ALESIS ADAT-XT Reference Manual
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT Digital Multitrack Tape Recorder. To take full advantage of the XT’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the XT.
2 ADAT XT Reference Manual
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT Digital Multitrack Tape Recorder. To take full advantage of the XTÕs functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this userÕs manual carefully. H OW T O USE THIS M ANUAL This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the XT.
ADAT XT Reference Manual 4
Index CONTENTS 1: SETTING UP 7 Unpacking and Inspection 7 AC Power 7 Avoiding Ground Loops 8 Line Conditioners and Protectors 9 About Audio Cables 9 Basic Audio Hookup 10 Input Normaling 10 ÒThreadedÓ vs.
Index 4: BASIC OPERATIONS 29 Tape Formatting 29 Formatting Considerations 29 Complete Format 30 Recording While Formatting 30 Format Extend 31 Write Protect Override 31 Reading The Display 32 Display Icons 33 TIME Counter & ABS/REL Button 35 Locate 0 35 Basic Editing 36 EDIT Value Button 36 ▲ and ▼ Buttons 36 Entering Numeric Values 36 Editing Individual Digits 36 Input Select 37 Analog Input 37 Digital Input 37 Track Copy 38 Input Monitor 39 Auto Input Monitor 39 All Input Monitor 39 Meters 39 Peak Mode
Index Looped Recording 51 Rehearsal 51 Tape Length 52 Footswitch Controls 53 Footswitch Controlled Punching Footswitch Controlled Autolocating Using the XT Remote 54 53 53 5: MULTIPLE ADAT-XT OPERATION 55 Overview 55 Synchronizing Machines 56 Master/Slave Interaction 56 Achieving Lock 57 Independent Slave Mode 57 Formatting Multiple Tapes 57 Master Format Enabled, Complete Format Master Format Enabled, Format Extend 57 Master Format Disabled 58 Master Format Disabled, Format Extend Bouncing Tracks Betwee
Index Maintenance/Service 79 Cleaning 79 Maintenance 79 Obtaining Repair Service 79 APPENDIX C: ERROR CODES 81 Steps To Take Before Calling For Help 83 A PPENDIX D: SPECIFICATIONS 84 GLOSSARY 86 INDEX 91 ADAT XT Reference Manual 8
Setting Up: Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP UNPACKING AND INSPECTION Your XT was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the XT for servicing.
Chapter 1: Setting Up buzzes, or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment “sees” two or more different paths to ground, as shown below. shielded cable Device A Device B path 1 path 2 To AC power service One path goes from device A to ground via the ground terminal of the threeconductor AC power cord, but A also sees a path to ground through the shielded cable and AC ground of device B.
Setting Up: Chapter 1 LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS Although the XT is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in today’s world the voltage coming from the AC line may contain spikes or transients that can possibly stress your gear and, over time, cause a failure. There are three main ways to protect against this, listed in ascending order of cost and complexity: • Line spike/surge protectors.
Chapter 1: Setting Up BASIC AUDIO H OOKUP J When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down. The XT provides eight -10dBV analog outputs via phono connectors. These should be connected to your mixer’s tape or line inputs. Alternatively, a multi-pin connector can be used with the XT’s +4dBu analog inputs and outputs (see Chapter 3).
Setting Up: Chapter 1 “T HREADED” VS . “U NTHREADED” Analog audio recorders typically move tape past the heads at any where 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.
Chapter 1: Setting Up OPERATING ENVIRONMENT T HERMAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RACK M OUNTING The XT can be mounted in an equipment rack (taking up 3 rack spaces) or placed on a table or shelf. When you install it, keep in mind that heat is the major enemy of electronic equipment. Please observe the following: • The XT is designed to perform properly over a range of ambi ent temperatures from 10∞ C to +40∞ C (50∞ F to 104∞ F), in up to 80% non-condensing humidity.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE ADAT-XT POWER -UP, AND T APE INSERTION Connect the power cord which accompanies the XT between the three-prong power socket on the back panel and an AC outlet receptacle. Please note that there are grounding considerations to be aware of. See pages 7–9 for more information. J The XT can produce a transient audio signal during power up and power down. When turning the XT on or off, be sure to keep monitor levels low.
Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT FORMATTING A TAPE – A MUST! Formatting prepares a tape for 8 channels of audio, and adds a master timecode reference and sample rate information to the data section. Similar to formatting a floppy disk to use on a computer or sampler, formatting an XT tape time-stamps the tape to single-sample accuracy so that audio is referenced to an accurate time base.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 MAKING A RECORDING Recording on the XT is very similar to most multitrack tape machines. The process involves formatting a tape (see previous tutorial), putting one or more tracks into record-ready, adjusting record levels on your mixer, setting the input monitor mode, locating to the start tape address and engaging record. In this tutorial, we will be recording from the analog audio inputs at the start of the audio portion of the tape (0:00:00.00).
Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT T RANSPORT BUTTONS During recording and playback, the following transport buttons are used frequently. Get familiar with them by using them while watching the TIME counter. REWIND FAST FWD STOP PLAY RECORD High speed reverse. Press with [PLAY] to initiate review mode. High speed forward. Press with [PLAY] to initiate cue mode. Stops transport and disables recording.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 PLAYBACK There are several ways to quickly play back your recording. You’ll use the transport buttons first. To play back a recording: ¿ Press [REWIND] to locate back to a tape position before you engaged recording. The [REWIND] LED will light and the TIME counter will roll backward to indicate the current tape location status while the transport is in motion. ¡ Once you have arrived at the desired tape address, press the [STOP] button.
Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT LOCATING Up to 10 tape positions can be stored for easy recall. These are called Locate Points, and can be stored either “on the fly” while the transport is engaged, or when the transport is stopped. Once a Locate Point is stored, its corresponding tape position can be edited. For more info about locating and editing Locate Points, see page 48.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 19
Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT CREATING A LOOP The Auto Return function causes the XT to automatically rewind back to a specified tape position (Locate 1) when playback or recording has reached a specified position (Locate 4). Both Locates 1 and 4 are assignable to any tape position using the methods described in the previous section. The Auto Play function is used to automatically engage playback whenever a locate function is completed.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 AUTOMATED R ECORDING So far, all of your recording has been done manually — you pressed the transport buttons when you wanted to start and stop recording. Auto recording stops and starts recording automatically at predetermined times. This is useful when you want to precisely punch in to a specific place on one or more tracks. In this section, we will be storing the punch points (called Punch In and Punch Out) “on the fly” while playback is engaged.
Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT PITCH CONTROL The Pitch function controls the speed of the tape, and thus the pitch of the audio recorded on tape. The XT’s Pitch control has a range of -300 to +100 cents when using a sample rate of 48kHz, and a range of -200 to +200 cents when using 44.1kHz. Use the PITCH [s] and [t] buttons to control the amount of pitch change.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 TRACK COPY It is possible to copy the audio material from one track to another on the same tape within the XT without leaving the digital domain and without the need for any audio cables. In fact, you can copy up to 4 tracks at a time using the Track Copy feature. For more information on using the Track Copy function, see page 38. To bounce audio from one track to another: ¿ Press and hold [TRACK COPY]. The TRK COPY icon will light in the display.
Connections: Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 CONNECTIONS ANALOG AUDIO – UNBALANCED INPUTS INPUT JACK CHARACTERISTICS The XT includes eight unbalanced, phono jack inputs. These are compatible with lowimpedance, unbalanced, -10 dBV outputs typical of equipment such as mixers, synthesizers, samplers, direct boxes, etc.
Chapter 3: Connections ANALOG AUDIO – BALANCED INPUTS AND OUTPUTS The +4 dBu balanced line inputs and outputs use an ELCO® multipin connector. The balanced in/out connector wiring scheme is as follows: INPUTS OUTPUTS Larger Key Notch Note: The larger of the two outer key notches is at the bottom. J Both the unbalanced and balanced inputs and outputs may be used simultaneously. Pin out letters are referenced to the alphabetical designation on a standard 56-pin ELCO connector.
Connections: Chapter 3 ANALOG AUDIO – INPUT MODE The XT lets you choose one of three Input Modes for both the Unbalanced and Balanced inputs: 2-Input Mode 4-Input Mode 8-Input Mode Input 1 feeds Tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Input 2 feeds Tracks 2, 4 , 6 and 8. Input 1 feeds Tracks 1 and 5. Input 2 feeds Tracks 2 and 6. Input 3 feeds tracks 3 and 7. Input 4 feeds tracks 4 and 8. Each Input feeds its own track. The reason for these three modes is to take equal advantage of 2, 4 and 8 bus mixing consoles.
Chapter 3: Connections SYNC IN /OUT The two DB 9 connectors marked [SYNC IN] and [SYNC OUT] are used for synchronizing two or more XTs together, or a combination of XTs and ADATs. This requires a male-to-male, 9-pin D connector cable for each additional machine in the chain. In such a system, you are basically treating all connected machines as though they were a large multitrack unit. The first XT or ADAT in the chain is called the “master”, and all other connected units are referred to as “slaves”.
Connections: Chapter 3 DIGITAL AUDIO IN/OUT The Digital input and output carries all eight tracks on a single fiber optical cable. This allows you to bounce audio between multiple machines within the digital domain. This also lets you route digital audio between multiple XTs and ADATs, and to ADAT Compatible™ products such as the QuadraVerb 2.
Chapter 3: Connections FOOTSWITCHES The XT provides two footswitch connectors using 1/4" mono (T/S) jacks. One, labeled [LOCATE/PLAY/LRC REMOTE], allows locate and play commands; the other, labeled [PUNCH IN/OUT], is for punch in/out control. The two footswitch jack functions are designed to be used with any momentary single-pole/single-throw footswitch (either normally open or normally closed).
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 CHAPTER 4 BASIC OPERATIONS This chapter is designed for operators who may not have experience working with digital audio. All functions of the XT (with the exception of synchronization and digital audio) are explained here in detail. If you are already familiar with multitrack recording concepts, you may not need to read this chapter. Instead, use the Operational Reference chapter to look up specific functions and how to access them.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations Be sure the tape is completely rewound. ¡ Press the [FORMAT] button. If the tape was unformatted, the FORMAT icon will have been flashing prior to pressing it. Once pressed, the FORMAT icon will stop flashing and remain lit to indicate that formatting will begin if the XT enters record mode. Also, all eight REC LEDs will flash to indicate all eight tracks will be recorded. Pressing the eight RECORD ENABLE buttons ([1] – [8] ) has no effect while the FORMAT icon is lit.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 the last valid time-stamp it reads from tape. This insures continuous time-stamping when a tape plays from beginning to end. To extend the format on a partially formatted tape: ¿ Use [FAST FWD], [REWIND] and/or [PLAY] to locate to the section of tape just before where formatting was discontinued. ¡ Press [FORMAT]. The FORMAT icon lights. ¬ Press [PLAY] to engage playback. ÷ When the LOCKED icon appears in the display, hold [PLAY] and press [RECORD]. The EXT icon lights.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations READING THE DISPLAY The XT’s display serves many functions. It shows the current level of each of the eight audio tracks, it shows the current tape position numerically in hours, minutes, seconds, and 100ths of seconds, and shows the current modes of the many parameters available. It also is used as a window for editing parameters such as pitch, track delay, tape offset, and locate points.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 DISPLAY I CONS The following icons appear in the display at different times. They indicate that the parameter for which they are named has been selected or turned on. These icons are: ABS This icon lights whenever Absolute Time mode is selected (by pressing the [ABS/REL] button). REL This icon lights whenever Relative Time mode is selected (by pressing the [ABS/REL] button). The PITCH group of icons relates information regarding pitch change.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations This icon indicates that you have the Track Delay function turned on. When in Edit Mode, this icon indicates that you are editing a tracks delay amount, which will appear in the TIME counter. A number (from 1 to 8) will appear next to the EDIT icon to indicate which track is being edited. The VU meters will also show a bar-graph representation of the current delay values for all eight tracks. See page 46.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 TIME COUNTER & ABS/REL B UTTON The TIME Counter (found at the top left section of the display) is used to indicate the current tape position. ABS 0H 15M 48 S 21 The [ABS/REL] button toggles the TIME counter between Absolute Time mode and Relative Time mode. The XT will indicate which Time mode is selected by either displaying ABS (for Absolute Time) or REL (for Relative Time) just to the left of the TIME counter.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations BASIC EDITING EDIT VALUE BUTTON The [EDIT VALUE] button is used to turn Edit mode on and off. When turned on, the EDIT icon will light indicating you are now in Edit mode. At this point, you can press any one of the [LOCATE 0] - [LOCATE 9], [TAPE OFFSET] or [TRACK DELAY] Function buttons to view and/or edit their respective parameter settings in the display.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 INPUT SELECT There are three buttons for input select options. These three buttons are labeled [ANALOG INPUT], [DIGITAL INPUT], and [TRACK COPY]. These determine what signals will be recorded on the XT. The currently selected input mode is indicated in the lower right corner of the display: ANALOG, DIGITAL or TRK COPY.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations The [TRACK COPY] button is used to digitally bounce tracks within a single XT. To digitally bounce tracks, you must first press [TRACK COPY]; the TRK COPY icon in the INPUT icon group will light. Next, select the source tracks, select (record enable) the destination tracks, and initiate recording. The track copies will be an exact duplicate of the original (i.e. it is exactly aligned with the original and is an exact clone).
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 INPUT MONITOR The Input Monitor controls consist of two buttons: [ALL INPUT] and [AUTO INPUT]. AUTO INPUT MONITOR This feature determines what you will hear from the XT’s output jacks when a track is record-enabled (REC LED flashing): tape, or source. The [AUTO INPUT] button toggles the Auto Input Monitor on and off. When a track is monitoring its input signal, its INPUT LED will be lit.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations METERS The XT provides two buttons for meter display options: [PEAK MODE] and [PEAK CLEAR]. PEAK MODE BUTTON The [PEAK MODE] button selects the peak hold mode of the eight level meters. Each time the [PEAK MODE] button is pressed, the peak meters switch between three possible Peak Hold modes: Continuous, Momentary and Off. The currently selected mode may be determined by observing the peak meters themselves.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 RECORD ENABLE To record enable a track, press the track’s RECORD ENABLE button. When you press a track’s RECORD ENABLE button for the first time, the track’s red REC LED will flash, indicating the track is in record-ready, and its INPUT LED will light (unless Auto Input is on and the transport is in play), indicating you will be able to monitor that track’s input.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations TRANSPORT CONTROLS The XT’s six transport control buttons resemble those of a conventional tape recorder, although there are several extra features. EJECT Press the [EJECT] button to eject the tape from the XT. If the tape is moving, it will stop before ejecting.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 pressing [PLAY] will cause the XT to start playing after it arrives at the corresponding tape location ([PLAY] LED will flash to indicate deferred play mode). Pressing [PLAY] while recording causes the XT to punch out (recording stops and playback continues). Pressing [PLAY] in any mode other than locating causes the transport to enter play mode, and the [PLAY] LED lights.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations [STOP] to thread the tape ([STOP] LED is lit). Entering play or record more will also thread the tape, if it was previously unthreaded. • Punch out. When recording, pressing [STOP] will exit record mode and stop the transport. SAMPLE R ATE (C LOCK ) The XT records digital audio in a similar manner as a DAT recorder or digital sampler. You may select between two sample rates when using the XT’s internal clock: 48 kHz and 44.1 kHz.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 is similar to the audio you are recording. The longer crossfade time allows for a smoother transition and is more useful when punching in new material that is very different from what is already on tape, or when punching in low-frequency signals. Crossfading always begins at the punch point and continues for the amount of time you have specified. To set the Crossfade Time: ¿ Press and hold the [SET LOCATE] button.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations PITCH CONTROL The Pitch function controls the speed of the tape, and thus the pitch of the audio recorded on tape. It displays speed as percentage and as cents. A cent is 1/100th of a semitone. For example, if a song is originally recorded in the key of C, then played back with the pitch raised 100 cents, it will be in the key of C#. The XT’s Pitch control has a range of -300 to +100 cents when using a sample rate of 48 kHz, and a range of -200 to +200 when using 44.1 kHz.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 TRACK DELAY Track Delay lets you delay individual tracks up to 170 ms, in order to achieve a more desirable “feel.” For example, if the bass track is anticipating the beat, you can push it back so it’s “in the pocket” by delaying it a few milliseconds. If you need one track to play back earlier than the others, try offsetting all other tracks by the same amount. This will make the remaining track appear to be playing ahead of the others.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations AUTOLOCATION CONTROLS The XT’s autolocation controls consist of 10 Locate Point memories which can be set either manually or “on the fly”, and recalled instantly. J Each Locate Point’s address can be displayed and set using either Absolute or Relative Time. Generally, Absolute Time and Relative Time will differ in their values. The XT, however, maintains a constant offset between them. This makes it possible to locate to various tape positions using either time reference.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 SETTING LOCATE POINTS There are two ways of storing Locate Point memories: manually or “on the fly.” To store a Locate Point memory “on the fly”: ¿ Press [PLAY] to engage playback. Alternatively, the transport may be engaged in either Rewind, Review, Fast Forward, Cue, Record or Stop mode (i.e. the transport does not have to be in Play mode to store Locate Points in the following manner; it is simply the most practical way to do it).
Chapter 4: Basic Operations AUTO LOOPING Auto Looping is not a feature in and of itself, but is made up of two important features that, when used together, provide a very useful tool. These two features are: Auto Return and Auto Play. When both are enabled, and set correctly, a section of tape of any length may be continuously repeated.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 AUTO R ECORD The Auto Record function lets you determine exactly where recording should begin and end beforehand, so that the machine automatically takes you in and out of record. Locate Points 2 and 3 determine the in and out points. After setting both Locate Points 2 and 3, press the [AUTO REC] button to enable this function; the AUTO REC icon will light.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations automatically recognizes the shorter length of the ST-60 because the hubs used in the cassette are larger. However, there is no way for the XT to tell apart a ST-120, ST-160 or ST-180 tape, since these all use the same, smaller size hubs. In this situation, the XT assumes the tape length to be that of a ST-120 tape. Therefore, when using either ST-160 or ST-180 length tape, you should set the tape length on the XT.
Basic Operations: Chapter 4 FOOTSWITCH C ONTROLS The XT provides two footswitch jacks: [LOCATE/PLAY/LRC REMOTE] and [PUNCH IN/OUT]. Both accept any momentary, single pole/single throw, 1/4-inch mono (T/S) footswitch. During power-up, the XT checks the footswitch to determine whether it is normally open or normally closed type, and calibrates itself accordingly.
Chapter 4: Basic Operations USING THE XT R EMOTE The XT hand-held remote provides the following functions: • Transport functions: Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop, Play and Record. • Autolocation functions: Locate 1, Locate 2, Locate 3, Locate 4, Set Locate and Auto Loop • Track functions: Auto Record and Rehearse. All buttons function as if pressed from the XT’s front panel.
Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 CHAPTER 5 MULTIPLE ADAT-XT OPERATION OVERVIEW By itself, a single XT provides a lot of flexibility. However, in a multiple ADAT system presents a whole new set of possibilities. Keep in mind that since the XT is an ADAT compatible machine, you can intermingle any number of XTs and ADATs together— up to 16 machines total for 128 tracks (see the section entitled Combining XTs and ADATs on page 63).
Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Synchronization requires a dual male, 9 pin D connector cable for each slave to be synchronized. Use only Alesis cables. Alesis Sync Cables are available in three different lengths: 8", 30", and 30' from your dealer. Other types of cables may cause incorrect commands to be received, and erratic sync performance. This connection should be made while power is off, but the machines do not need to be turned on in any particular order.
Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 In a multiple ADAT system, the slaves will “chase” the master (CHASE icon will light on the XT) and can only enter record once they are in perfect sample-lock. Audio will not appear at the outputs of an ADAT until sample-lock sync is achieved. When an XT is in lock, the LOCKED icon will light. To achieve the fastest chase-lock performance from a multi-ADAT system, use the Locate points whenever possible.
Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation If the master’s FORMAT icon is on, and you are extending the format, and the slave tape is formatted: J • If the slave’s FORMAT icon is on, the slave autolocates to the same time as the master, then format extension begins with the master. • If the slave’s FORMAT icon is off, the slave autolocates to the same time as the master and plays or records in sync.
Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 RECORDING D IGITAL AUDIO BOUNCING T RACKS BETWEEN ADATS Tracks can be bounced between machines in a multiple ADAT system by using the digital bus. The digital bus is connected in much the same way as the sync cables, and should be done in the same order. Refer to the section entitled Digital In/Out on page 27 in chapter 3 for more information on connecting the digital bus.
Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation XT tapes can be backed up for safety by copying all eight tracks to another XT (or ADAT compatible machine) via the digital bus. The result is a perfect digital duplication of the original. It’s a good idea to make backups on a regular basis, whenever you finish work for the day, or complete a project. The backup can either be sample accurate to the time reference or not.
Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 protocol which the XT uses, and vice-versa. Refer to the User’s Manual of the digital interface you are using for more information. When recording digital audio into the XT from another XT or ADAT in a multiple ADAT system, the XT recording the audio is already synchronized with the other machines, so the digital audio is sample-locked when recorded.
Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation tape location, the value is displayed and edited within a + or - 1 hour range, since this is the maximum length of the XT’s tape. Example: If you wanted to use the same take of the background vocals of a song from the first chorus for chorus 2 and 3, you could bounce those track(s) to another machine. Then, by offsetting the original machine the track(s) came from, you could bounce back the vocals at the positions corresponding to the other choruses.
Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 COMBINING XTS AND ADATS XT TRANSPORT S PEED The XT’s transport speed has been improved to be four times faster in engaged mode than the original ADAT. Because of this and other unique features, it is recommended that you make the XT the master (ID 1) in your system and your ADAT(s) should be the slave(s). Until you need more than 8 tracks, you may want to avoid inserting tape(s) into the slave unit(s).
Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation POLARITY DIFFERENCES The original ADAT was designed to invert its analog input signal internally before the audio was sent through the A/D (analog-to-digital) converter and recorded onto tape. The digital representation of the data (as stored on tape) was therefore inverted relative to the analog input (i.e., a positive voltage at the analog input is stored as a negative number on the tape).
Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 If you are replacing one or more of your ADATs with XTs and have been using the short, 8" sync cables, you will need to use 1 meter cables (or longer) to make the connection between ADATs and XTs. This is because the [SYNC IN] and [SYNC OUT] connectors have been moved on the XT rear panel to the opposite side, and the shorter cables will no longer reach.
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Applications: Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6 APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW This chapter is designed to give you an idea of the multitude of applications for the XT. These applications are not broken down into great detail. Therefore, where applicable you will need to refer to other sections of this manual for instructions on how to setup the XT for a particular job. COMBINED M ULTITRACK /M ASTERING D ECK The XT can serve as a combination 6-track multitrack recorder and 2-track mastering deck.
Chapter 6: Applications LIVE /LONG-T ERM RECORDING The XT is excellent for live recording because of its compact size and easy operation. Eight tracks allow for recording audience sounds, ambience, and individual soloists as well as a stereo mix of the PA. Of course, multiple machines may be interconnected and synchronized to allow for more tracks.
Applications: Chapter 6 LOCKING TO VIDEO : C ODE ONLY M ASTER A common application in the audio post-production environment is locking to video using the timecode on the video tape as a locate reference and the video signal itself as a clock source. This requires a synchronizer interface, such as the Alesis AI-2 or BRC.
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.
Applications: Chapter 6 USING TRACK COPY AS A D IGITAL ROUTER In a multiple ADAT system which combines one or more XTs and one or more original ADATs, you can use the XT’s Track Copy function as a way to reroute its digital output to different tracks on the ADATs. Let’s say you have one XT which is the master, and one ADAT which is the slave. When you normally record the digital output of the XT to the ADAT, the tracks are transferred on a one-to-one basis.
Chapter 6: Applications ª Press [EDIT VALUE], then press [LOCATE 5]. Edit Mode will now be selected. The TIME counter will display a time for Locate 5 (like 0:00:47.30). Write this number down or memorize it. D Press [TAPE OFFSET] (while still in Edit Mode) and enter the value that was displayed for Locate 5 (0:00:47.30). To do this, press and hold the [EDIT VALUE] button and press [LOCATE 4], [LOCATE 7] , [LOCATE 3] then [LOCATE 0]; then release [EDIT VALUE] . « Press [EDIT VALUE] to exit Edit Mode.
Digital Recording Concepts: Appendix A APPENDIX A DIGITAL RECORDING CONCEPTS ANALOG RECORDING BASICS Digital recording works very differently from analog recording. With analog recording, tape containing millions of tiny magnetizable particles move past a record head. The magnetic field around this head fluctuates according to the audio signal present at the tape recorder’s input.
Appendix A: Digital Recording Concepts Digital audio requires lots of numbers to represent an analog version of the same sound. Analog signals may require at least 20kHz frequency response to reproduce audio faithfully. Digital signals for the same 20 kHz audio requires a frequency response of several million Hertz. Due to the way individual numbers are transmitted, digital audio requires a wide bandwidth recording medium 2.
Appendix B: Troubleshooting APPENDIX B TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLE -S HOOTING INDEX If you are experience problems while operating the XT, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution The display does not light when the [POWER] switch is turned on. FORMAT icon flashes. No power. Check that the power cable is plugged in properly. Tape is not formatted.
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 R ATE D ISPLAY 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.
Appendix B: Troubleshooting should also be aware that it is extremely easy to damage your heads and other sensitive parts of your ADAT. Do not open up your ADAT to clean the heads. What it comes to is this: ADAT is a very sophisticated piece of digital technology. It is going to be used for your important projects so take the best care of your ADAT and your ADAT heads possible. ADAT H EAD MAINTENANCE The heads of each ADAT are pre-aligned at Alesis. No user adjustment is necessary.
Appendix B: Troubleshooting DRUM TIME DISPLAY The XT keeps track of how long the head has been actively spinning against tape (i.e., threaded in stop, or play, or cue/review). This can help determine how long it has been since the last time it was serviced or cleaned. To display the head time counter: 1 Hold [SET LOCATE] and press [STOP]: The number of drum hours will briefly appear in the TIME counter.
Appendix B: Troubleshooting Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use the cloth to clean the unit. MAINTENANCE Here are some tips for preventive maintenance. • Periodically check the AC cord for signs of fraying or damage. • Unplug the XT when not in use for extended periods of time.
Appendix B: Troubleshooting Contact your local Alesis dealer for warranty assistance. The Alesis Limited Warranty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada. Customers outside the USA and Canada are not convered by this Limited Warranty and may or may not be covered by independent distributor warranty in the county of sale. Do not return products to the factory unless you have been given specific instructions to do so.
Appendix D: Specifications APPENDIX C ERROR CODES The following errors codes may appear from time to time in the TIME counter display. Use this reference to learn the possible cause of the error code before attempting to contact Alesis Product Support. dv Dew Sensor: The unit has been subjected to overly high humidity. Do not operate the unit. Turn on the power without installing a tape. This will allow the unit to warm up and disperse the moisture.
Appendix D: Specifications Er 7 Clean Heads: If this error message is seen, it may indicate that the heads are in need of cleaning. See page 75 for information about cleaning your heads. Er 8 Sync Lost: Error message 8 normally occurs when the tape reaches the end while formatting or recording. It is caused by the fact that the XT cannot read timing data from the leader. The error is caused by the unit losing sync. If the unit is being run in the slave mode check the sync cable connection.
Appendix D: Specifications 2. Turn off the POWER switch. Hold REWIND and FAST FORWARD while turning the power back on again. The display will read "CALIbrAt". 3. Insert the tape into the transport. 4. At this time the unit will adjust the brake tension automatically. The transport will shuttle back and forth for about 5 minutes. During the operation, the tape will half-eject twice. This is normal. 5.
Appendix D: Specifications Heads: Approximate Recording Times: ST-60: ST-120/SE-180: ST-160/SE-240: ST-180/SE-260: Fast Wind Rate: 4 (2 Read, 2 Write); Read before Write 22 minutes 40 minutes 54 minutes 62 minutes 40 x play speed (Threaded) Audio Number of Audio Channels: Audio Conversion: Record (A/D): Playback (D/A): Sample Rate: Vari Speed Range: Frequency Response: Dynamic Range: Distortion: Channel Crosstalk: Wow and Flutter: Reference Level: Eight 18 bit linear audio, 128 times oversampling, singl
Appendix D: Specifications Digital Inputs/Outputs Connectors: Communications Protocol: Two EIAJ fiber optical jacks (1 in, 1 out) 8-Channel Serial Communication Power Requirements: Power Consumption: Operating Temperature: Operating Humidity: 90V–250V AC, 50/60 Hz 80W 10–40∞ C for specified performance 80% maximum with no dew condensation for specified performance 5.25" x 19" x 11" (133.3 x 482 x 279.5mm) 20 lbs.
Glossary GLOSSARY A A/D or Analog-to-Digital Converter The device that converts an analog audio signal to digital audio. Once encoded, all audio is stored or processed as a series of numbers rather than as the audio itself. AES/EBU Interface A two-channel, digital audio hardware/software standard.
Glossary Bouncing means taking audio from one track and placing it on another. The term, sometimes called “bouncing down,” also describes the process of mixing several tracks onto one or two. Bus A bus generally refers to any common signal pathway. In a mixer, a bus is usually a wire that is or can be made common to the outputs of any or all channels in the mixer. Examples of buses include the main stereo mix, sub-mixes, monitor buses and aux sends.
Glossary E F Fiber Optical Connector A device that transmits signals through light instead of conventional wire. Advantages include higher speed and the ability to carry multiple chanels of information over a single, thin cable. G H House Sync A video signal distributed to any device that requires a reference to maintain proper sync relationship with other devices.
Glossary N O Output A path through which audio passes from one device to another. Types of outputs vary in connector type, level, use (sends, monitor, mix), and electrical characteristics (impedance, balanced or unbalanced). They can be analog or digital. Oversampling The process of taking more samples than is required in order to more accurately reconstruct a digitized signal back into analog audio.
Glossary by the motion picture and television industries. A complete description of LTC can be found in The Time Code Handbook , by Walter Hickman. SMPTE timecode is the standard sync reference for professional audio and video post-production. S/PDIF Interface Similar to the AES/EBU interface, but created by Sony and Philips with consumer applications in mind. The optional AI-1 from Alesis offers both the consumer S/PDIF interface and professional AES/EBU format for use with the XT.
Index INDEX ABS/REL Button 15, 35 Absolute Time 35, 48 ADAT 55, 59, 63-65 AI-1 61 AI-2 69 All Input 39 Analog Recording 71 Auto Input 39 Auto Play 19, 50 Auto Record 20, 50-51 Auto Return 19, 50 Autolocation 48 Backup 60 Bandwidth 72 BRC 52, 68 Chase 34 Clock 44, 61, 69 Copying Tapes 60 Crossfade Time 45 Cue 42 Data 30 Digital Clock 61 Digital Input 59 Digital Cecording 41, 71 Display 32 Icons 33 Drum Time 75 Edit Value 36 Eject 42 Error Codes 79 Error Rate 74 Fast Forward 42 Footswitches 28, 53 Formatting
Index 92 ADAT XT Reference Manual
