Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product AI-2 Alesis
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A L ES I S AI-2 Reference M a nu a l.
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 ABOUT AI-2 ................................ ............................................. 1 1.1 IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS MANUAL ....................... 3 1.2 OVERVIEW OF MAIN FUNCTIONS ..................
CHAPTER 4: GETTING STARTED 4.0 POWER ON PROCEDURE ................................ ................... 24 4.1 ADAT ID NUMBERS ................................ .............................. 25 4.2 AI-2 CONFIGURATION ................................ ..
6.4A Normal Operation ................................ ........................... 47 6.4B Setup Operation ................................ .............................. 48 6.4C Set/Hold Operation ................................ ....................
CHAPTER 8: APPENDICES 8.0 APPENDIX 1: SPECIFICATIONS ................................ ......... 67 8.0A Operating Codes ................................ ............................ 67 8.0B Reference Sources ................................ ..........
1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 ABOUT AI-2 The AI-2 is an extremely flexible and powerful interface device for the ALESIS ADAT 8-track digital audio tape recorder. The AI -2 i s designed and manufactured for ALESIS by TimeLine, the world leader in machine control and synchronization systems.
2 • Storage of Setups. The AI-2 can read and write setup informa - tion to the beginning of each ADAT tape, for later retrieval. This information (tape table of contents) is in the same format as the ALESIS BRC information. The AI -2 can read existing BRC information from the tape and will use only the data that it requires.
3 1.1 IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS MANUAL The AI-2 is an extremely easy to use interface, and has been designed to automatically configure, depending on the control signals that are detected.
4 AI2022A Sync Out Sync In MASTER ADA T SLA VE ADA T ALESIS AI-2 Sync In Sync Out V IDEO R EFERENCE AUDIO OR VIDEO TRANSPOR T EXT WORD CLOCK TIMELINE SYNCHRONIZER VIDEO EDITOR ALESIS BRC MIDI COMPUTER MIDI T ime Code Wo r d Clock MIDI T ime Code Chase Control REWIND FAST FWD STOP PLAY RECORD EJECT POWER 12345678 Optional-See Section 3.
5 The AI-2 has comprehensive reference select options, which have been structured to accommodate any possible combination of reference source, time code and sample rate. Each of the variables can be set in the REFERENCE menu. The AI-2 effortlessly handles the conversions and controls the ADAT at the correct speed.
6 1.3 INPUT CONTROL MODES The AI-2 can be controlled by one of four methods. 1. The AI-2 and the attached ADATs are controlled by a video editor, or similar device, via a RS422 cable using standard Sony protocols. The AI-2 emulates the functionality of the Sony PCM- 7030 digital audio tape recorder.
7 1.5 "ENGAGED" VS. "DISENGAGED" TAPES Analog audio recorders typically move tape past the heads between 1-7/8 and 30 inches per second. Higher play speeds result in a higher bandwidth, or the ability to record high-frequency signals on tape.
8 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION The AI-2 is a 1 unit high 19" Rack mount device. We recommend that you install the AI-2 in the same rack or close to the ADAT transports, permitting connection to the first ADAT transport with a standard ALESIS 9-pin sync cable.
9 2.2 REFERENCE CONNECTION The AI-2 reference connections are used to connect an external speed reference. Connectors are provided for time code, word clock and video signals. These signals are used to control the speed the ADAT machines will run at when in Play.
10 2.3 CONTROL CONNECTION The AI-2 control connections are used to connect an external controller. Connectors are provided for a video editor or similar controller, the TimeLine Lynx-2 or Micro Lynx synchronizers, and MIDI. These inputs are used to control connected ADATs through the AI-2.
11 2.3D MIDI OUT The MIDI OUT connector is a 5-pin din socket. The MIDI output is used for MIDI Machine Control responses (MMC), AI-2 responses and BRC responses to external commands, and for MIDI Time Code (MTC). Connect a MIDI cable to this socket when using an external MIDI controller that requires MIDI responses.
12 2.4E W/C OUT The W/C OUT connector is a female BNC socket. The word clock output is a 5V TTL signal. Connect a BNC to BNC cable from this output to the BRC 48 KHz input. This connector feeds either external word clock or the AI-2 sample clock generator output to the BRC.
13 AI2021A FRONT P ANEL REAR P ANEL LCD Display AI-2 Control and Setup Keys Control and Communication Status LEDs Power Switch Eight Position Configuration Switch 9-12V AC Power Connector Reader Input.
14 CHAPTER 3: APPLICATIONS 3.0 AI-2 INTERFACING The AI-2 is designed to quickly and effectively integrate the Alesis ADAT digital audio tape recorders into studio and post production facilities. The AI-2 can be used for a wide range of applications, from basic chase synchronization to full control of 16 ADAT transports from a video editor.
15 3.1 INTERFACING TO ONE OR MORE ADAT'S The AI-2 is used to connect one or more ADATs to a control system. The basic ADAT connection is shown here. When the AI-2 is powered on it takes control of the ADAT chain and automatically assigns machine IDs to the connected ADATs.
16 3.2 INTERFACING TO THE BRC REMOTE CONTROL The AI-2 can be used to control one or more ADATs through the BRC, this allows an "ADAT system" to be connected to a machine control system or video editing system.
17 Note, that the ADAT SYNC OUT connector on the AI-2 rear panel is unconnected for this mode of operation. When all connections have been made, and the units powered on, the BRC/ADAT LED on the front panel of the AI-2 should be illuminated, to indicate that valid communication is occurring between the units.
18 If required, an external digital audio sample rate clock may also be connected to the W/C IN connector in the reference section of the AI-2 rear panel. For the system to operate satisfactorily, the external sample rate clock must b e correctly synchronized to the video reference signal connected to the video input.
19 An external digital audio word clock can be connected to the reference W/C IN connector. The same precautions apply as for the video editor interface, the word clock and synchronizer system must both be locked to the same reference signal.
20 3.5 TIME CODE CHASE INTERFACE The AI-2 has a high resolution bi-directional time code reader that has been specifically designed for time code chase applications. The reader can read all time code types, at any rate, including discontinuous high speed code.
21 On the AI -2 front panel, the LTC LED will illuminate when valid time code is being received at the rear panel reader input. If the LED does not light or is flickering then check the time code cable or the output level of the time code source.
22 During operation the MMC LED on the AI -2 front panel illuminates to indicate valid MIDI data is being received. If the LED does not light (no communications) or is flashing (communication taking p.
23 AI2018A Sync Out Sync In DIGIT AL TRANSFER WITH THE AI-1 Sync In Wo r d Clock In Digital I/O Digital I/O Sync In Sync Out MASTER ADA T SLA VE ADA T ALESIS AI-2 ALESIS AI-1 60-250 VAC 50-60 Hz 48kHz.
24 CHAPTER 4: GETTING STARTED 4.0 POWER ON PROCEDURE Each time the AI-2 is powered up it runs through a series of initial- ization tests and displays the current configuration.
25 SO N Y T i m e C o d e T y p e Displays the selected frame rate and 29 . 97H z / D F time code type. R E A D F R O M T A P E Prompts to read data from the tape header. S TOR E T O C ON F I R M Press the STORE key to confirm and read the data or press the DISPLAY key to cancel and continue.
26 the DISPLAY key to cancel the read from tape operation. To disable the automatic power up read from tape prompt, set read tape to off in the commands menu.
27 The AI-2 determines a sample rate ratio from the frame rate and sample rate options selected in the reference menu. The actual time code position is then calculated by subtracting the AI-2 offset from the ADAT tape position determined using this sample rate ratio.
28 Connect a time code source to the reader input, the time code sup- plied should be between zero and forty five minutes. Put a format - ted tape in the first ADAT transport and press the AI-2 ONLINE Key. Now start the time code source, the ADAT will cue to the reader time code position, go into play and lock.
29 4.6 TRIM AN OFFSET To trim an offset press the DISPLAY key until the offset register is shown in the display. Press the SET/HOLD key, the frames digits will start to flash, press the SET/HOLD key again to select the desired pair of time code digits, then use the DOWN and UP keys to adjust the offset.
30 The AI-2 can be used to save status information to the ADAT tape header at the end of a session. The AI -2 transfers project informa- tion, such as code type, and most significantly the Cue start and Tape start times, this allows offsets to be automatically recalled at a future date.
31 CHAPTER 5: OPERATIONAL FEATURES 5.0 MODES OF OPERATION The AI-2 has four modes of operation, Normal, Set/Hold, Command and Setup. These modes are described in detail in this section. The AI-2 will usually be used in Normal mode. Set/Hold mode is used to modify and transfer times between registers.
32 C U E S t a r t T i m e Only displayed when Cue menu option, L 00: 00: 00: 00. 00 Use Times is set to on. The time code displayed is for the current cue, selected in the Cue menu. If the cue start time is modified by the Set/Hold or capture process, then the start time in the Cue menu will be updated.
33 P o s i t i o n E r r o r The ADAT transport position error. In play L0 . 0 0 shows subframe error. In time code chase shows, the difference between the time code input and the ADAT or distance between master and slave. In control modes shows, difference between requested location and actual ADAT position.
34 5.2 SET/HOLD MODE The SET/HOLD key can be used to "capture" any time code num - ber except the ADAT position error display register. Pressing the SET/HOLD key and holding it down continuously "holds" or freezes the display for observation for two seconds and then releases it to continue incrementing normally.
35 code reader input and enters it in the Offset register. To use the capture feature press and hold the STORE key and then press SET/HOLD. 5.3 COMMAND MODE 5.
36 5.3C Read Tape Reads data from the first ADAT tape header. This command must be confirmed by pressing the STORE key as a loss of information could occur. The AI -2 reads and stores every piece of data in the ADAT tape header, even information that the AI -2 does not require.
37 manual. In Setup mode, the function of the front panel keys changes, as indicated by the gray italic legends to MENU, LAST, NEXT, DOWN and UP. The SETUP key toggles in and out of Setup mode, which can be entered at any time. Press the SETUP key to enter Setup mode and press the key again to exit Setup mode and return to the normal display.
38 5.5 SAVING TO TAPE The AI-2 is equipped to save information to the ADAT tape data header. The AI -2 will transmit cue start times, tape start times, pitch information and ADAT operational status such as cross fade time, all safe status and auto input status over the ADAT sync port to the ADAT machines.
39 29.97 Hz/30 and if on, to 25 Hz/25. This however automatically switches if a different code type is detected at the reader input. The digital audio sample rate at the AI-2's word clock outputs is always set to the ADAT's standard operating frequency of 48.
40 AI2014A TIME CODE MIDI TIME CODE LONGITUDINAL TIME CODE REFERENCE W/C IN RDR IN VID IN CONTROL LYNX-2 / MICRO L YNX MIDI OUT IN BRC MIDI OUT IN THRU GEN OUT W/C OUT SYNC OUT ADAT POWER CONFIG EDITOR S/N ALESIS AI-2 MANUFACTURED BY TimeLine Vista, Inc.
41 The AI-2 simultaneously generates serial time code for a video editor or synchronizer, LTC, MTC and sample clock, which is sent to the ADAT transport via the SYNC OUT connector or the BRC via the W/C OUT connector.
42 5.11A External Word Clock Reference The AI-2 sample rate and time code are derived from an external word clock present at the W/C in connector and one of the three "secondary" frame reference signals described below, Lynx synchronizer, video or internal.
43 The AI-2 sample rate and time code are derived from a variable internal reference which is adjustable in one cent steps. The AI - 2 displays the pitch variation in cents and an equivalent speed per- centage read out. The range available at 48 KHz is from +100 to -300 cents.
44 CHAPTER 6: FEATURES AND CONTROLS 6.0 FRONT PANEL The AI-2 front panel has a power switch, eight status LEDs, six function keys and a two row, sixteen character Liquid Crystal display (LCD) with an orange backlight. The status LEDs are used to give continual user feedback of the AI -2 operating state.
45 When a new message is added to the AI-2 error stack, the NON STD LED will flash. The messages can be viewed by pressing the STORE key and each time the STORE key is pressed the next message in the stack is displayed. When all the messages have been read, the stack is cleared and the LED stops flashing.
46 6.3 DISPLAY The AI-2 display is used to indicate status information such as sample rate and time code information, and in SETUP mode to enter AI-2 operational parameters. The display is also used to show context sensitive warning messages and system error messages.
47 6.4 FRONT PANEL KEYS AI-2 function control is provided by a switch matrix with six keys. These keys are used to configure the AI-2 operational parameters, and to permit the user to control basic functions and select one of a number of available time code registers to display.
48 and any current session information such as offsets back to the ADAT tape header. The save command requires confirmation with the STORE key. • ONLINE.
49 • DOWN. Moves down one submenu option or value. • UP. Moves up one submenu option or value. • CLEAR = DOWN + UP. Press the DOWN and UP keys simul- taneously for 1/2 second. Used to reset or clear some AI - 2 submenu options to the default setting or zero, prior to entering a new value.
50 6.5 SETUP MENUS AND FUNCTIONS The AI-2 has a setup or configuration structure comprised of separate menus. The items in each menu are grouped by function.
51 • Digital In. Used to switch the audio input of all connected ADAT transports to the fiber optic digital input. • Track Delay. Used to turn track delays on or off, if delays have been read from the ADAT tape header. Track delays can not be entered from the AI-2 front panel.
52 6.5C Control Menu The Control menu is used to select the type of controller and set editor, and time code chase synchronizer options. Menu Submenu Option Description CONTROL Mode: RDR CHASE Time code chase. SONY Editor input. LYNX Lynx-2/Micro Lynx synchronizer.
53 • Flywheel. The number of frames the AI-2 will flywheel when in time code chase. In normal operation this number should be 10 frames, which permits significant interruption to the time code input, while retaining positive transport response.
54 Cue times can not be edited in this menu, but if the Use Times option is set to on, they can be selected in the main display rotation and edited by the set/hold process. The cue start time is also automatically updated when the AI-2 offset is altered.
55 6.5E MIDI Menu The MIDI menu is used to control the MTC generator and select AI-2 data for MIDI SysEx dump. Midi information can be transferred bi-directionally from one AI-2 to another AI-2, the BRC or an external MIDI storage device. Menu Submenu Option Description MIDI MTC: O n Default.
56 6.5F Reference Menu The reference menu is used to select the system reference, code type and rate and the tape time output, generator modes. The AI-2 internal speed and rate computations are all determined by the options selected in this menu. Menu Submenu Option Description REFERENCE Input W/C, Lynx Word clock in and Lynx frame edge.
57.
58 • Input. Used to select the ADAT system speed reference source. The default reference selection is determined by the method of control selected in the control menu.
59 sync video signal at video black level locked to the AI-2 system reference. If the option card is on then the AI-2 video input BNC is used as a video output and may be connected to the sync input of a VTR or other transport that needs to be reference to the ADAT system.
60 The tracks menu is used to select the track control method and to allocate or map tracks to editor track enables. The highest track available for track mapping is determined by the number of ADATs connected.
61 • Selection. Used to determine the track control method. The selections are editor control, Lynx control (which is also used for MMC track control), and local at the front panel of the ADAT transports. • Mapping. The mapping option determines the operation of the following map to, track assignment selection.
62 CHAPTER 7: ADVANCED FEATURES Chapter seven contains information on a number of features or procedures that are not covered in other sections of the manual. Some of the information in the chapter has been included for completeness and should not be considered an advanced feature.
63 7.1B Time Code Number Differences In certain situations there will be a slight difference between the AI-2 time code display and the time displayed on the front panel of the ADAT.
64 If a clean MTC only feed is required, a MIDI controlling device must operate in open loop mode. 7.3B BRC Control Feed Through The AI-2 permits MIDI control and response feed through to the BRC from the MIDI input and output connectors.
65 whenever SysEx information is transmitted to the AI -2 MIDI IN connector. 7.4 REAR PANEL CONFIGURATION DIP SWITCHES • Switch 1. Is used to configure the AI-2 so that after a memory clear the default settings will initialize for 25 frame operation.
66 SW 5 SW 6 MIDI Device ID OFF OFF 0 0 h e x O N O F F 29 hex O F F O N 49 hex O N O N 69 hex • Switches 7 and 8. Are not currently implemented and have been reserved for future use. 7.5 EXT WORD CLOCK The AI-2 will measure the frequency of an external word clock reference and display the measurement in the status menu.
67 The OFFLINE key is used to release all ADAT transports from AI-2 control. The master ADAT will automatically assume control of the slave ADATs. Individual machines in an ADAT chain can be taken "offline" by ejecting the ADAT tape. The AI -2 will detect when a tape is ejected and if necessary automatically reassign the master transport.
68 CHAPTER 8: APPENDICES 8.0 APPENDIX 1: SPECIFICATIONS 8.0A Operating Codes SMPTE (30 fps NDF) SMPTE (29.97 fps NDF) SMPTE Drop Frame (30 fps DF) SMPTE Drop Frame (29.
69 8.0D ADAT Synchronizer Lock Time 2 to 3 seconds, nominal User Adjustment None 8.0E Control Editor Interfaces Serial RS422, 38.4 Kbaud. Conforms to ANSI specification Synchronizer Interface Serial RS422, 38.4 Kbaud. Conforms to ANSI specification MIDI Interface Serial, 31.
70 8.0H Interconnections The connectors mounted on the rear of the AI-2 are as follows: POWER 2.5 mm Male socket RDR IN 1/4" Female stereo jack EXT VID BNC Female connector EXT W/C BNC Female con.
71 8.1 APPENDIX 2: INTERFACE INFORMATION 8.1A Sony Editor Constants If your editor does not recognize the SONY PCM-7030 machine ID, the editor machine constants should be set as follows: Constant Valu.
72 Item Number Setting Details of Setting 11 AFTER SYNC DELAY -- After synchronization, when changing to play mode, specifies the optimum command delay for the servo to lock in the correct position from low speed.
73 8.1D External Word Clock The AI-2 will accept a 48k 5V TTL external word clock signal. The word clock should ideally be supplied by a high quality digital reference generator. A constant stable word clock reference is required for communication between the AI -2 and the ADAT transports.
74 8.2 APPENDIX 3: MAINTENANCE/ SERVICE INFORMATION 8.2A Cleaning First, turn the unit off and disconnect the AI -2 wall mounting power supply. Use a damp cloth, with a mild detergent to clean the front panel of the AI-2. Under no circumstances use an abrasive cleaner or chemical solvent, this will damage the front panel finish.
75 8.3 APPENDIX 4: TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Solution Front panel display does not light. The AI -2 power supply is not connected or is faulty. Check the 2.5 mm power connection and make sure that the wall transformer is plugged in properly. If this fails to correct the problem, try another power supply.
76 Symptom Solution Reference LED flashes. The selected system reference is not present or the AI -2 can not lock to it. Make sure that the correct reference source is selected in the reference menu. Check that the reference signal is connected. Non Std LED flashes.
77.
78 8.3A Tape Status Messages • All Wr Protected. A record command cannot be executed, because all ADAT tapes are write protected. • Ejected. A read data command cannot be executed because the tape in the first ADAT machine is ejected or a save data command cannot be executed because all ADAT tapes are ejected.
79 • Wr Protected. A command cannot be executed because the write protect tab has been removed from the tape. 8.3B System Status Messages • ADAT Unavailable. A tape operation has been requested and the ADAT transport is not available. • ADAT Version Err.
80 • MIDI Read Wait. A read MIDI data operation has been requested and the AI-2 is waiting for data. • MIDI Save. MIDI data is being saved to an external MIDI device. • MIDI Save Abort. An unsuccessful save MIDI data operation has been aborted. • MIDI Save Done.
81 • System Message. System message, followed by error message, warning, condition or number. • PLL Lost Lock. The AI-2 internal hardware phase lock loop has lost lock. • Video = NTSC. Video sync source detected is NTSC. • Video = PAL. Video sync source detected is PAL.
82 8.4 GLOSSARY 24. '24' refers to both the film-standard speed and code type. 25. '25' refers to both the EBU/PAL speed and code type. 29.97. '29.97' refers to a SMPTE frame rate only, in frames-per - second. (See Drop Frame) 30.
83 Control Track. A synchronizing signal on the edge of a tape, which provides a reference for tracking control and tape speed. Digital Audio. A means of storing and transmitting sound using binary digits to replicate the audio waveforms. Display. Numeric display.
84 musical pitch and rhythm information, synthesizer performance parameters, song position markers, stop/start/continue commands for sequencers and computers, and synchronizing data called MIDI Clock, which is based on 24 pulses per quarter-note. MIDI is frequently used with SMPTE for sync-to-tape functions.
85 Resolving. A technique for regulating the play speed of a tape machine by matching the rate of pulses recorded on tape with a pulse rate from another stable source or a master tape machine.
86 Toggle. To toggle is to consecutively press a key to enable or disable a feature. Type. See Time Code Type. Video Sync. A reference video signal generated by an extremely stable source. This signal is used to control the speed of video machines, digital audio machines and is used as a timing reference to ensure accurate synchronization.
87 8.5 FCC NOTICE 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. These limits are designed to provide a reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
An important point after buying a device Alesis AI-2 (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Alesis AI-2 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Alesis AI-2 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Alesis AI-2 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Alesis AI-2 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Alesis AI-2, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Alesis AI-2.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Alesis AI-2. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Alesis AI-2 along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
