Alesis LX20 ADAT questions

[johnthefilmer]

I'm looking to buy an Alesis LX20 ADAT and I have a few quesions.

1. Aren't...SVHS tapes...video tapes?

2. Do the RCA inputs handle audio well? Do I just need some Radio Shack adapters to get from a 1/4 inch plug to RCA plugs?

3. Can it give me that warm, deep, thick, professional sound I've been searching for?

4. Does it give me plenty of options when recording?

5. I also have an Apple G5. How would I get my recordings onto the G5 and edit them on the computer?

 

[Raw-Tracks]

I'm looking to buy an Alesis LX20 ADAT and I have a few quesions.
1. Aren't...SVHS tapes...video tapes?

Yes.

2. Do the RCA inputs handle audio well? Do I just need some Radio Shack adapters to get from a 1/4 inch plug to RCA plugs?

Sure, they handle audio well. Sure, you can use 1/4"-RCA adapters. One thing you will have to mindful of, the RCA inputs on the LX-20 are -10db reference level.

3. Can it give me that warm, deep, thick, professional sound I've been searching for?

It will give you back what you put into it. What are you currently recording to?

4. Does it give me plenty of options when recording?{/quote]
Not really sure what you're looking for here. It's an 8 track recorder. Nothing more.

5. I also have an Apple G5. How would I get my recordings onto the G5 and edit them on the computer?

You should use an interface that has Adat LightPipe I/O. Some of the new EMU cards have LightPipe, so do most of the MOTU interfaces.

 

[johnthefilmer]

I'm currently recording drums into GarageBand on my computer with one Sennheiser e835 mic and guitar through pedal board staight in. The sound is cold, weak, and dissatisfying.

Can you suggest a good interface?

 

[Raw-Tracks]

Take a look at the M-Audio line. They have both USB and firewire interfaces that are 2 or more channels. They should work just fine for you.

 

[johnthefilmer]

Thank you. When I record something on the LX20, will I still be able to adjust the seperate tracks after dumping them on my computer?

 

[Raw-Tracks]

Yes, you will still have 8 individual tracks on your computer.

 

[cudney92]

I have a LX20

I have the LX20, is there anyway to adjust the volume after you have recorded it on the LX20? like i have the guitar and vocals on there, can i turn up the volume on the vocals right from the LX20?

 

[stevieb]

Yes.

Um, NO.

SVHS were made as video tapes- same case, same width, and you can put a "regular" VHS tape in an ADAT, but Alesis does not recommend it, for good reason. You likely see considerable loss in sound quality (cheap tape gets pulled past the heads at the same speed as good stuff- if there is not enough "stuff" to capture the signal well, what does not get captured is lost, forever- this is a given, for both digital and analog.) ADAT's are notorious for failing for transport errors- using cheap or worn VHS tapes could hasten the day that your ADAT is useless.

In short, I would not take the risks. We used ADAT's before we switched to HD24's, so I am speaking from experience, btw.