Alesis ADAT-XT manual LIVE/LONG-TERM Recording, To set the tape length

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Chapter 6: Applications

LIVE/LONG-TERM RECORDING

The XT is excellent for live recording because of its compact size and easy operation. Eight tracks allow for recording audience sounds, ambience, and individual soloists as well as a stereo mix of the PA. Of course, multiple machines may be interconnected and synchronized to allow for more tracks.

When using more than one XT, you can increase the recording time by manually placing the second machine into record just before the first machine is at the end of its tape. Naturally, the audio signals would need to be split and connected to both sets of inputs.

If you are using an Alesis BRC with a multiple ADAT system, you can take advantage of a feature called continuous recording. By splitting the system into two (or into two sets of machines), you can offset the second set by a specific amount of time. Example: A 35 minute offset would provide 5 minutes of overlap. The second set of machines would automatically kick into record just before the first set’s tape ran out. Refer to chapter 5 for more details on connecting multiple ADATs; refer to the BRC Reference Manual for more information about continuous recording.

Besides the typical 120 minute type of S-VHS tapes (which provide 40 minutes of digital audio recording time), 160 minute tapes are also available (which provide over 53 minutes recording time). And the new 3-hour (180 minute) tapes provide over an hour of digital recording time. The XT must be setup for the length of tape being used. This is done within the Main Function Menu.

To set the tape length:

¿Hold the [SET LOCATE] button and press the [FORMAT] button; This display will briefly read “St-60 ”.

¡Repeat step 1 to advance through the available tape length choices. The display will briefly read:“St-120”,“St-60 ”, “St-160” and “St-180 ”.

Below is a list of the four S-VHS tapes which can be used with ADAT, with their European equivalents and approximate recording times:

Type	Euro	Rec. Time
ST-60	n/a	22 min.
ST-120 SE-180		40 min.
ST-160	SE-240	54 min.
ST-180	SE-260	62 min.

Note: European tapes are actually slightly longer than their US equivalents. Therefore, you may get a few more minutes if using European tape.

Refer to page 52 for more information about tape length.

68	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 Input Monitor Auto 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 rateFA dE 2 Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDSTo 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 mSAutolocation Controls Absolute ABS Time VS . Relative TimeLocate 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 RehearsalTo set the tape length European equivalents and approximate recording timesErroneously selected, to avoid damage to the tape Footswitch Controls Footswitch Controlled PunchingFootswitch Controlled Autolocating Using the XT Remote Operation OverviewSynchronizing Machines Master /SLAVE Interaction Achieving LockIndependent Slave Mode Master Format ENABLED, Complete FormatMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Formatting Multiple TapesMaster Format Disabled Master Format DISABLED, Format ExtendBefore 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 MonitoringHere are some possible solutions Polarity DifferencesConnections 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 Specifications Steps to Take Before Calling for HelpAppendix D Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Glossary Or Analog-to-Digital ConverterBus DATMidi MMCOutput SMPTE/LTCVHS VitcIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual