Setting Up: Chapter 1
ADAT XT Reference Manual 11
“THREADED” VS. “UNTHREADED”
Analog audio recorders typically move tape past the heads at anywhere from 1-7/8 to
30 inches per second. Higher speeds result in a higher

bandwidth

, or an ability to
record high-frequency signals. The XT’s digital audio signals require much higher
bandwidth than analog audio signals. In addition to moving the tape faster than
standard S-VHS VCRs, the XT increased the head/drum speed for increased
bandwidth. In contrast to analog multi-track recorders, the tape and rotating heads of
the XT remain in contact when the tape is stopped. This allows for going into play or
record faster, as well as “cue” and “review” functions that let you monitor the tape
audio in fast forward or rewind.
When the tape is unthreaded (the [STOP] LED will be flashing), the head is not
spinning and it takes slightly longer to go into play or record. This is because the tape
moves away from the head automatically after being stopped for 4 minutes, in order
to prolong tape and head life. When a tape is threaded, rewinding or fast forwarding
will operate 40 times faster than normal play speed. Cue and review functions are not
possible while the tape is unthreaded.
When the tape is threaded and stopped (the [STOP] LED will remain lit), you can
manually unthread it by pressing the [STOP] button. The [STOP] LED will flash,
indicating the tape is now unthreaded. Pressing either [PLAY] or [STOP] will re-
thread the tape (or by simultaneously pressing [PLAY] and [RECORD] to engage
recording).
If the tape is threaded, and no transport activity (play, record, rewind, etc.) occurs for
4 minutes, the tape will automatically unthread itself to minimize tape wear.
A WORD ON ADAT’S S-VHS CASSETTE TAPE
Alesis recommends you use only

premium quality, name brand

S-VHS cassettes. We
cannot overemphasize the importance of this. We recommend using AMPEX 489 DM
Digital Mastering Audio Tape, or Alesis ADAT Mastering Audio Cassettes. Other
acceptable brands include Maxell XR-S Black, JVC XZ, 3M Master Broadcast and
ASD 40+, and TDK SP Super Pro. The cassette shell, hubs, rollers and tape guides in
S-VHS cassettes are precision devices that properly handle and protect the tape
within them.
J

Do not use inexpensive, budget VHS tapes. ONLY USE S-VHS TAPES.

We do not recommend that you use inexpensive, budget VHS cassettes. While they
may work technically, their unpredictable quality and less than premium formulation
will decrease the reliability of your recording. Inferior tapes not only jeopardize the
recordings made on them, they may shed oxide and leave behind a coating of dirt
that will interfere with future recordings, even if you switch back to premium quality
tape. Defective tape may even clog the head, requiring service. Don’t trust your
work to anything less than premium quality S-VHS tape.
Accidents can happen – so, like computer floppy disks and hard disks, your XT tapes
should be backed up to prevent loss. Back up your tapes to another XT or ADAT
using the fiber optic digital connector (see

Making Backups

on page 60).
Treat your tapes as the precision, fragile components that they are. Do not expose
them to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity (in other words, don’t leave them in your
car). Never place tapes near magnetic fields (such as power amps, TVs, monitors,
magnets, etc.) and handle tapes gently.