Alesis ADAT-XT Locking to Video Code only Master, Computer Control, Midi Systems Virtual Tracking

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Applications: Chapter 6

LOCKING TO VIDEO: CODE ONLY MASTER

A common application in the audio post-production environment is locking to video using the timecode on the video tape as a locate reference and the video signal itself as a clock source. This requires a synchronizer interface, such as the Alesis AI-2 or BRC. The connections consist of running a balanced 1/4" TRS cable between the AI - 2’s [SMPTE IN] connector and the VTR’s SMPTE OUT (if timecode is recorded onto either the left or right audio track of the tape, connect the cable to the proper channel’s output connector) and a BNC connector from the house sync being provided to the VTR (such as a black-burst generator), or the VTR’s video out to the AI-2 [VIDEO IN]. The AI-2’s [SYNC OUT] to the XT’s [SYNC IN] connector.

When the XT detects an on-line AI-2, it will ID itself as a slave (ID 1) and the Clock will automatically switch to External (the EXT icon will light in the CLOCK icon group). Refer to your AI-2 Reference Manual for more information.

COMPUTER CONTROL

MIDI SYSTEMS: VIRTUAL TRACKING

Lately, many sequencing software manufacturers have been integrating digital audio hard disk recording and playback into their sequencers. However, the XT can offer much of the same flexibility without the added expense of a new program (or upgrade) or the hardware that accompanies a hard disk recording system. This requires a timecode interface, such as Steinberg’s ACI or JLCooper’s DataSync 2, which will convert the XT’s timecode (which is recorded when a tape is formatted) into MIDI Timecode (MTC) which a sequencer can synchronize to.

Connect the [SYNC OUT] from the XT (or from the last slave in a multiple ADAT system) to the [SYNC IN] of the timecode interface you are using. Connect the timecode interface’s [MIDI OUT] to the [MIDI IN] of you sequencer. Set your sequencer to synchronize to the MTC being received from the timecode interface. As you control the XT’s tape motion with the transport controls, the sequencer will automatically follow along, letting you mix digital recordings with virtual MIDI tracks on a MIDI sequencer.

MIDI MACHINE CONTROL: VIRTUAL REMOTE CONTROL

Many of the computer-based sequencing software programs today have implemented MIDI Machine Control (MMC) into their sequencers. MMC is a specification implemented by the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) and the Japan MIDI Standards Committee (JMSC) which details a set of messages that provide a universal way of having sequencers and tape machines speak to one another (not to mention tape machines talking to each other). These messages include: basic transport functions (like Play, Stop and Record), Locate functions (go to a specific tape location), Track functions (record-enable, input monitor, track delay), and many other types of messages. However, not all sequencers send out all these messages; some even send only basic transport commands. The total amount of control you have over your XT depends entirely on how much of the MMC specification has been implemented in the software you use.

First, make sure your sequencer is receiving MTC from the XT (see previous section). In addition, connect the [MIDI OUT] from your computer’s MIDI interface to the [MIDI IN] of the timecode interface; then connect the [SYNC OUT] of the timecode interface to the [SYNC IN] of the XT (of the master in a multiple ADAT system). Refer to the manuals for the timecode interface and your computer-based sequencer for instructions on how to set them up for MMC applications.

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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 Auto Input Monitor Input MonitorALL 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 rateDisplaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS FA dE 2To set the Crossfade Time 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 mSAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time Autolocation ControlsLocate 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 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 Achieving Lock Master /SLAVE InteractionMaster Format ENABLED, Complete Format Independent Slave ModeMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Formatting Multiple TapesMaster Format DISABLED, Format Extend Master Format DisabledBefore punching into format record 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 MonitoringPolarity Differences Here are some possible solutionsConnections 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 Steps to Take Before Calling for Help SpecificationsAppendix D Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Or Analog-to-Digital Converter GlossaryDAT BusMMC MidiSMPTE/LTC OutputVitc VHSIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual