Subject:Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Posted by: buffalosnout

Date:3/14/2003 9:06:22 AM

A number of years ago, I purchased an Alesis ADAT (Original Black-Faced). Nowdays, I record within Acid, Sonar, and Sound Forge, as appropriate. Can anyone suggest how I can integrate the Alesis into my setup? Short of buying a BRC or other expensive syncing device, is there any way to get the Alesis to play in time with the computer programs? Or, do you think there is no practical use for the ADAT within a computer-based setup and I should just see what I can sell it for?

No "boat anchor" or "door stop" jokes, please <G>.

Thanks for your ideas.

James

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:3/14/2003 12:02:27 PM

That's the thing that sucked about those original Adats, no timecode output w/o the BRC....besides it took them a half hour to sync up with each other.

The thing you'll have to do is record SMPTE timecode to 1 of the 8 tracks and have your computer software chase that. You'll need a midi interface that has a SMPTE in jack. This will convert the audio SMPTE to Midi Time Code, that your software can then sync too.

Now for just doing 8 track transfers from the Adat, you can record a "Pop" or "Click", or just clap your hands on all 8 tracks before the song starts. Then just record all 8 tracks into your multi-track softare. You won't need to do this if you have a sound card that has 8 inputs, but if you have less than 8 inputs and need to record each track seperately this will work. Once all the tracks are recorded just line up all the Claps and your audio is back in sync. Now if you have to transfer the tracks back to ADAT and have less than 8 outputs on your sound card, again, you'll have to stripe some smpte on one of the ADAT tracks, and of course, this means you only have 7 tracks available.

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: TommyB

Date:3/14/2003 2:26:45 PM

www.rme-audio.com Many of their devices have ADAT sync on a db9 connector. I have to be honest though I have never used it. I have a near mint XT.

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: buffalosnout

Date:3/14/2003 3:48:20 PM

Thanks, Rednroll, for your idea about syncing up the ADAT to the computer. I appreciate your comments, but I may just go ahead and sell it to Guitar Center or on ebay and apply whatever funds I get toward bettering my DAW setup. I remember using the sync track back in my old 4 track cassette days and would hate to get back into that.

In another 4 years, I'll probably be wondering what I can do with all of my existing DAW gear, which will, by then, be obsolete too.

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:3/14/2003 4:32:14 PM

Yep, Technology is it's own worst enemy sometimes. Definitely, though if you're only working on your own stuff then get rid of the ADAT and live happily ever after. The only real benefit to keeping it is if you work with other clients and they've recorded their stuff in another studio, then you have the ability to work on their project and don't have to turn potential clients away because you don't have their particular format. I have a Tascam DA-88 that I never use, but is all hooked up with a sync card installed so I can do transfers back and forth if the need arises. Maybe I could use a ADAT also so that it could collect dust along side it?....then I'ld have to get a BRC also, along with an ADAT card interface for my mixing board.....yuck....I have better things to waste my money on.

Tommy B:
Does the fiber cable send out timecode information that you can sync the RME cards up to? I just thought it sent 8 tracks of audio data along with word clock, and the timecode was tied into the Sync cables.

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: buffalosnout

Date:3/22/2003 6:17:16 PM

A client of mine thought the ADAT would be perfect for a home studio he and his son are setting up. At the conclusion of the deal, we both had smiles on our faces. In a few days, I will have a new "toy" for the rack--probably a more sophisticated sound interface. Thanks to all who responded.

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: jbrawn

Date:3/26/2003 3:28:22 AM

I've got 2 XTs. There is no timecode on the optical, but some smart ADAT compatible devices can follow the optical clock to eliminate drift without the DB9 sync cable.

The $200 solution to get old ADAT tracks into sound forge is to buy the Alesis EDIT card. It comes with software that allows you to record all 8 tracks at once, and then convert them to wav files.

You connect an optical cable and a DB9 cable between the ADAT and the ADAT EDIT. Then you start recording on the PC and hit the play button on the ADAT. No BRC needed if you aren't planning to fly tracks back onto the ADAT. The tracks on the PC will all be time aligned with each other.

Good Luck,

John.

Subject:RE: Integrating Original Alesis ADAT into Computer-Based System?

Reply by: buffalosnout

Date:3/28/2003 9:59:16 AM

Thanks for that useful piece of information, jbrawn. It becomes relevant to me once again, because the client who "bought" my ADAT returned it the next day. His son advised him to put together a DAW (imagine that).