Alesis ADAT-XT20 Manuale utente

ALESIS

ADAT XT20

Reference Manual

Introduction/Contents

ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 1

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT20 20-Bit Digital Audio Recorder. To

take full advantage of the XT20’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

XT20. 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 XT20.

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-XT20. This section provides a brief tour

of the XT20, 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 XT20 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

Compatible™ devices, and how to record and transfer digital audio between them.

Chapter 6: Applications. Describes several real-world examples of how the XT20 may

be used.

Appendices. Features an explanation of digital audio recording concepts, trouble-

shooting, 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 XT20, using all capital letters and in

brackets (Examples: [PLAY] button, [AUTO INPUT] button, EDIT icon, etc.).

✪

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 XT20.

Introduction/Contents

2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual

Introduction/Contents

ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 3

CONTENTS

SETTING UP7

Unpacking and Inspection 7

AC Power Hookup 7

Avoiding Ground Loops 8

Line Conditioners and Protectors 9

About Audio Cables 9

Basic Audio Hookup 10

Input Normaling 10

“Threaded” vs. “Unthreaded” 11

A Word on ADAT’s S-VHS Cassette Tape 11

Operating Environment 12

Thermal Considerations in Rack Mounting 12

Mounting on a Shelf or Non-Rack Enclosure 12

Avoiding Electromagnetic Interference 12

YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE ADAT-XT20 13

Power-up, and Tape Insertion 13

Formatting A Tape – A MUST! 15

Word Length (16/20 Bit) Selection 15

Sample Rate Selection 15

Formatting a New tape 15

Recording While Formatting 16

Making A Recording 17

Track Selection and Setting Levels 17

Time Counter 17

Transport Buttons 19

Recording 19

Playback 20

Reviewing and Cueing 20

Locating 22

Creating A Loop 23

Automated Recording 24

Rehearsing 24

Pitch Control 25

Track Delay 25

Track Copy 26

Display Brightness 26

CONNECTIONS 28

Analog Audio – Unbalanced Inputs 28

Input jack characteristics 28

Typical input jack hookups 28

Analog Audio – Unbalanced Outputs 28

Analog Audio – Balanced Inputs and Outputs 29

Analog Input Select Mode 30

Sync In/Out 31

Digital Audio In/Out 32

About 16-bit and 20-bit signal transfers 32

Footswitches 34

The XT20 Remote 34

BASIC OPERATIONS 35

Introduction/Contents

4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual

Tape Formatting 35

Formatting Considerations 35

Complete Format 36

Recording While Formatting 37

Format Extend 37

Write Protect Override 39

Reading The Display 40

Display Icons 41

TIME Counter & ABS/REL Button 44

Locate 0 44

Basic Editing 46

EDIT Value Button 46

▲and ▼Buttons 46

Entering Numeric Values 46

Editing Individual Digits 46

Input Select 48

Analog Input 48

Digital Input 48

Track Copy 49

Input Monitor 50

Auto Input Monitor 50

All Input Monitor 50

Meters 52

Peak Mode Button 52

Peak Clear Button 52

Fine Meter Mode 52

Recording a “Benchmark” Tape 53

Record Enable 54

Setting Levels 54

Transport Controls 56

Eject 56

Rewind/Review 56

Fast Forward/Cue 56

Play 58

Record/Punch In or Out 58

Stop 59

Sample Rate (Clock) 59

Record Crossfade Time 60

Displaying Frames vs. 100ths/Seconds 60

Pitch Control 62

About Pitch Changing 62

Track Delay 63

Autolocation Controls 65

Absolute (ABS) Time vs. Relative Time65

Locate 0 65

Setting Locate Points 67

Locating 67

Auto Looping 68

Auto Return 68

Auto Play 68

Loop Limit 68

Looped Recording 68

Auto Record 69

Rehearsal 69

Introduction/Contents

ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 5

Tape Length 70

Footswitch Controls 71

Footswitch Controlled Punching 71

Footswitch Controlled Autolocating 71

Using the XT20 LRC Remote 72

MULTIPLE ADAT-XT20 OPERATION 74

Overview 74

Synchronizing Machines 75

Master/Slave Interaction 75

Achieving Lock76

Independent Slave Mode 76

Formatting Multiple Tapes 76

Master Format Enabled, Complete Format 76

Master Format Enabled, Format Extend 76

Master Format Disabled 78

Master Format Disabled, Format Extend 78

Recording Digital Audio 79

Bouncing Tracks Between ADATs 79

Reassigning Channels to Different Tracks 80

Making Digital Backups 81

Making a 16-bit copy from a 20-bit master 82

Recording Digital Audio from Other Sources 83

Digital Clock Considerations 83

Tape Offset 85

Combining XT20s and ADATs 86

XT20 Transport Speed 86

Sample rate vs. Pitch Control 86

Input Monitoring 86

Polarity Differences 88

Connections 89

APPLICATIONS 91

Overview 91

Combined Multitrack/Mixdown Deck 91

Live/Long-Term Recording 92

Locking to Video: Code-Only Master 93

Computer Control 93

MIDI Systems: Virtual Tracking 93

MIDI Machine Control: Virtual Remote Control93

The ADAT-PCR Computer Interface 94

Libraries and Archives 94

Modular Recording 94

Using Track Copy as a Digital Router 95

Calculating Tape Offset using the Locates 95

DIGITAL RECORDING CONCEPTS 97

Analog Recording Basics 97

Digital Recording Basics 97

The Advantages of 20-Bit Recording 98

Why S-VHS? 98

TROUBLESHOOTING 99

Trouble-Shooting Index 99

Re-initializing 99

Checking Software Version 100

Error Rate Display 100

Introduction/Contents

6 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual

About Error Rate Readings 100

ADAT Head Life 100

ADAT Head Maintenance 101

Drum Time Display 102

Tape Maintenance: Safe Tape 102

Maintenance/Service 103

Cleaning 103

Maintenance 103

Obtaining Repair Service 103

ERROR CODES 105

Automatic Brake Calibration Procedure 107

Steps To Take Before Calling For Help 107

SPECIFICATIONS 110

GLOSSARY 112

INDEX 119

Setting Up: Chapter 1

ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 7

CHAPTER 1

SETTING UP

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Your ADAT-XT20 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 XT20 for servicing.

The shipping carton should contain the following items:

• ADAT-XT20 with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton

• Power Cable

• Optical Cable

• XT20 remote control unit

• This instruction manual

• Blank S-VHS ST-120 cassette

• Alesis warranty card

✪

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 XT20 off, plug the female end of the power cord into the XT20’s

[POWER INPUT] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It’s

good practice to not turn on the XT20 until all other cables are hooked up.

The XT20 works with any AC voltage from 90 to 250 volts, 50 to 60 Hz. This

eliminates the need for transformers or voltage switches. Your XT20 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 XT20’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 - XT20, 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.

Chapter 1: Setting Up

8 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual

When AC currents are suspect of being highly unstable in VAC and Hz, a

professional power conditioner should be used.

✪

Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the XT20 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, buzzes, or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a

piece of equipment “sees” two or more different paths to ground, as

shown below.

Device A Device B

shielded

cable

path 1

path 2

To AC power service

One path goes from device A to ground via the ground terminal of the

three-conductor 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 prob-

lems 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. If your circuits are balanced, 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

Setting Up: Chapter 1

ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 9

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 se-

tups. Refer to page 9 for more information.

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