Alesis adat AI4 User manual

Reference Manual

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Table Of Contents
Introduction ........................................................3
Welcome!................................................................................3
About the ADAT AI4 ...................................................... 4
Important Features of your AI4.............................................4
How to Use This Manual .............................................. 6
Important Safety Instructions ........................7
Important Safety Instructions (English).................. 7
Safety symbols used in this product .....................................7
Please follow these precautions when using this product:..7
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes
(French)............................................................................ 9
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit.........................................9
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l'utilisation de
l'appareil:................................................................................9
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende
Sicherheitshinweise (German) ................................... 11
Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt...............11
Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses
Produkt verwendet wird:.......................................................11
CE Declaration Of Conformity ................................... 13
FCC Compliance Statement ........................................ 13
Getting Started ...................................................15
Unpacking and Inspection ....................................................15
Mounting the AI4 ...................................................................15
AC Power Hookup.................................................................15
Line Conditioners and Protectors ..........................................16
Signal Connections ............................................17
AES/EBU Connections ...........................................................18
ADAT Optical Connections....................................................18
Word Clock Input...................................................................18
A Word About Digital Clocks ................................................19
Operation .............................................................21
Selecting the AES/EBU Clock Source....................................21
Selecting the ADAT Optical Clock Source ............................22
Applications.........................................................23
Using an AES/EBU-equipped Digital Mixer with an
HD24 ......................................................................................24
Using a Word Clock Generator .............................................26
Using the Alesis MasterLink as a High-resolution
Analog/Digital Converter with the ADAT HD24 .................27
Using an Optical Digital Soundcard with a Digital Mixer
and an Alesis MasterLink, Synced to Word Clock ................27
Troubleshooting .................................................29
Troubleshooting Index ..........................................................29
1

Table Of Contents
Specifications......................................................31
Inputs .....................................................................................31
Outputs...................................................................................31
Resolution...............................................................................31
Mechanical .............................................................................31
Warranty/Contact Alesis ...................................33
Alesis Limited Warranty .........................................................33
Alesis Contact Information ....................................................33
2

Introduction
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis ADAT AI4™ a part of your studio.
Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio
community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results
that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis'
goals is to make high-quality studio equipment available to everyone, and
this Reference Manual is an important part of that. After all, there's no
point in making equipment with all kinds of capabilities if no one
explains how to use them. So, we try to write our manuals as carefully as
we build our products.
The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as quickly
as possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we've achieved that. If
not, please drop us an email and give us your suggestions on how we
could improve future editions of this manual.
We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative
enjoyment and help you achieve your goals.
Sincerely,
The people of Alesis
3

Introduction
About the ADAT AI4
Anyone who's ever tried to interconnect of digital gear will tell you that
digital connections aren't as simple as plugging two jacks together. Like
people speaking different languages, various digital formats cannot talk to
one another without some form of translation. The AI4 can convert up
to eight channels of AES/EBU format signal to Alesis ADAT Optical
format (and vice versa). Because these are two of the most popular
formats in digital audio, the AI4 will let you interface a wide range of
gear.
Important Features of your AI4
Sample Rates of up to 96kHz
In case you haven't noticed, sample rates are like the price of baseball
tickets—they keep going higher. This is good news if your main interest
is sound quality (and bad news if you like to sit behind the first base
dugout). The AI4 can keep up with the emerging professional standard
of 96 kHz, while maintaining compatibility with the still popular rates of
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz—and everything in between.
AES/EBU Ins and Outs
The AI4 sports four XLR AES/EBU inputs and four XLR AES/EBU
outputs; each carries a stereo signal. You can transmit/receive up to eight
simultaneous channels at any sample rate between 44.1 kHz and 96 kHz.
Optical Interface
The ADAT optical interface includes a pair of TOSLINK-style
transmitters and two TOSLINK-style receivers. By dividing the
connections into pairs, we're able to support eight channels of 24-bit
audio at sample rates of up to 96 kHz.
BNC Word Clock Input
The AI4 can sync up to a wide range of professional digital gear via
industry standard Word Clock input. The AI4 can accept Word Clock of
any frequency between 23kHz and 105kHz.
Independent Clocking Capabilities
The AI4's AES-to-Optical and Optical-to-AES data paths have
independent clocking capabilities. This allows the AI4 to act as two
independent interfaces in one unit, routing separate and asynchronous
signals through each data stream.
Front Panel Clock Selection
The AI4 gives you front panel access to clock selection. Front panel
LEDs indicate the current clock source, eliminating any confusion as to
which devices are clock master and slaves in your studio.
4

Introduction
AES-to-Optical
The AI4's AES-to-Optical section lets you choose either word clock or
any of the four AES inputs as clock master. Use the front panel buttons
to toggle among the clock source options. Corresponding LEDs illustrate
the current clock source and sample rate.
Optical-to-AES
The AI4's Optical-to-AES section lets you choose either Optical input or
the word clock input as clock master. As with the AES-to-Optical, front
panel buttons let you select the clock source, and LEDs keep you
informed about clock source and current sample rate.
Simple User Interface
Although it's built for professional use, the AI4's main mission is to
simplify your life. Its straightforward user interface is designed to keep
you working without having to dip into this manual very often.
AI4 Key Features
• 8 Channels of AES/EBU to ADAT Optical format conversion
• 8 Channels of ADAT Optical to AES/EBU format conversion
• Separate clocking for each format conversion
• Support for nominal sample rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz
• BNC word clock input
• Simple user interface
• Internal Switching Power Supply supporting voltages ranging
from 100-230V at 50/60 Hz
• Standard 1-U Rack Mount Design
• Front panel input and clock source selection
5

Introduction
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various
functions and applications for the AI4. While it's always good idea to
read through the entire manual once carefully, if you have a general
knowledge of digital interfaces, feel free to jump to the table of contents
and zone in on the features you need.
H
elpful tips and advice are highlighted in
a shaded box like this
Chapter 1: Getting Started. Takes you through unpacking, inspecting, and
mounting your AI4
Chapter 2: Connections. Details all the connections on your AI4
Chapter 3: Operations. Details each light and button on the AI4's front
panel
Chapter 4: Applications. Shows you how to use the AI4 in your studio
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting. Problems and solutions, service information,
and specifications.
When something important appears in the
manual, an exclamation mark (like the
one shown at left) will appear with some
explanatory text. This symbol indicates
that this information is vital when
o
p
eratin
g
the AI4.
6

Important Safety
Instructions
Important Safety Instructions (English)
Safety symbols used in this product
This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating
and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the
unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain
voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
Please follow these precautions when using
this product:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto
the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a
dangerous condition.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Continued next page
7

Important Safety Instructions
12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with
professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make
sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the
apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-
over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as
when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a well-
ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from peripheral
equipment.
16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or
speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time
at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you
experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should
consult an audiologist.
17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place
objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans, coffee cups)
on the apparatus.
18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
8