Purchase used ADAT

  • Thread starter Thread starter dcharding
  • Start date Start date
D

dcharding

New member
I am looking to purchase a used Alesis ADAT. I lean to the black face units as the prices seem to be very reasonable, or the XT16/20 units. Besides the 16bit vs 20bit question, what should I know in making my decision. I have heard of issues withthe lx's, so hesitate on them. Also, I will be using this in the audio portion of video editing, so am a little confused on the sync options of the decks. Is the sync in/out on the alesis propriatery? Do I need a specific interface for syncing? I have a MOTU VTP (video time piece) that does LTC, MTC, and VITC.

TIA
Dave Harding
 
Dave,

Your sync option is pretty much going to require the Alesis BRC... which can be used with ANY of the ADAT models.. (Black face, LX, etc etc.)

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of connection you want... the black face ones have 1/4inch unbalanced and balanced Elco... some of the newer ones have unbalanced RCA and balanced Elco... and one model (I don't remember which) has unbalanced RCA only.

My personal feeling is that the black face ones are better built than some of the newer ones, but the sound quality and transport speed is not as good (though still not bad)...

However... if you are buying a full 24 tracks (I don't think you mentioned), the HD 24 will give you a better bang for the buck new out of the box (figure $400/black face = $1200)... you can get a new HD24 (24bit FAST access... good for video soundtracks) for ~$1700.

So... if it were me and money was the key issue, I'd buy a BRC and some average hour black face (make sure they are well maintained) OR I would buy the HD24 (not sure if you'd still need the BRC... I assume you would). I wouldn't mess with much in between.

YMMV.

Velvet
 
Another option to consider would be to try to find a Fostex RD-8, which is basically a blackface ADAT, but it has the video sync built in (I think they also made a CX-8 which I think is comparable to the XT20). I picked up my RD-8 off ebay for $325 and it works great and syncs up with my blackface ADAT just fine.

I also have read somewhere about a JLCooper box that is supposed to work, but I found the RD-8 and decided to go that route to sync with my church's video gear.

Darryl.....
 
Thanks for the Fostex RD-8 info. Now that looks like something I need to look at. The 24 track concept is too rich for me right now. I am a little confused aboutthe balack face's sample rate stuff. Will the 48k cause me any issues down the road? I see that it is posible, through pitch control, to change to 44k, but that seems like an unusual way to approach it.
Back to the Fostex RD-8, the sync stuff is really nice for my intended use. Is this an OEM'd Alesis ADAT with extras by Fostex?

Thanks again
Dave
 
When I opened up my blackface and compared it to the Fostex, it looked like most of the guts were Alesis parts. The transport was identical, as were several of the cards. The interface card was different, though, and this is where the video sync comes in.

The sample rate changes are front panel control changes to go from the standard 48k to 44k. I don't know about the pitch control comment.

The other nice thing about the Fostex unit is that the balanced inputs use DB25 connectors, which are less expensive to buy (and easier to construct) than the Elco connectors on the Alesis units.

Darryl.....
 
From what I can find out about the Fostex, it is an Alesis. Though there is not a great deal of information. I sure do like the built in sync options. The BRC route can make the inexpensive black face an expensive box. I will be looking for one of these Fostex units. Thanks for the info. If I get one, I certainly will be back looking for assistance!


Dave
 
Hi Dave, If you are interested in black face adats, I am selling two of them. They have been in my home studio only and are both the 4.03 software versions (most current). I have all the original packing for both of them including the owners manual, video manual, remote control and power cable. One unit has 338 hours and the other has 415. I will sell for 375.00 each plus shipping or both for $700 and I will pay shipping. I can provide many references as well as my current active e-bay feedback profile.
 
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of connection you want... the black face ones have 1/4inch unbalanced and balanced Elco... some of the newer ones have unbalanced RCA and balanced Elco... and one model (I don't remember which) has unbalanced RCA only.
Click to expand...


The RCA only is the LX20 if I'm not mistaken.
RF
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top