User manual ALESIS AI3

[. . . ] ALESIS AI-3 Reference Manual Introduction Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis AI-3 20-bit Analog-Optical Interface. To take full advantage of the AI-3's functions, and to enjoy long and trouble free use, please read this user's manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various features of the AI-3. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about digital converters should use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using this device. Deals with the necessary analog and digital connections necessary before using the AI-3. [. . . ] Optical cables up to 5 meters in length can be purchased through Alesis Parts (800 5-ALESIS). Alesis does not recommend using cable lengths longer than 10 meters because the light output from the optical transmitter becomes attenuated at longer lengths and may cause digital clocking problems at the destination device. If longer cable runs are required, the transmitter and receiver parts can be desoldered and replaced. Contact Alesis Technical Support for information on upgrading the optical transmitter and receiver at an Alesis Service Center, or look for further information on our web site. 12 AI-3 Reference Manual Connections ­ Chapter 1 Powering Up After making your connections, turn on the system's power using this procedure: Before turning on the AI-3's power, check the following items: · · Have all connections been made correctly?Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down? Insert the end of the IEC power cable into the [POWER] input on the rear panel of the AI-3 and plug the other end into a wall jack. Upon power-up, the display will briefly illuminate all front panel LEDs. Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume. AC Power Hookup The AI-3 has a universal a power input suitable for voltage from 100 to 240V, 50 or 60 Hz. The unit comes with an IEC cable suitable for the country it was sold in. With the AI-3 switched off, plug the end of the IEC power adapter cord into AI-3's [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It's good practice to not plug in the AI-3 until all other cables are hooked up. Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the AI-3 or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring. Line Conditioners and Protectors Although the AI-3 is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in today's world the voltage coming from the AC line may contain spikes or transients that can possibly stress your gear and, over time, cause a failure. There are three main ways to protect against this, listed in ascending order of cost and complexity: · Line spike/surge protectors. Relatively inexpensive, these are designed to protect against strong surges and spikes, acting somewhat like fuses in that they need to be reset or replaced if they've been hit by an extremely strong spike. These generally combine spike/surge protection with filters that remove some line noise (dimmer hash, transients from other appliances, etc. ). Intended for computer applications, a UPS allows you to complete an orderly shutdown of a computer system in the event of a power outage, and the isolation it provides from the power line minimizes all forms of interference--spikes, noise, etc. · · AI-3 Reference Manual 13 Chapter 1 ­ Connections Avoiding Ground Loops In today's studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has complex routing and computer logic, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different paths to ground. While there are methods to virtually eliminate ground loops and stray radio frequency interference, most of the professional methods are expensive and involve installing a separate power source just for the sound system. Here are some easy helpful hints that a professional studio installer might use to keep those stray hums and buzzes to a minimum. KEEP ALL ELECTRONICS OF THE SOUND SYSTEM ON THE SAME AC ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. Most stray hums and buzzes happen as a result of different parts of the sound system being plugged into outlets of different AC circuits. If any noise generating devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, neon lights, etc. , are already plugged into one of these circuits, you then have a perfect condition for stray buzzes. Since most electronic devices of a sound system don't require a lot of current (except for power amplifiers), it's usually safe to run a multi-outlet box or two from a SINGLE wall outlet and plug in all of the components of your system there. KEEP AUDIO WIRING AS FAR AWAY FROM AC WIRING AS POSSIBLE. Many hums come from audio cabling being too near AC wiring. If a hum occurs, try moving the audio wiring around to see if the hum ceases or diminishes. If it's not possible to separate the audio and AC wiring in some instances, make sure that the audio wires don't run parallel to any AC wire (they should only cross at right angles, if possible). TO ELIMINATE HUM IF THE ABOVE HAS FAILED: A) Disconnect the power from all outboard devices and tape machines except for the mixer and control room monitor power amp. B) Plug in each tape machine and outboard effects device one at a time. [. . . ] Check the setting of the "Optical Source" switch on the front panel Check the setting of the "Operating Level" switch on the front panel Choose balanced or unbalanced cables throughout your studio Try plugging the unit into another power jack or different audio cables. "Optical Source" switch in the wrong position "Operating Level" switch in the wrong position Mixing balanced and unbalanced cables Ground loop. Hum or noise from output. Unit does not respond to front panel controls. Unknown software conflict, Chupacabra, or static electricity. Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the AI-3's metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! [. . . ]