Interfacing To A Multitrack Recorder Via A Patchbay; Interfacing To Adat Using Elco Connectors; Interfacing To The Mixdown Deck - Alesis X2 Reference Manual

Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay

It is also possible to access the multitrack tape recorder by the use of a patchbay,
which is several rows of jacks that are permanently connected to both the inputs
and the outputs of the X2, the multitrack tape machine, and all of the outboard
equipment. This is much more convenient, but a more expensive method than
described in the last section, and is not absolutely necessary for operation. In this
case, the patching is the same as in the previous example except that it is now done
on the patchbay instead of at the rear of the console and multitrack tape machine.
With a patchbay, it is also easier to make use of the AUX SENDS and RETURNS of
the X2. Different effects may be repatched to receive signal from whatever Aux Send
the session requires (see page 30 for more on effects).

Interfacing to ADAT Using ELCO Connectors

The X2's three built-in ELCO connectors makes it easy to connect up to three
ADATs. Refer to section 3.1.7 for wiring information. Using a correctly-wired cable
with two ELCO connectors, a single ADAT can be connected to channels 1 through
8 on the X2, a second ADAT to channels 9 through 16, and a third ADAT to
channels 17 through 24. This connection is basically the equivalent of wiring both
the TAPE SEND and TAPE IN of each channel to an ADAT track, but uses +4 dBu
balanced levels, instead of -10 dBV unbalanced. Good quality cabled can provide
excellent results even up to 100 feet from the console (although they should be as
short as possible).
Note: +4/-10 switches should be set to +4 dBu when using balanced ELCO
connectors.

Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck

The mixdown deck is where everything comes together: the final mix. This is your
master recording of the finished project (or a rough mix of a work in progress).
To connect the mixdown deck to the X2:
Unbalanced connection:
Connect the X2's MASTER OUT Left and Right to the Inputs of the Mixdown
1
Deck using 1/4"-to-phono cables.
2 Connect the Mixdown Deck's OUTPUTS to the X2's EXT IN 1 Left/Right
Inputs.
Note that the nominal output of the Master in single-ended operation is -2 dBu, about 6
dB "hotter" than the nominal level of an unbalanced mixdown deck. Lower the input
level controls of the mixdown deck to achieve the desired signal level, or run the master
faders a little lower to compensate.
Balanced connection:
Connect a 1/4" TRS (3-conductor) -to-XLR cable from the MASTER OUT L-R
1
jacks to the XLR inputs of the mixdown deck.
2 The EXT IN jacks of the X2 are not balanced.
• If the mixdown deck offers both XLR and phono jack outputs, connect
X2 Reference Manual
Connecting the X2
33