DIGIDESIGN, AVID and PRO TOOLS are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology,
Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
All features and specifications subject to change without
notice.
PN 932707969-00 REV A 08/00
Communications & Safety Regulation Information
Compliance Statement
The model ADAT Bridge I/O complies with the following
standards regulating interference and EMC:
• FCC Part 15 Class A
• EN55103 – 1, environment E4
• EN55103 – 2, environment E4
• AS/NZS 3548 Class A
• CISPR 22 Class A
Radio and Television Interference
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
Communications Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device. Changes or modifications to this product
not authorized by Digidesign, Inc., could void the Certification
and negate your authority to operate the product. This product
was tested for CISPR compliance under conditions that
included the use of peripheral devices and shielded cables and
connectors between system components. Digidesign
recommends the use of shielded cables and connectors
between system components to reduce the possibility of
causing interference to radios, television sets, and other
electronic devices.
Safety Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and
Canadian safety certification in accordance with the
specifications of UL Standards; UL813 and Canadian CSA
standard; CSA C22.2 No.1-M90. Digidesign Inc., has been
authorized to apply the appropriate UL & CUL mark on its
compliant equipment.
Important Safety Instructions
When using electric or electronic equipment, basic precautions
should always be followed, including the following:
• Read all instructions before using this equipment.
• To avoid the risk of shock, keep this equipment away from
rain water, and other moisture. Do not use this equipment
if it is wet.
• The equipment should only be connected to the correct
rating power supply as indicated on the product.
• Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to
authorized Digidesign personnel.
• Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a
risk of electric shock, and will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
• The product should be connected only to the correct power
supply as indicated on the product.
contents
Chapter 1. Introducing the 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O
About This Guide
System Requirements
Chapter 2. Connecting Your Studio
About 8-Channel Groups
Primary Connections (Bridge I/O to Pro Tools and ADAT)
Synchronization Connections
Chapter 3. Using Your System
Powering Up Your System
Basic Settings
Transferring Audio Between ADAT and Pro Tools (Unsynchronized)
Recording Tracks from Pro Tools to ADAT (Unsynchronized)
Configuring Sync
Transferring Audio Between ADAT and Pro Tools (Synchronized)
The Digidesign ADAT Bridge I/O combines
the power and flexibility of Pro Tools™
disk-based digital audio production system
with the convenience and affordability of
Alesis ADAT®, ADAT-compatible modular
digital multitracks (MDMs), and ADAT optical interface-equipped digital mixing
consoles.
The ADAT Bridge I/O can be used with either the Macintosh or Windows version of
Pro Tools TDM. See “System Requirements” on page 3 for supported platforms
and hardware.
ADAT Bridge I/O Features
• 16 discrete channels of digital input and
output for transferring digital audio between Pro Tools and ADAT optical interface-equipped devices.
• 2-channel 24-bit D/A converters for superior analog monitoring.
• S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital inputs and
outputs.
• Slave Clock input and output, and Word
Clock output for synchronizing and resolving your Pro Tools/ADAT system to
an external synchronization source using Digidesign or third-party synchronization peripherals.
• Up to five ADAT Bridge I/Os can be used
with Pro Tools for a maximum of 72
channels of I/O.
• The ADAT Bridge 24 I/O allows you to
use an ADAT-compatible device as an audio interface for Pro Tools by using its
A/D and D/A converters.
Capabilities
Each ADAT Bridge I/O Interface allows you
to digitally transfer up to 16 tracks/channels simultaneously from ADAT into Pro
Tools for:
• Non-linear editing
• Plug-In effects processing
• Digital mixing with automation
Each ADAT Bridge I/O allows you to Digitally transfer up to 16 tracks/channels simultaneously from Pro Tools to ADAT to:
• Replace original tracks with edited tracks
• Transfer Pro Tools tracks to another
Pro Tools/ADAT system on affordable
S-VHS tape media
• Back up Pro Tools tracks on S-VHS tape
Chapter 1: Introducing the 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O
1
With an optional synchronization peripheral, you can use the ADAT Bridge I/O to:
• Perform synchronized recording and
playback.
• Combine tape-based tracks and MIDI instruments in the Pro Tools TDM environment for mix automation and effects
processing.
The ADAT Bridge allows you to interface
with digital mixing consoles equipped with
ADAT lightpipe connections (using the
ADAT Optical standard at up to 24-bit resolution).
The ADAT Bridge I/O can also be used as a
standalone digital converter (S/PDIF or
AES/EBU-to-ADAT optical). This capability
allows you to digitally transfer audio from
DAT or CD to ADAT without having to
power on your computer or launch
Pro Tools.
About This Guide
ADAT and ADAT-Compatible
Devices
The term “ADAT” describes any ADAT-optical interface equipped device. This includes ADAT-compatible modular digital
multitrack recorders (MDMs), sound cards,
A/D or D/A converters, and digital consoles
that are equipped with an ADAT optical interface.
Conventions Used in This Guide
Digidesign guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key
commands:
ConventionAction
File > Save SessionChoose Save Session
from the File menu
Control+NHold down the Control
N
key and press the
Option-clickHold down the Option
key and click the mouse
button
key
This guide explains everything you need to
know in order to successfully use your
Digidesign ADAT Bridge I/O with Pro Tools
and ADAT-compatible devices.
To get the most out of your hardware, you
should have a basic working knowledge of
your ADAT or ADAT-compatible device,
and know how to format tapes, how to
record and play back audio, and other common ADAT functions.
ADAT Bridge I/O
2
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
✽
User Tips
most from your system.
▲
Important Notices
could affect your session data or the performance of your system.
☞
Cross References
in other Digidesign Guides.
are helpful hints for getting the
include information that
point to related sections
System Requirements
The Digidesign ADAT Bridge I/O requires:
• A Pro Tools 24 MIX or MIXplus,
Pro Tools 24 or Pro Tools III system, on
an appropriate Mac OS or Windows NT
CPU.
• Version 4.3 or higher of the Pro Tools
software
and the DigiSystem INIT.
• An external mixing console and monitoring system (amplifier, speakers, headphones, etc.).
• One or more ADAT or ADAT-compatible
devices.
ADAT Firmware Requirements
To use your ADAT with the ADAT Bridge
I/O, it must have the following firmware
version. If you are not sure of the firmware
version of your ADAT or ADAT-compatible
recorder, please contact the manufacturer
or your professional audio dealer.
• The original ADAT should be equipped
with firmware version 4.03 or higher.
• The ADAT XT should be equipped with
firmware version 1.04 or higher.
• The ADAT M20 should be equipped with
firmware version 1.0 or higher.
• The ADAT XT20 should be equipped
with firmware version 2.0 or higher.
• The ADAT LX20 should be equipped
with firmware version 2.0 or higher.
and associated versions of DAE
Chapter 1: Introducing the 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O
3
ADAT Bridge I/O
4
chapter 2
Connecting Your Studio
This chapter covers connecting the 24-bit
ADAT Bridge I/O to your Pro Tools system
and to an ADAT-compatible device. There
are two types of connections that can be
made:
Primary System Connections
(all systems)
Connecting the ADAT Bridge I/O to
◆
ADAT or ADAT-compatible devices.
Connecting the ADAT Bridge I/O to the
◆
Pro Tools system.
Synchronization Connections
(optional)
This section includes instructions for making synchronization connections.
Before You Begin
• Make sure your Pro Tools system is properly installed.
• Turn off your computer, hardware interfaces, and ADATs. Making connections
while power is on can damage your system.
These cables are provided with your
ADAT Bridge I/O:
• One (1) AC power cable
• One (1) 60-pin to 50-pin interface cable
• Two (2) ADAT optical cables
• One (1) BNC slave clock cable
The optical cables included with your
ADAT Bridge I/O are 2 feet in length. Optical cables of up to 30 feet can be used with
your system as long as they are high-quality, Alesis-approved cables.
Optical cable
Cables included with ADAT Bridge I/O
The enclosed BNC cable is the suggested
maximum length for Word Clock connections to the ADAT Bridge. It is possible to
utilize longer BNC cables, but doing so can
introduce clock problems that will result in
clicks, pops and other digital noise on
channel 1 of your system.
BNC cable60-pin to 50-pin
interface cable
Chapter 2: Connecting Your Studio
5
About 8-Channel Groups
The ADAT Bridge I/O provides 16 channels
of ADAT digital I/O, split into two separate
8-channel groups.
Inputs and outputs from these groups are
assigned in Pro Tools as A1– A8 (for the inputs and outputs on Group A), and B1–B8
(for the inputs and outputs on Group B).
ADAT Bridge I/O
6
ADAT Bridge I/O Front Panel
12345
Figure 1. ADAT Bridge I/O front panel
1. Power Switch
This switch applies power to the Digidesign
ADAT Bridge I/O. The “I” position is on.
The “O” position is off.
2. Sync Mode LEDs
These LEDs indicate which master sample
clock reference is currently being used by
the ADAT Bridge I/O. The ADAT Bridge
I/O’s 16 inputs and outputs are divided
into 2 discrete groups: Group A (channels
1–8) and Group B (channels 9–16).
Internal
When lit, this LED indicates that the ADAT
Bridge I/O sample clock reference is its own
internal clock. The internal clock frequency is determined by the Sample Rate
setting in the Pro Tools Hardware dialog or
Session Setup window. Internal sync mode
is used whenever the ADAT Bridge I/O’s
sample rate clock is not being determined
by an external source such as an ADAT,
DAT machine, or synchronization peripheral.
ADAT
When continuously lit, the ADAT Bridge
I/O sample rate is being slaved to an ADAT
(the ADAT Bridge I/O is using the ADAT as
its master clock reference). This parameter
is set by choosing ADAT Optical in the
Sync Mode pop-up in the Pro Tools Hardware dialog or Session Setup window. If
this LED is flashing, it indicates that the
ADAT Bridge I/O is either not receiving a
signal from the ADAT or that the signal is
invalid for some reason.
Digital
When continuously lit, the ADAT Bridge
I/O is being slaved to an external AES/EBU
or S/PDIF signal (the ADAT Bridge I/O is using the signal as its master clock reference).
This parameter is set by choosing Digital in
the Sync Mode pop-up in the Pro Tools
Hardware dialog or Session Setup window.
This is the setting typically used for transferring material from DAT machines or
other digital devices into Pro Tools. If this
LED is flashing, it indicates that the ADAT
Bridge I/O is either not receiving an
AES/EBU or S/PDIF signal or that the signal
is invalid for some reason. This could occur
Chapter 2: Connecting Your Studio
7
if, for example, you have chosen AES/EBU
as your digital format and are actually receiving S/PDIF.
Slave
When continuously lit, this LED indicates
that the ADAT Bridge I/O master sample
clock reference is being determined by an
external device connected to the Slave
Clock In port on the ADAT Bridge I/O’s rear
panel, typically another Digidesign Audio
Interface or an eternal sync peripheral. The
ADAT Bridge I/O will automatically switch
to Slave mode when a valid slave clock signal is connected to its Slave Clock Input
port and the ADAT Bridge I/O is set for internal sync in the Pro Tools Hardware
Setup dialog or Session Setup window.
This allows you to record eight channels
audio from ADAT on group A, and two
channels of digital input on Group B. If
you wish to record a full 16 channels of audio from ADAT, Channel 1–2 input must
be set to ADAT for both Group A and
Group B.
4. Sample Rate
These LEDs indicate the current sample
rate of Group A and Group B of the ADAT
Bridge I/O. If these LEDs are flashing, it indicates that the currently selected sample
rate does not match the sample rate currently being received by the ADAT Bridge
I/O.
5. Digital Format
3. Channel 1–2 Input
This LED indicates the source of input to
Pro Tools for channels 1–2 of Group A
and/or Group B. When the ADAT LED is lit,
input channels 1–2 in Pro Tools are currently selected to receive digital input via
the ADAT Bridge I/O’s optical port. When
the Digital LED is lit, it indicates that channels 1–2 in Pro Tools are currently selected
to receive digital input via its AES/EBU or
S/PDIF ports. When this is set, ADAT optical channels 3–8 are still sent to Pro Tools.
This parameter is set using the Ch 1–2 Input pop-up in the Pro Tools Hardware dialog or Session Setup window.
The AES/EBU or S/PDIF inputs can be
routed to Channels 1–2 of either Group A
or Group B. This gives you the flexibility to
set Channel 1–2 to ADAT on Group A, and
Channel 1–2 input to digital on Group B.
ADAT Bridge I/O
8
These LEDs indicate which digital port
(AES/EBU or S/PDIF) is currently being used
for digital input on channels 1–2 of Group
A or Group B.
ADAT Bridge I/O Back Panel
123 4567789 10
Figure 2. ADAT Bridge I/O Back Panel
1. Analog Outputs
These are balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve)
connectors that carry audio output on
channels 1–2. By routing a Pro Tools output mix to channels 1–2 you can then
monitor an entire mix via these outputs.
The ADAT Bridge I/O’s analog outputs feature 24-bit D/A convertors for superior audio quality. These outputs are softwareswitchable between –10 dBV and +4 dBu
operation via the Other Options section of
the Pro Tools Hardware dialog. Output levels default to –10 dBV when the ADAT
Bridge I/O is used in standalone mode.
2. Optical In/Out #1
These ports are designed to send and receive 8 channels of digital audio to and
from an ADAT’s optical ports. The Optical
#1 port carries data for Group A, the first
eight channels (1–8) of the ADAT Bridge
I/O.
3. Optical In/Out #2
Similar to “Optical In/Out #1, except the
Optical #2 port carries data for Group B,
the second eight channels (9–16) of the
ADAT Bridge I/O.
4. Computer A
This port is used to make connections between the Digidesign ADAT Bridge I/O and
a Pro Tools MIX, MIXplus, d24, DSP Farm,
or Disk I/O card installed inside your computer. The Computer A port carries data for
the first eight channels (1–8) of audio between the ADAT Bridge I/O and Pro Tools.
5. Computer B
Similar to Computer A, except the Computer B port carries data for the second
eight channels (9–16) of audio between the
ADAT Bridge I/O and Pro Tools.
▲
Both the optical inputs and optical outputs
must be connected to your ADAT for your system to work properly.
6. AES/EBU In/Out
These are balanced, three-conductor XLR
connectors that accept and output a 24-bit
AES/EBU digital data stream. Output is
Chapter 2: Connecting Your Studio
9
continuously active on the AES/EBU jacks,
carrying audio routed to outputs 1–2 in
Pro Tools.
other sync device that requires a separate
word clock input for properly resolved
sync.
7. S/PDIF In/Out
These are unbalanced, two-conductor RCA
jacks that accept and output a 24-bit
S/PDIF digital data stream. Output is continuously active on the S/PDIF jacks, carrying audio routed to outputs 1–2 in
Pro Tools. To avoid RF interference during
S/PDIF transfers, we recommend that you
use 75 ohm coaxial cable and don’t exceed
a maximum cable length of 10 meters.
8. Slave Clock In/Out
The Slave Clock Out jack is a standard BNC
connector that outputs a 256x Super Clock
signal for slaving additional ADAT Bridge
I/Os, audio interfaces, or synchronization
peripherals.
The Slave Clock In jack is a standard BNC
connector designed to receive a 256x Super
Clock signal from another ADAT Bridge
I/O, another Digidesign audio interface, or
a synchronization peripheral that passes
Slave Clock, such as the USD. Because crucial timing data is passed via these ports,
you should use high-quality, 75 ohm RG59 cables for making connections and keep
total cable lengths to less than 3 meters between all connected devices.
9. Word Clock Out
10. AC Power Input
This connector accepts a modular AC
power cable. The Digidesign ADAT Bridge
I/O is auto power-selecting (100V–240V)
and will work with a standard modular cable when connected to AC power receptacles in any country.
Primary Connections
(Bridge I/O to Pro Tools
and ADAT)
This section covers the basic connections
between the ADAT Bridge I/O, your
Pro Tools system, and ADAT devices.
Optical Connections
Quick Connections
For One ADAT:
◆
• ADAT Bridge Optical #1 Out to ADAT
#1 Optical Input.
• ADAT Bridge Optical #1 In to ADAT #1
Optical Output.
◆
For Two ADATs:
• Other connections are same as instructions for one ADAT, but adding ADAT
Bridge Group B Optical In/Out to
ADAT #2 Optical Out/In.
The Word Clock Out jack is a standard
BNC-type connector that outputs a word
clock signal. This jack is typically used to
connect the ADAT Bridge I/O to a BRC or
ADAT Bridge I/O
10
✽
If you use a BRC or other device to synchronize your ADATs, refer to “Synchronization Connections” on page 15 for additional
instructions on integrating the ADAT Bridge I/O
into your system.
3
If you are using two ADATs with your
ADAT Bridge I/O (16-channel mode), make
the same In/Out connections from the Optical #2 In/Out ports on the Digidesign
ADAT Bridge I/O to the Digital In/Out ports
on ADAT #2.
The following sections provide optical connection instructions for systems with one
or two ADATs.
▲
The red light you may see at the end of a
connected ADAT optical cable is not a laser, so
it will not damage your eyes.
To make optical cable connections between
the ADAT Bridge I/O and ADAT devices:
1
Connect one of the provided optical cables to the jack labeled Optical #1 Out on
the Digidesign ADAT Bridge I/O, and connect the other end to the Digital Input on
your primary (master) ADAT. Avoid touching the ends of the cable to prevent oils
from your skin from getting on the lenses.
2
Connect the second fiber optic cable to
the jack labeled Optical #1 In on the
Digidesign ADAT Bridge I/O and attach the
other end to the Digital Output on your
ADAT.
ADAT 1
Alesis 9-pin sync cable
ADAT 2
optical cables
Group A
optical cables - Group B
ADAT Bridge I/O
Optical connections between an ADAT Bridge and two
ADATs (ADAT 9-pin Sync connection also shown)
About ADAT Sync 9-pin
Also shown in the above diagram is the
ADAT 9-pin sync cable (from the master
ADAT Sync Out to the slave ADAT Sync In),
required for proper clocking between your
ADATs. Your ADAT User’s Guide assumes
that if you have two ADATs you already
have their Sync cables connected in this
manner and operating correctly. Refer to
your ADAT manual if you need more information.
optical cable from ADAT out
to ADAT Bridge in
optical cable from ADAT Bridge out
to ADAT in
Optical connections between a single ADAT Bridge
I/O and a single ADAT
Chapter 2: Connecting Your Studio
11
Pro Tools Interface Connections
Quick Connections
For One ADAT (8-channel mode):
◆
• ADAT Bridge Computer A to interface
port A on primary Pro Tools audio card
(MIX, d24 or Disk I/O), or the I/O port
on the Pro Tools audio card in the
highest available slot.
Two ADATs (16-channel mode):
◆
• Same as for one ADAT, plus additional
50-pin interface cable (not included)
from ADAT Bridge I/O Computer B
port to primary Pro Tools interface
Port B (if using the optional Y-cable),
or to the interface port on the next
highest Pro Tools I/O-capable card.
The following section provides more detailed interface connection instructions for
systems with one or two ADATs.
Single-ADAT systems (8-channel operation)
This basic configuration allows 8-channel
transfer between Pro Tools and ADAT, but
has no provisions for synchronizing playback or recording of the two devices. You
will have to manually start and stop recording/playback of Pro Tools and ADAT independently. Unsynchronized operation can
be used to make basic backups of your
Pro Tools and/or ADAT tracks, or to
“dump” an 8 or 16-track ADAT session into
Pro Tools for editing, processing, or mixing.
To make basic system connections from the
ADAT Bridge I/O to a single ADAT:
1
Connect the large end of the 50-pin interface cable (provided with your ADAT
Bridge I/O) to the Computer A port on the
ADAT Bridge I/O. To do this, pinch the
metal tabs on either side of the 50-pin connector and push it into the port. Release
pressure on the tabs to lock the connector
into place.
2
Connect the other end of the interface
cable to the Pro Tools MIX, d24 or Disk I/O
card installed inside your computer. Use
the thumbscrews on this connector to secure the cable in place. Whenever possible,
attach the interface cable to the “master”
card (the first Pro Tools MIX, d24 or Disk
I/O card in your system).
optical cable from ADAT out
to ADAT Bridge in
optical cable from ADAT Bridge out
to ADAT in
50-pin
to “Computer A” port
Interface connection, 8-channel operation
If you are adding the ADAT Bridge I/O as
◆
interface cable
to primary Pro Tools audio card
(MIX, d24 or Disk I/O)
expansion I/O, connect the Bridge to the
appropriate expansion I/O port. This will
be the I/O port on the Pro Tools I/O card in
the next-highest PCI slot in your CPU (or
PCI expansion chassis). Refer to your
Pro Tools System Installation Guide
for details on determining the slot order of your
cards.
ADAT Bridge I/O
12
Two ADATs (16-channel operation)
The following describes connections for a
single ADAT Bridge I/O and two ADATs.
This basic configuration allows 16-channel
transfer between Pro Tools and ADAT, but
has no provisions for synchronizing playback or recording of the two devices
(though the two ADATs will be in sync with
each other by virtue of their 9-pin Sync
connection). You will have to manually
start and stop recording/playback of
Pro Tools and ADAT independently. Unsynchronized operation can be used to
make basic ADAT backups of your
Pro Tools tracks.
To make basic connections from the ADAT
Bridge I/O to two ADATs:
1 Connect a second 50-pin interface cable
to the port labeled Computer B on the
ADAT Bridge I/O. This cable is available
separately from your dealer.
2 Connecting both computer ports of the
ADAT Bridge I/O to your computer depends upon your Pro Tools system:
• For Pro Tools MIX and 24 owners, if you
have the optional 16-channel peripheral
cable adapter (available separately), connect the non-Y end to your primary Pro
Tools card, as described under “SingleADAT systems (8-channel operation)” on
page 12. Be sure to connect the ADAT
Bridge I/O Computer A port to the A
branch of the Y cable and the Computer
B port to the B branch of the Y cable as
shown in the illustration.
ADAT 1
Alesis 9-pin sync cable
ADAT 2
optical cables
optical cables
to “Computer B” port
to MIX or d24 port “B”
to MIX or d24 port “A”to “Computer A” port
50-pin
interface cables
optional Y cable
for d24 cards
(available separately)
ADAT Bridge I/O connected to two ADATs, using the
optional Y-cable for Pro Tools MIX and d24 cards
– or –
• Connect the second interface cable to
the next available I/O card (MIXPlus,
MIXI/O, d24, or DSP Farm).
ADAT 1
Alesis 9-pin sync cable
ADAT 2
optical cables
optical cables
to MIX I/O, or any Pro Tools "Farm" cardto “Computer B” port
to primary Pro Tools audio card (MIX, MIXPlus, D24 or Disk I/O card)to “Computer A” port
50-pin
interface cables
16-channel Interface connections between the ADAT
Bridge and an expanded Pro Tools system using a
pair of standard Digidesign interface cables
Step 3: Clock Connections
If you are only using a single ADAT Bridge
I/O with no other Digidesign Audio Interfaces and no external synchronization peripherals, you can skip this step.
Chapter 2: Connecting Your Studio
13
If you also use a Digidesign 888 24 or
882 20 audio interface, you will most likely
want to use them as your primary audio interface and use the ADAT Bridge as expansion I/O for your system.
2 Connect any other Pro Tools audio inter-
faces by repeating the above instructions
and daisy-chaining the Slave Clock signal
between each interface.
▲ This section covers clock connections be-
tween Pro Tools audio interfaces only. Many
synchronization peripherals add their own requirements for clock. Refer to “Synchronization Connections” on page 15 for more
information.
To make clock connections to other
Digidesign audio interfaces:
1 Connect the Slave Clock Out of your pri-
mary audio interface (such as the 888/24)
to the Slave Clock In of your next audio interface (such as the ADAT Bridge I/O) using
the BNC cable.
ADAT 1
Alesis 9-pin sync cable
ADAT 2
optical cables
optical cables
ADAT Bridge
to “Computer A” port
78563412785634125/6
ANALOG OUTPUTANALOG INPUTAES/EBU OUTPUT AES/EBU INPUT
888|24 or other
additional I/O
to "Computer B" port
Slave Clock Out
to MIXI/O or Farm I/O port
SLAVE CLOCKINSLAVE CLOCK
OUT
Computer 1 port
to primary Pro Tools
888 Slave Clock Out
Computer 1
1/2
5/6
1/2
7/8
3/4
7/8
3/4
S/PDIFINS/PDIF
OUT
Slave Clock and interface connections with an
888 24 and an ADAT Bridge
B
50-pin
interface cables
audio card port "B"
to primary Pro Tools
audio card port "A"
optional Y cable
(available separately)
A
Step 4: Stereo Monitor
Connections (optional)
The ADAT Bridge I/O provides a pair of analog outputs that allow you to monitor audio routed to channels 1 and 2. If the ADAT
Bridge I/O is the primary audio interface,
these will be Pro Tools output channels 1
and 2. If you are using the ADAT Bridge I/O
as expansion I/O, then these outputs will
be channels 1 and 2 in the bank of outputs
represented by the ADAT Bridge I/O’s
Group A channels.
instruments
optical cable from ADAT out
to ADAT Bridge in
optical cable from ADAT Bridge out
to ADAT in
50-pin
interface cable
mixing console
power amp
and speakers
Stereo output and instrument input connections
The illustration above shows a setup in
which the ADAT Bridge I/O is the primary
Pro Tools audio interface (in 8-channel
mode). If the ADAT Bridge is installed as
expansion I/O, then its 60-to-50-pin Interface cable would be connected to a different interface port than the primary disk
card.
to Pro Tools cardto “Computer A” port
ADAT Bridge I/O14
Synchronization
Connections
For frame-accurate or near-sample-accurate
transfers, you need a third-party synchronization peripheral. Synchronizing the two
systems lets you transfer tracks back and
forth between Pro Tools and your ADATs in
perfect sync. You can then utilize your devices’ combined track capacity for bigger
mixes, fly tracks from tape into Pro Tools
for editing and processing, or use the
ADATs as a backup mechanism for
Pro Tools audio.
The setup requirements for a synchronized
Pro Tools/ADAT system differ slightly depending on the specific device(s) employed
(e.g., BRC, MTP AV, DTP, etc.).
Diagrams are provided for synchronization
connections between your ADAT Bridge
I/O, Pro Tools, and each of the following
devices:
• Alesis BRC with a MIDI interface or with
a Digidesign USD
(see Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT with an Alesis BRC)
• JL Cooper DataSync 2 and a MIDI interface (see Chapter 6: Synchronizing
Pro Tools and ADAT Using a JL Cooper
DataSync2)
• Mark of the Unicorn MTP AV
(see Chapter 7: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using the MTP AV)
• Mark of the Unicorn DTP
(see Chapter 8: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a Digital TimePiece)
• Opcode Studio 64XTC
(see Chapter 9: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using an Opcode Studio 64XTC)
• Other digital devices, including ADATcompatible digital mixing consoles
(see Chapter 10: Connecting Pro Tools to an ADAT-Compatible Digital Mixer)
Chapter 2: Connecting Your Studio 15
ADAT Bridge I/O16
chapter 3
Using Your System
If you are using the ADAT Bridge as your
primary Pro Tools audio interface and do
not need positional sync between Pro Tools
and ADAT, then the primary configuration
instructions are all you need.
If you are using a synchronization peripheral with your Pro Tools/ADAT system (for
synchronized playback and recording), refer to the chapter that most closely resembles your studio setup:
• Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and
ADAT with an Alesis BRC
• Chapter 6: Synchronizing Pro Tools and
ADAT Using a JL Cooper DataSync2
• Chapter 7: Synchronizing Pro Tools and
ADAT using the MTP AV
• Chapter 8: Synchronizing Pro Tools and
ADAT Using a Digital TimePiece
• Chapter 9: Synchronizing Pro Tools and
ADAT using an Opcode Studio 64XTC
• Chapter 10: Connecting Pro Tools to an
ADAT-Compatible Digital Mixer
Powering Up Your System
Your Pro Tools/ADAT system consists of
several devices that must communicate
properly, so you should turn them on in
the proper order. Make sure your computer
and peripherals are all off before beginning.
Power up your system in this order:
1 Turn on your Pro Tools hard drives.
2 Turn on the ADAT. If you have multiple
ADATs, turn on the designated master
ADAT, which displays “ID 1.”
Next:
• Confirm that the ADAT’s clock is set to
Internal. If you have multiple ADATs, set
this on the master ADAT, which displays
“ID 1.” To do this on the original ADAT,
hold down the Set Locate button on the
front of the ADAT and press the Digital
In button until “INT” appears in the
ADAT display. For all other ADAT models, use the Clock Select button on the
front of the ADAT to set the clock mode
so the ADAT’s display reads “INT” or “Internal.”
Chapter 3: Using Your System 17
• If you have additional ADATs turn them
on. If they are connected properly, all
ADATs will display an ID number when
they start up. The Master ADAT should
display “ID 1.”
• Insert an ADAT tape. If you have multiple ADATs, there must always be a tape in
the master ADAT.
3 Turn on synchronization or other MIDI
peripherals or interfaces.
4 Turn on the Pro Tools master audio inter-
face. Depending on your studio setup, this
could be the ADAT Bridge I/O, or another
Pro Tools audio interface.
5 Turn on any additional Pro Tools Audio
Interfaces.
6 Turn on your computer.
Basic Settings
There are several software settings that you
need to configure after installing the ADAT
Bridge I/O.
The following instructions explain how to
make these basic settings. In most examples, the ADAT Bridge is the primary
Pro Tools audio interface. Using the ADAT
Bridge I/O as an expansion interface has
special requirements that are noted
throughout this guide.
Trashing the DigiSetup File
(Macintosh Only)
If you are using a Macintosh computer and
are adding the ADAT Bridge to a previously
installed Pro Tools system, you will need to
throw away your DigiSetup file before you
open and configure Pro Tools. This file is
located in the Preferences Folder, which is
inside the System Folder. Restart your computer and proceed with the instructions
that follow.
Configuring the ADAT Bridge for
Pro Tools
To configure Pro Tools software:
1 Launch Pro Tools. Depending on your
setup, one of the following will occur:
• If this is the first time you have launched
Pro Tools software, or you have trashed
the DigiSetup file, you will be prompted
to choose the audio interfaces connected
to your system from the Playback Engine
dialog.
Playback Engine with ADAT Bridge I/O as the primary
audio interface (note the Card popup setting
“d24 #1”).
ADAT Bridge I/O18
Playback Engine where ADAT Bridge I/O is not the
primary audio interface (note the Card setting “DSP
Farm #2”).
• If you have previously installed and
launched Pro Tools, choose Setups >
Playback Engine.
2 Choose the Playback Engine that corre-
sponds to the master Digidesign card in
your computer (MIX, d24, etc.). Refer to
the Pro Tools System Installation Guide if you
need more information.
3 If you have a MIX or d24 card, click the
Interface Port pop-up and choose the port
that your ADAT Bridge I/O is connected to:
• If you have a single ADAT Bridge I/O port
(Group A on ADAT Bridge back panel)
connected to your card, choose port A.
• If you have both ports (A and B) connected to a MIX or d24 card with the optional 16-Channel Peripheral Cable
Adapter (the Y-cable), first configure interface port A then configure interface
port B.
4 Click the Interface pop-up and choose
the ADAT Bridge. If you have a MIX or d24
card with a single ADAT Bridge I/O connected to it, choose ADAT Bridge A. If you
have both ADAT Bridge I/O Group A and B
ports connected to a MIX or d24 card (with
the optional Y cable), first choose ADAT
Bridge A (1–8) for the one connected to
port A. Then, click the Interface Port popup, choose port B, and choose ADAT Bridge
B (1–16) as the interface connected to port
B.
5 Click the Sample Rate pop-up and choose
the appropriate sample rate, 44100
(44.1 kHz), or 48000 (48 kHz) for the currently selected card and interface. This
should be configured from the primary
card/audio interface settings.
ADAT tapes may be formatted at 48 kHz.
Make sure you choose the sample rate that
matches the material that you plan to work
with. If the Pro Tools sample rate doesn’t
match that of the ADAT tape, pops and
clicks may occur during recording/monitoring.
6 Click the Sync Mode pop-up and choose
the appropriate sync mode. Your choice depends on which device in your setup you
want to make the master clock device. See
“Sync Mode Options” on page 20 for details.
✽ This choice is available only when the
ADAT Bridge I/O is the master audio interface.
Chapter 3: Using Your System 19
7 Click the Digital Format pop-up to
choose the digital format (AES/EBU or
S/PDIF) for channels 1–2 of the currently
selected interface. If a digital device is connected to both the AES/EBU and S/PDIF
ports of your interface, this pop-up allows
you to choose which port the ADAT Bridge
“listens to” for digital audio input and
word clock input. Only one port can be
used at a time.
8 Click the Ch 1–2 Input pop-up to select
the input format of channels 1–2 of the
currently selected interface. When configuring the Playback Engine and/or Hardware Setup for the ADAT Bridge, do one of
the following:
• Choose ADAT to select optical input
from the ADAT. In this configuration, all
8 channels of the attached ADAT optical
device will appear in Pro Tools.
• Choose Digital to select digital format input from a DAT deck or a word-clock
generating device. When Ch 1–2 Input is
set to Digital, channels 1–2 will carry
data from the digital port (either
AES/EBU or S/PDIF), and channels 3–8
will represent the data from the ADAT.
9 If you have additional interfaces, config-
ure them in a similar manner.
10 Click OK to close the Playback Engine
dialog when you have finished.
Pro Tools will remember your configuration until you change it. If you want to
change your Pro Tools hardware configuration in the future, you can do it from any of
these locations:
• The Playback Engine dialog (Setups >
Playback Engine).
– or –
• The Hardware Setup dialog (Setups >
Hardware).
Hardware Setup dialog
In addition, several settings can be made
from the Session Setup window. These settings are described later in this chapter.
Sync Mode Options
The choices you see for Sync Mode will depend on how you have connected the
ADAT Bridge I/O to Pro Tools.
ADAT Bridge as Primary Interface
If the ADAT Bridge I/O is being used as the
primary audio interface, then the following
choices are available for Sync Mode:
ADAT as clock master Choose ADAT Opti-
cal to select the ADAT as the clock master
(ADAT Bridge must be your primary audio
interface for this choice to be available).
When the ADAT Bridge is your primary audio interface, this will be the setting to use
for ADAT-to-Pro Tools audio transfers.
ADAT Bridge I/O20
Pro Tools as clock master
to select Pro Tools as the clock master. This
is the setting to use when you want external devices connected to the ADAT Bridge
to slave to the ADAT Bridge. The ADAT devices should then be set for “Dig” or digital
mode (or, if you are using an ADAT synchronizer, “Ext” or external). This is the
setting you will want to use whenever you
perform a Pro Tools-to-ADAT transfer, or
when the ADAT Bridge is not the primary
audio interface.
Another device as clock master Choose
Digital if you are recording digital material
into Pro Tools from a DAT deck or a digital
device other than your ADAT. In this
mode, the clock master comes from whatever digital device is connected to the
ADAT Bridge I/O digital inputs (not the
ADAT-format inputs). You must then use
the Digital Format pop-up to choose the
digital port (AES/EBU or S/PDIF) for the
digital word clock signal. The ADAT should
then be set to “Dig” or digital sync mode. If
you own an Alesis M20, set it to Optical.
Choose Internal
Switching Output Levels
If you want to switch the output levels of
the ADAT Bridge I/O from +4 dBu to
–10 dBV, click the Other Options button in
the Playback Engine dialog (make sure the
ADAT Bridge is currently selected in the dialog).
Other Options dialog
Choose the operating level that best
matches your mixing console. If you plan
to record to or from a Tascam DA30 DAT
recorder, this dialog also allows you to set
S/PDIF data compatibility for this device.
ADAT Bridge not Primary Interface
If the ADAT Bridge is not the primary audio
interface, no sync choices will be available.
In this configuration, external ADAT optical devices will always be in “Dig,”
“Ext Sync,” or “Optical” mode.
☞ Refer to your other Digidesign audio inter-
face guides for sync choices.
Transferring Audio
Between ADAT and
Pro Tools (Unsynchronized)
This section contains instructions for unsynchronized audio transfer to/from
Pro Tools and ADAT, and covers the following tasks:
• Transferring ADAT tracks to Pro Tools
(unsynchronized)
• Using the ADAT’s inputs to record audio
into Pro Tools
• Transferring Pro Tools tracks to an ADAT
Chapter 3: Using Your System 21
• Using Pro Tools inputs to record audio to
an ADAT
☞ If your ADAT system includes a BRC, refer to
Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT
with an Alesis BRC.
Using the ADAT Bridge in this manner provides a convenient and cost-effective way
to back up Pro Tools tracks (8 or 16 at a
time), or to transfer tracks or mixes to
Pro Tools for mastering. You can also use
the ADAT as the “mastering deck” destination for Pro Tools multi-channel stem
mixes of music, sound for post, or multichannel surround mixes.
The setups given in this section have no
provisions for synchronizing playback or
recording of Pro Tools and ADAT. You will
have to manually start and stop recording/playback of Pro Tools and the ADAT
independently.
To use a third-party synchronizer to
achieve synchronized recording and playback between Pro Tools and ADAT, see
“Configuring Sync” on page 26.
Prepare Your ADAT Tapes Before You Begin
If you plan to do any recording from
Pro Tools to one or more ADATs, make sure
that you have an ADAT formatted S-VHS
cassette prepared for each ADAT in the system (see your ADAT Reference Manual for
specific instructions). Because this can be
time consuming, it is a good idea to allow
plenty of time for formatting before you
begin recording with your ADAT. When
formatting ADAT tapes, be sure to set the
sample rate to either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz,
depending on the rate at which you want
to record.
▲ Refer to your ADAT manual for details on re-
cording or playback at 44.1 kHz. Different
ADAT models have different requirements for
formatting tapes and/or configuring the unit.
About Pro Tools Monitoring Modes
Use Input Only Monitor if you want to be
able to hear incoming material on recordenabled Pro Tools tracks before you initiate
recording. Use Auto Input Monitor to hear
incoming material only during actual recording.
Recording Tracks from an ADAT
to Pro Tools (Unsynchronized)
Each ADAT Bridge I/O allows you to digitally transfer up to 16 tracks at once between Pro Tools and ADAT.
To perform the unsynchronized transfer
described in this section, the ADAT Bridge
must be the primary interface in your
Pro Tools system.
This basic setup has no provisions for synchronizing playback or recording of the
two devices. You will have to manually
start and stop recording/playback of
Pro Tools and the ADAT independently.
To record ADAT tracks into Pro Tools:
1 Set the ADAT clock to Internal.
2 In Pro Tools, create a new session or open
an existing session.
ADAT Bridge I/O22
3 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window:
• Set Channel 1–2 input to ADAT.
• Set the Pro Tools Sync Mode to ADAT
Optical.
• Choose the sample rate that matches the
sample rate of the material on the
ADAT(s).
4 In Pro Tools, create the number of desti-
nation audio tracks you want to transfer
from ADAT. Make sure the destination
tracks each have a different voice assignment in the Pro Tools session.
5 Use the Input Selector of each destina-
tion track to assign its input. With the
ADAT Bridge I/O as your master Pro Tools
interface, this is done for you automatically: Pro Tools track inputs 1–8 correspond to Group A optical inputs (1–8) and
track inputs 9–16 correspond to Group B
optical inputs (9–16).
6 Select a Pro Tools monitoring mode
(Auto Input Monitor or Input Only Monitor).
7 Record enable your destination tracks in
Pro Tools.
8 Click Record and then Play in the
Pro Tools Transport window.
9 Press Play on the ADAT to begin play-
back.
10 When you have finished recording,
click Stop in the Pro Tools Transport window and press Stop on the ADAT.
Recording to Pro Tools Using
the ADAT Device Analog Inputs
Depending on your setup — particularly if
you are using the ADAT Bridge I/O as your
only Pro Tools interface — you may want
to record into Pro Tools using the ADAT (or
ADAT device) analog inputs. The following
section explains how to connect and play
an audio source through your ADAT and
record it digitally onto your hard disk. Because most ADATs have no input attenuation controls, you must control your audio
input levels at their source, using an instrument preamp or mixing console.
This setup also applies if you are using an
ADAT optical interface-equipped digital
mixing console and want to record into
Pro Tools using that console’s A/D converters.
▲ The original “blackface” ADAT (but not later
models such as the XT, LX20, or M20) inverts
the polarity of analog input signals. Material recorded into Pro Tools through an original
ADAT’s analog inputs will have its polarity reversed. To compensate for this, you can use
the “Invert” AudioSuite Plug-In in Pro Tools to
return the signal to its correct polarity.
To record audio from ADAT inputs into
Pro Tools:
1 Connect your audio source(s) to the ana-
log input jacks on the back panel of your
ADAT.
2 Set the ADAT to analog input.
3 On your ADAT, enable All Input Monitor
button.
Chapter 3: Using Your System 23
4 Configure Pro Tools as if you were trans-
ferring ADAT tracks as described in the previous section (i.e., create destination tracks,
select their inputs, and record enable
them).
5 Click Record and then Play on the
Pro Tools Transport.
6 Play the audio sources that are connected
to the ADAT analog inputs.
7 When you have finished recording, click
the Pro Tools Stop button.
▲ In the scenario above, the ADAT stays idle
during recording. There is no need to press the
ADAT’s Play or Record buttons. The ADAT is
merely converting the audio into a digital
stream and passing it to Pro Tools via the optical connectors on the ADAT Bridge I/O.
Recording Tracks from
Pro Tools to ADAT
(Unsynchronized)
The following section explains how to perform a basic, non-synchronized Pro Toolsto-ADAT audio transfer.
To record Pro Tools tracks into ADAT:
1 Set the ADAT’s clock to Digital using its
front panel buttons. (Before you do this,
turn your monitor volume down, since
ADATs can emit a loud pop when their
clock source is changed.)
2 Insert the ADAT tape you want to record
on into your ADAT. Make sure that it is formatted to the same sample rate as the current Pro Tools sample rate.
3 On the ADAT, record enable the destina-
tion ADAT tracks. Make sure that the same
tracks are not configured as Pro Tools input
sources or a feedback loop will occur.
4 In Pro Tools, open the session with the
audio you want to transfer to the ADAT.
5 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set Channel 1–2 input to ADAT (if the
ADAT Bridge is your primary audio interface), or Analog (if the ADAT Bridge is not
your primary audio interface).
6 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set the Pro Tools Sync Mode to Internal.
7 Use the Output Selector of each Pro Tools
track to assign its output to an ADAT channel.
• If you are using an ADAT Bridge I/O as
your master Pro Tools interface,
Pro Tools channel 1–8 outputs correspond to ADAT Group A (1–8) and channel outputs 9–16 correspond to Group B
(9–16).
• If your ADAT Bridge I/O is not your master Pro Tools interface, you must use the
output selector to route each track to the
ADAT Bridge and its available channels
(for example, #3 1/2 ADAT Bridge A).
8 Press the ADAT’s Record and Play but-
tons.
9 Click the Play button on the Pro Tools
Transport. Pro Tools begins playback. The
Pro Tools material is recorded to ADAT.
10 When you have finished recording,
click the Stop button in Pro Tools, then
press the ADAT’s Stop button.
ADAT Bridge I/O24
Recording from Pro Tools
Analog Inputs to an ADAT
If you use other Audio Interfaces in addition to your ADAT Bridge I/O, you may
find it convenient to record directly to
ADAT from audio sources connected to
your Pro Tools Audio Interface.
To record to ADAT through Pro Tools analog
inputs:
1 Connect the instruments or other audio
sources to the desired input jacks on the
back of your Audio Interface.
2 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set the Sync Mode to Internal.
3 In Pro Tools, create new audio tracks or
auxiliary inputs to correspond to each
channel of analog source audio. Route the
connected analog sources to them using
the Input Selector pop-up on each
Pro Tools track. Make sure to record enable
any audio tracks that you create in order to
pass the audio to the ADAT.
4 Use the Output Selector of each Pro Tools
track to assign its output to an ADAT channel.
• If you are using an ADAT Bridge I/O as
your master Pro Tools interface,
Pro Tools channel 1–8 outputs correspond to Group A optical outputs (1–8)
and channel outputs 9–16 correspond to
Group B optical outputs (9–16).
• If your ADAT Bridge I/O is not your master Pro Tools interface, use the output selector to route each destination track to
the ADAT Bridge.
5 Insert the ADAT tape you want to record
on into your ADAT. Make sure that it is formatted to the same sample rate as the current Pro Tools sample rate.
6 Set the ADAT’s clock to Digital, External,
or Optical.
7 On the ADAT deck, record enable the
ADAT destination tracks you want to
record to. Make sure that the same ADAT
tracks are not configured as Pro Tools input
sources or a feedback loop will occur.
8 In Pro Tools, adjust the output level of
the source audio using the track output
level faders.
9 Press the Record and Play buttons on
your ADAT.
10 Begin playback of the analog sources
connected to your Pro Tools Audio Interface. The audio is recorded to the ADAT.
11 To stop recording, press Stop on your
ADAT.
Recording from Pro Tools
Digital Inputs to an ADAT
You can record to ADAT from Pro Tools digital inputs just as easily as with the analog
inputs.
To record onto ADAT tracks from Pro Tools
digital inputs:
1 Connect a digital audio source to the dig-
ital inputs on the back of your master Audio Interface. (This could be the ADAT
Bridge I/O or another Audio Interface, depending on which interface is connected to
the first Pro Tools card installed in your
computer.)
2 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set Channel 1–2 input to Digital, and set
the Pro Tools Sync Mode to Digital.
Chapter 3: Using Your System 25
3 In Pro Tools, create new audio tracks or
auxiliary inputs to correspond to each
channel of digital source audio. Route the
connected digital sources to them using
the Input Selector pop-up on each
Pro Tools track.
4 Use the Output Selector of each Pro Tools
track to assign its output to an ADAT channel.
5 Insert the ADAT tape you want to record
on into your ADAT. Make sure that it is formatted to the same sample rate as the current Pro Tools sample rate.
6 Set the ADAT’s clock to Digital.
7 On the ADAT, record enable the ADAT
destination tracks you want to record to.
Make sure that the same ADAT tracks are
not configured as Pro Tools input sources
or a feedback loop will occur.
8 In Pro Tools, adjust the output level of
the source audio using the track output
level faders. This will help you prevent
overloading the ADAT’s inputs.
9 Press the Record and Play buttons on
your ADAT.
10 Begin playback of the digital sources
connected to your Pro Tools Audio Interface. The audio is recorded to the ADAT.
11 To stop recording, press Stop on your
ADAT.
Configuring Sync
Synchronized transfers between Pro Tools
and ADAT have special configuration requirements for clock, time code and other
sync-related connections. These configuration requirements vary with the devices being used.
Configuring Windows
Computers for Sync
All that is required to configure
Pro Tools/ADAT sync on Windows computers is that your sync peripheral be correctly connected, installed and configured
to operate on your computer (refer to your
MIDI interface or other sync peripheral’s
installation instructions). Once properly
connected, your device’s sync/MIDI ports
will be listed in Pro Tools and available as
sync sources/destinations.
Configuring Macintosh
Computers for Sync
For Pro Tools/ADAT sync on Macintosh
computers, Pro Tools requires OMS. OMS,
developed by Opcode, is supplied with
Pro Tools and with all Opcode MIDI interfaces and sync devices.
The following section shows how to configure OMS for a single type of sync peripheral (the Cooper DataSync2). Though it is
not within the scope of this User’s Guide to
provide OMS configurations for all possible
peripherals, the section that follows provides some general guidelines for configuring a device so that Pro Tools can communicate with it.
ADAT Bridge I/O26
OMS Example Setup
(Macintosh Only)
If you are using a Macintosh with a MIDI
interface, BRC, JL Cooper DataSync2, or an
Opcode Studio 64XTC, you must configure
these devices in OMS so that they can communicate properly with Pro Tools.
OMS is installed on your computer as part
of the standard Pro Tools installation. For
detailed instructions on installing and configuring OMS, refer to the Pro Tools System Installation Guide.
If you are not using a MIDI interface, BRC,
or synchronization peripheral with your
Pro Tools/ADAT system, you can skip this
section.
▲ The directions given here explain how to add
a MIDI device to OMS. This setup assumes
you have already configured your MIDI interface, if you are using one. You must configure
the MIDI interface before configuring any OMS
devices.
OMS MIDI Setup dialog
4 Launch the OMS Setup application.
5 Choose Studio > New Device.
6 In the MIDI Device Info window, choose
the Manufacturer and Model names for
your device (if available) and name the device using the Name field.
7 Uncheck both Is Controller and Is Multi-
timbral.
8 Check both Receives and Sends MIDI
Time Code.
To configure an OMS device:
1 Make sure that the peripheral and/or
MIDI interface is turned on and connected
properly to your system.
2 Launch Pro Tools.
3 From the Pro Tools Setups menu, choose
the OMS MIDI Setup command. The OMS
MIDI Setup dialog appears, allowing you to
select the serial port(s) that your MIDI interface is connected to. After you have chosen the desired port(s), click OK.
Defining an OMS MIDI device
9 Click OK to close the MIDI Device Info
window, and save this document as your
current OMS Setup document.
Chapter 3: Using Your System 27
10 In the OMS Setup window, connect the
peripheral to the correct OMS port location
or MIDI interface. To do this, drag the peripheral’s icon over the icon for the desired
port or MIDI interface. Arrows connecting
the peripheral to and from the desired port
or MIDI interface signify that a connection
has been made.
To disable Serial DMA in OMS:
1 Choose Preferences from OMS Studio
Setup’s Edit menu.
2 Deselect the Use Serial DMA option.
3 Click OK to close the Preferences win-
dow.
Transferring Audio
Between ADAT and
Pro Tools (Synchronized)
A more powerful way to transfer tracks between Pro Tools and ADAT is to do it with
both systems synchronized. With the systems in sync, you can record tracks into
Pro Tools to edit and process them as
needed, then record them back into place
on the ADAT.
Connecting a peripheral (DataSync2) to the correct
port in the OMS Setup window
11 In Pro Tools, choose Peripherals from
the Setups menu. From the Device pop-up,
choose Generic MTC Reader. From the Port
pop-up, select the OMS port location that
you defined in OMS Setup (modem or
printer). Click OK to close this dialog.
OMS should now be configured for communication between your peripheral and
Pro Tools.
▲ Pro Tools requires that you disable (un-
check) the “Use Apple Serial DMA driver when
available” preference in OMS Setup. If you do
not disable this option, problems may occur
with MIDI and synchronization functions.
ADAT Bridge I/O28
This section provides a few of the most
commonly used configurations for synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT.
Choosing the Master Clock Source
A synchronized system requires a master
clock reference signal so that all connected
devices will run at the same speed, slaved
to that clock. Possible sources of the master
clock reference include:
• Pro Tools
• ADAT
• A BRC
• A blackburst generator
• A third-party synchronization peripheral
(e.g. MTP AV, DTP, or 64XTC)
• Any digital device that generates an
AES/EBU, S/PDIF, or word clock signal
The device you choose will depend on the
equipment you are using with your system.
As a general rule, you should choose the
most stable clock source possible. Whatever device you use as your master clock
reference, you must configure Pro Tools
and the ADAT accordingly.
☞ If you use Pro Tools MIDI Machine Control,
you can use the Pro Tools Transport Master
popup menu (in the Transport window) to control either Pro Tools or the ADAT. Refer to your
Pro Tools Reference Guide for more informa-
tion.
Choosing the Transport Master
In a synchronized setup, you must decide
which system — Pro Tools or ADAT — will
provide the positional reference for both
systems and function as the transport master. This is necessary for both systems to
start and stop playback/recording from the
same time code/session location.
Because Pro Tools can both broadcast and
respond to MIDI Machine Control (MMC),
you can use MMC to communicate transport commands (such as Play, Stop) between your devices. When playback begins, time code (usually MIDI Time Code,
or SMPTE in some setups) provides the positional reference to keep all the devices at
the same place while the designated clock
master (Pro Tools, ADAT, or Slave Clockcapable synchronization peripheral) keeps
everything running at precisely the same
speed/sample rate. Your choice of transport
master will depend upon what type of synchronization device you are using, and instructions for selecting the transport master are included in each of the following
setup examples.
ADAT as Master Clock and Pro Tools as Slave
In general, you should make ADAT the
master clock device when you are transferring audio originally recorded on ADAT to
Pro Tools. Also, because Pro Tools is a nonlinear system, it is ideally suited to be a
slave device (it can cue up instantly without having to wind tape). In some situations, however, Pro Tools must be the clock
master. These situations are noted as in the
setup examples that follow.
Pro Tools as Master Clock and ADAT as Slave
In general, Pro Tools should be the master
clock device when you are transferring audio originally recorded in Pro Tools to an
ADAT, or whenever the ADAT Bridge I/O is
not your primary audio interface.
Both Pro Tools and ADAT as Slaves
If you are using an external synchronization device such as a Digidesign USD (or
any Slave Clock-capable device such as the
MTP AV or 64XTC) that device should provide the master clock signal to which both
Pro Tools and the ADAT will be slaved.
The sections that follow provide instructions for achieving synchronized playback/recording between Pro Tools and the
ADAT using a number of different devices.
Please refer to the section that applies to
your particular setup.
Chapter 3: Using Your System 29
✽ The ADAT Bridge 24 I/O automatically de-
tects when an external sync source is lost. In
such a situation, the I/O automatically
switches to internal sync mode until the external sync input is reconnected to ensure that
playback is maintained even if the sync source
is removed.
ADAT Bridge I/O30
chapter 4
Using the ADAT Bridge I/O in Standalone
Mode
In addition to its role as a bridge between
Pro Tools and ADAT, the ADAT Bridge I/O
can also be used on its own as a stand-alone
S/PDIF or AES/EBU-to-ADAT-optical converter. This capability allows you to digitally transfer audio from DAT or a digital
I/O-equipped CD player or digital mixing
console to ADAT without having to power
on your computer or launch Pro Tools.
Audio received over the ADAT Bridge I/O’s
digital ports can be monitored with 24-bit
fidelity through its analog outputs. These
outputs default to –10 dBV operating levels
when the ADAT Bridge I/O is used in standalone mode.
ADAT Channels Transferred
In standalone mode, only channels 1–2 of
the ADAT format inputs are transferred to
AES/EBU or S/PDIF Outputs. All other
ADAT channels are ignored.
Using Standalone Mode
To use the ADAT Bridge I/O in standalone
mode:
1 Make sure that your computer is off.
2 Connect the digital audio source (the
DAT or digital I/O-equipped CD player) to
the ADAT Bridge I/O.
3 Turn on the digital audio source (the DAT
or digital I/O-equipped CD player).
4 Turn on the ADAT Bridge I/O.
5 The ADAT Bridge I/O will scan both its
S/PDIF and AES/EBU ports for word clock.
Once word clock lock has been achieved,
the ADAT Bridge I/O will switch to digital
sync mode and automatically match its
sample rate to the incoming data. (If the incoming word clock is 48 kHz, the 48 kHz
sample rate LED will remain lit. If the incoming word clock is 44.1 kHz, the 48 kHz
sample rate LED will flash.) Accordingly,
digital output sent via the ADAT Bridge
I/O’s AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and optical ports
will also match the sample rate of the incoming data.
Chapter 4: Using the ADAT Bridge I/O in Standalone Mode 31
6 Set the ADAT, or ADAT-compatible de-
vice to digital sync and digital input. (If
you own an Alesis M20, set it to Optical
sync.)
7 Record enable the ADAT tracks to which
you want to record. The ADAT Bridge I/O
multiplexes the digital audio to all 16 optical channels. Channel 1 audio (the left
channel) is sent to all odd channels of the
ADAT (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15) and channel
2 audio (the right channel) is sent to all
even channels (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16).
This allows you to record your digital input
pair on any ADAT pair.
8 Press Record and Play on the ADAT.
9 Begin playback of the source material on
DAT or CD.
Since both the AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs of the ADAT Bridge I/O are active
when it is in standalone mode, the ADAT
Bridge I/O can be used to convert the format of digital audio to or from S/PDIF to
AES/EBU.
ADAT Bridge I/O32
chapter 5
Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT with an
Alesis BRC
serial or USB cable to
Standard MIDI Interface
ADAT
to BRC
48 kHz word clock in
BRC
MIDI IN
MIDI in/out
MIDI IN MIDI OUT
BRC 9-pin remote out
modem, printer, or USB port
MAC SERIAL
MIDI OUT
REMOTE OUT
TO ADAT
ADAT 1
MIDI
Time
Code
Computer
Pro Tools card
optical cables in/out
Digidesign ADAT Bridge
to Pro Tools card
word clock out from ADAT Bridge I/O
to BRC 48 kHz word clock in
Figure 3. Wiring example for a BRC-equipped system
Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT with an Alesis BRC 33
ADAT 2
Pro Tools Y-cable
BA
50-pin
interface cables
Hardware Setup
When used with a MIDI Interface, the BRC
can function as the transport master while
Pro Tools (via the ADAT Bridge I/O) is the
clock master. This configuration is best for
synchronized audio playback, recording,
and track transfer from Pro Tools to ADAT
with 1/4 frame accuracy or better.
About 44.1 Sessions with the BRC
The BRC’s 48k clock input allows you to resolve the BRC to the ADAT Bridge’s word
clock out. With the ADAT XT, this requires
that all sessions be at 48k in order to avoid
clock anomalies (clicks and pops).
To connect this setup:
1 Make your primary connections as de-
scribed in “Primary Connections (Bridge
I/O to Pro Tools and ADAT)” on page 10.
2 Connect a 9-pin sync cable from the
BRC’s Remote Out port to the (master)
ADAT’s Sync In port.
3 Connect the Word Clock Out of the
ADAT Bridge I/O to the BRC 48 kHz In.
4 Connect the MIDI In and MIDI Out of
the BRC to the appropriate MIDI In/Out of
your MIDI Interface.
5 Make sure that your MIDI interface is
connected to your computer and other devices, and that it is installed and configured
correctly.
BRC Settings for Pro Tools-to-ADAT Transfer
◆ Enable EXT SYNC on the BRC, then
check that the BRC external clock/sync
source is at 48kHz Input. (To change this
setting, press EDIT, then press EXT SYNC
until Clock Source is displayed in the LED.
Use the lowercase/uppercase increment arrows to scroll to 48kHz Input. Press EDIT
again to exit.)
For highest-quality ADAT-to-Pro Tools
transfers with this setup, the BRC needs to
be the clock and positional master. The example that follows shows how Digidesign’s
USD can be used to achieve this configuration.
Using a Digidesign USD with a BRC
Digidesign’s USD is a high-quality, multipurpose synchronization peripheral. By
adding the USD to your system, you can
transfer from ADAT to Pro Tools or
Pro Tools to ADAT with near sample accuracy, using the BRC as your transport master.
To integrate a USD with a BRC and ADAT
Bridge/Pro Tools system:
1 Make the primary connections as de-
scribed in “Primary Connections (Bridge
I/O to Pro Tools and ADAT)” on page 10.
2 Make sure your USD is connected to the
DigiSerial Port, and that your MIDI interface is properly connected to your CPU.
3 Connect the BRC as described in “Hard-
ware Setup” on page 34, except:
4 Use a BNC cable to connect the USD’s
Slave Clock Out to the Slave Clock In of
your master Pro Tools audio interface.
5 Daisy-chain the Slave Clock signal to all
your audio interfaces as explained in your
Pro Tools System Installation Guide.
ADAT Bridge I/O34
6 Use another, short BNC cable to connect
the ADAT Bridge Word Clock Out to the
BRC 48 kHz In. Try to use the shortest BNC
cable possible for word clock connections
to the BRC.
7 Make a connection from the BRC SMPTE
Out port to the LTC In port on the USD.
Make sure to set the USD positional reference to LTC, and its clock reference to Internal.
ADAT 1
Alesis 9-pin sync cable
ADAT Bridge
ADAT BRC
SMPTE Out
BI-PHASE / TACH / GPI
PC SERIAL
optical cables
optical cables
to “Computer B” port
to “Computer A” port
MIDI IN MIDI OUT
IN
OUT
MAC SERIAL
VIDEO
VIDEO REF
Word Clock Out
to BRC 48 kHz In
REMOTE OUT
TO ADAT
LTC In
L
T
C
I
N
MTC OUT
to DigiSerial port
to ADAT Sync In
L
A
T
E
C
S
O
I
U
N
T
ADAT 2
SlaveClock Out
A
IN
E
S
O
OUT
U
T
WORD CLOCK
Slave Clock In
IN
9-PIN IN / ACC
OUT
SUPER CLOCK (256X)
9-PIN OUT
USD Slave Clock Out
85-264VAC, 47-63HZ, 115 W
(available separately)
50-pin
interface cables
to port "B"
to primary Pro Tools
audio card port "A"
optional Y cable
Connecting a USD and BRC to an ADAT Bridge
Software Configuration
The following section explains how to synchronize Pro Tools/ADAT with a BRC. In
this case, the BRC provides both the clock
reference signal and the positional reference. This enables you to synchronize the
ADAT and Pro Tools with near sample accuracy (1/4 frame accuracy without a USD).
The Pro Tools transport is controlled by the
BRC.
You can also use MIDI Machine Control in
this (and all other) sync setups. MMC configurations are covered in “Using MIDI Machine Control (MMC) with a BRC” on
page 38.
Synchronizing on Windows Systems
When using Pro Tools on a Windows computer, simply make sure your MIDI interface is installed and operating correctly. Instead of choosing OMS or FreeMIDI device
names, Pro Tools popup menus of MIDI
ports simply list the available hardware
MIDI ports of the currently installed MIDI
Interface.
Recording Tracks from an ADAT to
Pro Tools Using a BRC
This setup explains how to perform a synchronized ADAT-to-Pro Tools track transfer
using a BRC.
To transfer audio from ADAT to Pro Tools:
1 Connect the BRC and MIDI Interface to
your system as shown in “Hardware Setup”
on page 34.
On the BRC:
2 Make sure the EXT SYNC button is off
(unlit).
3 Enable the GEN SYNC button on the
BRC. This enables the BRC to generate time
code.
Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT with an Alesis BRC 35
In OMS Setup (Macintosh Only):
4 On your computer, open the OMS Setup
application and configure the BRC and
your MIDI interface. (If you choose Alesis
in the Manuf pop-up menu, and BRC in the
Model pop-up in this dialog, the appropriate settings will be configured automatically). In OMS’ MIDI Device Info dialog,
enable Sends and Receives MTC and MMC
for the BRC. You must have an OMS device
defined for the BRC if you haven’t already
done so. Click OK after configuring the
OMS Device Info window, then connect
the BRC to the appropriate MIDI port in
the OMS Setup Window.
Configuring the BRC in OMS
5 Save the BRC/MIDI interface configura-
tion document as your current OMS setup.
In Pro Tools:
6 In Pro Tools, choose Setups > Peripherals
and display the Synchronization window.
From the Device pop-up, choose Generic
MTC Reader. From the Port pop-up, choose
BRC (on the Macintosh) or the appropriate
port of your MIDI interface (in Windows).
Alternatively, if the name of the (BRC)
OMS device does not appear here, choose
the serial port to which your MIDI interface
is connected.
7 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window:
• Set Channel 1–2 input to ADAT if the
ADAT Bridge is your primary interface, or
Analog if it is not your primary audio interface.
• Set Pro Tools Sync Mode to ADAT Optical
(if the ADAT Bridge is not your primary
audio interface, choose Digital)
• Choose the sample rate and frame rate
that matches the material on the ADAT.
8 Create destination audio tracks for the
ADAT tracks to be transferred. Make sure
the destination tracks each have a different
Pro Tools voice assignment.
9 Use the Input Selector of each destina-
tion track to assign its input. When the
ADAT Bridge is your primary interface, Inputs 1–8 correspond to the ADAT Bridge
I/O’s Group A inputs. Inputs 9–16 correspond to ADAT Bridge I/O’s Group B inputs. If you have additional ADAT
Bridges/ADATs, assign their inputs as well.
10 Select a Pro Tools monitoring mode
(Auto Input Monitor or Input Only Monitor).
11 Configure Pro Tools to display Time
Code.
12 Choose Setups > Preferences, then click
the Operations button to display the Operations Preferences dialog. Choose the desired Pro Tools online recording mode:
Record Online at Time Code (or ADAT)
Lock, or Record Online at Insertion/Selection. If you are not familiar with these
modes, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
ADAT Bridge I/O36
13 Record enable your Pro Tools destina-
tion tracks.
14 Confirm that time code is being re-
ceived by Pro Tools. Do this by pressing
Play on the BRC. The Current Time counter
in the upper right-hand corner of the
Pro Tools Session Setup window should begin running. Make a note of the SMPTE
frame number where the time starts. If
there appears to be an offset, you’ll need to
enter the offset number as the Pro Tools
session start time in the Session Setup window. Rewind the BRC/ADAT to a location
at least 10 seconds before the time code address at which you want to start Pro Tools
recording. This is necessary to provide
Pro Tools with enough time to lock to the
time code that it receives.
15 Put Pro Tools online.
16 Click Pro Tools Record button.
17 Press Play on the BRC. When sync is es-
tablished, Pro Tools begins online recording.
18 When you have finished recording,
press the BRC’s Stop button. Pro Tools will
stop recording.
Recording Tracks from Pro Tools to
ADAT with a BRC
This setup explains how to perform a synchronized Pro Tools-to-ADAT track transfer
with a BRC. In this case Pro Tools provides
the clock reference signal, but the BRC provides the positional reference and controls
the Pro Tools Transport.
To transfer audio from Pro Tools to ADAT:
1 Make sure the desired Pro Tools session is
open and the Sync Mode is set to Internal
in the Session Setup window.
2 On the BRC, make sure the Gen Sync but-
ton is on.
3 Press the Enable Ext Sync button. (Before
doing this, lower your main monitor levels,
as ADATs can emit a loud pop when the
master clock is changed on the BRC.)
4 Make sure that the ADAT tape is format-
ted to the same sample rate as the Pro Tools
material you intend to transfer.
5 On the ADAT, make sure that the Digital
In button is on.
6 On the BRC, record enable the destina-
tion ADAT tracks. Make sure that the same
tracks are not configured as Pro Tools input
sources or a feedback loop will occur.
7 Use the Output Selector of each Pro Tools
track to assign its output to an ADAT channel.
• If you are using an ADAT Bridge as your
master Pro Tools interface, Pro Tools
hardware outputs 1–8 correspond to
Group A optical outputs (1–8) and channel outputs 9–16 correspond to Group B
optical outputs (9–16).
• If your ADAT Bridge I/O is not your master Pro Tools interface, you must use the
output selector to route each track according to how your Audio Interfaces are
ordered.
8 Put Pro Tools online.
9 Cue the BRC to a location at least 10 sec-
onds before the time code address at which
you want to start Pro Tools playback. This
provides adequate time for Pro Tools to
lock to the time code and begin playback.
Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT with an Alesis BRC 37
10 Press the BRC’s Record and Play but-
tons. Pro Tools locks to the ADAT and begins playback. The Pro Tools material is
then recorded to ADAT.
11 When you have finished recording,
press the Stop button on the BRC.
▲ If you are recording to the ADAT and audio
already exists before the punch point, you may
want to manually “punch in” to avoid erasing a
portion of the existing audio that you want to
keep. To do this, simply press Play on the BRC
to start the ADAT/Pro Tools rolling, then press
the BRC’s Record and Play buttons right before
you want to begin recording. Refer to your
ADAT manual for details.
Using MIDI Machine
Control (MMC) with a BRC
Configuring MIDI
Macintosh OMS Configuration
1 Make sure that OMS has been recognized
by your MIDI interface.
2 Make sure you have a device called the
BRC. OMS includes a preset for the BRC.
3 In OMS, make sure that the BRC is set to
“RECEIVE MMC” and sends and receives
MTC. You do not need to enable any receive channels.
Windows
Make sure your MIDI interface is properly
connected and recognized by your system.
In Windows, Pro Tools popup menus of
MIDI ports simply list the available hardware MIDI ports of the currently installed
MIDI Interface.
This section provides an example of how
you can utilize MIDI Machine Control in
your synchronized Pro Tools/ADAT system. MMC can often solve problems you
may experience when trying to control one
device from another’s transport while using certain combinations of sync peripherals. Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide for
details on using MMC with Pro Tools.
In this setup, Pro Tools is the transport
master in a BRC/ADAT system using MIDI
Machine Control (MMC).
ADAT Bridge I/O38
Configuring the BRC
Before you configure the BRC, make sure a
tape is in the ADAT and that the correct
start time is selected.
1 Press the GEN SYNC button on the BRC.
2 Press the EDIT button just (just to the
right of the GEN SYNC button), then press
GEN SYNC until Generate Sync-MIDI is
displayed in the display. If MTC is not already selected as the Generate Sync MIDI
choice, use the up/down arrows in the
BRC’s keypad (the lowercase/uppercase
keys) to display MTC.
3 With MTC selected, press the EDIT but-
ton to exit edit mode.
Pro Tools needs to send an MMC message
that will tell the BRC what start time to go
to, but Pro Tools is going to be waiting for
the time code to come back from the BRC
when the ADATs begin to play.
Configuring Pro Tools
1 Choose Setups > Peripherals and open
the Peripherals/Synchronization window.
2 Select “Generic time code reader” as the
synchronization Device, then choose the
port that your MIDI interface is connected
to (if in doubt, select Any).
3 Now click the Machine Control tab to
open the Peripherals/Machine Control
page.
4 In the MIDI Machine Control section (in
the lower left of the window), do the following:
• Enable MIDI Machine Control
• Set the MMC port by selecting BRC (Macintosh) or the appropriate hardware port
(Windows) from the Send To popup, and
leave the (channel) ID for the BRC set to
127
5 Click OK to close the Peripherals win-
dow.
6 Choose Windows > Show Session Setup.
7 Check to make sure the session start time
is correct for the current ADAT project.
8 Put Pro Tools online by clicking the On-
line button in the Pro Tools Transport window.
9 Press the Play button in the Pro Tools
Transport window and the ADATs should
locate to the current Pro Tools playback location.
Troubleshooting MMC
If you press Play and the ADATs locate but
Pro Tools won’t start, make sure that
Pro Tools is getting time code. To do this,
press Play on the BRC and check the Current Time field in Pro Tools Session Setup
window to make sure Pro Tools is receiving
time code. If it isn’t, check your cable connections.
On the Macintosh, double-check your
OMS configuration. In Windows, check to
make sure your MIDI interface is properly
connected and recognized by your system.
If the ADATs do not locate, check your settings in the Peripherals > Synchronization
window.
Chapter 5: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT with an Alesis BRC 39
ADAT Bridge I/O40
chapter 6
Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a
JL Cooper DataSync2
serial or USB cable to
Standard MIDI Interface
modem, printer, or USB port
JL Cooper DataSync 2
TO ADAT
FROM ADAT
SYNC IN
SYNC OUT
optical cables in/out
Digidesign ADAT Bridge
MIDI INMERGING INSMPTE OUTMIDI OUT
9-pin sync in/out
to Pro Tools card
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
MIDI in/out
MAC SERIAL
ADAT 1
ADAT 2
Computer
Interface Y-cable
BA
50-pin
interface cables
Pro Tools card
Figure 4. Connections for the JL Cooper DataSync2
Chapter 6: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a JL Cooper DataSync2 41
Hardware Setup
Recording Tracks from an ADAT to
Pro Tools with a DataSync2
The JL Cooper DataSync2™ translates the
ADAT-proprietary ABS time reference signal embedded on ADAT tapes into MTC.
The MTC is sent to your computer and
used to trigger Pro Tools from the ADAT
transport. This allows synchronized audio
playback, recording, and track transfer between Pro Tools and ADAT with 1/4 frame
accuracy or better. For near-sample accurate sync, add a Digidesign USD.
To connect this setup:
1 Make the primary connections as ex-
plained in “Primary Connections (Bridge
I/O to Pro Tools and ADAT)” on page 10.
2 Make the 9-pin sync connections be-
tween the DataSync2 and your ADAT(s) as
shown in the illustration.
3 Connect the MIDI In and MIDI Out of
the DataSync2 to an appropriate MIDI In
and MIDI Out of your MIDI interface.
This setup explains how to perform a synchronized ADAT-to-Pro Tools track transfer.
To transfer audio from ADAT to Pro Tools:
1 Connect the DataSync and MIDI Inter-
face to your system as shown in Chapter 2.
On the ADAT:
2 Set the ADAT’s clock to Internal.
On the DataSync2:
3 Turn on the DataSync2 after you’ve
turned on the ADAT. This is necessary in order for the DataSync2 to communicate
properly with the ADAT.
4 Set the desired frame rate on the
DataSync2 by pressing the mode button.
You must do this in order for the DataSync
to output SMPTE/MTC.
5 Enable MTC on the DataSync2 by press-
ing the MTC On button.
Software Configuration
The following example uses a JL Cooper
DataSync2 and MIDI Interface to Slave
Pro Tools to the ADAT. In this case, the
ADAT provides both the clock reference
signal and the positional reference, and the
Pro Tools Transport is controlled by the
ADAT. This enables you to synchronize the
ADAT and Pro Tools with better than 1/4
frame accuracy. To achieve near-sample accuracy, a USD or other Slave Clock-capable
sync peripheral is required.
ADAT Bridge I/O42
Configuring OMS Setup for the DataSync2
(Macintosh Only)
If you are using Pro Tools on a Windows
computer, skip these steps.
6 Configure the DataSync2 and your MIDI
interface in OMS.
• Create a device for the DataSync2.
• Enable Send and Receive MTC for the
DataSync2.
• Connect the DataSync2 to the appropriate MIDI port.
7 Save the DataSync2/MIDI interface con-
figuration document as your current OMS
setup.
Configuring the DataSync2 in OMS
In Pro Tools:
8 In Pro Tools, choose Setups > Peripherals.
From the Synchronization Device pop-up,
choose Generic MTC Reader. From the Port
pop-up, choose the device that you defined
earlier in the OMS Studio Setup window (in
this case, the DataSync2). Alternatively, if
the name of the OMS device does not appear here, choose the serial port where
your MIDI interface is connected.
9 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window
• Set Channel 1–2 input to ADAT.
• Set the Pro Tools Sync Mode to ADAT
Optical.
• Choose the sample rate that matches the
material on the ADATs.
• Choose the SMPTE frame rate that
matches the rate chosen on the
DataSync2.
10 In Pro Tools, create the number of des-
tination audio tracks you want to transfer
from the ADAT(s). Make sure the destination tracks each have a different voice assignment in the Pro Tools session.
11 Use the Input Selector of each destina-
tion track to assign its input. Inputs 1-8
correspond to the ADAT Bridge I/O’s Group
A inputs. Inputs 9-16 correspond to ADAT
Bridge I/O’s Group B inputs. If you have additional ADAT Bridges/ADATs, assign their
inputs as well. (With Ch 1–2 input set to
ADAT, Pro Tools automatically sets I/O
pop-ups to ADAT Bridge Group A/B input
& output labels.)
12 Select a Pro Tools monitoring mode
(Auto Input Monitor or Input Only Monitor).
13 Choose Display > Time Code.
14 Choose Setups > Preferences, and then
click Operations. Choose the desired
Pro Tools online recording mode:
• Record Online at Time Code (or ADAT)
Lock
– or –
• Record Online at Insertion/Selection.
If you are not familiar with these modes,
refer the to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
15 Record enable your Pro Tools destina-
tion tracks.
16 At this point, you may want to confirm
that time code is being received by
Pro Tools. Do this by pressing Play on the
ADAT. The Current Time counter in the upper right hand corner of the Pro Tools Session Setup window should begin running.
Make a note of the SMPTE frame number
where the time starts. If there appears to be
an offset, you’ll need to enter the offset
number as the Pro Tools session start time
in the Session Setup window.
Chapter 6: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a JL Cooper DataSync2 43
17 Rewind the ADAT to a location at least
10 seconds before the time code address at
which you want to start Pro Tools recording. This provides adequate time for
Pro Tools to lock to the time code and start
recording.
18 Put Pro Tools online.
19 Click the Pro Tools Record button.
20 Press play on the ADAT’s transport.
Pro Tools begins online recording.
21 When you have finished recording,
press the ADAT’s Stop button. Pro Tools
will stop recording.
Recording Tracks from Pro Tools to
ADAT with a DataSync2
This section explains how to perform a synchronized Pro Tools-to-ADAT track transfer. In this case Pro Tools provides the
clock reference signal and the ADAT provides the positional reference. If you are
laying audio back to a specific location on
an ADAT tape (after editing or processing
them in Pro Tools, for example), you
should cue the ADAT tape near the point
where you want to playback.
Also, be aware that because this is not a
sample-accurate transfer, the tracks that
you lay back may be a few samples off.
Sample accuracy is generally only a critical
concern with phase-synchronous material
such as audio recorded with multiple microphones (a pair of drum overhead mics,
for example).
In such cases, you should transfer the
phase-synchronous material in a single
pass. That way, whatever delay is introduced will be introduced equally to the material, maintaining its phase coherence.
To transfer audio from Pro Tools to ADAT:
1 Make sure the DataSync2 is configured as
described in the previous ADAT-toPro Tools setup.
2 On the ADAT, set the ADAT’s clock to
Digital.
3 Make sure that the ADAT tape is format-
ted to the same sample rate as the Pro Tools
material you intend to transfer.
4 On the ADAT, record enable the destina-
tion ADAT tracks. Make sure that the same
tracks are not configured as Pro Tools input
sources or a feedback loop will occur.
5 Use the Output Selector of each Pro Tools
track to assign its output (explained in the
previous setup instructions).
6 Put Pro Tools online.
7 Rewind the ADAT to a location at least 10
seconds before the time at which you want
to start Pro Tools playback.
8 Press the ADAT’s Record and Play but-
tons. Pro Tools locks to the ADAT and begins playback. The Pro Tools material is
then recorded to ADAT.
9 When you have finished recording, click
the Stop button on the ADAT.
▲ If you are recording to the ADAT and audio
already exists before the punch point, you may
want to manually “punch in” to avoid erasing a
portion of the existing audio that you want
keep. To do this, simply press Play on the BRC
to start the ADAT/Pro Tools rolling, then press
the BRC’s Record and Play buttons right before
you want to begin recording. Refer to your ADAT
manual for details.
ADAT Bridge I/O44
chapter 7
Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using the
MTP AV
Mark of the Unicorn MTP AV™
256x clock signal (MTP AV out)
ADAT 1
ADAT 2
optical cables in/out
Digidesign ADAT Bridge
9-pin ADAT Sync cable
to Pro Tools card
serial or USB cable to
modem, printer, or USB port
Computer
Interface Y-cable
BA
50-pin
interface cables
Pro Tools card
256x clock signal, to ADAT Bridge Slave Clock IN
Figure 5. Cabling Example for the MTP AV
Chapter 7: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using the MTP AV 45
Hardware Setup
The Mark of the Unicorn MTP AV provides
extensive MIDI and sync capabilities to
synchronize your Pro Tools/ADAT system.
In this role, the MTP AV translates MMC
from Pro Tools to ADAT-proprietary ABS
sync (allowing Pro Tools to be the positional/transport master) and it functions as
the clock master.
to MMC from Pro Tools, sending ADAT
Sync to the ADAT along with MTC to
Pro Tools.
Configuring OMS
The simplest way to configure the MTP AV
is to use the “MTP/Express Console” application (included with your MTP AV) to
navigate through the MTP AV’s front panel
via software.
To connect this system:
1 Connect a 9-pin cable from the MTP AV’s
ADAT 9-pin Sync Out port to your primary
ADAT’s 9-pin Sync In port.
2 Connect “256x clock OUT” from the
MTP AV to the “Slave Clock In” port on the
ADAT Bridge I/O.
3 Make sure that the serial or USB connec-
tion from the MTP AV to your CPU is correct.
MTP AV Settings:
◆ MTP AV clock must be set to Internal.
◆ Word Clock Out must be set to “Digi.”
◆ The MTP AV’s MMC ID must match
Pro Tools.
Software Configuration
The MTP AV has only ADAT Sync, Word
Clock (1x) and Slave Clock (256x) outs, and
therefore has to be the clock master. This
setup requires the use of Pro Tools MIDI
Machine Control (MMC) output capabilities (this is because, with only clock outputs, the MTP cannot “listen” to the
ADAT). Essentially, the MTP AV responds
Make sure the MTP AV’s MMC ID number
matches that set in Pro Tools Peripherals/MachineControl window.
☞ Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide for
details on configuring Pro Tools to output
MMC.
To record from ADAT to Pro Tools:
1 In the Session Setup window:
• Set Pro Tools Sync Mode to Internal. (Do
not select ADAT Optical — Pro Tools
must be slaved to the MTP AV).
• Set Channel 1-2 Input to ADAT (or Analog if the ADAT Bridge is not your primary audio interface).
2 Create, name and record enable destina-
tion tracks in Pro Tools.
3 Cue the ADAT to at location at least 10
seconds prior to where you want Pro Tools
to begin recording.
4 Click the Record button on Pro Tools
Transport.
5 Press Play to begin recording to
Pro Tools.
ADAT Bridge I/O46
chapter 8
Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a
Digital TimePiece
serial cable to
Word clock (from ADAT Bridge)
IN OUT
SMPTE VIDEO
Mark of the Unicorn Digital TimePiece™
OUT
OUT
OUT
S/PDIF
WORD 1x
WORD 256x
IN
IN
IN
ADAT 1
DA-88 Sync OUT
ADAT Sync INDA-88 Sync IN
ADAT Sync OUT
Sony 9-pin
9-pin cable
modem or printer port
REMOTE EXPANSION
12
OUT
IN OUT IN
MIDI 1MIDI 2
Computer
Pro Tools card
ADAT 2
optical cables in/out
Digidesign ADAT Bridge
to Pro Tools card
Word clock(1x) signal from ADAT Bridge (I/O)
Figure 6. Connecting a DTP to an ADAT Bridge, Pro Tools and ADAT
Chapter 8: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a Digital TimePiece 47
Interface Y-cable
BA
50-pin
interface cables
Hardware Setup
Recording Tracks from ADAT to
Pro Tools with a DTP
The following sample setup allows
Pro Tools to act as the positional and clock
(transport) master using MMC and Word
Clock, using a Mark of the Unicorn Digital
TimePiece™ (DTP).
To connect this setup:
1 Connect the DTP to the ADAT by attach-
ing 9-pin sync cables between these devices
as shown in the illustration above.
2 Connect the DTP to your computer’s mo-
dem or printer port via serial cable as
shown in the illustration.
3 Connect Word Clock Out from the ADAT
Bridge to the Word 1x In port on the DTP.
DTP Settings:
◆ Timebase Source set to Word 1x and
MTC.
Software Configuration
This setup explains how to perform a synchronized ADAT-to-Pro Tools track transfer. Pro Tools functions as both transport
and clock master.
To transfer audio from ADAT to Pro Tools:
1 Connect the DTP to your system.
Configuring the DTP in OMS Setup
(Macintosh Only)
2 In OMS Setup, create an OMS device for
the DTP if you haven’t already done so.
3 In OMS’ MIDI Device Info dialog, enable
send and receive MTC for the DTP.
4 In the OMS Setup window, connect the
DTP to the appropriate MIDI port.
5 Save the DTP configuration document as
your current OMS setup.
The DTP has the ability to translate the
ADAT-proprietary ABS time reference signal embedded on ADAT tapes into MIDI
Time Code. This enables you to synchronize the ADAT and Pro Tools with nearsample accuracy.
The DTP allows you to either control the
Pro Tools transport via the ADAT, or control the ADAT’s transport via Pro Tools. In
either case, Pro Tools should provide the
master clock reference signal.
ADAT Bridge I/O48
Configuring the DTP in OMS
On the DTP:
6 Press the source button until both the
MTC and Word 1x LEDs are lit.
7 Press the format button and choose the
desired frame rate.
In Pro Tools:
8 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set Channel 1–2 input to ADAT.
9 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set the Pro Tools Sync Mode to Internal.
10 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
choose the sample rate that matches the
material on the ADAT(s).
11 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
choose the SMPTE frame rate that matches
the rate chosen on the DTP.
12 Create the number of destination audio
tracks you want to transfer from the
ADAT(s). Make sure the destination tracks
each have a different voice assignment in
the Pro Tools session.
13 Use the Input Selector of each destina-
tion track to assign its input. Inputs 1–8
correspond to the ADAT Bridge I/O’s Group
A inputs. Inputs 9–16 correspond to ADAT
Bridge I/O’s Group B inputs. If you have additional ADAT Bridges/ADATs, assign their
inputs as well. (When Ch 1–2 input set to
ADAT, Pro Tools automatically sets I/O
pop-ups to ADAT Bridge Group A/B input
& output labels.)
14 Select a Pro Tools monitoring mode
(Auto Input Monitor or Input Only Monitor). Use Input Only Monitor if you want to
be able to hear incoming material on
record-enabled Pro Tools tracks before you
initiate recording. Use Auto Input Monitor
to hear incoming material only during actual recording.
15 Choose Time Code from the Pro Tools
Display menu so that the Pro Tools counter
will display time in SMPTE frames.
16 Choose the desired Pro Tools online re-
cording mode: Record Online at Time Code
Lock, or Record Online at Insertion/Selection. To do this, choose Preferences from
the Pro Tools Setups menu. Click the Operation button and enable the desired mode
at the bottom of this dialog. If you are not
familiar with these modes, refer the explanation in your Pro Tools Reference Guide.
17 Set the Pro Tools pre-roll time to at least
10 seconds.
18 Click the Pro Tools Record button
19 Click the Pro Tools Play button.
20 When you have finished recording,
click Pro Tool’s Stop button. The ADAT will
stop recording.
Recording Tracks from Pro Tools to
ADAT with a DTP
This setup explains how to perform a synchronized Pro Tools-to-ADAT track transfer
using the DTP.
To transfer audio from Pro Tools to ADAT:
1 Make sure your DTP is configured as de-
scribed in the previous procedure, “Recording Tracks from ADAT to Pro Tools with a
DTP” on page 48.
2 Make sure that the ADAT tape is format-
ted to the same sample rate as the Pro Tools
material you intend to transfer.
3 On the ADAT, record enable the destina-
tion ADAT tracks. Make sure that the same
tracks are not configured as Pro Tools input
sources or a feedback loop will occur.
4 In Pro Tools, open the session with the
audio you want to transfer to the ADAT.
5 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set Channel 1–2 input to ADAT.
Chapter 8: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT Using a Digital TimePiece 49
6 In the Pro Tools Session Setup window,
set the Pro Tools Sync Mode to Internal.
7 Use the Output Selector of each Pro Tools
track to assign its output.
• If you are using an ADAT Bridge I/O as
your master Pro Tools interface,
Pro Tools channel 1–8 outputs correspond to Group A optical outputs (1-8)
and channel outputs 9–16 correspond to
Group B optical outputs (9–16).
• If your ADAT Bridge I/O is not your master Pro Tools interface, you must use the
output selector to choose the inputs for
each destination track according to how
your Audio Interfaces are ordered.
8 Set the Pro Tools pre-roll time to at least
10 seconds.
9 Click the Pro Tools Play button.
10 At the point at which you want to begin
recording on the ADAT, press the ADAT’s
Record and Play buttons.
11 When you have finished recording,
click the Pro Tools Stop button.
ADAT Bridge I/O50
chapter 9
Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using an
Opcode Studio 64XTC
Opcode 64XTC™
256x clock signal (out)
ADAT 1
ADAT 2
Digidesign ADAT Bridge
9-pin ADAT Sync cable
optical cables in/out
256x clock signal, to ADAT Bridge Slave Clock IN
to Pro Tools card
22A34 123 411A
serial cable to
modem or printer port
MIDI INMIDI OUT
Computer
Interface Y-cable
BA
50-pin
interface cables
Pro Tools card
Figure 7. Connecting a Studio 64XTC to an ADAT Bridge, Pro Tools and ADATs
Chapter 9: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using an Opcode Studio 64XTC 51
Hardware Setup
Opcode’s Studio 64 XTC has Word Clock
Super Clock outs, ADAT Sync out, and
SMPTE in and out. Because the 64XTC has
only 256x & ADAT Sync Outs, it must always be the clock master in a Pro Tools system. The following setup allows you to synchronize your system with Pro Tools being
the positional/transport master.
To connect this setup:
1 Connect the ADAT Sync Out from the
64XTC to the Sync In on your primary
ADAT.
2 Connect the Studio 64XTC’s 256x Clock
Out to the Slave Clock (256x) In of your
primary audio interface (ADAT Bridge I/O
or other). If you have multiple audio interfaces, daisy-chain the Slave Clock signal as
described previously.
3 Make sure your 64XTC’s serial cable is
correctly connected to your CPU.
Software Configuration
Macintosh
On the Macintosh, the 64XTC requires
OMS.
OMS Setup (Macintosh Only)
Before you begin, confirm that you have
installed and configured the 64XTC, and
that it is recognized by OMS (i.e., it is
shown in OMS Setup). Once the XTC is recognized by OMS, a “Studio 64 XTC” pulldown menu appears in the OMS application.
1 Add a new device and assign it to Port 5
(even though the 64XTC only has four
physical ports, configure this new device
for “port 5”). Refer to your OMS documentation for details on creating an OMS device or assigning its port.
2 Name the device ADAT, and for MMC,
enable Sends and Receives. Nothing else
need be checked.
3 Click OK to close the New Device win-
dow. In OMS Setup, the 64XTC and ADAT
device should appear similar to the following (your setup will probably include other
devices than the example shown below):
Windows
If you are using the 64XTC on Windows,
you must first install the 64XTC drivers
and confirm that the device is operating
correctly. The 64XTC ports will appear in
Pro Tools as available sync sources/destinations.
ADAT Bridge I/O52
OMS Setup with an ADAT device defined and
configured to use “port 5”
4 In OMS, choose Studio 64XTC > Edit Pro-
grams. Configure it similar to the following:
Studio 64XTC Edit Programs window
5 Select Store Current Program in the Stu-
dio 64XTC menu to save the settings.
In Pro Tools:
6 In the Peripherals/Synchronization win-
dow select “Generic Device” in Synchronization and “Studio 64 XTC” for Port.
7 At the top of the Peripherals dialog, click
the Machine Control button to open the
Machine Control Peripherals window.
There, enable Machine Control (at the bottom of the window) and for “Send to” select ADAT (this is the device/port you just
defined in OMS Setups) and set its ID to
127.
8 Click OK to close the Peripherals dialog.
9 Once configured, the 64XTC will receive
transport commands from Pro Tools via
MMC and send those commands to the
ADAT via OMS and the 64XTC. The 64XTC
then converts that into ADAT Sync, which
it sends to the ADAT via the 9-pin connection. The 64 XTC is providing the master
clock reference to Pro Tools via 256x (Slave
Clock) connection.
Chapter 9: Synchronizing Pro Tools and ADAT using an Opcode Studio 64XTC 53
ADAT Bridge I/O54
chapter 10
Connecting Pro Tools to an ADAT-Compatible
Digital Mixer
You can use your ADAT Bridge I/O to connect your Pro Tools system with an ADATcompatible, ADAT optical-equipped digital
mixing console such as the Yamaha 02R,
Ramsa DA7, and others.
Yamaha 02R or equivalent ADAT-optical equipped
digital mixing console
optical 1
optical 2
in out
in out
optical in/out
Digidesign ADAT Bridge
to Pro Tools card
ADAT Bridge I/O linking between Pro Tools and a
digital mixing console
Computer
Pro Tools Y-cable
BA
50-pin
interface cables
Pro Tools card
To connect the ADAT Bridge I/O to a ADATcompatible digital mixing console:
1 Follow the basic setup instructions previ-
ously given in “Primary Connections
(Bridge I/O to Pro Tools and ADAT)” on
page 10, but instead of making connections to an ADAT:
2 Connect an optical cable from Optical #1
Out on the ADAT Bridge I/O to optical input #1 on the digital mixing console.
3 Connect a an optical cable from optical
output #1 on the digital mixing console to
Optical #1 In on the ADAT Bridge I/O.
4 Connect an optical cable from Optical #2
Out on the ADAT Bridge I/O to optical input #2 on the digital mixing console.
5 Connect an optical cable from optical
output #2 on the digital mixing console to
Optical #2 In on the ADAT Bridge I/O.
6 If your digital console does not have the
ability to lock to the Word Clock signal carried over these optical connections, connect the Word Clock out of the
ADAT Bridge I/O to the Word Clock in of
the digital console. This is necessary for
both systems to be able to synchronize to
the same master clock reference.
☞ Refer to the documentation that came with
your digital console for additional installation
and operational information.
Chapter 10: Connecting Pro Tools to an ADAT-Compatible Digital Mixer 55
ADAT Bridge I/O56
appendix a
ADAT Bridge I/O Technical Specifications
Analog Performance
Audio Output
Actively balanced (unbalanced operation
also supported)