Alesis ADAT-XT ABS d1 SP E rr, ABS d1 SP r E9, Checking Software Version, Error Rate Display

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Appendix B: Troubleshooting

CHECKING SOFTWARE VERSION

The current software version may be determined by holding [SET LOCATE] and pressing [FAST FWD]. The XT will momentarily indicate the current operating software version installed in the TIME counter.

ERROR RATE DISPLAY

The TIME counter has a secondary mode which, when selected, will display only the minutes and seconds of the tape position, and the error rate while the transport is engaged in play or record. This error rate is viewed as a count of the number of sync block errors per 14 drum revolutions (every 280ms). Since there are 30 sync blocks per sector, 8 sectors per track, and two tracks per revolution, the maximum number is 6720. If this display mode is selected during any other mode than play or record, the number will always read “0000”.

To view the error rate display:

1Hold [SET LOCATE] and press RECORD ENABLE [3]. The TIME counter will briefly read:

ABS d1 SP E rr

When PLAY or RECORD are engaged, the TIME counter will change to show minutes and seconds on the left, and a 4-digit error rate counter on the rate.

2Repeat step 1 to return the TIME display to its normal state. The TIME counter will briefly read:

ABS d1 SP r E9

…and will then change back to show hours, minutes, seconds and 100ths-of-a- second.

ABOUT ERROR RATE READINGS

A new, perfect tape on a clean machine will normally read “0000” with occasional flashes up to “0005” or “0010”. Errors of 3 or below are 100% correctable, and the odds are that significantly higher readings will also be 100% correctable. Many new tapes out of the box from some manufacturers have readings up to 100. Readings above 1000, however, are guaranteed to cause some interpolation to take place.

Therefore, readings up to about 10-15 aren’t anything to worry about unless accompanied by the Interpolation indicator; but they do show you that there is something less than ideal about current conditions. If readings rise above 20, you should take action (see page 75). If your brand of tape has a typical error rate above 20, that's acceptable, but you want to look out for increases above the usual.

ADAT HEAD LIFE

The expected head life for each ADAT varies according to a number of factors. Given optimum conditions, tape quality, tape care, and operating environment head life for the average ADAT will always be better than if your ADAT is abused, placed in bad environmental conditions and used with badly maintained tapes. Properly cared for, your heads should last for thousands of hours.

You should not subject your ADAT to environmental extremes, humidity or moisture of any kind, dust, dirt, extreme temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations or any kind of physical abuse (drops, shocks).

Under no circumstances should you remove the top or bottom cover of the ADAT. You already know that there are NO user serviceable parts inside. However, you

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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 ALL Input Monitor Input MonitorAuto 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 rateTo set the Crossfade Time FA dE 2Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS 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 mSLocate Autolocation ControlsAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time 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 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 LockIndependent Slave Mode Master Format ENABLED, Complete FormatMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Formatting Multiple TapesBefore punching into format record Master Format DisabledMaster Format DISABLED, Format Extend 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 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 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 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
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