Lx20 tape format problem

[MassStreet]

I haven't had any experience with adat until we picked one up to do some mobile recording. We bought an adat lx20 and everything seemed to go okay until i tried to record the tracks into the computer. The tapes played a few times, so it is certain that signal was recorded, but the next day when we tried to record out the analog outs the tapes load and then say no format. I have no idea what is wrong and any help would be appreciated.

[CGibson]

Here are a few ideas that come to mind.

1. If you have a new/old stock LX20 adat you could possibly have one with the bad chips that went out between 100 – 200 hrs.

2. The LX20 runs best on preformatted basf/Emtec tapes. Other tape brands can cause the adat to give a variety of error messages including the NO Format message.

3. Try a factory reset and an Emtec preformatted tape before you take it to the shop.

4. If you get it up and running you should also calibrate the unit with a new emtec tape consult manual for calibration. If the unit is new with no hrs. don’t bother with calibration.

So…does MassStreet have anything to do with L. Kansas ?

C
Gibson Studio

[MassStreet]

Actually yes, it is directly related to lawrence. Thank you for the reply. I was hoping I could save the tapes, but the more i look into it the more it seems I just need a better quality tapes. We were doing a live show and the good tapes we ordered weren't in yet so we had to settle for a less reputable brand. Thanks again for the ideas.

p.s. Are there any telling signs that maybe we could have an adat with a bad chip other than it just not working properly?

Adam

[Wireneck]

What brand of tapes are you using? Im not advocating using cheap tapes but ive used plenty of them and never had a problem on my Lx20 or my Xt20. If the tapes worked before and then the machine quit reading them, im willing to bet something is up with the machine. You didn't do anything stupid like record in 20bit on the lx and then try and play back on a 16 bit XT or Blackface did you?
I would try turning the machine off and then repowering. Everynow and then ive had the NOFormat come up and ejecting the tapes and re-inserting has done the trick. If the adats only performed with one brand of tapes, the other companys wouldn't still be in business.

[CGibson]

Originally Posted by MassStreet

Actually yes, it is directly related to lawrence. Thank you for the reply. I was hoping I could save the tapes, but the more i look into it the more it seems I just need a better quality tapes. We were doing a live show and the good tapes we ordered weren't in yet so we had to settle for a less reputable brand. Thanks again for the ideas.

p.s. Are there any telling signs that maybe we could have an adat with a bad chip other than it just not working properly?

Adam

MassStreet is a great place to hang out.
As far as tape goes contact Ron Roberts @ 913-268-0485
He is one of the only emtec tape reps in the Midwest. You can not only buy direct but He'll also deliver to your door.

If the adat unit is still functioning then you don't have the chip problem. The Chip problem will kill the machine.

I've used several brands of tape over the years and the emtec preformatted remains the most reliable media.

The HHB tape was a very good media until they changed the maker.....I had to ship three boxes backed to HHB because 3 out of 10 tape had the NO Format problem.

The biggest problem with suggesting the emtec preformatted tape is the fact they don't make it anymore.
But there is still a large amount of tape floating around.

C
MO

[AGCurry]

I'm just down the road in Overland Park.

Having said that, if you suspect something's wrong with your LX20, I would recommend contacting:

http://www.advancedmusical.com

They're all about ADATs.