Typical Applications; The Adat-Pcr Computer Interface - Alesis ADAT-LX20 Reference Manual

Applications - Chapter 11
T
YPICAL APPLICATIONS
Over 100 manufacturers support the ADAT Optical Interface. Compatible products
include computer interfaces (such as the Alesis ADAT-PCR), signal processors,
keyboards (Korg Trinity, Alesis QS Series), data translators, and more. (In fact, for
digital audio transfer Silicon Graphics now includes the ADAT Optical Interface
as an option for lower-end machines, and makes it a standard feature for higher-
end computers.) Several stand-alone hard disk recorders (Akai DR8/DR16, Otari
RADAR, and E-mu Darwin) and digital mixers also support this interface, making
it easy to transfer audio directly between these systems, as well as do backups to
ADAT.
T ADAT-PCR C
HE
If your computer (Macintosh or Windows-compatible) includes a PCI slot, consider
using the Alesis ADAT-PCR to control your LX20 directly from a computer, as well
as transfer audio to and from hard-disk editing software.
The ADAT-PCR is treated as "another ADAT" in the chain since it has ADAT Sync
and ADAT Optical In and Out connections; therefore, the hard disk tracks and tape
tracks are synchronized with sample accuracy. This gives the best of both worlds:
on-screen computer-based editinge, and the simplicity and low cost of tape
recording. With the ADAT-PCR, no MIDI time code or MIDI machine control
converter is required; all conversions are handled in the computer software itself.
Caution: Not all digital audio editing software can record and play back 8 tracks at
once. Check the software's specs for the ability to record and play back multiple
channels simultaneously. With software that cannot do this, you may need to
transfer 2 tracks at a time, and do multiple passes to record all 8 tracks.
The basic procedure to transfer 8 ADAT tracks to/from a computer-based digital
audio editor is:
Make sure the LX20 and ADAT-PCR sync connectors are patched properly so
that the two are in sync
Patch the ADAT fiber optic output to the ADAT-PCR interface card's fiber optic
input
Enable record on the hard disk system
Press play on the ADAT
The hard disk system will now record the 8 ADAT tracks.
To transfer the edited data back to the ADAT for storage and/or backup, patch the
ADAT-PCR interface's fiber optic out to the ADAT's fiber optic in, enable recording
on the LX20, and play back the hard disk system.
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I
OMPUTER NTERFACE
ADAT LX20 Reference Manual