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AnS-VHS tape, which is also used for ADAT
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| Developed by | Alesis |
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| Usage | Professional digital audio |
Alesis Digital Audio Tape, commonly referred to as ADAT, is a magnetic tape format used for the recording of eight digital audio tracks onto the same S-VHS tape used by consumer VCRs, and the basis of a series of multitrack recorders by Alesis. Although originally a tape-based format, the term ADAT later also referred to hard disk recorders like the Alesis ADAT HD24.[1] In 2004, recognizing the ADAT for "beginning a revolution of affordable recording tools," it was inducted into the first-ever TEC Awards TECnology Hall of Fame.[2]
Alesis announced the first ADAT model at the NAMM ShowinAnaheim, California in 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 at US$3,995) were largely responsible for the rise of project studios in the 1990s.[5][6]
Alesis produced several models of ADAT recorders. The original ADAT (later referred to as Blackface) 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 either 44.1or48 kHz, 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 of digital recordings. Using auto play and auto record functions made it possible to punch in/out at 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 a 1/4" 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
Media related to ADAT at Wikimedia Commons
