Formattinga Tape - A Must; Word Length (16/20 Bit) Selection; Sample Rate Selection; Formatting A New Tape - Alesis ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual

F
ORMATTING
Formatting prepares a tape for 8 channels of audio, and adds a master timecode
reference, word length, and sample rate information to the data on tape.
Similar to formatting a floppy disk to use on a computer or sampler, formatting
an XT20 tape time-stamps the tape to single-sample accuracy so that audio is
referenced to an accurate time base. This makes the synchronization process
between XT20 and ADAT compatible machines possible and provides both
accurate tape counter readings and intelligent autolocation functions. For more
information, see Tape Formatting in Chapter 4. After completing the following
exercise, we recommend you perform a complete format.
Formatting a tape erases audio on all eight tracks. Be sure to check that the
tape is either blank or contains unwanted material before formatting. We
recommend that you format your tapes completely from beginning to end.
W
S
AMPLE
F
ORMATTING A
ADAT XT20 Reference Manual
A T
L (16/20 B
ORD ENGTH
Before formatting, select the word length you will be using (either 16-
bit or 20-bit) by pressing the FORMAT button until the length you want
is shown in the display. 20-bit offers the greatest audio quality; 16-bit
should be used if the master tape must be played in an older, Type-I-
only ADAT or ADAT-XT. (You can always make a 16-bit copy of a 20-
bit master if needed for this purpose.)
R S
ATE ELECTION
Before formatting, select the sample rate you will be using (either 48
kHz or 44.1 kHz). This is done by pressing the [CLOCK SELECT]
button. Each time [CLOCK SELECT] is pressed, the XT20 will cycle
between INT 48K, INT 44.1K and DIG (the section on the right side
of the display labeled CLOCK will indicate the currently selected
sample rate). Note: For more information about the DIG option
(Digital Audio Clock), see page 59.
N
To Format a new tape:
Insert a fresh, blank tape.
The XT20 will acknowledge that this is an unformatted tape; the
F O R M A T icon will flash in the display while the counter display
reads "noFO."
Press the [FORMAT] button.
The display will briefly read "20 bit" or "16 bit" The word [FORMAT]
in the display will stop flashing and remain lit. The [RECORD] LEDs
for tracks 1 through 8 will now be flashing.
Hold [RECORD], and then press [PLAY].
If the tape was not completely rewound, the XT20 will automatically
rewind it to the beginning. The XT20 then performs a complete format
by recording 15 seconds of leader (the LED display will read "LEAd"),
followed by two minutes of data (the display will read "dAtA"), then
timecode starting at 0:00:00.00 and continuing to the end of the tape.
Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2
– A MUST!
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IT ELECTION
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