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 c ...