ALESIS ADAT LX20 Reference Manual Contents CONTENTS Introduction How To Use This Manual Conventions 5 6 6 1 SETTING UP AND MAKING CONNECTIONS 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 10 11 11 11 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 Unpacking and Inspection Operating Environment Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Mounting on a Shelf or Non-Rack Enclosure Avoiding Electromagnetic Interference AC Power Hookup Avoiding Ground Loops Line Conditioners and Protectors Analog Audio Connections About Audio Cables Rear Panel Input and Output Layout Inputs Typical input jack hookups Outputs Sync In/Out Digital Audio Connections About Digital Audio In/Out Footswitches 2 LX20 ESSENTIALS About The Display Time Counter Meters Record/Input Lights Blocks Status Indicators Interpolation Indicator Buttons and Controls Power Switch Record Enable Buttons Transport Controls Eject Button Input Select Buttons Pitch Control Buttons Location Buttons Edit, Format, and Select Buttons Auto Motion Buttons Differences Compared to Analog Recording "Threaded" vs. "Unthreaded" Tape Digital Distortion and Headroom Choosing the Right S-VHS Cassette Tape ADAT LX20 Reference Manual 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 1 Contents What is Tape Formatting? 24 3 POWER-UP AND TAPE FORMATTING 26 26 27 28 28 28 29 31 31 31 31 Power-up and Tape Insertion Setting Tape Length How to Format Tapes About Type I and Type II Formats Defeating The Write Protect Tab General Formatting Procedure Recording While Formatting Re-Formatting a Previously Formatted Tape Notes About Formatting Recording a "Benchmark" Tape 4 RECORD AND PLAYBACK BASICS 33 33 33 33 34 34 35 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 38 38 39 Understanding the Time Counter Change Display Format Set the Input Mode for Analog Audio Choose Analog Or Digital Input Digital Input Re-Routing Select Track(s) for Recording Tape Motion Control: The Transport Stop Play Record Other Transport Buttons Step-By-Step Procedures Recording Playback Reviewing and Cueing Monitoring Default Mode Auto Input All Input 5 AUTOLOCATION AND LOOP FUNCTIONS 41 41 41 41 42 42 43 44 44 Autolocation Return to Zero Locate Points Auto Play Auto Return Looped Playback Loop Limit Deferred Play and Record 6 PUNCHING AND AUTOMATED RECORDING 45 2 ADAT LX20 Reference Manual Contents Manual Punching Options Transport Controls Record Enable Buttons Footswitch Automated Recording Looped Recording Rehearsing Adjusting Punch Crossfade Time 45 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 7 PITCH CONTROL 49 8 ABOUT DIGITAL AUDIO IN/OUT ADAT Optical Interface Basics About 16-bit and 20-bit signal transfers Selecting The Digital Output Mode Type II (20-bit) to Type II (20-bit) Type II (20-bit) to Type I (16-bit) 51 51 51 52 52 52 9 USING THE LX20 LRC REMOTE 53 10 MULTIPLE LX20/ADAT OPERATION Overview Synchronizing Machines Automatic Renumbering Master/Slave Interaction Achieving Lock Independent Slave Mode Formatting Multiple Tapes Recording Digital Audio Bouncing Tracks Between ADATs Reassigning Channels to Different Tracks Making Digital Backups Making a 16-bit copy from a 20-bit master Recording Digital Audio from Other Sources Digital Clock Considerations Combining LX20s and ADATs LX20 Transport Speed Sample Rate vs. Pitch Control Input Monitoring Polarity Differences Connections 55 55 55 56 57 57 57 57 58 58 59 60 61 61 62 62 62 62 63 63 64 11 APPLICATIONS Overview Combined Multitrack/Mixdown Deck ADAT LX20 Reference Manual 65 65 65 3 Contents Live/Long-Term Recording Locking to Video: Code-Only Master Libraries and Archives Modular Recording Computer Control and MIDI MIDI Systems: Virtual Tracking MIDI Systems: Automated Mixdown MIDI Systems: Virtual Tracks and Automated Mixdown MIDI Machine Control: Virtual Remote Control The ADAT Optical Interface and Hard Disk Recording Digital Audio Transfer Options Typical applications The ADAT-PCR Computer Interface A Real-World Example Sync Issues Hard Disk Backup Pre-Mastering with the LX20 66 66 67 67 67 67 68 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 71 72 APPENDIX A DIGITAL RECORDING CONCEPTS Analog Recording Basics Digital Recording Basics The Advantages of 20-Bit Recording Why S-VHS? 73 73 73 74 75 APPENDIX B TROUBLESHOOTING Re-Initializing: Try This First Troubleshooting Index Checking Software Version Error Rate Display About Error Rate Readings ADAT Head Life ADAT Head Maintenance Drum Time Display Tape Care and Maintenance Maintenance/Service Cleaning Maintenance Obtaining Repair Service 76 76 76 77 78 78 79 79 79 81 82 82 82 83 APPENDIX C ERROR CODES Automatic Brake Calibration Procedure Steps To Take Before Calling For Help 84 86 87 APPENDIX D SPECIFICATIONS 88 GLOSSARY 4 90 ADAT LX20 Reference Manual Introduction INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-LX20 20-Bit Digital Audio Recorder. To take full advantage of the LX20's functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this manual carefully. Here are some of the LX20's most significant features: · Low tape cost. The LX20 can record over an hour of audio on a standard S-VHS tape cassette. Superb fidelity. The LX20 offers 20-bit recording to tape using the ADAT Type II format, along with a choice of a 44.1 or 48 kHz sampling rate (with 64 times oversampling), for better-than-CD quality sound. Digital and analog inputs/outputs. In addition to conventional analog inputs and outputs, a "master" digital I/O carries all eight tracks simultaneously via optical cable, allowing for lossless signal transfers between ADAT interfacecompatible devices (tape recorders, hard disk recorders, synthesizers, signal processors, etc.). Easy expandability for more tracks. Multiple LX20s can be synchronized without any external hardware, and without giving up any tracks, to expand your digital recording system. Two LX20s give 16 tracks, three LX20s 24 tracks, and so on. Up to 16 LX20s or other ADAT-family digital recorders can work together, and all are locked within 20 microseconds (1 sample) accuracy. Included remote control. Each LX20 comes with the LRC (Little Remote Control) for remote control of transport, autolocation, and input select functions. Optional remote control. The BRC (Big Remote Control) allows for sophisticated synchronization and overdubbing functions for multiple ADATcompatible machines, remote control of virtually all recorder functions, and SMPTE read/generate. International no-hassles power compatibility. The LX20 accepts any AC voltage between 90 and 250 volts, so you can use it whether you're laying down tracks in L.A, mixing in Munich, or synching in Seoul. (Or dealing with a brownout in New York City, for that matter.) Built-in time code. Each LX20 tape is formatted with a proprietary time code that is much more accurate than SMPTE, and time-stamps the tape with singlesample accuracy. This allows for machine synchronization without giving up an audio track, accurate tape counter readings without "slippage," and intelligent autolocation functions. Compatibility with multi-channel mixdown formats. The LX20 is ideal for quadraphonic, surround, and theatrical sound applications that require more than two channels for the final master. · · · · · · · · ADAT LX20 Reference Manual 5 Introduction HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL Though we recommend you read through the entire manual once, those having general knowledge about multitrack recorders should use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the LX20. Here's how the manual is organized: Chapter 1: Setting Up and Making Connections. This covers installation issues as well as how to connect up the LX20 to other gear in a system. Chapter 2: LX20 Essentials. This section provides a brief tour of LX20 highlights, dsecribes some of the buttons and controls, and discusses how to choose the right tape. Chapter 3: Power-Up and Tape Formatting. Time to turn on the power and format a tape before recording. Chapter 4: Recording and Playback Basics. Here's the lowdown on shuttling tape, recording, and playing back. Chapter 5: Autolocation and Loop Functions. The LX20 can find specific points on tape, as well as loop continuously between two points. Chapter 6: Punching and Automated Recording. This chapter describes how to replace sections of previously-recorded tracks. Chapter 7: Pitch Control. If you're ever had to retune a piano to a track, you'll appreciate the LX20's ability to tune a track to piano instead. Chapter 8: About Digital Audio In/Out. All ADAT-compatible devices include a fiber optic interface that can carry 8 channels of audio simultaneously. This chapter tells how to get the most out of this advanced interface. Chapter 9: Using the LRC Remote. The LX20 comes with a remote control unit that duplicates many front panel functions. Chapter 10: Multiple LX20/ADAT Operation. ADAT-compatible devices can work together synergistically to create a sophisticated recording system, as detailed in this chapter. Chapter 11: Applications. There's a lot more to the LX20 than meets the eye, such as "snapshot" automation, combined master/mixdown deck, virtual MIDI tracks for instrument parts and signal processor control, and more. Appendices. Features an explanation of digital audio recording concepts, troubleshooting, maintenance and service information, specifications, a Glossary and an Index. Conventions All front panel buttons and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the LX20, using all capital letters (Examples: PLAY button, AUTO INPUT button, etc.). 6 When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) appears in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the LX20. ADAT LX20 Reference Manual Chapter 1 - Setting Up and Making Connections CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP AND MAKING CONNECTIONS UNPACKING AND INSPECTION Your ADAT-LX20 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 LX20 for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following: · · · · · · · ADAT-LX20 with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton Power Cable Optical Cable LRC remote control unit This instruction manual Blank S-VHS ST-120 cassette Alesis warranty card Register your purchase so that you may be informed of upgrades. If you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please do so now. OPERATING ENVIRONMENT THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RACK MOUNTING You can mount the LX20 in an equipment rack (taking up 3 rack spaces) or place it on a table or shelf. When you install it, note that heat is the major enemy of electronic equipment. Please observe the following: · The LX20 is designed to perform properly over a range of ambient temperatures from 10° C to +40° C (50° F to 104° F), in up to 80% non-condensing humidity. These are not absolute limits, but Alesis cannot guarantee that the LX20 will meet its published specs or remain reliable if operated outside of these ranges. Always allow adequate ventilation behind the LX20. Do not seal any enclosure that holds the LX20. It is not necessary to leave an empty rack space above or below the LX20 unless it runs hot enough to affect equipment above or below it. If your environment is unusually warm and not air conditioned, space between units will help the units run cooler and may lessen tape oxide shedding. Do not mount the LX20's rack at a an angle. The LX20 should not be angled back or mounted vertically. · · ADAT LX20 Reference Manual 7 Setting Up and Making Connections - Chapter 1 MOUNTING ON A SHELF OR NON-RACK ENCLOSURE To mount the LX20 on a shelf or other flat surface, Alesis recommends attaching stick-on rubber feet to avoid scratching the shelf's surface with the deck's bottom. Please observe the general comments on thermal considerations given under "Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting" no matter where or how the deck is mounted. AVOIDING ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE Like all tape machines, the LX20 uses magnetic tape that can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Generally this is not a problem, but avoid mounting the LX20 next to devices that generate strong magnetic fields such as power amplifiers, monitors and video display devices, speakers, etc. AC POWER HOOKUP With the LX20 off, plug the power cord's female end into the LX20's POWER INPUT socket, and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It's good practice not to turn on the LX20 until all other cables are hooked up. The LX20 works with any AC voltage from 90 to 250 volts, 50 to 60 Hz. This eliminates the need for transformers or voltage switches. Your LX20 was supplied with the correct power cord for your country or local area, however only the following alternative power cords are approved for use with ADAT: · · · · ...