Alesis ADAT-XT manual Libraries and Archives, Modular Recording

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Chapter 6: Applications

If your sequencer generates MMC commands, you should be able to put your sequencer into play and have the XT follow along. However, don’t be surprised if the XT does not immediately go into play. When a PLAY command is sent from the sequencer, the XT is issued a locate command, telling it where the sequencer is positioned (in timecode). The XT may first have to fast forward or rewind to get to the same location as the sequencer. Once this is done, the XT should resume playback which is when timecode is sent to the timecode interface, which converts it into MTC, which causes the sequencer to go into play. In essence, the sequencer is always locking to the XT’s timecode, while the transport commands you issue from the sequencer act as remote functions.

LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES

The XT is superb for archiving purposes, such as speeches and broadcasts, stereo mixes or libraries of stereo samples. The XT can record over eight hours of mono material by recording approx. 60 minutes on each track (using ST-180 tape). Over four hours of stereo mixes or samples can be recorded by mixing down to four sets of stereo pairs (1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8).

MODULAR RECORDING

Collaborations work particularly well with a system or two or more XTs (and/or ADATs). You can record your tracks onto the master machine, then do a premix onto two tracks of a slave machine, which is of course perfectly synchronized to the master. Send this tape to your partner, who adds parts on the other tracks. When the tape comes back, just pop it into one of your machines, and your partner’s parts will be in sync with the original tracks you laid down.

You may wish to include documentation with your tape which indicates the Track Delays values, Tape Offset amount and/or Locate Point positions, so your partner can recreate the same parameter settings you were using. Or, if you’re both using BRC remotes, save your setup to the “data” section of tape (this is called saving the Table of Contents, or TOC). This way, you partner can pick up right where you left off.

70	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 Unpacking and Inspection Setting UPAC Power Hookup ChapterSetting Up About Audio Cables Line Conditioners and ProtectorsBasic Audio Hookup Input NormalingThreaded VS. Unthreaded Word on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette TapeMounting on a Shelf or NON-RACK Enclosure Operating EnvironmentThermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Avoiding Electromagnetic InterferenceABS 0H 15M 48S POWER-UP,AND Tape InsertionYour First Session ABS n0 F0Formatting a NEW Tape Formatting a Tape a MustSample Rate Selection Recording While FormattingREL 0H 01M 29S Track Selection and Setting LevelsTo record-enable a track Making a RecordingTo make a recording Transport ButtonsRecording Record LED turns off, while the Play LED remains litPlayback To engage Review modeTo engage Cue mode Reviewing and CueingREL 0H 00M 00S LocatingPage Creating a Loop To loop a section of tapeTo automatically punch in and out Automated RecordingRehearsing Measure twice or more, and cut only once70 mS Track DelayABS 00 % 00 C Pitch ControlDisplay Brightness To adjust the display brightnessTrack Copy To bounce audio from one track to anotherAnalog Audio Unbalanced Inputs Input Jack CharacteristicsConnections 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 networkXT Remote FootswitchesRehearse and Auto Record features VersaFormatting Considerations Basic OperationsTape Formatting Complete FormatFormat Extend Be sure the tape is completely rewoundWrite Protect Override ABS Pr 0t 0 FFABS Pr 0t 0 n To extend the format on a partially formatted tapeReading the Display Display Icons Basic Operations Locate 01M 29STime Counter & ABS/REL Button SelectedEntering Numeric Values Basic EditingEdit Value Button Editing Individual DigitsDigital Input Input SelectAnalog Input Track CopyBasic Operations ALL Input Monitor Input MonitorAuto Input Monitor Meters Peak Mode ButtonFine Meter Mode Recording a Benchmark T APERecord Enable Setting LevelsRewind /REVIEW Transport ControlsEject Fast Forward /CUEWhether the tape being played is formatted or not RECORD/PUNCH in or OUTStop To start recordingPositions as before Sample Rate ClockRecord Crossfade Time To select the sample rateTo set the Crossfade Time FA dE 2Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS About Pitch Changing To set multiple tracks to the same Track Delay value To turn Track Delay on and offTo set the Track Delay amount 10 mSLocate Autolocation ControlsAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time To store a Locate Point memory on the fly Setting Locate PointsLocating To edit a Locate Point memoryAuto Play Auto LoopingAuto Return Loop LimitLooped Recording Auto RecordTape Length 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 Master /SLAVE Interaction Achieving LockMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Independent Slave ModeMaster Format ENABLED, Complete Format Formatting Multiple TapesBefore punching into format record Master Format DisabledMaster Format DISABLED, Format Extend Bouncing Tracks Between Adats Making Digital BackupsRecording Digital Audio 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 00SSample Rate VS. Pitch Control Combining XTS and AdatsXT Transport Speed Input MonitoringConnections Here are some possible solutionsPolarity Differences Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Chapter Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Adat XT Reference Manual Applications Combined MULTITRACK/MASTERING DeckLIVE/LONG-TERM Recording Computer Control Midi Machine Control Virtual Remote ControlLocking to Video Code only Master 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 Basics Digital Recording ConceptsAnalog Recording Basics Appendix aWHY S-VHS? RE-INITIALIZING TroubleshootingTROUBLE-SHOOTING Index Appendix BABS d1 SP E rr Error Rate DisplayAbout Error Rate Readings ABS d1 SP r E9Adat Head Maintenance Cleaning Tape Maintenance Safe TapeMAINTENANCE/SERVICE Drum Time DisplayRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis MaintenanceObtaining Repair Service Customers in the USAAppendix B Troubleshooting Error Codes Appendix CAutomatic Brake Calibration Procedure Appendix D SpecificationsSteps to Take Before Calling for Help Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Glossary Or Analog-to-Digital ConverterBus DATMidi MMCOutput SMPTE/LTCVHS VitcIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual