ADAT Blackface newbie

  • Thread starter Thread starter EddieRay
  • Start date Start date
xstatic said:
Did you check the write protect tab on the tape? Also, how did you manage to find an unformatted tape at Guitar Center. It seems to me that for the last three years they only carried the BASF preformatted tapes:D
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Only one of the three GC's near me had ADAT tape in stock. The one in Sherman Oaks had 7 units of something called "HHb" (I think that's what it is - could be HH6". They were about $13 each.

It wasn't the protect tab. I finally got a tape formatted after "exercising" it. I had to ffwd it until it was past the LEAd and dAtA portions to record on it. It seems to be working.
 
adat

EddieRay, there's many opinions on what S-VHS tape to use in ADATs. Don't pay $13 a tape. Try here: www.tapestockonline.com - buy in bulk. I've tried the Maxell S-VHS and had no problems, also they have Fuji 120 min S-VHS tapes at a really good price.

If you're having troubles formatting or reading back tapes, you should seriously consider having your ADATs, including the problematic one, serviced. Try audiodesign-service (http://audiodesign-service.com/index.html) in North Hollywood, they (like all repair places) aren't the most inexpensive place but they can fix almost any ADAT problem. Take the units there and get them cleaned and checked out. Of course, you should learn to clean them manually, but I have a suspicion that your units may have some issues that only a service checkout would fix. I'm sure they can fix your "error 7" unit, if you're willing to pay the $$$ for repairs. It may not be a big repair.

To transfer from the ADATs to the computer, you need a interface with multiple ADAT optical ports. Your best choices are used units, like the MOTU 2408 mkI thru mk III units, RME Hammerfall 9652 type PCI cards or Sonorus Studi/o PCI card. The RME and MOTUs have 24 channels of ADAT optical in/out each, and ADAT sync, so you can transfer sample accurately back and forth (send a track to the computer, use plugins, then transfer back to the ADAT in sync). You can transfer your tapes to the harddisk and then bring the tracks back through the 2408s through the ADAT converters and to the board if you choose. MOTU has had problems with PC drivers in the past, I'm not sure if they're better now. The Sonorus Studi/o PCI card has 16 ADAT optical I/O, but they are harder to find. I have a Sonorus card and it works great but only on win98 or win2K, not XP. If the PC/windows drivers are working better now than in the past, the MOTU units (mkI thru III) would be a better choice. RME is expensive. Stay away from the Alesis ADAT edit card... only 8 ADAT I/O and a terrible reputation not to work on PC's.
 
A lot of repair places charge a flat rate of like $150 to do an ADAT. They will fix any and all problems (with the exception of a head stack) for that price. This includes cleaning, alignment, replacing of capstans and rollers etc....

As far as tapes goes, ANY S-VHS will actually work in an ADAT machine. However, non pro tapes are much more likely to get your machine ready for cleaning and repairs at a much faster rate. Technically though, they will work.

BTW, RME is actually chepaer than MOTU if you just need the digital i/o. Rock solid too.
 
Much thanks to everyone for the very helpful replies. It looks like I will be able to proceed with my plan for remote recording now that the gear appears to be in good working order. I will definitely have to get some known brand SVHS tape so thanks for the links.

Regarding my PC audio interface - I have an Aark24 with 8 in/8 out + 2 SPDIF. I'm able to record from the ADAT to the PC but essentially I'm re-recording: playback from the ADAT tracks to Cakewalk tracks. It works, and it sounds pretty decent based on my initial tests. Is it worth it to invest in a more efficient means?
 
If you have a soundcard that you like, you now only need the ADAT I/O card with enough channels to transfer the tracks from ADAT to PC digitally, and the RME PCI card (16 or 24 ADAT I/O) is probably a better choice.
 
One more question

Does tape thickness contribute to quality or longevity? I would like to be able to record up to 60 minutes at a time. But 60 minute tape is thinner than 45 minute tape. Will that make a difference at some point?
 
The main knock on tape ADATs are tape transport issues, eaten or crunched tapes. The thinner S-VHS tapes could be more prone to transport problems, but maybe not. You should try the longer 60 minute tapes in your machines and decide for yourself. In blackfaces, I'd stick to the standard 40 minute S-VHS tapes.
 
Just a note...DO NOT use isopropyl rubbing alcohol!! Rubbing alcohol leaves a light oil residue. Anhydrous alcohol is recommended, but is difficule to find/acquire in small quantities. Analog tape head cleaner (Radio Shack) is the closest alternative I have been able to find. Also, the "swabs" you are describing are very abrasive, and should not be used, regardless of the alcohol. I had trouble getting lint-free tech wipes and have used optical quality cleaning cloths (cut into smaller squares), which can be found in optical stores. Make sure they are not treated with the anti-fogging stuff!!
 
creekster said:
Just a note...DO NOT use isopropyl rubbing alcohol!! Rubbing alcohol leaves a light oil residue. Anhydrous alcohol is recommended, but is difficule to find/acquire in small quantities. Analog tape head cleaner (Radio Shack) is the closest alternative I have been able to find. Also, the "swabs" you are describing are very abrasive, and should not be used, regardless of the alcohol. I had trouble getting lint-free tech wipes and have used optical quality cleaning cloths (cut into smaller squares), which can be found in optical stores. Make sure they are not treated with the anti-fogging stuff!!
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Check this guy out - all the cleaning supplies you need for ADATs... nice guy and fast service too.

http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/cleaning.htm
 
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