Alesis ProTrack Quick Start Manual page 5

ATTACHING & REMOVING THE SLED
Before getting started, follow these simple steps to prepare the ProTrack for use with
your iPod:
1. Apply the proper foam backing for your iPod. Use the thicker pad for a regular-
sized iPod (Classic or 5
rd
3 Generation).
2. Place the foam pad on the center of the flat surface above the DOCK. This will
help secure your iPod while it is docked.
3. Connect your iPod to the DOCK by gently inserting the DOCK's connector into
the slot at the base of your iPod.
4. Slide the SLED over the recorder so it covers the iPod. The edges of the SLED
should slide under the tabs on both edges of the recorder.
Note: We have included two different sleds for use with the iPod Recorder: one
fits the regular iPod while the other fits the iPod Nano.
5. Snap the SLED into place at the bottom.
6. To remove the SLED, pull the OPEN switch on the left panel towards the bottom
of the recorder (see SIDE PANEL FEATURES), then slide it off the recorder.
7. To remove your iPod, gently rock it back and forth until it is loose from the
DOCK.
RECORDING
The iPod Recorder is compatible with the following iPod models:
iPod Classic
th
5 Generation iPod
rd
3 Generation iPod Nano
nd
2 Generation iPod Nano
You can record to the iPod Recorder using the built-in condenser microphones,
external microphones, or other audio sources connected to the recorder's CH
1/2 INPUTS. There are a few important factors and suggestions you should
consider before diving into recording:
Take some time to balance the levels of your sources by monitoring the
LED METERS on the top panel. We recommend that the levels enter
the top (red) LED lights only occasionally, if at all, to ensure the
recording does not "clip" or distort.
Use the built-in LIMITER to prevent hard "clipping" of the recorded signal
in your iPod. However, be careful when using the LIMITER – if your
input levels are too high, it can cause unwanted audio artifacts or even
distortion. There is a fine line between a good, loud recording, and a
recording which is overly limited, resulting in poor dynamic range and
clarity. Be careful when you set your levels, and decrease the
CHANNEL GAIN if necessary.
We recommend leaving the iPOD CHARGE feature off while recording.
Charging may introduce low-level noise into your recordings.
Use the RECORD MODE switch to select stereo vs. mono recording. If
you are using mono input sources, such as guitars and microphones,
you may wish to record in mono.
If you are only using one input, you should decrease the CHANNEL
GAIN of the unused input to reduce unwanted noise.
th
Generation) or the thinner one for an iPod nano (2
nd
or
Your recordings will be stored as
"Voice Memo" files on your iPod.
Once you have finished recording a
"memo," it will be placed in Main Menu
> Extras > Voice Memos.
After you connect to your computer
and transmit the Voice Memos, they
will be located in Main Menu > Music
> Playlists > Voice Memos.
Out of the box, your iPod is formatted
to work with a Mac, rather than a
Windows computer.
transfer your recordings to a Windows
computer, connect your iPod to your
Windows computer and allow iTunes to
format it BEFORE you record for the
first time.
If you record to your iPod before you
ever connect it to iTunes, your
recordings will be stored in Mac's HFS
format. They will only be readable by
plugging your iPod into a Mac, not a
Windows computer.
Note that, if you reformat your iPod for
the Windows or Mac platform, you may
lose any recordings prior to this.
3
If you want to