User manual ALESIS ADAT-XT

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. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about multitrack recorders should use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the XT. Chapter 1: Introduction. Deals with the necessary preparation before recording and playing, including connections to external devices. This chapter also discusses the difference between "threaded" and "unthreaded" tapes. Chapter 2: Your First Session with the ADAT-XT. This section provides a brief tour of the XT, shows you how to format a tape, record and playback, set locate points, auto punch-in and out, bounce tracks, and points out other various features. Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like inputs and outputs, footswitches and the ADAT Optical Digital Interface), and proper hook-up procedures. Chapter 4: Basic Operations. Covers the user interface of the XT and the way to use its basic control features, how to read the display, and how to navigate through and edit parameters. Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT Operation. How to lock together multiple ADAT CompatibleTM devices, and how to record and transfer digital audio between them. Chapter 6: Applications. Describes several real-world examples of how the XT may be used. 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, LEDs, display icons and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the XT, using all capital letters and in brackets (Examples: [PLAY] button, [AUTO INPUT] button, EDIT icon, etc.). 7 When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the XT. ADAT XT Reference Manual 1 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. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the XT. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about multitrack recorders should use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the XT. Chapter 1: Introduction. Deals with the necessary preparation before recording and playing, including connections to external devices. This chapter also discusses the difference between ÒthreadedÓ and ÒunthreadedÓ tapes. Chapter 2: Your First Session with the ADAT-XT. This section provides a brief tour of the XT, shows you how to format a tape, record and playback, set locate points, auto punch-in and out, bounce tracks, and points out other various features. Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like inputs and outputs, footswitches and the ADAT Optical Digital Interface), and proper hook-up procedures. Chapter 4: Basic Operations. Covers the user interface of the XT and the way to use its basic control features, how to read the display, and how to navigate through and edit parameters. Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT Operation. How to lock together multiple ADAT Compatibleª devices, and how to record and transfer digital audio between them. Chapter 6: Applications. Describes several real-world examples of how the XT may be used. 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, LEDs, display icons and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the XT, using all capital letters and in brackets (Examples: [PLAY] button, [AUTO INPUT] button, EDIT icon, etc.). 7 When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the XT. ADAT XT Reference Manual 3 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. ÒUnthreadedÓ 11 A Word on ADATÕs S-VHS Cassette Tape Operating Environment 12 Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Mounting on a Shelf or Non-Rack Enclosure Avoiding Electromagnetic Interference 12 Power-up, and Tape Insertion 13 Formatting A Tape Ð A MUST! 14 Recording While Formatting 14 Making A Recording 15 Track Selection and Setting Levels Time Counter 15 Transport Buttons 16 Recording 16 Playback 17 Reviewing and Cueing 17 Locating 18 Creating A Loop 19 Automated Recording 20 Rehearsing 20 Pitch Control 21 Track Delay 21 Track Copy 22 Display Brightness 22 11 12 12 2: YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE ADAT XT 13 15 3: CONNECTIONS 23 Analog Audio Ð Unbalanced Inputs 23 Input jack characteristics 23 Typical input jack hookups 23 Analog Audio Ð Unbalanced Outputs 23 Analog Audio Ð Balanced Inputs and Outputs Analog Audio Ð Input Mode 25 Sync In/Out 26 Digital Audio In/Out 27 Footswitches 28 The XT Remote 28 24 ADAT XT Reference Manual 5 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 v and w 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 Button 40 Peak Clear Button 40 Fine Meter Mode 40 Recording a ÒBenchmarkÓ Tape 40 Record Enable 41 Setting Levels 41 Transport Controls 42 Eject 42 Rewind/Review 42 Fast Forward/Cue 42 Play 43 Record/Punch In or Out 43 Stop 44 Sample Rate (Clock) 44 Record Crossfade Time 45 Displaying Frames vs. 100ths/Seconds 45 Pitch Control 46 About Pitch Changing 46 Track Delay 47 Autolocation Controls 48 Absolute (ABS) Time vs. Relative Time48 Locate 0 48 Setting Locate Points 49 Locating 49 Auto Looping 50 Auto Return 50 Auto Play 50 Loop Limit 50 Auto Record 51 ADAT XT Reference Manual 6 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 Between XTs 59 Reassigning Channels to Different Tracks Making Digital Backups 60 Recording Digital Audio from Other Sources Digital Clock Considerations 61 Tape Offset 62 Combining XTs and ADATs 63 XT Transport Speed 63 Sample rate vs. Pitch Control 63 Input Monitoring 63 Phase Inversion 64 Connections 65 57 58 59 61 6: APPLICATIONS 67 Overview 67 Combined Multitrack/Mastering Deck 67 Computer Control 69 MIDI Systems: Virtual Tracking 69 MIDI Machine Control: Virtual Remote Control69 Libraries and Archives 70 Modular Recording 70 Using Track Copy as a Digital Router 71 Calculating Tape Offset Using the Locates 71 APPENDIX A: DIGITAL RECORDING CONCEPTS Analog Recording Basics Digital Recording Basics Why S-VHS? 74 73 73 73 APPENDIX B: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble-Shooting Index 75 Re-initializing 75 Checking Software Version 76 Error Rate Display 76 About Error Rate Readings 76 ADAT Head Life 76 ADAT Head Maintenance 77 Tape Maintenance: Safe Tape 78 75 ADAT XT Reference Manual 7 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 APPENDIX 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. The shipping carton should contain the following items: · · · · · · · ADAT-XT with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton Power Cable Optical Cable XT remote control unit This instruction manual Blank S-VHS ST-120 cassette Alesis warranty card J It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please take the time to do so now. AC POWER HOOKUP With the XT off, plug the female end of the power cord into the XT's [POWER INPUT] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It's good practice to not turn on the XT until all other cables are hooked up. The XT works with any AC voltage from 90 to 250 volts, 50 to 60 Hz. This eliminates the need for transformers or voltage switches. Your XT 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: · · · · For 90-120 VAC 50/60 Hz operation in the US, Canada and/or Japan, use Alesis UL/CSA power cord #7-41-0001. For 240 VAC 50 Hz operation in England, use Alesis Power cord #7-41-0004. For 220 VAC 50 Hz operation in Europe and Scandinavia, use Alesis EU power cord #7-41-0002. For 240 VAC 50 Hz operation in Australia, use Alesis AS power cord #7-41-0003. The XT's IEC-spec AC cord (do not substitute any other AC cord) is designed to feed an outlet that includes three pins, with the third, round pin connected to ground. The ground connection is an important safety feature designed to keep the chassis of electronic devices such as the Alesis ADAT - XT, BRC and AI-1 at ground potential. Unfortunately, the presence of a third ground pin does not always indicate that an outlet is properly grounded. Use an AC line tester to determine this. If the outlet is not grounded, consult with a licensed electrician. When AC currents are suspect of being highly unstable in VAC and Hz, a professional power conditioner should be used. J Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the XT or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring. AVOIDING GROUND LOOPS In today's studio, where it seems every piece of gear has a computer in it, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, ADAT XT Reference Manual 7 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 path 1 Device B 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. Because ground wires have a small amount of resistance, small amounts of current can flow through ground and generate a voltage along the cable shield. This signal may end up getting induced into the hot conductor. The loop can also act like an antenna into which hum is induced, or can even pick up radio frequencies. Furthermore, many components in a circuit connect to ground. If that ground is "dirty" and contains noise, it might get picked up by the circuit. Ground loops cause the most problems with high-gain circuits, since massive amplification of even a couple millivolts of noise can give an audible signal. Most ground loop problems can be solved by plugging all equipment into the same grounded AC source. However, it is important to make sure that the AC source is not overloaded and is properly rated to handle the gear plugged into it. For really tough cases, you may need to break the connection that causes the loop condition. One way to do this is to simply break the shield of the shielded audio cable at some point, usually by disconnecting it from ground at one jack. (The other end should remain connected so that the shielding properties are retained, even if there is no direct path for ground.) Please note that not all hums and buzzes are caused by ground loops; your cables must be of very high quality, particularly with -10 dBV setups. Refer to section 2.1 for more information. 8 ADAT XT Reference Manual 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. Relatively inexpensive, these are designed to protect against strong surges and spikes, acting somewhat like fuses in that they need to be replaced if they've been hit by an extremely strong spike. Line filters. These generally combine spike/surge protection with filters that remove some line noise (dimmer hash, transients from other appliances, etc.). Uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This is the most sophisticated option. A UPS provides power even if the AC power line fails completely. Intended for computer applications, a UPS allows you to complete an orderly shutdown of a computer system in the event of a power outage, and the isolation it provides from the power line minimizes all forms of interference--spikes, noise, etc. · · ABOUT AUDIO CABLES The connections between the XT and your studio are your music's lifeline, so use only high quality cables. These should be low-capacitance shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, they do make a difference. Route cables to the XT correctly by observing the following precautions: · · · Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords. Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as transformers, monitors, computers, etc. Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield (degrading performance) or reduce the cable's reliability. Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sharp, right angle turns. Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly grasping the body of the plug and pulling directly outward. Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the electrical contact between connectors. · · · ADAT XT Reference Manual 9 Chapter 1: Setting Up BASIC AUDIO HOOKUP 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). Mixer Inputs Bus Outputs INPUT NORMALING The XT has eight -10 dBV analog inputs, but you can choose between three different Input Modes: 2-Input Mode, 4-Input Mode and 8-Input Mode. These can provide three different analog audio input hookup options, and are available for both -10 dBV and +4dBu analog inputs: · 2 Bus Mixer. Connect the mixer's two bus outputs to the XT's INPUTS [1] and [2]. Select 2-Input Mode on the XT by holding the [ANALOG INPUT] button and pressing either Track Select buttons [1] or [2]; notice that the INPUT LEDs for tracks 1 and 2 remain lit until you release the [ANALOG INPUT] button. 4 Bus Mixer. Connect the mixer's four bus outputs to the XT's INPUTS [1] through [4]. Select 4-Input Mode by holding the [ANALOG INPUT] button and pressing either Track Select buttons [3] or [4]; notice that the INPUT LEDs for tracks 1 through 4 remain lit until you release the [ANALOG INPUT] button. 8 Bus Mixer/Direct Outputs. Connect the mixer's eight bus outputs (or 8 direct outputs) to the XT's INPUTS [1] through [8]. Select 8-Input Mode by holding the [ANALOG INPUT] button and pressing any Track Select button from [5] - [8]; notice that the INPUT LEDs for tracks 1 through 8 remain lit until you release the [ANALOG INPUT] button. · · 10 ADAT XT Reference Manual Setting Up: Chapter 1 "THREADED" VS. "UNTHREADED" 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. 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 rethread 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. ADAT XT Reference Manual 11 Chapter 1: Setting Up OPERATING ENVIRONMENT THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RACK MOUNTING 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. These are not absolute limits, but Alesis cannot guarantee that the XT will meet its published specs or remain reliable if operated outside of these ranges. Always allow adequate ventilation behind the XT . Do not seal any enclosure that holds the XT . It is not necessary to leave an empty rack space above or below the XT unless it runs hot enough to affect equipment above or below it. You will need to remove the screw-on feet from the bottom of the XT if any equipment will be mounted directly below it. · · MOUNTING ON A SHELF OR NON-RACK ENCLOSURE To mount the XT on a shelf or other flat surface, Alesis recommends using the attached screw-on 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 XT uses magnetic tape that can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Generally this is not a problem, but avoid mounting the XT next to devices that generate strong magnetic fields such as power amplifiers, monitors and video display devices, speakers, etc. 12 ADAT XT Reference Manual Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE ADAT-XT POWER-UP, AND TAPE 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 7­9 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. Turn the XT's power on by pressing the [POWER] button. At power-up the display will briefly look like this: Ad At In a few seconds, the display will change depending on the status of the tape chamber. · If a formatted tape is present, the TIME counter will show the elapsed time since the beginning of the tape (unless it is somewhere in the first two minutes of tape, called the "lead" and "data" sections): ABS 0H 15M 48S 21 n0 F0 -- -- -- -- · If an unformatted tape is present, the FORMAT icon will flash and the TIME counter will read: ABS · If there is no tape, the display shows: ABS Insert the tape with the hinged door end first, label side up, until you encounter a slight bit of resistance. Push gently on the center of the tape cassette until the XT draws the tape inward; never force the tape into the cassette door. ADAT XT Reference Manual 13 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. This makes the synchronization process between XT and ADAT compatible machines possible and provides both accurate tape counter readings and intelligent autolocation functions. For more information, see Tape Formatting in Chapter 4. After completing the following exercise, we recommend you perform a complete format. J Formatting a tape erases audio on all eight tracks. Be sure to check that the tape is either blank or contains unwanted material before formatting. We recommend that you format your tapes completely from beginning to end. SAMPLE RATE SELECTION Before formatting, select the sample rate you will be using (either 48 kHz or 44.1 kHz). This is done by pressing the [CLOCK SELECT] button. Each time [CLOCK SELECT] is pressed, the XT will cycle between INT 48K, INT 44.1K and DIG (the section on the right side of the display labeled CLOCK will indicate the currently selected sample rate). Note: For more information about the DIG option (Digital Audio Clock), see page 44. FORMATTING A NEW TAPE To Format a new tape: ¿ Insert a fresh, blank tape. The XT will acknowledge that this is an unformatted tape; the FORMAT icon will flash in the display while the counter display reads "noFO." ¡ Press the [FORMAT] button. The word [FORMAT] in the display will stop flashing and remain lit. The [RECORD] LEDs for tracks 1 through 8 will now be flashing. ¬ Hold [RECORD], and then press [PLAY]. If the tape was not completely rewound, the XT will automatically rewind it to the beginning. The XT then performs a complete format by recording 15 seconds of leader (the LED display will read "LEAd"), followed by two minutes of data (the display will read " dAtA"), then timecode starting at 0:00:00.00 and continuing to the end of the tape. RECORDING WHILE FORMATTING You can record onto tape while formatting. Simply press any of the RECORD ENABLE buttons [1]­[8] for any track(s) you wish to record on before pressing the [FORMAT] button. Prepare your source material to start playback at 0:00:00.00 on the XT or later (do not begin recording before 0:00:00.00). See next section for more information on setting levels and recording. 14 ADAT XT Reference Manual 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). For more information on this and recording from the digital bus, see pages 37 through 41 of chapter 4. TRACK SELECTION AND SETTING LEVELS You'll find the RECORD ENABLE buttons ([1]­[8]) for all eight tracks on the left side of the front panel, beneath the display. A track is considered "safe" when its [REC] LED is off, in "record-ready" when its [REC] LED is flashing, and in record when its [REC] LED is lit solid. To record-enable a track: ¿ Choose a track to record on, and press the track's associated RECORD ENABLE button [1]­[8]. The selected track's [REC] LED will flash to indicate it is in recordready. ¡ Send an audio signal to the track(s) you have placed into record-ready. Adjust the levels on your mixer so that the "average" level is at -15 dB on the peak meters of the XT and the loudest section never goes beyond 0 dB. Digital audio recording is different from analog recording, and therefore requires a different method when setting levels. For more information, see Setting Levels on page 41 of chapter 4. ENABLE button again. The selected track's [REC] LED will turn off to indicate it is safe. ¬ To take a track out of record-ready (safe), press its associated RECORD TIME COUNTER Before recording, you should familiarize yourself with the transport buttons, and the 7-segment TIME counter in the top left corner of the display. Ordinarily, the TIME counter will show Absolute (ABS) time, which is the exact time reference being read directly off of the formatted tape. The tape position is displayed as hours:minutes: seconds.hundredths-of-a-second. (This counter may be changed to show 30 frames per second, see page 45 for more information.) ABS 0H 15M 48S 21 0H 01M 29S 03 Pressing the [ABS/REL] button will toggle the display between ABS Time and Relative Time. The display will either indicate ABS or REL to the left of the TIME counter. REL Relative Time reflects the current tape position relative to where you set the Relative 0:00:00.00 position. This is similar to resetting the tape counter on a cassette deck. However, the XT gives you the option of reading the actual tape position (ABS Time) or the tape position relative to the location you marked as 0:00:00.00 (Relative Time). J Before you start recording, for the first time be sure the TIME counter is set to ABS Time to avoid confusion. For more information, see page 35. ADAT XT Reference Manual 15 Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT TRANSPORT 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. While the transport is stopped, this button toggles between threaded (LED is lit) and unthreaded modes (LED is flashing). Starts playback. Initiates recording when pressed with [RECORD]. Stops recording when in record mode while continuing to play. Press with [FAST FWD] to initiate Cue mode. Press with [REWIND] to initiate Review mode. Press with [PLAY] to initiate recording. RECORDING Recording takes place only on tracks that are in record-ready. When you start recording, the [RECORD] LED lights, and the [REC] LEDs for those tracks in recordready will stop flashing and remain lit. If no tracks are in record-ready when recording takes place, the [RECORD] LED will flash to indicate that pressing any of the RECORD ENABLE buttons will initiate recording on the selected track. To make a recording: ¿ Use the [REWIND] or [FAST FWD] button to locate to the desired tape position Either the [REWIND] or [FAST FWD] LED will light (depending on which button was pressed), indicating that the transport is moving in that direction. The TIME counter will indicate the current tape location status while the transport is in motion. ¡ When you've arrived at the desired tape address, press the [STOP] button. The [STOP] LED lights. ¬ Hold [PLAY], and then press [RECORD]. Both the [PLAY] and [RECORD] LEDs will light to indicate you are recording. ÷ To go in and out of record on the individual tracks while record mode is engaged, press any of the RECORD ENABLE buttons [1] ­ [8]. Record-enabled tracks will have their REC LED lit. If no tracks are recordenabled during recording, the [RECORD] LED will flash. To punch out without stopping, press [PLAY]. The [RECORD] LED turns off, while the [PLAY] LED remains lit. ª To punch out and stop the transport, press [STOP] The [RECORD] and [PLAY] LEDs turn off; the [STOP] LED lights. Note: When recording for the first time, be sure the Auto Input function is off. When recording over previous material (also known as punching), turn the Auto Input function on. Use the [AUTO INPUT] button to turn Auto Input on and off. The AUTO INPUT icon will light in the display when Auto Input is on. See page 39 for more info. 16 ADAT XT Reference Manual 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. The [REWIND] LED will turn off and the [STOP] LED will light. ¬ Press [PLAY]. The [PLAY] LED will flash briefly, and then will light to indicate play mode has been engaged. ÷ Press [STOP] to stop playback. The [PLAY] LED will turn off and the [STOP] LED will light. REVIEWING AND CUEING When you are trying to locate a particular section of a recording, it is often helpful to use the review and cue modes on the XT. Review mode lets you play the tape in reverse at a speed 3 times faster than play while hearing "fragments" of audio. Cue mode, on the other hand, plays forward at a speed 3 times faster than Play mode while also letting you hear "chunks" of audio. By listening to the audio in either mode, you can quickly find the section you are looking for. To engage Review mode: ¿ Simultaneously press [REWIND] and [PLAY]. The [PLAY] LED will light and the [REWIND] LED will flash. ¡ Press [PLAY] to resume Play mode. The [PLAY] LED will remain lit while the [REWIND] LED will turn off. ¬ Alternatively, you can press [STOP] to stop the transport. Both the [PLAY] and [REWIND] LEDs will turn off, and the [STOP] LED will turn on. To engage Cue mode: ¿ Simultaneously press [FAST FWD] and [PLAY]. The [PLAY] LED will light and the [FAST FWD] LED will flash. ¡ Press [PLAY] to resume Play mode. The [PLAY] LED will remain lit while the [FAST FWD] LED will turn off. ¬ Alternatively, you can press [STOP] to stop the transport. Both the [PLAY] and [FAST FWD] LEDs will turn off, and the [STOP] LED will turn on. ADAT XT Reference Manual 17