ALESIS ADAT "BLACK FACE" Reference Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 ABOUT ADAT ....................................................................................5 1.2 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS MANUAL ..................................9 1.3 OVERVIEW OF MAIN FUNCTIONS ...............................................10 1.3A Transport ..............................................................................10 1.3B Record/Monitor functions ....................................................10 1.3C Punching.....................
.4C Fast Forward .......................................................................31 3.4D Stop .....................................................................................32 3.4E Play .....................................................................................32 3.4F Record/Punch In or Out......................................................33 3.5 FOOTSWITCH-CONTROLLED PUNCHING ................................34 CHAPTER 4: PITCH, AUTOLOCATION, AND REMOTE CONTROLS 4.
CHAPTER 8: ADAT ADVANCED FEATURES 8.0 ABOUT THE ADVANCED FEATURES..........................................59 8.1 ADVANCED FEATURES 59 8.1A Eject the tape in the Master ADAT of a Multi ADAT System .....................................................................60 8.1B Device Id.............................................................................60 8.1C Auto Input Monitor Option Select ........................................60 8.1D Software Version...............................................
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 ABOUT ADAT Congratulations. You've just purchased an incredible piece of recording equipment. Here are a few of the features that make the ADAT Digital Recorder perhaps one of the most important advances in recording technology since the invention of multitrack. These features are of equal significance to the professional commercial studio and the personal home or project studio: • Low tape cost. ADAT records approximately 40 minutes of audio on a standard S-VHS® tape cassette.
• Sample accurate syncing capabilities. ADAT was designed to work perfectly as a stand-alone 8 track recorder and performs this function without equal. But its design goes much further to include a built in synchronization system that allows multiple ADATs to lock together in perfect synchronization; so, you can expand the number of recording tracks and buy more ADATs as your budget allows and your needs expand.
Information while the optical cable carries all the digital audio. The new chorus on track 15 will be an exact digital duplicate of the one on track 2. Feel particularly inspired one day, but can't make up your mind about which lead solo to go with? Fill five or six tracks of a single S-VHS cassette tape with your hottest playing. Take the best performance, or the best parts of each one and recompose the entire solo on a new track. All in perfect sync, all sample accurate, all in the digital domain.
1.2 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS MANUAL ADAT’s transparent user interface may tempt you to just plug in and start recording. We can certainly understand your excitement, but please at least do the following: 1.3 • Read section 1.4 on the difference between “engaged” and “disengaged” tapes, and section 3.1 on formatting tapes (with multiple ADAT systems, also refer to section 5.2).
1.3D Autolocation You can set three autolocate points on the front panel or on the LRC Remote; simply pressing a button will cause ADAT to seek and find the desired point. “Looping” is also possible by shuttling between two locate points. An auto play feature can automatically put ADAT into play mode when the autolocation operation is complete. 1.3E LED Indicators In addition to specific LED indicators (such as those that indicate if a track is recordenabled), several switches have built-in LEDs.
1.5 1.6 A WORD ON ADAT’s S-VHS CASSETTE TAPE • Use only premium quality, name brand S-VHS cassette tape in the ST-120 length. Alesis cannot overstress 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. • We do not recommend that you use inexpensive, budget VHS cassettes.
Please observe the general comments on thermal considerations given under “Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting” no matter where or how the deck is mounted. 1.6C Avoiding Electromagnetic Interference Like all tape machines, ADAT uses magnetic tape that can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Generally this is not a problem, but avoid mounting ADAT next to devices that generate strong magnetic fields such as power amplifiers, monitors and video display devices, speakers, etc.
CHAPTER 2: HOOKUP 2.0 POWER 2.0A The AC Cord ADAT works with any AC voltage from 90 to 250 volts, 50 or 60 Hz. ADAT comes with a line cord suitable for the destination to which ADAT is shipped. Your ADAT 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.
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.
2.2 • Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly grasping the body of the plug and pulling directly outward. If you experience difficulty in removing the plug, sometimes a slight rotating motion while unplugging will solve the problem. • Keep the cable contacts clean at all time. Oxidation may lead to intermittent contacts, degraded sound quality, or even distortion. DO NOT USE AN ABRASIVE TO CLEAN A DIRTY PLUG. This may remove some of the plug’s conductive plating.
ADAT tracks. The remaining ADAT track could be used to record audience sounds or capture one of the instruments in stereo, if applicable. 2.2C Special Unbalanced Input Jack Wiring ADAT has a switched-jack wiring scheme that makes it possible to use an ADAT even with a 2-output mixer. Jacks 1, 3, 5, and 7 are normalled together, as are jacks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Anything plugged into input 1 also feeds inputs 3, 5, and 7; anything plugged into input 2 feeds inputs 4, 6, and 8.
Digital I/O is a very powerful feature that allows you to perform complex assembly editing, fly parts from one ADAT to another, etc. all in the digital domain and without any signal degradation. Also, the optional AI-1 ADAT AES/EBU Interface can use this signal to provide AES/EBU and S/PDIF standard digital inputs and outputs. Refer to the AI-1 manual for more information.
CHAPTER 3: GETTING READY TO RECORD 3.0 POWER-UP AND TAPE INSERTION After all connections are made, turn on power. ADAT first checks whether a tape has been inserted. • If a formatted tape is present, the counter shows the elapsed time since the beginning of the tape. • If an unformatted tape is present, the counter will show “noFO,” and the FORMAT LED will flash to indicate that the tape needs formatting. At this point you should format the tape (see next section).
3.1A To Format A New Tape, or Reformat/Erase an Old Tape • It is a good practice to "exercise" the tape before formatting it by fast forwarding it to the end, then rewinding it back to the lead. This evens out the tape pack and relieves any stresses and strains that may have occurred during tape manufacture and storage. 1 Press the Format button (if the tape was unformatted, the FORMAT LED will have been flashing prior to pressing it).
Note: Format extension is not possible from the LEAD or DATA sections of the tape. If the tape is formatted but is in the leader or data sections of the tape (i.e., prior to time 00:00), entering format mode will automatically rewind the tape to the beginning and start reformatting. While rewinding, the display shows “-FO-” and the rewind LED flashes. This indication is telling you that ADAT must "FORMAT OVER" from the LEAD or beginning portion of the tape. 3.
3.1D Record a "Benchmark" Tape We recommend that you format and record a new tape with any signal, such as a test tone, in a single pass with no overdubs during the first week of operation. Store this tape in a safe, dry location and don't use it for any other purpose. Such a "benchmark" tape is useful to determine if the error correction rate is increasing over time because the heads need to be cleaned, or if a tape is defective. See Section 9.2. 3.
engineer will not hear the musicians "live" through the deck unless it is actually in record mode. To select Mode 2, press and hold SET LOCATE and press AUTO INPUT MONITOR. The counter will briefly display 'tAPE', indicating Mode 2. To switch back to Mode 1, press and hold SET LOCATE and press AUTO INPUT MONITOR. The counter will briefly display 'In', indicating Mode 1. The reason for having these two options is to accommodate different stages of the recording process.
the maximum possible signal level. Signals above 0dB will be clipped and lead to digital distortion—an ugly, splattering sort of sound. As on most digital recorders, O dB on the ADAT meter is referenced to full scale, the maximum signal that can be recorded in 16 bits. Reference-level signals plugged into ADAT are recorded 15 dB below full scale.
3.4B Rewind Press to rewind the tape, as confirmed by the REW LED. When fully rewound, the REW LED turns off and the STOP LED lights. • Pressing Rewind while recording punches out before rewinding. • Engaged tapes rewind at about ten times normal speed. Disengaged tapes rewind at about twenty times normal speed. • For the fastest rewind, press the Stop button twice, or until the Stop LED flashes, before pressing REW. • Pressing Rewind while holding the Play button initiates “review” mode.
STOP again to engage the tape (STOP LED is lit). Entering Play or Record will also engage the tape. • Punch out. While recording, if you press and hold PLAY then press STOP, the tape continues to play but any tracks that were recording exit record mode. 3.4E Play Press to play the tape (PLAY LED is lit). The Play button by itself has no effect while playing, recording, or formatting.
To punch out and stop the transport, simply press Stop. There are three ways to exit record mode (punch out) yet have the transport continue to play; use whichever one is most natural to you. • Press and hold Play, then press Record. • Press and hold Record, then press Play. • Press and hold Play, then press Stop. Caution: If the FORMAT LED is lit, entering record will format the tape (see sections 3.1 and 5.2). This will ERASE any audio previously recorded. 3.
CHAPTER 4: PITCH, AUTOLOCATION, AND REMOTE CONTROLS 4.0 PITCH CONTROLS ADAT has the capability of changing speed and pitch. It displays speed in cents, or 1/100th of a semitone. For example, if a song is recorded at the standard pitch in the key of C, and played back with the pitch up 100 cents, it will be in the key of C#. Press Pitch Up to gradually move the pitch higher (+100 cents maximum), and Pitch Down to gradually move the pitch lower (-300 cents maximum).
4.1A Setting Locations To set a location, press and hold the Set Locate button. While holding it, press one of the Locate number buttons. The following occurs: • Set-Locate 0 This resets the tape counter to 00:00, even if the absolute tape time location is different. (Regardless of where the 00:00 point is set, the counter will indicate “LEAd” during the first 15 seconds of setup data and “dAtA” during the next two minutes of set up data at the beginning of the tape).
• If Locate 2 is located before Locate 1 on the tape and Auto 2>1 is enabled, the Auto 2>1 LED will flash to indicate that Locate 1 must precede Locate 2. • If Auto 2>1 is on and you set Locate 2 while the tape is playing, the transport will store the new Locate 2 point and return immediately to the Locate 1 point. • If Auto 2>1 is turned off while ADAT is returning to the Locate 1 point, the transport will still find the Locate 1 point. 4.
• • If the transport is currently playing or recording, pressing the Locate/Play footswitch causes the transport to autolocate to the Locate 1 position and then either Stop or Play, depending on the Auto Play switch setting. If ADAT is in the process of locating, pressing the Locate/Play footswitch will stop the transport. The footswitch can also be used simultaneously with the LRC remote control if you observe certain precautions. See the next section. 4.
CHAPTER 5: MULTIPLE ADAT OPERATION 5.0 MULTIPLE ADAT BASICS Two ADATs, with one serving as the master recorder and the other serving as the slave, provide additional possibilities: • 16 tracks of synchronized digital audio storage. • Simplified backup (see Chapter 6). • Easy musical collaboration with other ADAT-equipped musicians. • Easy creation of safeties and archives of parts. Example: Suppose your rhythm section is in four tracks of one ADAT.
1 Connect one end of the cable to the master ADAT’s Sync Out jack. Push the connection in firmly, then tighten the screws at each side of the connector. 2 Connect the other end of the cable to the slave ADAT’s Sync In jack and tighten it as above. 3 If there are additional slaves, connect one end of an Alesis Sync Cable to the first slave’s Sync Out jack, and the other end to the second slave’s Sync In jack. Its Sync Out jack then connects to the third slave’s Sync In jack, and so on. 5.
There are two cases where you want the slave(s) to act independently. Formatting is initiated independently on the slave for a number of reasons, as detailed in section 3.1. Digital in can also be set independently for the slave(s) since you may want to record via the analog ins on some machines and via the digital ins on others. 5.1D Achieving Lock In a multi-ADAT system, the ADATs will "chase" the master and can only enter record once they are in perfect sample-lock.
• If the slave format function is on, the slave rewinds to the start of the tape and does a complete format. Note that if any channels are record-enabled, they will start recording at time 00:00. 5.2B Master Format Enabled and Extending the Format If the master format is enabled, extending the format, and the slave tape is not formatted: • The slave plays, but displays “noFO” (no format) while flashing the format LED.
• If the slave tape is formatted, the slave autolocates to the same time as the master and then format extension begins. If the master initiates recording from the start of the tape and the slave format function is on, start-to-finish formatting begins regardless of whether the slave tape is formatted or not.
CHAPTER 6: BACKUP 6.0 BACKUP BASICS With analog recording, backing up from one multitrack to another loses one generation, which adds hiss and distortion. With digital recording, backing up produces an exact copy or “clone” of the original tape being backed up. This makes it easy to create safety copies of important tapes, or make multiple copies for distribution.
6.1A Normal Method (Time Code Accurate) 1. The two ADATs should be connected in the normal manner: • • Connect the SYNC OUT of the master to the SYNC IN of the slave using an Alesis 9-pin sync cable. Connect the DIGITAL OUT of the slave to the DIGITAL IN of the master using the fiber optic cable that came with your ADAT. 2. Put the original tape to be copied into the slave ("id 2") ADAT, which will be the source. 3.
master's Sync Out to the slave's Sync In, connect the slave ADAT’s digital out to the master ADAT’s digital in. You now have the hookup shown below: If you press Digital In on the master without setting the master clock to Int, this sets up a type of “feedback loop” where the master is trying to synchronize to the slave's digital signal, which is in turn trying to synchronize to the master, etc.
6.2 BACKING UP VIA ANALOG I/O If you need to back up a tape and have misplaced the fiber optic cable, don’t panic. Hook up the eight analog outputs from the source ADAT to the eight analog inputs on the target ADAT, put the target ADAT into Record mode, and the source ADAT into Play mode. Although there may be an almost imperceptible loss of quality compared to a digital transfer, ADAT’s exceptional audio quality is such that you may not even notice the difference between the two tapes.
CHAPTER 7: APPLICATIONS 7.0 COMBINED MULTITRACK/ MASTERING DECK ADAT can serve as a combination 6-track multitrack recorder and 2-track mastering deck. Record your audio into tracks 1-6, then run them through a mixer into tracks 7 and 8. Tracks 7 and 8 then contain the stereo master recording. An alternative is to record 5 tracks of audio, and dedicate one track to SMPTE time code or some other synchronization protocol.
Stripe one ADAT track with SMPTE, and sync your sequencer to this SMPTE signal by whatever means you normally use. As you control ADAT’s tape motion with the transport controls, the sequencer will automatically follow along, letting you mix digital recording with any sequencer. 7.6 VIDEO LOCATION RECORDING With ADAT, there are enough tracks to stripe SMPTE and record seven tracks of dialog/sound effects on location.
CHAPTER 8: ADAT ADVANCED FEATURES 8.0 ABOUT THE ADVANCED FEATURES There are some extra functions built into each ADAT that are not listed in the main text of your ADAT manual which we will discuss here. While holding the SET LOCATE switch and pressing certain specified switches, these extra functions can be accessed. These extra functions are divided into two sections: 1 Those that you may need one day. Accessing these functions is safe and easy to do. We have listed these below.
8.1B Device Id Hold SET LOCATE and press PLAY. This displays the ID number of each ADAT in a system and is supplied in case you need to quickly know which ADAT is where in the chain. 8.1C Auto Input Monitor Option Select Hold SET LOCATE and press AUTO INPUT. When Auto Input is disabled, record enabled channels are always monitored from the inputs on the back panel.
byproduct of this type of monitoring.) If you are concerned to make sure things are "going down on tape" the way you want, nothing beats listening back once you have done a take. 8.1G Crossfade Select Hold SET LOCATE and press RECORD. When the ADAT punches in or out, there is actually a crossfade where the old signal fades out as the new signal fades in. This process takes 10.67 milliseconds and is therefore not only imperceptible but smooth.
CHAPTER 9: MAINTENANCE/SERVICE 9.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 9.0A Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean ADAT’s metal and plastic surfaces. 9.0B Maintenance Here are some tips for preventive maintenance. • Periodically check the AC cord for signs of fraying or damage. • Unplug ADAT when not in use for extended periods of time. • Place a dust cover over ADAT when it is not in use.
You should not subject your ADAT to environmental extremes, humidity or moisture of any kind, dust, dirt, extreme temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations or any kind of physical abuse (drops, shocks). Under no circumstances should you remove the top or bottom cover of the ADAT. You already know that there are NO user serviceable parts inside. However, you should also be aware that it is extremely easy to damage your heads and other sensitive parts of your ADAT.
wrong direction, will destroy them. Opening the case of your ADAT will void the warranty. Maintenance of the ADAT should be based on the Advanced Information Indicator or if the unit begins to behave erratically. To determine if these symptoms are caused by dirty heads, (not a defective or worn tape), keep a "benchmark" tape from the first weeks of operation set aside in a safe place (See Section 3.1B).
• At the end of every session you should rewind the tape all the way to the leader, stop, eject the tape, remove it from the ADAT and place it in its protective case. This cuts down on the amount of dust that can enter the transport and keeps wear on the tape at a minimum. Practice "safe tape" at all times because you can never retrieve lost data. If you are archiving your tapes, make sure they are stored in environmentally stable conditions, i.e. a cool dry place.
work in multiple machines, then be very glad that you made a backup of your valuable data. (You DID do a backup didn't you?) • Prot Indicates that the tape you are trying to record on is write protected. SOLUTION: Remove the tape and place some adhesive tape over the write protect socket in the back corner. Make sure the adhesive tape is firm and also firmly applied.
Er 1 through Er 3 involve tape threading. If it only happens once, it was a temporary problem with a piece of dust on the switch. Sometimes, it can be a result of a tape that's binding; eject the tape and check operation, threading and unthreading with a blank or unrecorded tape. If these errors recur frequently, or will not go away, there is a problem with the transport involving the sliding of the loading arms, capstan motor or pinch roller adjustment, or the switches that detect how the tape is threaded.
General note: If these errors occur only with a certain tape, or display once in a while, it's probably not cause for concern. Errors 1-3 and 9 can indicate conditions that may damage a tape; the other errors won't damage the tape or the machine. 9.4C Steps To Take Before Calling For Help If an error message is displayed or if an ADAT starts behaving strangely, then please follow the suggested steps below: 1 Stop the tape playing (or recording). Does the error go away? 2 Rewind the tape a minute or two.
CHAPTER 10: APPENDICES 10.0 APPENDIX 1: DIGITAL RECORDING—A QUICK TOUR 10.0A Analog Tape 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.
original signal, which is close to (but not exactly) the same as the original signal. To complete the process, this stairstep signal is smoothed by a low pass filter. The result is natural-sounding audio that sounds virtually unchanged from what was originally recorded. 10.0C Why Does ADAT Use S-VHS Cassettes? Alesis has built its reputation on providing professional levels of quality and innovation at prices associated with consumer gear.
Balanced Audio Signals Signals that are carried on three-conductor cables, with two of the conductors carrying the same signal 180° out of phase and the third as ground. Balanced connections usually cost more than unbalanced connections, but are less susceptible to picking up hum and interference with low-level signals. DAT Digital Audio Tape.
devices such as digital audio tape recorders, mixing consoles, etc. Alesis’s multichannel interface is proprietary and does not work directly with MADI devices. Oversampling The process of taking more samples than is required in order to more accurately reconstruct a digitized signal back into analog. Punching The process of entering and/or exiting the record function while the tape is playing.
Acronym for Video Home System, a video recording system introduced for consumer use and using standardized cartridges. 10.
Remote/Sync Remote Control Connectors: User Remote Functions Accessible (and available on LRC): Sync Connectors: Sync Capability: Two 1/4" phone jacks (transport Remote Control and/or Locate/Play footswitch jack and Punch In/Out footswitch jack) Play, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind, Record, Locate 0, Locate 1, Locate 2, Set Locate, Auto 2-1, Auto Play, Auto Input Monitor and All Input Monitor Two 9 pin D-Sub connectors (Sync In and Sync Out) Automatic Master/Slave Syncing between up to 16 ADATs (128 audio tr
10.3 APPENDIX 4: SCHEMATICS Wiring Diagram for ELCO® Connector Pin out letters are referenced to the alphabetical designation on a standard 56-pin ELCO connector. Channel In 1 In 2 In 3 In 4 In 5 In 6 In 7 In 8 GND NN CC t FF w KK z p NEG JJ y n MM BB EE v l POS HH x m LL AA DD u k Out Out Out Out Out Out Out Out Z P D T H W L A c U J M B a R E d V K N C b S F 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Additional GNDs: r,s,h,j,e,f,X,Y Note: The larger of the two key notches is on the bottom.
Addendum to the ADAT reference manual: Version 4.0 software This document describes the changes/additions to ADAT version 4.0 software. Write Protect Tab Check Override If you want to record on a tape which has had its write-protect tab removed or damaged, you can now override it from the ADAT’s front panel and allow recording to take place. Normally, the write-protect tab is an essential component to remove when you want to retain the information on an important tape.
• If you insert a tape while the Tape Length setting is set to something other than “t120”, the display will briefly flash the selected Tape Length setting. This is to remind you that you are using a non-standard setting. • If using more than one ADAT, you must make sure all connected ADATs are loaded with tapes of the same length. Warning: It is very important that the Tape Length setting and the actual tape’s length are the same.
