Alesis ADAT-XT manual Tape Offset, Digital Clock Considerations

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Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5

protocol which the XT uses, and vice-versa. Refer to the User’s Manual of the digital interface you are using for more information.

When recording digital audio into the XT from another XT or ADAT in a multiple ADAT system, the XT recording the audio is already synchronized with the other machines, so the digital audio is sample-locked when recorded. This is because all slave machines are automatically set to External Clock mode (EXT icon lights in the CLOCK icon group). However, when recording digital audio from some other source, it is necessary to have the XT synchronize to the incoming digital audio. This can be done differently depending on whether you are using a single XT by itself or a multiple ADAT system.

If using a single XT, you must connect the AI-1’s ADAT OPTICAL [OUT] to the XT’s [DIGITAL IN] using a single fiber optic connector. Press the [DIGITAL INPUT] button on the XT, and set its Clock Source to Digital (press [CLOCK SELECT] until the DIG icon lights in the CLOCK icon group). Now the XT will synchronize to the clock information which accompanies the digital audio coming from the AI-1, which is originating from the digital audio device connected to the DIGITAL [IN] of the AI-1.

In a multiple ADAT system, you have two choices: synchronize the digital audio source to the ADAT system, or sync the ADAT system to the digital audio source.

If the source does not have any kind of clock input (i.e., it cannot be synchronized to an external clock), you have little choice but to choose the later option. This means you must connect the AI-1’s ADAT OPTICAL [OUT] to the [DIGITAL IN] of the master ADAT, which of course has its [DIGITAL OUT] already connected to the next slave, and so on. You must then set the master’s Clock Source to Digital (press [CLOCK SELECT] until the DIG icon lights in the CLOCK icon group). If no digital audio clock is detected (i.e. when no digital audio is being received by the AI-1), the master XT’s DIG icon will flash and it will continue using its own internal clock. When digital audio is sent through the AI-1 (and consequently, a digital clock is received by the master XT), the master XT will synchronize to the incoming digital clock (the XT’s DIG clock will stop flashing and remain lit).

If your digital audio source does provide a means for synchronizing to an external clock, you must connect the last slave ADAT’s [SYNC OUT] to the AI-1’s [SYNC IN]. Next, you must connect the AI-1’s [WORD CLOCK OUT] connector to the digital audio source’s [WORD CLOCK IN] connector, and adjust its clock parameter so that it is synchronizing to the incoming word clock derived from the ADAT system.

DIGITAL CLOCK CONSIDERATIONS

When switching between the XT’s two internal clock sample rates (48 kHz and 44.1 kHz), the reference base used for computing tape location is changed. The result is that the same tape location will appear to have two different time addresses depending on the sample rate (CLOCK) you are using. Since the XT cannot detect the sample rate of an external clock, it is therefore necessary that you select between DIG 48K and DIG 44.1K to choose which reference base the XT should use to calculate tape positions by while syncing to the digital clock. This is done by pressing the [CLOCK SELECT] button. See page 44 for more information.

TAPE OFFSET

When synchronizing multiple XTs, it is possible to offset any of the slave units from the master. The main reason for doing this would be for cut-and-paste style editing. By bouncing audio over the digital bus to a slave machine which is offset from the master, you can copy portions of audio to different sections of tape without having to re-record the audio. In addition, the Tape Offset feature can be used even if the XT is the master machine in a multiple ADAT system. This is important especially when using the XT with one or more original ADATs as slaves.When offsetting the XT’s

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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 AC Power Hookup Setting UPUnpacking and Inspection ChapterSetting Up Line Conditioners and Protectors About Audio CablesInput Normaling Basic Audio HookupWord on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette Tape Threaded VS. UnthreadedThermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Operating EnvironmentMounting on a Shelf or NON-RACK Enclosure Avoiding Electromagnetic InterferenceYour First Session POWER-UP,AND Tape InsertionABS 0H 15M 48S ABS n0 F0Sample Rate Selection Formatting a Tape a MustFormatting a NEW Tape Recording While FormattingTo record-enable a track Track Selection and Setting LevelsREL 0H 01M 29S Making a RecordingRecording Transport ButtonsTo make a recording Record LED turns off, while the Play LED remains litTo engage Cue mode To engage Review modePlayback Reviewing and CueingLocating REL 0H 00M 00SPage To loop a section of tape Creating a LoopRehearsing Automated RecordingTo automatically punch in and out Measure twice or more, and cut only onceABS 00 % 00 C Track Delay70 mS Pitch ControlTrack Copy To adjust the display brightnessDisplay Brightness To bounce audio from one track to anotherConnections Input Jack CharacteristicsAnalog Audio Unbalanced Inputs Analog Audio Unbalanced OutputsAdditional 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/OUTRehearse and Auto Record features FootswitchesXT Remote VersaTape Formatting Basic OperationsFormatting Considerations Complete FormatBe sure the tape is completely rewound Format ExtendABS Pr 0t 0 n ABS Pr 0t 0 FFWrite Protect Override To extend the format on a partially formatted tapeReading the Display Display Icons Basic Operations Time Counter & ABS/REL Button 01M 29SLocate SelectedEdit Value Button Basic EditingEntering Numeric Values Editing Individual DigitsAnalog Input Input SelectDigital Input Track CopyBasic Operations ALL Input Monitor Input MonitorAuto Input Monitor Fine Meter Mode Peak Mode ButtonMeters Recording a Benchmark T APESetting Levels Record EnableEject Transport ControlsRewind /REVIEW Fast Forward /CUEStop RECORD/PUNCH in or OUTWhether the tape being played is formatted or not To start recordingRecord Crossfade Time Sample Rate ClockPositions as before To select the sample rateTo set the Crossfade Time FA dE 2Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS About Pitch Changing To set the Track Delay amount To turn Track Delay on and offTo set multiple tracks to the same Track Delay value 10 mSLocate Autolocation ControlsAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time Locating Setting Locate PointsTo store a Locate Point memory on the fly To edit a Locate Point memoryAuto Return Auto LoopingAuto Play Loop LimitTape Length Auto RecordLooped Recording RehearsalErroneously 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 InteractionMaster Format ENABLED, Complete Format Independent Slave ModeMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Formatting Multiple Tapes Before punching into format record Master Format Disabled Master Format DISABLED, Format Extend Recording Digital Audio Making Digital BackupsBouncing Tracks Between Adats Reassigning Channels to Different TracksRecording Digital Audio from Other Sources To make a backup tapeDigital Clock Considerations Tape OffsetABS 0H 00M 00S Setting the Machine OffsetXT Transport Speed Combining XTS and AdatsSample Rate VS. Pitch Control Input MonitoringConnections 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 Locking to Video Code only Master Midi Machine Control Virtual Remote ControlComputer Control Midi Systems Virtual TrackingModular Recording Libraries and ArchivesCalculating Tape Offset Using the Locates Using Track Copy AS a Digital RouterPress Edit VALUE, then press Locate Analog Recording Basics Digital Recording ConceptsDigital Recording Basics Appendix aWHY S-VHS? TROUBLE-SHOOTING Index TroubleshootingRE-INITIALIZING Appendix BAbout Error Rate Readings Error Rate DisplayABS d1 SP E rr ABS d1 SP r E9Adat Head Maintenance MAINTENANCE/SERVICE Tape Maintenance Safe TapeCleaning Drum Time DisplayObtaining Repair Service MaintenanceRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis Customers in the USAAppendix 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