Getting Started; Connecting The Ada-8; Configuring The Ada-8 - Prism Sound ADA-8 Operation Manual

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

2 Getting Started

This section is intended to get you going quickly, without the need to read the entire
Operation Manual. This is quite feasible if your application is fairly 'standard'; if not, you may
need to refer to other parts of the manual to get exactly what you need.
If your ADA-8 is to be used with a direct workstation interface, such as Pro Tools, please refer
to the appropriate 'Getting Started' section in the Module Reference (volume 3).

2.1 Connecting the ADA-8

First, check that the line voltage setting matches your local voltage; if not change it by
reorienting the voltage selector in the power inlet on the rear of the unit. Two ranges are
selectable: 180-250VAC or 90-125VAC. Details of how to switch between ranges are in
section 6.1.
Connections to the analogue inputs and outputs are via panel-mounted XLR connectors.
Connections to digital inputs and outputs may require the use of a breakout cable (supplied)
according to the formats fitted to your unit. Direct connection to a workstation may require the
use of the workstation manufacturer's cable. Refer to the appropriate section in the Module
Reference for connection details and example diagrams.
Analogue Monitor outputs are on RCA (phono) sockets; stereo digital Monitor out is on BNC
(RCA/phono adapter included); AES11 ref sync I/O are on XLRs; wordclock ref sync I/O are
on BNCs; serial comms (jumpered for RS-232) is on DB9 male.
Plug in the unit and switch on the power switch which is integral to the power inlet. The
ADA-8 should briefly light all LEDs, then settle into its default setup with the level screen
displayed on the LCD display. The unit can thereafter be turned off and on using the
'Standby' key in the top left-hand corner of the front panel.

2.2 Configuring the ADA-8

The user-interface of the ADA-8 is a 'three-tier' system. If your application is fairly standard,
you will probably be able to load a 'Factory Store', and be up and running straight away.
There may be a few changes which you need to make to the loaded Store, which you can
most easily do using the blue 'Access' buttons to take you straight to the Menus you need. If
your application is unusual in its details, you may need to navigate the Menu system
manually.
First, have a look at the available 'standard' Factory Stores at the end of the Firmware
Reference. These apply to most non-workstation applications. If you're using a dedicated
Workstation I/O Module, look instead at the Factory Stores section for that Module in the I/O
Module Reference. Hopefully one of the Factory Stores will be either exactly what you need,
or close to it.
Select the most appropriate Factory Store by pressing the 'Bank' button at the bottom left of
the Menu Panel until the desired Bank of Stores is shown in the LCD display. Then press the
desired Store number button. At this point, the name and number of the desired Store should
be displayed, along with the message: "Load?". Press the 'Enter/Accept' key to load the
Store.
If the Store you loaded requires further modification, the easiest way to do this is to use the
blue Access buttons which are distributed over the ADA-8's Front Panel. The Access buttons
on the Mimic Panel (block diagram) area are the most likely to be useful. Using the 'Path'
select button in the top left-hand corner of the Mimic Panel, choose the Path who's settings
© Prism Media Products Limited, 2002 Page 1.8