTE/LTC OutputVitc VHSIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual