Alesis ADAT RMB User manual

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TETER BRIDGC
ReferenceManual

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ReferenceManual
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1993AlesisCorooration

'.ABLE OF GONIENJS
CHAPPJEP.
I t INIP,ODUGIION
1.0ABOUTTHERMB........... ..............1
1.1 ABOUTTTTTSMANUAL..................... ..........,.....2
1.2 OVERVIEWOF MAIN FI.JNCTIONS
2.3 MOUNTING TO THE BRC
CHAPPIEP,3c BAEIG OPERAIION
3.0 POWERING-UP

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CHAPJER l s ftttRODUCJtOrt
I.O ABOUI rHE F/NB
Congratulations!You,vejust purchasedan invaluable addition
to the BRC/ADAT system.
The RMB Remote
Meter Bridge is
designed_to_give
you instant level information by providing 15_
se€ment
LED bargraphmeters
for up to gZ
aOaf tracks.
In-
addition, LED indicatorsareprovided for displaying therecord
and input status
of each
track.Th" \MB is plrfect ior mounting
atop the BRC
MasterRemote
Control, or ini standard 19"
equipmentrack,or it canbe installed above
your mixing console.
Here aresome
of the features
theRMB will provide yori:
o 32channelmeterUri{gc. 15-segment
LED bargraphmeters
kq:p you informed of the leveli for up to gZtiacis (a
ADATs). Themeters
havetwo decay
ipeeds,fastand slow,
which control the time it takes
for ihe level indicators to fall
backdown when audio is no longerpresent
or thetape
transportis stopped.
Selectable
peak mode.Each
time atrack,s
levelreaches
anew
peak,the corresponding
LED on the RMB will either remain
lit momentarily,or continuouslp or not at all, depending on
themode you select
from the front panel.All peakLEDsian
beinstantly cleared
from thedisplai with thepress
of asingle
button.
ADAT interaction. Not only does
theRMB display thelevels
of each
ADAT track,it alsoadjusts
each
ADAT,i bargraph
display to matchthe RMB,sconfiguration.If you sel6ct'
Momentary Peak
Mode,theADAIs will alsobesetto the
same
mode automatically.When you clearthe peak LEDson
theRMB,thepeaks
in theADATJ displaysareilso cleared.
Easyhookup and operation. TheRMB caneitherbemounted
atop the BRC,
or rack-mountedin a standard 19,'
equipment
rack. Four dual male, 9-pin D connector cablesare ..ied to
link the RMB with up to four ADATs.
Voltage-tolerant power supply. TheRMB accepts
any AC
voltage between 90and 250volts.

I.I ABOUI IHT9 MANUAL
This manual is designed to give you a basic overview of the
RMB's sehrp and operation. For more information on digital
recording, seeAppendix 1 in the ADAT manual. Appendix 2 in
the ADAT manual is a glossary
of digital recordingterms that
may be helpful as you read this manual.
In this manual, buttons and LEDs are spelled with all capital
letters (suchasDECAY SPEED
LEDsor PEAK CLEAR button).
1.2 OYERY'EW OF '',A'N }UNCJIONS
Here is a brief rundown of the RMB's main functions:
1.2A BargraphMeters
Levels for 32ADAT tracks aredisplayed using lFsegment I.ED
bargraphindicators,rangingfrom -50to 0 dB.Beloweach
bargraph indicator aretwo additional LEDs, used to indicate each
track's record and input status.
For information about setting levels, refer to section 3.3in the
ADAT ReferenceManual.
1.2BDecay Speeds
The RMB has two speeds(fast or slow) to control the rate at
which eadr track's level indicator will fall back down when
audio is no longer present/ or the tape transport is stopped.
1.2C Peak Modes
The RMB uses
threedifferent peak modes:Momentary,
Continuous and Off. When a track's level reachesits peak, the
corresponding LED will either remain lit for a moment, or
remain lit continuously (until the PEAK CLEAR button is
pressed),or will not remain lit if the PeakMode is turned off.

CHAPIER 2s HOOKUP
2.O POWER
The RMB works with any AC voltage from 90to 250volts, 50 to
60 Hz. This eliminates the need for transformers or voltage
switches. The RMB comeswith a line cord for the destination to
whidr the RMB is shipped.
The RMB's IEC-specAC cord (do not substitute any other AC
cord) is designed for connection to an outlet that includes three
pins, with the third pin connected to ground. The ground
connection
is an important safetyfeaturedesignedto keepthe
chassisof electronicdevices
suchas the ADAT, BRC,AI-1 and
RMB at ground potential.Unfortunately, the presence
of a third
ground pin doesnot alwaysindicatethat anoutlet is properly
grounded.Usean AC line testerto determinethis. If the outlet is
not grounded, consult with a licensed
electrician.When AC
currents are suspectedof being highly unstable in voltage and
frequencp a professional power conditioner should be used.
2.1 coturuEc',oil to ADAIfst
TheRMB comeswith a snakewith four male,9-pin D
connectorsat eachend (labeled 1-4), which is used to connect the
RMB to up to four ADATs. Theend of the snake
fannedout into
short cablesshould connect
to the RMB,and the end with longer
cablesshould connect
to the ADATs. If the installation requires
a cable longer than that supplied,usehigh-quality shielded
cables
wired pin-to-pin. Lengthsof 100feetor moremay be
acceptable,
depending upon the quality of the cablesand
connectors
used.TheADATs areconnected
to the corresponding
connectorson the back of the RMB, with respect to the tracks
eadr ADAT is being used for (seefigure 1).Theseconnections
canbemadewhile thepower is on.
To connect the RMB to a four-ADAT system:
1. Connect one end of the cablelabeled "1" to the Meter Bridge
Out connector
of thefirst ADAT (tracks1-€), and connectthe
other end to the Tracks1-8 connectoron the RMB. Pusheach
connector
firmly into its socket,then tighten both screws;

2. Connect one end of the cablelabeled 'Z' to the Meter Bridge
Out connector of the secondADAT (tracks 9-15), and connect
the other end to the Tracks 9-15 connector on the RMB;
3. Connect one end of the cablelabeled "3" to the Meter Bridge
Out connector of the third ADAT (tracks 17-24), and connect
the other end to the Tracks 17-24 connector on the RMB;
4. Connect one end of the cablelabeled '(' to the Meter Bridge
Out connector of the fourth ADAT (tracks 25-32), and
connect the other end to the Tracks 2ts32 connector on the
RMB.
Figure 1
f_____-l-_ir-__5
IIr-rll
---------------- Sy c
+ MeterBridge
t
q
t
a
-4

2.2 R,AGK-MOUNTINE
The two end blocks on either end of the RMB may be removed,
if you wish to rack-mount the unit using the rack earsinduded
with the RMB. The figure below indicates the rack ears' locations
and the screwsthat mount the end blocks.
Fizure 2
2.3 INOUNJ|/NE JO THE BRC
gUseONLYthe
1"hexscrews
t toattachtheendblocks
NOTE: Unlike the BRC, the RMB end blocks will not fit over the rack ears. Depending
on your installation neds, one or the other will be attached to the RMB.
T
, UseONLYthe5/15"phillips
I sc?ewstoattach
therackear!
The RMB includesa mounting bracketfor attachingto the top of
the BRCMaster Remote Control. The figures below illustrate
how the mounting bracket may be attached to either side of the
BRC,
and to the bottom of the RMB.
1. Turn the RMB upside down, its front facing you, and remove
the threescrews
in the middle of the RMB.

Placethe attachment bar on the bottom of the RMB, with its
arms extending towards you. Fastenthe attachment bar to
the RMB using the three soews rernoved in step L and the
washers provided.
Match up the two holes in the side of the attachment bar with
the threaded holes in the side of the RMB. Attach the
RMB/bar assembly
to theBRCby insertingonescrewand
washer on each side, through the front hole. Tighten these
two screwssecurelv.
IMPORTANTi MAKE SURE
THESE
SCREWSARE THE 5/16"
SCREWSINCLUDED WITI{ THE RMB PACKAGE, NOT
THE LONGER SCREWSINCLUDED WTTFITHE BRCAND
INTENDED FORUSEWITH THE ROLL-AROTINDSTAND.
NOTE; If your BRCis attached
to a stand,
skip to step5. If your
BRCis tablestanding,moveon to step4.

4. Placethe back legs againstthe side of the BRCasshown,
lining up the holes in the legs with the hole in the
attachmentbar and the threadedhole in the BRC.
Insertoneof the remaining two screwswith washers
into the
secondhole and tighten securely. Repeatfor the other side of
the BRC.

GHAPIER 3g BASI9
OPER.A7|ON
3.O POWERIN@-UP
Normally, theRMB does
not needto be powered up in any order
with respect to the ADATs and the BRC
for it to work properly.
The power switch may be found on the left side of the back of the
RMB.
When the RMB is powered up, a welcomemessage
is displayed
in thebargraphindicatorswith the "Alesis" companylogo. This
message
disappearsafter abrief moment.At this point, the RMB
recallsthe most recentmodeof operation (theIastmode before
power down). Themodeis indicatedby the LEDson the left side
of the front panel, above the control buttons. Thesebuttons are
usedto change
the operatingmode.The DECAYSPEEDand
PEAK MODE buttons definethe possibleuses
of theRMB.
3.1 DECAY
SPEED
The DECAY SPEEDbutton is usedto toggle between the two
decayspeeds
(FAST
or SLOW)which thebargraphindicators
will use. Thecurrently selectedDecay
Speedis indicatedby the
two LEDslocated
directly above
theDECAYSPEED
button. Only
oneof the speeds may be selectedat a time. If the DecaySpeedis
setto SLOW,pressing
theDECAYSPEEDbutton will selectthe
FASTsetting.If the Decay
Speed
is setto FAST,pressing
the
DECAY SPEED
button will selectthe SLOW setting.
The RMB will automatically adjust the connectedADATs'
displaysto matchthe currently selectedDecay
Speedsetting.
3.2 PEAK ITODE
The PEAK MODE button is used to rycle through the three Peak
Modes:Momentary, Continuousor Off. Only one of the modes
may beselectedat a time.Each
time the PEAK MODE button is
pressed,
the PeakMode will advancethrough thesethreemodes.

The PEAK MODE LEDs,located directly abovethe PEAK MODE
button, indicate the currently selected
mode.
Here are descriptions of the three PeakModes:
o Momentary: Eachtrack'speakLED indicator will remain lit
for about two seconds.
TheMOMENTARY LED will be lit to
indicatethis modehasbeenselected.
. Continuous: Each
track'speakLED indicator will remain lit
continuously, until the PEAK CLEAR button is pressed,or
thePEAK MODE is changed.TheCONTINUOUS LED will be
lit to indicatethis mode hasbeenselected.
. Off: No peakindicatorswill appearon any tracks.
Boththe
MOMENTARY and CONTINUOUS LEDs will be off to
indicate neither of these modeshasbeenselected.
The RMB will automatically adjust the connected
ADATs'
displaysto match thecurrently selected
PeakMode setting.
3.3 PEAK GLEAN.
ThePEAK CLEARbutton is usedto removeany trackpeakLED
indicators which remain lit while Continuous PeakMode is
selected.
This button will haveno effect if thePeakMode is setto
Momentary or Off.
The RMB will automatically clearthe connected
ADATs'
bargraphdisplayswhenevertheRMB'sPEAK CLEAR button is
pressed.

CTIAPTER4s APPENDTCES
4.O APPENDTXlc SPECIIIGAITONS
Number of Track Indicators:
Front PanelControls and
Indicators:
RearPanelControls and
Connectors:
Power Requirements:
Dimensions(HxWxD):
Weight:
Shipping Weight:
AccessoriesInduded:
Optional Accessories:
32
32 drannels of 1S-segment LED
bargraph indicators; 32pairs of
LED indicators for track record/
input status;Pushbuttonsfor
DecaySpeed,PeakMode and
PeakClea4 LED indicators for
DecaySpeed(Fast, Slow) and
PeakMode (Momentary,
Continuous).
Four 9 pin D-Sub connectorsfor
ADAT; AC power switch; IEC-
specAC cord connector.
90-250VAC, 5(H0 FIz,50W
max.
3-l/2" x79"x3-7/2"
(2Rack
Spaces)
4lbs(1.9 kg)
11
bs (a.9
kg)
IECstyle AC power cord
Owne/s Manual
30'snakeof four 9 pin D-
connectors
BRCmounting bracket,screws/
rack earsand two support legs
AI-1 Digital Interface and
Sample Rate Converter
BRCMaster RemoteControl
10

4.1 APPENDIX
2:
TUATNITENANGE/SERYTGE
TNFOR.TUATION
4.1A Cleaning
Disconnect the AC cord, then usea damp cloth to dean the
RMB's metal and plastic surfaces.Do not use solvents or harsh
abrasives
that mav harm the surfaces.
4.18 Maintenance
Here are sometips for preventive maintenance:
o Periodically checkthe AC cord for signsof fraying or damage.
o Unplug the RMB when not in usefor extendedperiods of
time.
4.1C Servicing
DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRSYOURSELF.THERE ARE NO
USERSERVICEABLEPARTSINSIDE THE RMB. Refer all
servicing to Alesis. YOU MUST FIRSTCONTACT ALESIS TO
OBTAIN A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER BEFORE
THE UNIT ISREruRNED TO ALESIS.
11

,NSIRUGI/,ONS JO f']E USEN,
This equipment hasbeentestedand found to comply with the limits for adassB
digital device, pursuantto Part15of theFCCRules.These
limits aredesigned
to
provide reasonableprotection againstharmful interferencein aresidential
installation. This equipment generates,uses
and canradiate radio frequency
energyand,if not installed
andusedinaccordance
with theinstructions,
may
causeharmful interference
toradiocommunications.
However,there isno
guaranteethat interferencewill not occur in aparticular installation. If this
equipment doescauseharmful interferenceto radio or television reception,
which canbedetermined
by turning theequipment
off ando& theuseris
encouragedto try to correcttheinterferenceby oneor more of the following
measures:
o Reorient
or relocate
thereceiving antenna.
. Increase
theseparation
betweentheequipment
andreceiver.
o Connecttheequipmentinto anoutleton acircuit
different from that to which thereceiveris
connected.
. Consultthedealer
or anexperiencedradio/TV
technicianfor help.
Thisequipmenthasbeen
verified to complywith thelimits for aclass
B
computingdevice,pursuanttoFCCRules.In ordertomaintaincompliance
with FCC
regulations,shielded
cables
mustbeused
with thisequipment.
Operation
with non-approved
equipment
or unshielded cablesislikely to result
in interference
to radioandTV reception.
Theuseriscautioned
thatchanges
and modifications madeto the equipment without the approval of manufacturer
couldvoid theuser'sauthority tooperate
thisequipment.

ALESIS L'MIIED u'.AN.R.ANJY
ALESIS
CORPORATION
("ALESIS"I
worronlsthis
product
firbe free
ofdefects
inmoteriol
ondworkmonshipforoperiodofI yeorfromtheddteof
originol
retoil
purchose.This
worronvisenforceobleonlybytheoriqinolretoil
purchoser.
To
be
protected
bythis
w'orronty,
the-purchoser
mustcompleteondreturnthe enclosed
worronfy
cord
wifiin l4 doys
ofpurchose.
Duringlhe
worronV
period
ALESISsholl,otitssoleondobsoluteoption,eilher
repoir
or
r.eploce
FreeofchorgJonyproductthotprovestobedefectiveoninspection byALESISor its
outhorizedservicereoresenlolive.
To
obtoin
worron! service,lhe
purchoser
must
first
collorwrifeALESIS otthe oddress
ond
telephonenumber
prinied
belowtoobtoino ReturnAufhorizotionNumber ond
instructionsconcerninq
where
loreturntheunit
for
service.
Allinquiriesmuslbe
occomponiedbyodeicriptionofthe
problem.
,All
outhorized
rehrrnsmustbesenl
to
ALESIS
oronouthorizedALESISrepoirfocility
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Proof
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ANYIMPLIEDWARMNTIES,INCLUDINGIMPLIEDWARRANTIESOF
MERCHANTABILIW
AND FITNESS
FORA PARTICUIARPURPOSE,ARELIMITEDIN DURATION
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THISLIMITEDWARRANTY.Somestotesdonot ollow
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OFANY EXPRESSORIMPLIED
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TOPROPERryDAMAGEBASEDON
INCONVENIENCEORON LOSS OFUSEOF
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PERMITTEDBYLAWDAMAGESFORPERSONAL
INJURY.
Some
slotesdonotollow
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exclusionor limitotion of incidentolorconsequentioldomoges,so
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Printed
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A299
7.51n072