Alesis AI-2 User manual

ALESIS
AI-2
Reference Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.0 ABOUT AI-2............................................................................. 1
1.1 IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS MANUAL....................... 3
1.2 OVERVIEW OF MAIN FUNCTIONS........................................ 3
1.2A Multiple Control Methods.................................................. 3
1.2B Control of ADAT Functions............................................... 3
1.2C Reading and Saving Data ................................................ 4
1.2D Reference Select.............................................................. 5
1.2E Status LEDs and Messages ............................................. 5
1.2F Block Diagram .................................................................. 5
1.3 INPUT CONTROL MODES...................................................... 6
1.4 OUTPUT CONTROL MODES ................................................. 6
1.5 "ENGAGED" VS. "DISENGAGED" TAPES ........................... 7
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION
2.0 POWER CONNECTION .......................................................... 8
2.1 CONFIGURATION SWITCH.................................................... 8
2.2 REFERENCE CONNECTION.................................................. 9
2.2A RDR IN ............................................................................. 9
2.2B W/C IN.............................................................................. 9
2.2C VID IN............................................................................... 9
2.3 CONTROL CONNECTION .................................................... 10
2.3A EDITOR .......................................................................... 10
2.3B LYNX-2/MICRO LYNX.................................................... 10
2.3C MIDI IN ........................................................................... 10
2.3D MIDI OUT ....................................................................... 11
2.4 BRC CONNECTION .............................................................. 11
2.4A MIDI IN ........................................................................... 11
2.4B MIDI OUT ....................................................................... 11
2.4C MIDI THRU..................................................................... 11
2.4D GEN OUT ....................................................................... 11
2.4E W/C OUT........................................................................ 12
2.5 ADAT CONNECTION ............................................................ 12
2.5A SYNC OUT..................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 3: APPLICATIONS
3.0 AI-2 INTERFACING ............................................................... 14
3.1 INTERFACING TO ONE OR MORE ADAT'S ....................... 15
3.2 INTERFACING TO THE BRC................................................ 16
3.3 INTERFACING TO A VIDEO EDITOR .................................. 17
3.4 INTERFACING TO THE LYNX-2 OR MICRO LYNX............. 18
3.5 TIME CODE CHASE INTERFACE ........................................ 20
3.6 EXTERNAL MIDI INTERFACING MIDI MACHINE CONTROL ........................
.
21
3.7 DIGITAL TRANSFER WITH THE AI-1 .................................. 22

CHAPTER 4: GETTING STARTED
4.0 POWER ON PROCEDURE ................................................... 24
4.1 ADAT ID NUMBERS.............................................................. 25
4.2 AI-2 CONFIGURATION ..........................................................25
4.2A Time Code and Sample Rates ....................................... 26
4.3 SETTING THE SYSTEM REFERENCE ................................ 27
4.4 TIME CODE CHASE OPERATION ....................................... 27
4.5 SETTING AN OFFSET .......................................................... 28
4.6 TRIM AN OFFSET ................................................................. 29
4.7 USING CUE TIMES ............................................................... 29
4.8 SAVING TO TAPE ................................................................. 30
4.9 CUSTOMIZING THE SETUP ................................................. 30
4.10 RESET THE AI-2 ................................................................. 30
CHAPTER 5: OPERATIONAL FEATURES
5.0 MODES OF OPERATION...................................................... 31
5.1 NORMAL MODE.................................................................... 31
5.2 SET/HOLD MODE ................................................................. 34
5.3 COMMAND MODE ................................................................ 35
5.3A Method for Actioning Destructive Functions................... 35
5.3B Save To Tape ................................................................. 35
5.3C Read Tape...................................................................... 36
5.3D Clear Header.................................................................. 36
5.3E Abort Data Read or Save ................................................ 36
5.3F Read SysEx .................................................................... 36
5.3G Save SysEx.................................................................... 36
5.4 SETUP MODE ....................................................................... 37
5.5 SAVING TO TAPE ................................................................. 38
5.6 READING FROM TAPE ........................................................ 38
5.7 AI-2 DEFAULTS .................................................................... 38
5.8 LONGITUDINAL TIME CODE (LTC)..................................... 39
5.9 MIDI TIME CODE (MTC)........................................................ 40
5.10 TIME CODE AND SAMPLE CLOCKS ................................. 40
5.11 SYSTEM REFERENCES ..................................................... 41
5.11A External Word Clock Reference ................................... 42
5.11B Lynx Reference ............................................................ 42
5.11C Video Reference........................................................... 42
5.11D Internal Fixed................................................................ 42
5.11E Internal Variable ........................................................... 43
5.11F Reader Input ................................................................. 43
5.12 SAMPLE CLOCK RATES ................................................... 43
CHAPTER 6: FEATURES AND CONTROLS
6.0 FRONT PANEL...................................................................... 44
6.1 POWER SWITCH................................................................... 44
6.2 FRONT PANEL LEDS ........................................................... 44
6.3 DISPLAY................................................................................ 46
6.3A Tape Motion Status ........................................................ 46
6.4 FRONT PANEL KEYS ........................................................... 47

6.4A Normal Operation ........................................................... 47
6.4B Setup Operation .............................................................. 48
6.4C Set/Hold Operation......................................................... 49
6.5 SETUP MENUS AND FUNCTIONS ...................................... 50
6.5A ADAT Menu .................................................................... 50
6.5B Commands Menu ........................................................... 51
6.5C Control Menu.................................................................. 52
6.5D Cue Menu....................................................................... 53
6.5E MIDI Menu...................................................................... 55
6.5F Reference Menu ............................................................. 56
6.5G Status Menu................................................................... 58
6.5H System Menu ................................................................. 58
6.5I Tracks Menu .................................................................... 59
CHAPTER 7: ADVANCED FEATURES
7.0 ADAT DIGITAL INPUT .......................................................... 61
7.1 AI-2 DISPLAY INFORMATION.............................................. 61
7.1A Time Code and Position Error Displays.......................... 61
7.1B Time Code Number Differences..................................... 62
7.2 ALL SAFE.............................................................................. 62
7.3 MIDI INTERFACING .............................................................. 62
7.3A MIDI Time Code ............................................................. 62
7.3B BRC Control Feed Through............................................ 63
7.3C MIDI SysEx .................................................................... 63
7.4 REAR PANEL CONFIGURATION DIP SWITCHES.............. 64
7.5 EXT WORD CLOCK .............................................................. 65
7.6 INTERNAL VARI REFERENCE ............................................ 65
7.7 GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................... 65
7.7A Tape Header Information ............................................... 65
7.7B Offline ............................................................................. 66
7.7C Assemble mode.............................................................. 66

CHAPTER 8: APPENDICES
8.0 APPENDIX 1: SPECIFICATIONS......................................... 67
8.0A Operating Codes ............................................................ 67
8.0B Reference Sources......................................................... 67
8.0C Time Code Reader......................................................... 67
8.0D ADAT Synchronizer........................................................ 68
8.0E Control............................................................................ 68
8.0F Front Panel ..................................................................... 68
8.0G Electrical......................................................................... 68
8.0H Interconnections............................................................. 69
8.0I Option Cards.................................................................... 69
8.0J Mechanical...................................................................... 69
8.1 APPENDIX 2: INTERFACE INFORMATION........................ 70
8.1A Sony Editor Constants.................................................... 70
8.1B Lynx Interface ................................................................. 71
8.1C External video................................................................. 71
8.1D External Word Clock....................................................... 72
8.1E Internal Word Clock ........................................................ 72
8.2 APPENDIX 3: MAINTENANCE/ ........................................... 73
8.2A Cleaning ......................................................................... 73
8.2B Maintenance................................................................... 73
8.2C Servicing......................................................................... 73
8.3 APPENDIX 4: TROUBLESHOOTING ................................... 74
8.3A Tape Status Messages................................................... 76
8.3B System Status Messages ............................................... 77
8.3C Warnings ........................................................................ 79
8.4 GLOSSARY ........................................................................... 81
8.5 FCC NOTICE ......................................................................... 86

1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.0 ABOUT AI-2
The AI-2 is an extremely flexible and powerful interface device for
the ALESIS ADAT 8-track digital audio tape recorder. The AI-2 is
designed and manufactured for ALESIS by TimeLine, the world
leader in machine control and synchronization systems.
The AI-2 provides a universal ADAT control interface allowing a
bank of ADAT recorders to be controlled from a video editor, a tape
machine synchronizer system or in time code chase.
The AI-2 supports four primary input control and two output control
modes. The input control modes provide an interface to external
controllers, while the output modes allow control of up to 16 ADAT
recorders, with or without the Alesis BRC Remote Control.
•Sample Accurate Syncing Capabilities. Using ADAT's
exclusive Proprietary Synchronization interface, the AI-2 can
control up to 16 ADAT's, for a total of 128 tracks, and lock them
together in perfect synchronization with other time code
controlled devices.
•Easy And Familiar Front Panel Controls. The AI-2 is fitted
with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), 6 keys and a bank of status
LED's. The keys are used to setup AI-2 system operation
parameters, to select display information and to edit and control
AI-2 functions. The 8 LEDs give constant control and communi-
cation status, indicating correct operation. The AI-2 controls
have been designed to be quick and simple to use and will be
familiar to all studio operators.
•Simple Installation. AI-2 installation is extremely simple, the
AI-2 is a 1 Unit high product which is designed to fit into an
industry standard 19" wide rack. All interface connections are
made with standard connectors and the AC supply is a conve-
nient wall mounting transformer. Connection to the AI-2 in its
basic form is accomplished by a 9-pin sync cable, which con-
nects to the first ADAT in the system and a cable to the selected
controller. Successive ADATs are connected in turn -- sync out
to sync in -- using the same 9-pin style connector. When the
AI-2 is turned on, it automatically becomes the system master
and assigns each ADAT an identification number (ID) from first
to last, in the chain. The AI-2 then checks to see which
machines have tapes installed and automatically locates the
slave ADAT tapes to the master position.

2
•Storage of Setups. The AI-2 can read and write setup informa-
tion to the beginning of each ADAT tape, for later retrieval. This
information (tape table of contents) is in the same format as the
ALESIS BRC information. The AI-2 can read existing BRC
information from the tape and will use only the data that it
requires. The AI-2 intelligently handles all the existing tape
header data so that it can be restored to tape non-destructively.
AI-2 information saved to a new tape can also be used by a
BRC in future sessions.
•Editor and Synchronizer Control. The AI-2 permits ADAT
tape recorders to be directly controlled from a video editor using
SONY protocol or to be integrated into a TimeLine machine
control system. The AI-2 ensures a transparent interface to the
controller and provides features such as editor track mapping.
•Time Code Chase. The AI-2 has a built in broadband time
code reader and chase unit. The AI-2 will follow SMPTE or
EBU time code that is fed into the reader input.
•Time Code and MIDI. The AI-2 generates Longitudinal time
code and MIDI time code based on the ADAT’s position. The
time code generated can be 30, DF, 25 or 24 frame code with
30 and DF being generated at a frame rate of either 30 or
29.97 fps (frames per second). The AI-2 generator is user
selectable to run in Play, Stop and Wind transport modes.
•Selectable Sample Clock Rates. The AI-2 will lock the ADATs
to either internal or external digital audio word clocks. When the
AI-2 is generating the ADAT sample clock, a nominal sample
rate of 48 KHz, 47.952 KHz, 44.1 KHz or 44.056 KHz can be
selected by the user. When a sample rate other than 48 KHz is
selected, the AI-2 takes care of the frame rate conversions, so
the controlling device always sees time code at the correct rate.
The AI-2 even includes a variable sample clock option so the
ADATs can be run in varispeed if required.

3
1.1 IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS
MANUAL
The AI-2 is an extremely easy to use interface, and has been
designed to automatically configure, depending on the control
signals that are detected. Although it is possible and extremely
tempting to just plug in and start working, we strongly urge that you
read the chapter, Getting Started in this manual, and the sections
on Formatting in the ADAT Reference manual before you start
using the AI-2. At a later date we recommend that you read the
entire manual to acquaint yourself with the many AI-2 features that
you'll only discover by reading the manual.
1.2 OVERVIEW OF MAIN FUNCTIONS
The AI-2 is an extremely complex and sophisticated interface that
has been designed to handle the demands of multitrack studio
recording and the post production process. Here is a brief rundown
of the AI-2’s main functions.
1.2A Multiple Control Methods
The AI-2 allows multiple ADAT transports to be operated by a
number of external controls or synchronization devices. The AI-2’s
Control menu lets you select the controller, or if set to AUTO, will
detect which controllers are connected and communicating and
automatically switch. The AI-2 also allows simultaneous commu-
nication with a MIDI sequencer or controlling device.
1.2B Control of ADAT Functions
The AI-2 lets an external controller take control of many of the
ADAT functions. All basic transport functions, including Digital
input, All input and Auto input, can be controlled from the
AI-2. The AI-2 also allows remote control of all 128 possible Track
enables and when used with a video editor the AI-2 TRACKS menu
provides comprehensive track mapping functions.

4
AI2022A
Sync Out Sync In
MASTER ADAT SLAVE ADAT
ALESIS AI-2
Sync In Sync Out
V
IDEO
R
EFERENCE
AUDIO OR VIDEO
TRANSPORT
EXT WORD
CLOCK
TIMELINE SYNCHRONIZER
VIDEO EDITOR
ALESIS BRC
MIDI COMPUTER
MIDI Time
Code
Word
Clock
MIDITime Code
Chase
Control
REWIND FASTFWD STOP PLAY RECORD EJECTPOWER 12345678
Optional-See Section 3.2
When using BRC with
AI-
Sync connection is from
BRC to ADATs
FILM VITC 25
DF
30
24
OFFSET
SYNC PT
RDR
ERR
GEN
RESOLVE
LOCK
REH
REC
24
25
DF
30
SER
VITC
PILOT
LTC
TRANSPORT
VSO
GEN
ONLINE
N/STD
TACH
JAM UB
JAM TC
TACH
MAINS
INT
RDR
AUX
VID
GENERATOR
29.97
422
SPEED
HMLRMT BWL VARI
ON
REWIND FASTFWD STOP PLAY RECORD EJECTPOWER 12345678
MULTIPURPOSE AUDIO/VIDEO
SYNCHRONIZATION INTERFACE
MMCONLINE LTCREFNON STD BRC/ADAT CONTROLLOCKDISPLAY
SETUP
MENU
SAVE
LAST
SET/HOLD
DOWN
ONLINE
NEXT
STORE
UP
POWER
CAPTURE
CLEAR
BY
1.2C Reading and Saving Data
The AI-2 can read and save session data to the ADAT tape header
or to external MIDI devices. This means that each time a new
ADAT tape is put in the machine the AI-2 will be able to read all the
associated Cue or Song times and you will be able to synchronize
the tapes, effortlessly.
1.2D Reference Select

5
The AI-2 has comprehensive reference select options, which have
been structured to accommodate any possible combination of
reference source, time code and sample rate. Each of the variables
can be set in the REFERENCE menu. The AI-2 effortlessly handles
the conversions and controls the ADAT at the correct speed.
1.2E Status LEDs and Messages
The AI-2 front panel has eight LEDs that constantly indicate system
status. In addition these LEDs are programmed to flash and warn
the operator if there is a problem. The AI-2 also has a display
message system which gives tape status, system status and error
or warning messages when they occur
1.2F Block Diagram
The following AI-2 block diagram shows how the functional blocks
in the AI-2 and the physical connectors are related.
Sample
Clock
Generator
ADAT
Time Code
Generator
Front Panel
LED Status
Time Code
Generator
ADAT
MIDI
Port
RS422
Port
Config. Sw.
Inputs
Video Sync
Detector
Aux.
MIDI
Port
CPU
Wideband
Time Code
Reader
AI2001A
BR
C
ADAT
MIDI In
MIDI Out
(MTC)
Video
Input
RDR
Input
(LTC)
W/C
Input
(48K)
Editor
(SONY P2)
Lynx-2 /
Micro Lynx
Gen
Out
In
Out
Thru
W/C Out
(48K)
Sync
Out

6
1.3 INPUT CONTROL MODES
The AI-2 can be controlled by one of four methods.
1. The AI-2 and the attached ADATs are controlled by a video
editor, or similar device, via a RS422 cable using standard Sony
protocols. The AI-2 emulates the functionality of the Sony PCM-
7030 digital audio tape recorder.
2. The AI-2 and the attached ADATs are controlled by a TimeLine
Lynx-2, Micro Lynx, or other synchronizer, using an interface
cable supplied by the synchronizer manufacturer. This cable
carries both control and time code information between the two
devices.
3. The AI-2 and the attached ADATs chase (follow) SMPTE or
EBU time code, which is fed into the AI-2's time code reader
input.
4. The AI-2 and the attached ADATs are controlled by MIDI
Machine Control (MMC) commands presented at the AI-2’s
Control MIDI Input.
1.4 OUTPUT CONTROL MODES
The AI-2 can control ADAT transports by one of two methods.
1. The AI-2 directly controls up to 16 ADAT recorders using the
proprietary Alesis daisy-chain cabling technique used when
multiple ADAT's are connected. The BRC Remote Control is
not used. The digital audio sample rate clock (word clock) for
the ADAT is generated by the AI-2.
2. The AI-2 controls the ALESIS BRC Remote Control, which is
then used to directly control up to 16 ADATs. The AI-2 controls
the BRC, using MIDI, word clock and time code signals.

7
1.5 "ENGAGED" VS. "DISENGAGED" TAPES
Analog audio recorders typically move tape past the heads between
1-7/8 and 30 inches per second. Higher play speeds result in a
higher bandwidth, or the ability to record high-frequency signals on
tape.
ADAT digital audio signals require a much higher bandwidth than
analog audio. To provide the increased bandwidth required, the
ADAT uses a VHS mechanism, which has a head drum that rotates
at very high speeds and records the digital audio on diagonal tape
tracks. This has the same effect, as far as the head is concerned,
as moving the tape at a much faster speed.
With ADAT, the tape is "engaged" if the tape is not moving, but is in
contact with the rotating head. This allows the ADAT to go into
Play or Record, instantaneously. When the AI-2 puts the system
into Still or Stop, the head remains spinning and the tape is not
disengaged.
When the tape is "disengaged", the ADAT head stops rotating and
the tape moves away from the head -- to prolong both tape and
head life. If the tape is disengaged, the ADAT will take slightly
longer to go into Play or Record as the tape has to engage. This
type of transport operation is identical to the operation of a normal
video tape transport.
The AI-2 will disengage the ADAT tape if it receives an Allstop
command and will engage the tape on receiving any transport
command, including Stop. The ADAT transport will automatically
disengage the tape to minimize wear if no transport activity occurs
after a period of 4 minutes.

8
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION
The AI-2 is a 1 unit high 19" Rack mount device. We recommend
that you install the AI-2 in the same rack or close to the ADAT
transports, permitting connection to the first ADAT transport with a
standard ALESIS 9-pin sync cable. If it is not possible to locate the
AI-2 adjacent to the ADAT, then the sync cable should be kept as
short as possible because the cable carries a high frequency
sample clock signal (48.000 KHz) which will degrade over distance.
The AI-2 rear panel provides connectors for the system timing
reference, controllers, the BRC and the ADAT machine chain.
Hook up the wall mounting power supply and control cables and
power on the AI-2, check that the front panel LCD backlight
illuminates.
2.0 POWER CONNECTION
Power for the AI-2 is provided by a 10 volt AC, 7.5 VA wall
mounting transformer, connect the output from the transformer to
the 2.5 mm jack socket marked POWER. The AI-2 power input
circuitry is designed to accept 9-12V AC. It will also accept a
9-12V DC input voltage of either polarity.
2.1 CONFIGURATION SWITCH
Next to the power connector is an eight position dip switch, which is
used to configure default setups and the AI-2 MIDI IDs.
DS #1 25 Frame initialization default
DS #2 Extended play tape times
DS #3 Defeat power up sequence
DS #4 Enable Setup mode Read Only option
DS #5 Midi device ID#
DS #6 Midi device ID#
DS #7 Reserved
DS #8 Reserved
It is not necessary to alter any of these dip switches now, except
for dip switch one (DS #1), which is used to default the AI-2 for
25 Frame operation after a system ram clear. If you are using the
AI-2 in Europe or will always be working with EBU time code then
we suggest that you set dip switch one ON.

9
2.2 REFERENCE CONNECTION
The AI-2 reference connections are used to connect an external
speed reference. Connectors are provided for time code, word
clock and video signals. These signals are used to control the
speed the ADAT machines will run at when in Play.
2.2A RDR IN
The RDR IN connector is a 1/4" TRS jack. The reader input is
differential with an input impedance >10k ohms and an input range
of -20 to +10 dBm. Connect a Longitudinal Time Code (LTC) feed
to this input when it is required to resolve the speed of the system
to time code or use the AI-2 as a time code chase synchronizer for
the ADATs.
2.2B W/C IN
The W/C IN connector is a female BNC socket. The word clock
input is 5 volt TTL. Connect a word clock reference source to this
input when it is required to resolve the speed of the system to an
external digital sample rate signal (word clock). The AI-2 word
clock input range is greater than the ADAT control range of 40.363-
50.854 KHz. Input signals with a 50% duty cycle are
recommended.
2.2C VID IN
The VID IN connector is a female BNC socket. The video input is
single ended with an input impedance >2k ohms and an input signal
range of 0.5-8.0 Vpp. Connect a video signal to this input when it is
required to resolve the speed of the system to video sync. The
video input will accept properly terminated Black burst, Color bars
or Composite sync. We do not recommend connecting the output
of a video tape transport.
The AI-2 video in connector can also be used as a video output if
the TimeLine Video Sync Generator card (VSG) is fitted inside the
AI-2. The VSG, can be used to generate composite sync at black
level, which is locked to the ADAT system reference. This ability is
extremely useful when a video deck needs to be locked to an ADAT
system and for some reason it is not possible to lock the entire
system to external video sync.

10
2.3 CONTROL CONNECTION
The AI-2 control connections are used to connect an external
controller. Connectors are provided for a video editor or similar
controller, the TimeLine Lynx-2 or Micro Lynx synchronizers, and
MIDI. These inputs are used to control connected ADATs through
the AI-2. The reader input can also be considered a control source
when the AI-2 is operating in time code chase mode.
2.3A EDITOR
The EDITOR connector is a 9-pin D type socket. The editor
connector conforms to the standard RS422 configuration and
operates asynchronously at a standard transmission rate of 38.4
Kbits per second. The editor port communications are Sony serial
protocol. Connect a 9-pin RS422 cable from an editor port to this
socket when it is required to control the AI-2 from a video editor.
The AI-2 emulates the SONY PCM-7030 digital audio tape
recorder, for best results select this device driver in the editor.
2.3B LYNX-2/MICRO LYNX
The LYNX-2/MICRO LYNX connector is a 25-pin D type socket.
The Lynx-2/Micro Lynx connector is an integral synchronizer
connector that contains RS422 communications, time code and a
system frame reference. Connect a TimeLine ADAT interface cable
from the Lynx-2 or Micro Lynx transport connector to this socket
when it is required to synchronize ADATs in a TimeLine machine
control system.
2.3C MIDI IN
The MIDI IN connector is a 5-pin din socket. The MIDI input is used
for MIDI Machine Control (MMC), external MIDI commands to the
AI-2, and feed through commands to the BRC, when connected.
Connect a MIDI cable to this socket when it is required to control
the AI-2 from an external MIDI device or controller.

11
2.3D MIDI OUT
The MIDI OUT connector is a 5-pin din socket. The MIDI output is
used for MIDI Machine Control responses (MMC), AI-2 responses
and BRC responses to external commands, and for MIDI Time
Code (MTC). Connect a MIDI cable to this socket when using an
external MIDI controller that requires MIDI responses.
2.4 BRC CONNECTION
The AI-2 BRC connections are used to connect a BRC to the AI-2.
Connectors are provided for MIDI, time code and word clock.
These signals are used to control the BRC which in turn controls
the connected ADATs.
2.4A MIDI IN
The MIDI IN connector is a 5-pin din socket. Connect a MIDI cable
to this input from the BRC MIDI output. BRC MIDI responses to
AI-2 or external requests are returned via this cable.
2.4B MIDI OUT
The MIDI OUT connector is a 5-pin din socket. Connect a MIDI
cable from this output to the BRC MIDI input. AI-2 or External MIDI
commands are sent to the BRC and ADATs via this cable.
2.4C MIDI THRU
The MIDI THRU connector is a 5-pin din socket. Connect a MIDI
cable to this socket if MIDI output responses from the BRC are
required.
2.4D GEN OUT
The GEN OUT connector is a 1/4" TRS jack. The generator output
is an unbalanced, longitudinal time code feed with a fixed level of
1.0 Vpp. Connect a 1/4" to 1/4" audio jack cable from this output to
the BRC SMPTE IN connector. The BRC uses the AI-2 time code
output as it's time code chase input. When ADATs are controlled
directly by the AI-2 the generator outputs the LTC value for the
current ADAT position.

12
2.4E W/C OUT
The W/C OUT connector is a female BNC socket. The word clock
output is a 5V TTL signal. Connect a BNC to BNC cable from this
output to the BRC 48 KHz input. This connector feeds either
external word clock or the AI-2 sample clock generator output
to the BRC.
2.5 ADAT CONNECTION
The AI-2 ADAT connection is used to connect the AI-2 to the first
ADAT machine, Successive ADATs are connected in turn, sync out
to sync in. This connector is not used when a BRC is configured as
part of the system.
2.5A SYNC OUT
The SYNC OUT connector is a 9-pin D type socket. The sync out
connector is used for direct connection to the ADAT machine chain.
Connect a male 9-pin D type cable from this connector to the sync
in connector on the first ADAT machine. This connector supplies
commands, 48 KHz clock and Alesis ADAT proprietary synchro-
nization control information to the ADAT machines.

13
AI2021A
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
LCD Display AI-2 Control and Setup
Keys Control and Communication
Status LEDs Power Switch
Eight Position
Configuration
Switch
9-12V AC Power
Connector
Reader Input
1/4" TRS Jack
Word Clock Input
BNC Connector Editor 9 Pin
D Connector
Lynx-2/Micro Lynx
Synchronizer
25 Pin D Connector
Video Input
BNC Connector
MIDI In/Out
5 Pin Din Connector BRC MIDI
5 Pin Din Connector Sync Out
9 Pin D Connector
Generator Out
1/4" TRS Jack
Word Clock Out
BNC Connector
MULTIPURPOSE AUDIO/VIDEO
SYNCHRONIZATION INTERFACE
MMCONLINE LTCREFNON STD BRC/ADAT CONTROLLOCKDISPLAY
SETUP
MENU
SAVE
LAST
SET/HOLD
DOWN
ONLINE
NEXT
STORE
UP
POWER
CAPTURE
CLEAR
BY
POWER CONFIG
REFERENCE
W/C INRDR IN VID IN
CONTROL
MANUFACTURED BY
TimeLine Vista, Inc.
MADE IN USA
S/N LYNX-2 / MICRO LYNXEDITOR
MIDI OUTIN
BRC
MIDI OUTIN THRU GEN OUT W/C OUT SYNC OUT
ADAT
ALESIS CORPORATION, LOSANGELES
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVERS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OFTHE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECTTO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE
HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUSTACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPTERATIONS.

14
CHAPTER 3: APPLICATIONS
3.0 AI-2 INTERFACING
The AI-2 is designed to quickly and effectively integrate the Alesis
ADAT digital audio tape recorders into studio and post production
facilities. The AI-2 can be used for a wide range of applications, from
basic chase synchronization to full control of 16 ADAT transports
from a video editor. The first diagram shows a generic configuration,
indicating a number of possible applications.
AI2019A
–10 dBV ANALOG INPUTS +4 dBu ANALOG OPTICAL
DIGITAL
INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
–10 dBV ANALOG OUTPUTS
SYNC METER BRIDGEFOOTSWITCHES
OUTINLOCATE/PLAY
LRC REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT
POWER REQUIREMENTS
90-260 VAC
50-60 Hz
50 WATTSMAX
12345678
12345678
Sync Out Sync In
MASTER ADAT SLAVE ADAT
–10 dBV ANALOG INPUTS +4 dBu ANALOG OPTICAL
DIGITAL
INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
–10 dBV ANALOG OUTPUTS
SYNC METER BRIDGEFOOTSWITCHES
OUTINLOCATE/PLAY
LRC REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT
POWER REQUIREMENTS
90-260 VAC
50-60 Hz
50 WATTSMAX
12345678
12345678
ALESIS AI-2
Sync In Sync Out
V
IDEO
R
EFERENCE
AUDIO OR VIDEO
TRANSPORT
EXT WORD
CLOCK
FILM VITC 25
DF
30
24
OFFSET
SYNC PT
RDR
ERR
GEN
RESOLVE
LOCK
REH
REC
24
25
DF
30
SER
VITC
PILOT
LTC
TRANSPORT
VSO
GEN
ONLINE
N/STD
TACH
JAM UB
JAM TC
TACH
MAINS
INT
RDR
AUX
VID
GENERATOR
29.97
422
SPEED
HMLRMT BWL VARI
ON
TIMELINE SYNCHRONIZER
VIDEO EDITOR ALESIS BRC
MIDI COMPUTER
MIDI
MIDITime Code
Chase
Control
REFERENCE
W/C INRDR IN VID IN
CONTROL
LYNX-2 / MICRO LYNX
MIDI OUTIN
BRC
MIDI
OUTIN THRU GEN OUT W/C OUT SYNC OUT
ADAT
POWER CONFIG
EDITOR
PUNCH IN/OUT LOCATE/PLAY SMPTE IN SMPTE OUT 48kHz IN VIDEO SYNC IN MIDI IN MIDI OUT REMOTE OUT TO ADAT 90-250 VAC50-60 Hz POWER ON/OFF48 kHz OUT
I
O
S/N
AI-2 APPLICATIONS
Time
CodeWord
Clock
Optional-See Section 3.2
When using BRC with AI-
2,
Sync connection is from
BRC to ADATs
MANUFACTURED BY TimeLine Vista, Inc. MADE IN USA
ALESIS CORPORATION, LOS ANGELES
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOTREMOVE COVERS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OFTHE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAYNOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2)THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THATMAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPTERATIONS.

15
3.1 INTERFACING TO ONE OR MORE ADAT'S
The AI-2 is used to connect one or more ADATs to a control
system. The basic ADAT connection is shown here. When the AI-2
is powered on it takes control of the ADAT chain and automatically
assigns machine IDs to the connected ADATs. Although by itself
the AI-2 cannot control the ADAT chain, if a reference source is
connected to the AI-2, when the ADAT transports are put into play
locally, the speed of the transports will be resolved to the selected
reference by the AI-2.
Connect a standard Alesis ADAT interconnect cable between the
AI-2 9-pin SYNC OUT connector and the SYNC IN connector of the
"master", or first, ADAT. Connect additional ADATs, SYNC OUT to
SYNC IN as described in the ADAT reference manual.
AI2007A
–10 dBV ANALOG INPUTS +4 dBu ANALOG OPTICAL
DIGITAL
INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
–10 dBV ANALOG OUTPUTS
SYNC METER BRIDGEFOOTSWITCHES
OUTINLOCATE/PLAY
LRC REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT
POWER REQUIREMENTS
90-260 VAC
50-60 Hz
50 WATTSMAX
12345678
12345678
Sync Out Sync In
MASTER ADAT SLAVE ADAT
–10 dBV ANALOG INPUTS +4 dBu ANALOG OPTICAL
DIGITAL
INPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
–10 dBV ANALOG OUTPUTS
SYNC METER BRIDGEFOOTSWITCHES
OUTINLOCATE/PLAY
LRC REMOTE PUNCH IN/OUT
POWER REQUIREMENTS
90-260 VAC
50-60 Hz
50 WATTSMAX
12345678
12345678
ALESIS AI-2
CONTROLLING ONE OR MORE ADAT'S (BASIC INTERFACE)
Sync In Sync Out
REFERENCE
W/C INRDR IN VID IN
CONTROL
LYNX-2 / MICRO LYNX
MIDI OUTIN
BRC
MIDI
OUTIN THRU GEN OUT W/C OUT SYNC OUT
ADAT
POWER CONFIG
EDITOR
S/N
MANUFACTURED BY TimeLine Vista, Inc. MADE IN USA
ALESIS CORPORATION, LOS ANGELES
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOTREMOVE COVERS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OFTHE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAYNOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2)THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THATMAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPTERATIONS.
When all the connections have been made, and the units powered
on, the BRC/ADAT LED on the front panel of the AI-2 should be
illuminated, to indicate that valid communication is occurring
between the AI-2 and the ADAT units. If the LED does not light (no
communications) or is flashing (communication taking place, but
with errors) then recheck the cable connections.