Rackmounting
The ATS-1 Access may be rackmounted, either via fixed brackets or
with slide-out tracks. Refer to Appendix B for parts required and
procedures.
Concepts and Terminology
Analog vs. Digital
A major division exists between analog and digital devices. Analog
audio devices store and transmit the audio signal directly. Digital
audio devices reduce the audio signal to a series of numbers and store
or transmit these numbers. Storing and transmitting sound digitally
usually results in better sound quality, although the technology for
doing this cheaply has only been developed in the last ten years or so.
Sounds can be translated from digital to analog using digital-to-analog
converters, also called D/As. Sounds can also be converted from
analog to digital using analog-to-digital converters, also called A/Ds (a
process commonly known as ‘sampling’). Many digital devices have
built-in A/Ds or D/As to provide analog inputs or outputs or both.
Most analog devices only provide analog inputs and/or outputs.
Because of the fundamental differences between analog and digital
signals, they cannot be mixed. An analog output can never be
connected to a digital input, and a digital output can never be
connected to an analog input. An A/D or D/A is required to make the
translation.
Note: The ATS-1 Access tests analog devices
only. The following paragraphs briefly discuss
the fundamental differences between analog and
digital technology.
An upgrade kit is available to add the digital
features, turning the instrument into an ATS-1
Dual Domain.
2 Getting Started
Rackmounting Getting Started
2-2 ATS-1 Access User's Manual