Threaded" Vs. "Unthreaded; A Word On Adat's S-Vhs Cassette Tape - Alesis ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual

Chapter 1: Setting Up
"T
HREADED
The XT20 uses a rotating head drum which allows it to record and play back
digital audio signals from the tape. Even when the tape is stopped, it remains
"threaded" or engaged against the spinning heads for a period of time. This
allows for going into play or record faster, as well as "cue" and "review"
functions that let you monitor the tape audio in fast forward or rewind.
When the tape is unthreaded (the [STOP] LED will be flashing), the head is
not spinning and it takes slightly longer to go into play or record. This is because
the tape moves away from the head automatically after being stopped for 4
minutes, in order to prolong tape and head life. When a tape is threaded,
rewinding or fast forwarding will operate 40 times faster than normal play
speed. Cue and review functions are not possible while the tape is unthreaded.
When the tape is threaded and stopped (the [STOP] LED will remain lit), you
can manually unthread it by pressing the [STOP] button. The [STOP] LED will
flash, indicating the tape is now unthreaded. Pressing either [PLAY] or [STOP]
will re-thread the tape (or by simultaneously pressing [PLAY] and [RECORD]
to engage recording).
If the tape is threaded, and no transport activity (play, record, rewind, etc.)
occurs for 4 minutes, the tape will automatically unthread itself to minimize
tape wear.
A W
ORD ON
T
APE
Alesis recommends you use only premium quality, name brand S-VHS cassettes.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of this. We recommend using
Quantegy 489 DM Digital Mastering Audio Tape , or Alesis ADAT Mastering
Audio Cassettes . Other acceptable brands include Maxell XR-S Black , JVC XZ ,
Sony DASV , BASF Digital Master 938 , Apogee AA-40 , HHB ADAT45 , and
TDK SP Super Pro . The cassette shell, hubs, rollers and tape guides in S-VHS
cassettes are precision devices that properly handle and protect the tape
within them.
Do not use inexpensive, budget VHS tapes. ONLY USE S-VHS TAPES.
We do not recommend that you use inexpensive, budget VHS cassettes. While
they may work technically, their unpredictable quality and less-than-
premium formulation will decrease the reliability of your recording. Inferior
tapes not only jeopardize the recordings made on them, they may shed oxide
12
pressing any Track Select button from [5] - [8]; notice that the INPUT
LEDs for tracks 1 through 8 remain lit until you release the [ANALOG
INPUT] button.
In the first two modes, the XT20 internally connects the inputs to the
higher tracks (for example, Input 1 goes to tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 in 2-Input
mode).
" . "U
VS
ADAT'
"
NTHREADED
S-VHS C
S ASSETTE
ADAT XT20 Reference Manual