Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder | X2 X2

Connecting the X2

Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder

Professional recorders typically feature 3-pin XLR connectors on their inputs and outputs. The nominal signal level of these units is +4 dBu (1.23 volts). Depending on the model of recorder, these inputs and outputs may be balanced, servo-balanced (which automatically compensate if one side of the input is grounded), or unbalanced. Check the manual of the recorder to find out the true specification for the inputs and outputs.

The best method for connecting this type of recorder is to purchase an ELCO-to- XLR multipair cable, available from many different cable manufacturers. This will connect from the ELCO-type connector on the X2 on one end, fanning out to sixteen XLRs (eight female, eight male) on the other end. This method assure full-balanced inputs and outputs, with no level compensation needed as long as the recorder itself is truly balanced.

Alternatively, in a short-term situation you may use the 1/4" TAPE IN and TAPE OUT jacks on each channel. In this case, you need:

•An XLR female to 1/4" TRS cable for each output of the tape recorder; and,

•An XLR male to 1/4" mono cable for each send to the tape recorder.

This arrangement will give you a balanced connection on the monitor, but an unbalanced send from the X2 to the deck. Depending on the characteristics of the deck, metering levels may not match between the deck and the X2, or on the X2 between Tape Send and Tape Return meter modes (to change the meter mode, see page 39).

You may need to increase the X2’s fader level in order to get enough level on the multitrack’s meters. Some multitracks have high/low level input switches; follow the manufacturer’s instructions on settings these properly if you can’t get enough output from the X2’s 1/4" TAPE OUT jacks. If that is not possible, you will need to use the ELCO connectors instead of the 1/4" jacks.

32	X2 Reference Manual

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X2 X2 manual Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder

Contents

Alesis Introduction How To Use This ManualConventions Description of Controls. a dictionary of each control X2 Reference Manual Contents Applications Description of Controls Trouble-Shooting Midi Implementation Chart Page About Introduction Basic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack Recording Recording/TrackingMonitoring Mixdown Introduction X2 Reference Manual Recorder/Mix Systems Guided TourPage Aux Send/Return Systems Control Room Systems Muting AutomationMeter Bridge Page Page Power Supply PowerConnections Unpacking and Inspection To connect the power supply to To Eliminate HUM if the Above has Failed Avoiding Ground Loops Channel Inputs and Outputs Balanced Mic InputsUnbalanced Line Inputs Page Tape Input +4/-10 SwitchTape Send Direct Output Insert To connect an Elco cable to Balanced Tape I/O Group Outputs Stereo Returns and GroupsGroup Inserts Aux a & B Returns Master Outputs Master Inputs and OutputsMaster Inserts Control Room OutputsPage Headphones Adat SyncTo synchronize the X2 to an Adat system Examples of Connections Input Connector Type To interface with a typical unbalanced multitrack recorder Interfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay Interfacing to Adat Using Elco ConnectorsInterfacing to the Mixdown Deck To connect the mixdown deck to Interfacing to the Studio Interfacing to the Control RoomInterfacing to the Headphone Amp Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard Effects Connecting Simultaneously, if desired Interfacing the Inserts Interfacing with a Midi SequencerTo interface a Midi sequencer with Applications Setting LevelsRecording II. Maintain Proper Fader Levels To record a single source to a single track Recording a Single Source to One Track To record two or more sources to a single track Recording Multiple Sources to One Track To record multiple sources to two tracks stereo Recording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks Stereo To select the meter bridge mode Recording TipsAbout Metering Overdubbing To listen to tape tracks on the Monitor fadersTo listen to tape tracks on the Channel faders Applications Previous section X2 Reference Manual Getting the Mix to the Headphones Monitoring Midi Virtual TracksTo route the mix to a headphone amp Adding Effects Selecting an Aux SendTo set the level going to the effects device To hear effects in the monitors To hear effects in the headphone/cue mixTo record effects onto the multitrack To record effects onto the mixdown deck Bouncing TracksTo bounce one or more tracks to another track mono To bounce multiple tracks to two tracks stereo Mixdown Basics Playback/Mix-DownGetting the Mix to the Tape Deck Here is a simplified step-by-step way to establish a mix To create a dependable mix Creating a Dependable Mix Mute Automation Page To configure the X2 mixer in order to achieve a mono mix Using Group Faders as SubgroupsLive Performance Creating a Monitor Mix Video Post-Production Stage Monitor MixTo create two different stage monitor mixes Applications X2 Reference Manual Overview Mute Automation To enable destructive solo mode Destructive SoloMute Groups Page To define Mute Groups Defining Mute Groups Overlay Button Recalling Mute GroupsTo recall a Mute Group To return the console to its previous mute status Synchronization Display ModeSelecting a Sync Source Getting On-line/Locking Recording and Playing Back Mute Events Mute EventsUndoing Mute Events OverdubbingPage Erasing Editing Songs To erase all events on one or more channels Erase All MemoryTo erase all events on all channels To erase a Song including its mute events and 4 Mute Groups Copy Mute Events CopyingCopy Song To copy mute events from one channel to another Midi Channel Selecting Songs via MidiTo set the Midi channel Midi Map Transmitting System Exclusive Memory BackupReceiving System Exclusive Remaining Memory Input Channel Controls Description of Controls To MON Switch HPF SwitchHi and Lo EQ Hi Mid and Lo Mid EQ Switch Aux 3/4 EQ in SwitchAUX Source Switch AUX 1-2, AUX 1-2 PAN Monitor PAN Switch Aux 5/6Monitor Peak LED Monitor Solo Button Group Assign Switches 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 DIR SwitchChannel PAN Channel Peak LED Stereo Aux Return Controls Aux Master Controls Group Masters Switch Aux B Only AUX a Assign Switches Aux a OnlyStereo Separation Balance Button Group Master ControlsSolo Button Mute Button Group 1-8 Master Faders Oscillator Frequency and Level Master ControlsSolo LED and Level Studio Level and Assignment Control Room Level and Source PhonesMaster Faders Meter BridgePage Display Mute Automation Controls Mute Groups Online Memory Remaining Erase FWD and Erase BWD Buttons Mute Solo Erasing Memory Description of Controls X2 Reference Manual Trouble-Shooting Index TROUBLE-SHOOTINGChecking the Software Version Re-initializing Cleaning and Maintenance Maintenance/ServiceWarranty Information Obtaining Repair Service Customers outside the USA Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual Midi Maps Index MapsMute Midi Note Number Mute Midi Controller Number Map Map Number Interval Midi Implementation Chart Specifications Maximum Gain Power SupplyInput Module Group Module Weight DimensionsTotal Shipping Weight Dimensional Drawings Internal Connector Pinouts Block Diagram Solo Index Song LED 102