EasyManua.ls Logo

Alesis ADAT User Manual

Alesis ADAT
59 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
ALESIS
ADAT
"BLACK FACE"
Reference Manual

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Alesis ADAT and is the answer not in the manual?

Alesis ADAT Specifications

General IconGeneral
Tracks8
Weight22 lbs (10 kg)
Sampling Rate48 kHz
Bit Depth16-bit
Digital InterfaceADAT Lightpipe
SynchronizationADAT Sync
Recording Time40 minutes (with 120-minute tape)
ConnectorsRCA
InputsADAT Optical
OutputsADAT Optical
Dimensions19 x 5.25 x 14 inches (483 x 133 x 356 mm)

Summary

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.0 ABOUT ADAT

Provides an overview of ADAT's features and capabilities, highlighting its digital recording technology.

1.2 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Advises users to read specific sections before operating the ADAT for proper understanding.

1.3 OVERVIEW OF MAIN FUNCTIONS

Provides a brief rundown of the ADAT's primary operational functions.

1.3A Transport

Describes the basic tape motion controls similar to standard multitrack recorders.

1.3B Record/Monitor functions

Explains how ADAT handles recording and monitoring switching for tracks.

1.3C Punching

Details the gapless and glitchless punch-in/out capabilities with digital crossfades.

1.3D Autolocation

Explains setting and using three autolocate points for finding specific tape locations.

1.3E LED Indicators

Describes the function and behavior of various LEDs on the ADAT unit.

1.4 "ENGAGED" VS. “DISENGAGED" TAPES

Differentiates between engaged and disengaged tape modes and their operational implications.

1.5 A WORD ON ADAT's S-VHS CASSETTE TAPE

Recommends premium S-VHS tapes and advises against budget VHS tapes for reliability.

1.6 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Discusses environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and ventilation for ADAT operation.

1.6A Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting

Details temperature limits and ventilation requirements when rack mounting the ADAT.

1.6B Mounting on a Shelf or Non-Rack Enclosure

Provides guidance on mounting the ADAT on shelves or flat surfaces.

1.6C Avoiding Electromagnetic Interference

Advises on placement to prevent interference from strong magnetic fields.

CHAPTER 2: HOOKUP

2.0 POWER

Details power requirements, including AC cord specifications and voltage compatibility.

2.0A The AC Cord

Specifies approved power cords and emphasizes the importance of proper grounding.

2.0B Avoiding Ground Loops

Explains ground loop issues and methods to prevent hums and buzzes in the studio.

2.1 AUDIO CABLE TIPS

Provides recommendations for using high-quality, low-capacitance shielded audio cables.

2.2 AUDIO—UNBALANCED INPUTS

Describes the eight unbalanced 1/4" phone jack inputs and their characteristics.

2.2A Input Jack Characteristics

Details the tip/sleeve convention for unbalanced input jack wiring.

2.2B Typical Input Jack Hookups

Explains common ways to connect signals to the ADAT's input jacks.

2.2C Special Unbalanced Input Jack Wiring

Explains the switched-jack wiring for inputs, allowing normalled connections.

2.3 AUDIO—UNBALANCED OUTPUTS

Details the -10 dBV unbalanced 1/4" phone jack outputs.

2.4 AUDIO—BALANCED INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

Mentions the +4 dBu balanced line inputs and outputs on a multipin connector.

2.5 DIGITAL I/O

Describes the proprietary Alesis fiber optic digital connection for eight tracks.

2.6 SYNC

Explains how to sync multiple ADAT units using the Sync Out/In connections.

2.7 METER BRIDGE

Details connecting the ADAT to the Alesis RMB Remote Meter Bridge.

2.8 FOOTSWITCHES

Describes compatible footswitches for ADAT functions.

CHAPTER 3: GETTING READY TO RECORD

3.0 POWER-UP AND TAPE INSERTION

Covers powering on the ADAT and inserting tapes, including write-protect tab considerations.

3.1 FORMATTING A TAPE

Explains the process of formatting ADAT tapes for accurate time-stamping and synchronization.

3.1A To Format A New Tape, or Reformat/Erase an Old Tape

Provides step-by-step instructions for formatting new or reformatting existing tapes.

3.1B To Extend A Format

Details how to extend an existing tape format for partial formatting.

3.1C Additional Format Considerations

Offers further advice and cautions regarding tape formatting procedures.

3.1D Record a "Benchmark" Tape

Recommends recording a test tape for monitoring tape and head condition over time.

3.2 TRACK RECORD/MONITOR CONTROLS

Explains controls for determining track recording and monitoring modes.

3.2A Record Enable Buttons

Describes how to engage or disengage tracks for recording.

3.2B Auto Input Monitor

Details switching between tape and input monitoring options.

3.2C All Input Monitor

Explains the function of the 'All Input Monitor' feature.

3.2D Digital Input

Describes the setting for recording from analog or digital inputs.

3.3 SETTING LEVELS

Guides on setting recording levels to avoid digital distortion and optimize sound.

3.4 TRANSPORT CONTROL OPERATION

Covers the operation of basic transport controls like Eject, Rewind, Fast Forward, and Stop.

3.4A Eject

Explains how to eject a tape from the ADAT.

3.4B Rewind

Details the rewind function, including review mode and speeds.

3.4C Fast Forward

Explains the fast forward function, including cue mode and speeds.

3.4D Stop

Describes the multiple functions of the Stop button, including disengage/engage.

3.4E Play

Explains how to initiate playback and its behavior with formatted/unformatted tapes.

3.4F Record/Punch In or Out

Guides on entering record mode and performing punch-ins/outs.

3.5 FOOTSWITCH-CONTROLLED PUNCHING

Details how to use a footswitch for punch-in and punch-out operations.

CHAPTER 4: PITCH, AUTOLOCATION, AND REMOTE CONTROLS

4.0 PITCH CONTROLS

Explains how to adjust pitch and its effect on the sampling rate.

4.1 AUTOLOCATION CONTROLS

Details the process of automating tape navigation to specific points.

4.1A Setting Locations

Describes how to set autolocation points 0, 1, and 2 on the tape.

4.1B Autolocating to One of the Three Location Points

Explains how to use the Locate buttons to find stored tape positions.

4.1C Shuttling Between Locate 1 and 2

Details the Auto 2>1 function for automatic looping between locate points.

4.1D The Auto Play Function

Explains how Auto Play automatically enters playback after locating.

4.1E Record, Then Audition Your Part

Describes a workflow for recording, punching out, and auditioning a recorded part.

4.2 FOOTSWITCH CONTROLLED AUTOLOCATION

Explains using a footswitch for autolocation functions.

4.3 USING THE LRC REMOTE CONTROL

Details how to use the LRC remote for transport and track functions.

CHAPTER 5: MULTIPLE ADAT OPERATION

5.0 MULTIPLE ADAT BASICS

Introduces the benefits and possibilities of using two or more ADATs together.

5.1 SYNCHRONIZING MULTIPLE ADATS

Covers the process and requirements for linking ADATs for synchronized operation.

5.1A Hooking Up Multiple ADATs

Explains how to physically connect ADAT units using sync cables.

5.1B ADAT ID (Identification) Numbers

Describes how ADATs are identified and assigned IDs in a synchronized system.

5.1C How the Master and Slave Decks Interact

Details how master and slave units communicate and operate together.

5.1D Achieving Lock

Explains the process of achieving sample-accurate synchronization between ADATs.

5.1E Independent Slave Mode

Describes how slaves can function independently when the master is stopped.

5.2 FORMATTING WITH MULTIPLE ADAT SYSTEMS

Discusses tape formatting procedures in multi-ADAT configurations.

5.2A Master Format Enabled and Performing a Complete, Start-to-Finish Format

Details formatting when the master format is enabled and slave tapes are unformatted or formatted.

5.2B Master Format Enabled and Extending the Format

Explains format extension when the master format is enabled.

5.2C Master Format Disabled

Covers formatting when the master format function is disabled.

5.3 AUTO-LOCATION/LOOPING WITH MULTIPLE ADATS

Details autolocation and looping behaviors in multi-ADAT systems.

CHAPTER 6: BACKUP

6.0 BACKUP BASICS

Introduces the importance and benefits of digital backups for ADAT tapes.

6.1 BACKING UP VIA DIGITAL I/O

Details how to create digital backups using the fiber optic connection.

6.1A Normal Method (Time Code Accurate)

Provides steps for performing time-code accurate digital backups between ADATs.

6.1B Optical-Only Method

Outlines the process for making digital backups without sync connections, affecting time code.

6.2 BACKING UP VIA ANALOG I/O

Explains how to back up tapes using analog outputs if the fiber optic cable is unavailable.

CHAPTER 7: APPLICATIONS

7.0 COMBINED MULTITRACK/MASTERING DECK

Describes using ADAT as both a multitrack recorder and a stereo mastering deck.

7.1 ARCHIVING

Highlights ADAT's suitability for archiving speeches, broadcasts, and sample libraries.

7.2 BOUNCING

Explains track bouncing within ADAT or to other machines using analog outputs.

7.3 LIVE RECORDING

Discusses ADAT's effectiveness for live recording due to its size and operation.

7.4 USING ADAT WITH MIDI SEQUENCERS:VIRTUAL TRACKING

Explains ADAT's flexibility for integration with MIDI sequencers for virtual tracking.

7.6 VIDEO LOCATION RECORDING

Details using ADAT for video sound effects and multichannel mixdowns.

7.7 MODULAR RECORDING

Covers collaborative recording workflows using dual-ADAT systems.

CHAPTER 8: ADAT ADVANCED FEATURES

8.0 ABOUT THE ADVANCED FEATURES

Introduces advanced functions and cautions against accessing service-only features.

8.1 ADVANCED FEATURES

Lists specific advanced functions and how to access them.

8.1A Eject the tape in the Master ADAT of a Mutli ADAT System

Explains how to eject tape only from the master ADAT in a multi-unit setup.

8.1B Device Id

Shows how to display the ID number of each ADAT in a system.

8.1C Auto Input Monitor Option Select

Explains how to select monitoring modes when Auto Input is enabled.

8.1D Software Version

Describes how to display the software version of the ADAT.

8.1E Tape Write Protect Status

Shows how to check the write-protect status of the inserted tape.

8.1F Monitor/Audio Path Select

Details the options for selecting the audio monitoring path (input or DAC).

8.1G Crossfade Select

Explains how to select different crossfade times for punching.

8.1H Digital 48k Master Clock Enable/Disable

Describes how to enable/disable the internal master clock or use an external one.

8.1I Total Running Time of Drum Motor

Shows how to display the total running time of the drum motor.

CHAPTER 9: MAINTENANCE/SERVICE

9.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

General advice on cleaning and maintaining the ADAT unit.

9.0A Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the ADAT's exterior surfaces.

9.0B Maintenance

Tips for preventive maintenance, including cord checks and dust covers.

9.0C Refer All Servicing to Alesis

Advises users not to attempt repairs and to contact Alesis for service.

9.1 ADAT HEAD LIFE

Discusses factors affecting ADAT head life and expected longevity.

9.2 ADAT HEAD MAINTENANCE

Explains when and how to clean ADAT heads, recommending professional service.

9.3 TAPE MAINTENANCE - SAFE TAPE

Provides guidelines for handling and storing ADAT tapes safely to prevent damage.

9.4 ERROR MESSAGES

Lists and explains common ADAT error messages and troubleshooting steps.

9.4A ADAT Messages and Explanation

Details specific messages like '-du-' and 'noFO' and their solutions.

9.4C Steps To Take Before Calling For Help

Provides a step-by-step guide for troubleshooting before contacting support.

9.4B Errors 1 to 9

Lists and explains more complex error codes (Er 1-9) and their potential causes.

Related product manuals