Why do people hate ADAT's so much??

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Kasey

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I've heard a lot of people bashing them around here and I don't really get it... I use an XT-20, I've never had an problems with it, it sounds pretty good in my opinion (It'd be nice if i could have 24-bit sound, but 20-bit isn't so bad), and for a home recordist like myself it sure beats those SIAB's that often only record in 16-bit (at least the ones in my price range anyways). And speaking of the price range, i got the thing for $250!

I can see how some of the other older ones, like Blackface ADAT's, might suck, but the XT-20 seems pretty good in my opinion. As opposed to the SIAB systems, it allows me to mix using my mixer, instead of the SIAB's. Is it the 20-bit thing? Is 20-bit outdated now? is there really that much difference between 20-bit and 24-bit anyways? Also, i've heard people say that they have no "depth".... what exactly do they mean? Are they referring to the bit rate or the quality of the sound (if those make sense as seperate things)? Cruddy dynamics was another thing I've heard - the dynamics seem okay with mine, is that referring to older models? i just dont get it, please help me out.
 
ADATs were known to be very unreliable. If you needed 32 track working at all times, you needed to have 6 or 7 ADATs on hand because one or two would always be in the shop. Converters have come a long way in the last 5 or 6 years and ADAT converters weren't 'top of the line' when they were hot.

If you used outboard converters and you happenedto get a 'good' ADAT you were in great shape, if not...
 
Have you recorded to a computer yet?

I don't hate ADATs, but after recording on a pc, with it's lack of tape rewind/f.f. down time, heads engaging and releasing, and sync'ing, it makes for a quicker way to do things. IMO. Software editing is real nice too.
 
I don't hate ADATs at all. I still have two but with an HD24, my storage prices went WAY down with an increase in fidelity. And I have to admit, I don't miss hearing the tape getting eaten and realizing your project is hosed.
 
Track Rat said:
I don't hate ADATs at all. I still have two but with an HD24, my storage prices went WAY down with an increase in fidelity. And I have to admit, I don't miss hearing the tape getting eaten and realizing your project is hosed.
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yep.... same here!
 
I bought an HD24 this week. Bruce I have seen your posts on the yahoo group I just joined. I'll be recording to the ADAT then fireporting to the PC where I mix in Nuendo. Previously I had only 10 simultanious inputs available to me from my C-Port soundcard, barely enough to do a full drum set plus guide tracks. Getting 24 tracks is a big step up for my little personal studio, and the mobile recording ability will be a plus for recording my rock band live.
 
ez_willis said:
Have you recorded to a computer yet?
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agh, i can't stand mixing and editing with computers... it's just not 'real' enough for me.... i dont know i just can't stand it.
 
Kasey said:
agh, i can't stand mixing and editing with computers... it's just not 'real' enough for me.... i dont know i just can't stand it.
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Is that a yes or a no?
 
Kasey said:
agh, i can't stand mixing and editing with computers... it's just not 'real' enough for me.... i dont know i just can't stand it.
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You don't have to mix on the computer. If you have the outputs, you can use the computer as a tape machine and bring everything up through the board, just like tape. Editing on the computer is much better than editing analog tape. Editing digital tape is damn near impossible.
 
I like both my ADAT and computer recording/editing. I can't hate inanimated stuff.
But I can hate people.
 
I have 2 XT-20's, one with some read error that makes it non-functional as a recorder. Works just fine as a convertor for my Pro Tools rig (Digi 002), though. The fully funtional one goes with me to live gigs as an 8 channel backup fed by the 8 busses on my mixer. It also hangs out in the studio for guests and students to record with since the studio where the rest of my rig lives is a semi-public jam and recording facility and I don't want ANYONE touching my stuff wihtout me there.

Pro Tools acts, in most cases, like a glorified tape deck with editing and automation since I mix on the analog board. Its the best of all possible worlds as far as I'm concerned- computer editing and automation when wanted, analog mixing and effects, even plugins if I want to use them.

I like the ADATs, but they are fairly unreliable in the grand scheme of things. If you really use them on a daily basis they tend to break. They are also no longer made, if I understand correctly, so parts and labor are going to be more of an issue.

Back before the PC came of age for native recording, the ADAT was among the first pro class machines to be priced within reach of the home and project studio. Even more so with the advent of the 20-bit ADAT. They are still good machines, but technology has advanced on many fronts.

Take care.
Chris
 
My ADAT has been screwed up since the second year I had it. I've mailed it to Alesis twice. Twice they charged me and didn't fix the problem. The tape just stops randomly and there is only one tape my machine will use. No other tape will work, I've tried everything. Swore never to buy another alesis product.

Now I'm using it as a converter so at least it has some value to me.
 
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