ADAT XT to Laptop transfer???

  • Thread starter Thread starter twonky
  • Start date Start date
T

twonky

New member
Hiya! I have an ADAT Xt and the ADAT/Edit software on my pc, so I can transfer tracks via the lightpipe for computer editing and then back to the ADAT for mixdown. Well the problem is, my ADAT and my PC a kept in two different locations, so there is a lot of schleppin the pc back and forth. I recently aquired a laptop and Want to use it in the same capacity. I cannot use the ADAT/edit software on the laptop because I cant install the PCI card. The laptop does have USB and S/PDIF ports though. Does anyone know what I can use to digitally transfer these track back and forth? soundcard w/ breakout box? I dont know. Any info would be really helpful. Thanks!
 
Try http://rme-audio.com. They have lap top cards.

Another option might be to get a cheap old pc for the adat site with something like a Frontier Wave Center card, and bounce the tracks to a removable drive. You don't need much in the way of processor speed to get multi track in and out.
 
Thanks for the site info, the problem (as it always is is $$) I have the laptop and it is powerful.
So how about this? Can the ADAT optical plug into the S/PDIF port
and have a multitrack program like Samplitude or even SoundForge control star and end times? Can I do digital transfers that way?
Excuse my supreme ignorance.
IAn
 
ADAT lightpipe and S/PDIF Optical are two totally different protocols for transferring digital audio between devices. They ONLY share the same type of connection and cable for doing so.

Another thing you have to consider is if you want to do "sample accurate" transfers between the ADAT and computer. The ADAT/Edit software, with the PCR card is probably the lowest cost solution for doing so. If you don't NEED sample accurate transfers, then any card you can find that can run on a laptop with suffice.

Good luck.

Ed
 
did you notice that no one makes a stereo I/O and an ADAT in PCI card? thats what i would like. The only one is a Lynx Two, and that is so rediculously priced that its funny to ever say.
 
Thanks for the Spdif and Adat optical info, I have been trying to find if there was a difference.
The digital transfer is a bit of a priority. How about a ADAT optical to USB kinda thing? I know i am stabbing blindly here.
thanks again
 
The lap top cards are out there, I don't know if the stuff is up to speed yet. It may need to filter down a bit before it gets cheap AND easy. One thing to consider for future though, is why would you want to put back into a tape machine(s) once it's in the computer? That in itself can cost more in the long run considering machine break downs and maintenance!


(don't mind me. i'm just pissed cause the analog ins on my CX8 just took a crap...but hey, all the little rollers and the reel moter's are brand new! :(
 
Good point

I hear what you're saying. Samplitude (or any audio workstation, for that matter) does have powerful mixing options and its editing capabilities are many...I just have trouble giving up that tactile experience that is the actual mixing console.
I am not to the point where I know frequncies and compressor ratios by #. I still have to turn the knobs all the way up and down to decide where I like things, and the PC based multitrack sytems don't give me that hands on feeling. Slowly, I feel that the PC will start to win the war though, with the higher bit resolution and the seemingly infinite plugins that are getting better and better ( and are usually free, hee hee!).

And, what is up w/ these ADATs, I mean, one of mine is 2 years old and has been in for repairs 4 times! AARRGGGG!!!!!!!!!
Its almost like they are disposable. Oh well, the desert search for the techno Allah goes on.
Thanks again!
 
what do you do to your ADATs? or do you just use them A LOT.
 
I'm still bussing back out light pipe to mix analog. Been doing volume envelope automation, clean-up, editing and some processing on my puny 1/3 ghz pc, but it keeps the adat run time to a minimum. One down side is the noise--adats sre at least fairly quiet running.
 
I use them a fair amount, I mean its not a commercial studio, but its definatly not under used. I am also to chicken to lean to do basic repairs (idler wheels, cleaning etc.) my self.
 
MidiMan makes a a 24 bit SPDIF to Adat mixer format converter. It's called a SAM. Totally outboard. But this means you can only transfer two channels at a time. No idea about the price (you'd die if I told you what I picked it up for at one of GC's "the list " holiday sales.

Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top