Dropouts using ADAT for extra inputs

[KennyB]

Using my black face ADAT as an input expander, I’m getting a problem where random optical inputs will intermittently MUTE for a fraction of a second.
You occasionally lose the front of a snare or the end of a crash - not pops or crackles (sync is set to optical - as it must be) - its more like dropouts…

It seems to happen less as the machines warm up!

Transfers from tape seem fine.

Sound familiar to anyone?

Suggestions?

[rat1016]

Hey Kenny B,
With the exact setup and purpose as you,
I experience the same dropouts.I think it
has something to do with when the screen redraws.Let me know if you think thats possible.
hasta, rat1016

[KennyB]

On further investigation the muting happens on all optical chanels simultaneously for 4060 samples - not as I first thought. In my case it does't seem to be related to screen redraw as far as I can tell.

User error, bug, incompatible hardware???

[shaggy]

Dear Colleagues:

Putting my plans on hold until this gets resolved.

I have a blackface here. Transfers to tape ok too. Will try to duplicate this.

Do you think this has something to do with the 48k Adat clock and the 001? Does it happen when all eight channels are armed in record? Or individually?

Inspector Clueless,

Clawing at the light...

[rat1016]

I've only had it happpen on all eight.And only on Blackface.Havent tried an XT.
Damn.

[shaggy]

It may do the same thing with Tascam via lightpipe (HR 78).

RealCap is the Digital Video version of the above technique- capture by arming the Camcorder and then sending DV via Firewire direct to the hard disc. There were problems to be worked about between play and record modes. Could this be a similar problem?

[Jeff D.]

KennyB,

I've used my blackface as extra inputs for recordings of over an hour with no problems. My system is a G4 400 Yikes w/Digidesign recommended settings.

I hope this helps,

Jeff D.

[shaggy]

KennyB-

Looking through the 'blackface' BRC manual, there is a quick muting feature in playback (maybe armed?) when the clock is confused. This could account for the dropouts.

The BRC has a Ext Sync Mode which when set to lock-and-release will allow more drift before this happens.

Specifically SIMPTE and clock.

Is it possible,however, the Adat is receiving clock via lightpipe and clock via the 9 pin sync port as well?

[KennyB]

It seems to happen with or without BRC connected, with or without lightpipe in. 16 or 24 bit, all tracks armed or 'input only'.

But it transfers fine from tape.....

Jeff & rat1016 - what rev of software do you have in your ADATs - I still have 3.06 and that may be the culprit.

Strange how it improves as it warms up...confused clock sounds good though.

I'm going to find my BRC manual!

[rat1016]

Just for grins, we should use a "work" tape
and roll while we transfer and see if that
stablizes the clock.
Hell , I'll try anything.As far as software,
I don't know ,their not my Adats.Do you know
how to check it from the front panel?(I don't
want to take apart others peoples equipment!)
Thanks guys, rat1016