X2 X2 manual Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay, Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck

Connecting the X2

Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay

It is also possible to access the multitrack tape recorder by the use of a patchbay, which is several rows of jacks that are permanently connected to both the inputs and the outputs of the X2, the multitrack tape machine, and all of the outboard equipment. This is much more convenient, but a more expensive method than described in the last section, and is not absolutely necessary for operation. In this case, the patching is the same as in the previous example except that it is now done on the patchbay instead of at the rear of the console and multitrack tape machine.

With a patchbay, it is also easier to make use of the AUX SENDS and RETURNS of the X2. Different effects may be repatched to receive signal from whatever Aux Send the session requires (see page 30 for more on effects).

Interfacing to ADAT Using ELCO Connectors

The X2’s three built-in ELCO connectors makes it easy to connect up to three ADATs. Refer to section 3.1.7 for wiring information. Using a correctly-wired cable with two ELCO connectors, a single ADAT can be connected to channels 1 through 8 on the X2, a second ADAT to channels 9 through 16, and a third ADAT to channels 17 through 24. This connection is basically the equivalent of wiring both the TAPE SEND and TAPE IN of each channel to an ADAT track, but uses +4 dBu balanced levels, instead of -10 dBV unbalanced. Good quality cabled can provide excellent results even up to 100 feet from the console (although they should be as short as possible).

Note: +4/-10 switches should be set to +4 dBu when using balanced ELCO connectors.

Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck

The mixdown deck is where everything comes together: the final mix. This is your master recording of the finished project (or a rough mix of a work in progress).

To connect the mixdown deck to the X2:

Unbalanced connection:

1Connect the X2’s MASTER OUT Left and Right to the Inputs of the Mixdown Deck using 1/4"-to-phono cables.

2Connect the Mixdown Deck’s OUTPUTS to the X2’s EXT IN 1 Left/Right Inputs.

Note that the nominal output of the Master in single-ended operation is -2 dBu, about 6 dB “hotter” than the nominal level of an unbalanced mixdown deck. Lower the input level controls of the mixdown deck to achieve the desired signal level, or run the master faders a little lower to compensate.

Balanced connection:

1Connect a 1/4" TRS (3-conductor) -to-XLR cable from the MASTER OUT L-R jacks to the XLR inputs of the mixdown deck.

2The EXT IN jacks of the X2 are not balanced.

• If the mixdown deck offers both XLR and phono jack outputs, connect

X2 Reference Manual 33