Alesis Digital Audio Tape,commonly referred to asADAT,is amagnetic tapeformat used for therecordingof eightdigital audiotracks onto the sameS-VHStape used by consumerVCRs,and the basis of a series of multitrack recorders byAlesis.Although originally a tape-based format, the termADATlater also referred to hard disk recorders like theAlesis ADAT HD24.[1]In 2004, recognizing the ADAT for "beginning a revolution of affordable recording tools," it was inducted into the first-everTEC AwardsTECnology Hall of Fame.[2]
 | |
 AnS-VHStape, which is also used for ADAT | |
| Developedby | Alesis |
|---|---|
| Usage | Professionaldigital audio |
History
editAlesisannounced the first ADAT model at theNAMM ShowinAnaheim, Californiain January 1991, with the first ADAT recorders shipping over a year later in February or March 1992.[3]This original ADAT model recorded up to 8 tracks of 16-bit digital audio on a standard S-VHS tape cartridge.[4]Additionally, up to 16 ADATs could be connected to each other to record up to 128 tracks simultaneously with sample-accurate timing. This capability and the ADAT's low cost (it was originally introduced atUS$3,995) were largely responsible for the rise ofproject studiosin the 1990s.[5][6]
Alesis produced several models of ADAT recorders. The original ADAT (later referred to asBlackface) and the ADAT XT record 16 bits per sample (ADAT Type I). A later generation of machines—the XT-20, LX-20 and M-20—support 20 bits per sample (ADAT Type II). All ADAT machines use the same high-quality S-VHS tape media. Tapes recorded in the older Type I format can be read and written in the more modern machines, but not the other way around. Later generations are capable of recording at a sample rate of either44.1or48kHz,common in the audio industry. Pitch control is available by varying the sample rate, and thus tape speed accordingly.[7]: 42
With locate points it was possible to store sample-exact positions on tape, making it easy to find specific parts ofdigital recordings.Usingauto playandauto recordfunctions made it possible topunch in/outat predetermined points, rather than relying on human timing ability to start and stop recording at precisely the right instant.[4]
ADAT machines could be controlled externally with the Alesis LRC (Little Remote Control), which could be attached to the ADAT with a1/4 "tip/sleeve plug,and featured the transport controls and most commonly used functions. Alternatively, the BRC (Big Remote Control) could be used, which included many more features which the stand-alone ADAT did not have.[7]: 4
See also
edit- ADAT Lightpipe– Multichannel digital audio interface
- Digital Audio Tape
- Multitrack recording
References
edit- ^Cooper, Michael (July 1, 2002)."Alesis ADAT HD24".MIX.Future plc.RetrievedDecember 20,2023.
- ^"TECnology Hall of Fame 2004".2004.RetrievedDecember 20,2023.
- ^Peterson, George (1999). Robair, Gino (ed.).Alesis ADAT: The Evolution of a Revolution.Mixbooks. p. 2.ISBN0-87288-686-7.
- ^abWhite, Paul; Mellor, David (September 1992)."Alesis ADAT".Sound On Sound.SOS Publications Group.RetrievedDecember 20,2023.
- ^Petersen, George (August 25, 2010)."In Memoriam: Keith Barr 1949-2010".Mix Magazine Online.Archived fromthe originalon August 29, 2010.RetrievedSeptember 25,2021.
- ^"1991 Alesis ADAT Modular Digital Multitrack".MIX.Future PLC. September 1, 2006.RetrievedDecember 20,2023.
- ^ab"ADAT HD24 Reference Manual"(PDF).Alesis.de.Alesis. August 2001. p. 4.RetrievedOctober 24,2022.
External links
edit
Media related toADATat Wikimedia Commons
