Introduction; About This Setup Guide; Reading Conventions; Prerequisites - Solid State Logic Alpha-LinK MX 4-16 Setup Manual

Introduction

About this Setup Guide

The Alpha-Link MX 4-16 and Alpha-Link MX 16-4 are ideal partners for an Alpha-Link MADI-SX or Alpha-Link MADI-AX and
MaiXtreme, allowing full use of the 64 MADI input and/or output channels available on these units (at 44.1 or 48 kHz).
The aim of this Setup Guide is to clarify the connections and settings required to maximize the I/O capabilities of an
Alpha-Link MADI-SX (or MADI-AX) and MadiXtreme by the addition of an Alpha-Link MX 4-16 and an Alpha-Link MX16-4.
This will be done through a step by step example.
We'll explain how to set up the MadiXtreme and Alpha-Links to provide a computer-based DAW with 40 analogue and 24 AES
inputs and outputs at 48kHz, with the AES inputs routed to/from MADI channels 1 to 24 and the Analogue inputs and
outputs routed to/from MADI channels 25 to 64.
We'll also suggest how to test the system, and add a word about using headphones.

Reading conventions

In this Setup Guide the Alpha-Link MX 4-16 and Alpha-Link MX 16-4 may both be referred to as "Alpha-Link MX". Our step
by step setup example will refer to an Alpha-Link MADI-SX but that information is equally applicable to an Alpha-Link
MADI-AX (except that "AES/EBU" or "AES" should be read as "ADAT" in the case of an Alpha-Link MADI-AX).

Prerequisites

For the purpose of this Setup Guide, it is assumed that:
• You have installed a MadiXtreme in your PC or Mac according to the MadiXtreme documentation, installed the driver
and if necessary, updated the firmware.
• You are already familar with the clock synchronization requirements of digital audio and have read the relevant
sections about this in the MadiXtreme, Alpha-Link and Alpha-Link MX documentation.
• Preferably, you are already familiar with the more advanced settings of the MadiXtreme and Alpha-Link. If you are not
yet familar with them, please consider reading the MadiXtreme & Alpha-Link Setup Guide, and following the step by
step "Quick Start" section of that document.
• You are equipped with all necessary cabling (4 simplex MADI cables, or two duplex MADI cables that can be split will be
needed).
• You are already reasonably familiar with your chosen computer platform (PC or Mac) and in particular with your
chosen DAW sotware.
The MadiXtreme receives its power from the computer. The Alpha-Link MADI-SX and the two Alpha-Link MX
should be connected to the mains according to their respective documentation. Mains power connections will
not be discussed in this Setup Guide, which is focused on clarifying an audio configuration.
Warning: In normal use the Alpha-Link outputs will be connected to your console and/or monitoring system. You are
advised to keep the the monitoring system powered off, at least until appropriate clock settings have been selected
for the MadiXtreme and Alpha-Links.
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