m=lT E T E R B R I D G C

Reference Manual

EEI'RM=|Reference Manual

@ 1993 Alesis Corooration

'.ABLE OF GONIENJS

CHAPPJEP. I t INIP,ODUGIION1.0 ABOUTTHERMB........... ..............11.1 ABOUTTTTTS MANUAL..................... ..........,.....21.2 OVERVIEWOF MAIN FI.JNCTIONS

2.3 MOUNTING TO THE BRC

CHAPPIEP, 3c BAEIG OPERAIION3.0 POWERING-UP

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CHAPJER l s ftttRODUCJtOrtI.O ABOUI rHE F/NB

Congratulations! You,ve just purchased an invaluable additionto the BRC/ADAT system. The RMB Remote Meter Bridge isdesigned_to_give you instant level information by providing 15_se€ment LED bargraph meters for up to gZ aOaf tracks. In-addition, LED indicators are provided for displaying the recordand input status of each track. Th" \MB is plrfect ior mountingatop the BRC Master Remote Control, or ini standard 19"equipment rack, or it can be installed above your mixing console.Here are some of the features the RMB will provide yori:

o 32 channel meter Uri{gc. 15-segment LED bargraph meterskq:p you informed of the leveli for up to gZ tiacis (aADATs). The meters have two decay ipeeds, fast and slow,which control the time it takes for ihe level indicators to fallback down when audio is no longer present or the tapetransport is stopped.

Selectable peak mode. Each time a track,s level reaches a newpeak, the corresponding LED on the RMB will either remainlit momentarily,or continuouslp or not at all, depending onthe mode you select from the front panel. All peak LEDsianbe instantly cleared from the displai with the press of a singlebutton.

ADAT interaction. Not only does the RMB display the levelsof each ADAT track, it also adjusts each ADAT,i bargraphdisplay to match the RMB,s configuration. If you sel6ct'Momentary Peak Mode, the ADAIs will also be set to thesame mode automatically. When you clear the peak LEDs onthe RMB, the peaks in the ADATJ displays areilso cleared.

Easy hookup and operation. The RMB can either be mountedatop the BRC, or rack-mounted in a standard 19,' equipmentrack. Four dual male, 9-pin D connector cables are ..ied tolink the RMB with up to four ADATs.

Voltage-tolerant power supply. The RMB accepts any ACvoltage between 90 and 250 volts.

I.I ABOUI IHT9 MANUAL

This manual is designed to give you a basic overview of theRMB's sehrp and operation. For more information on digitalrecording, see Appendix 1 in the ADAT manual. Appendix 2 inthe ADAT manual is a glossary of digital recording terms thatmay be helpful as you read this manual.

In this manual, buttons and LEDs are spelled with all capitalletters (such as DECAY SPEED LEDs or PEAK CLEAR button).

1.2 OYERY'EW OF '',A'N }UNCJIONS

Here is a brief rundown of the RMB's main functions:

1.2A Bargraph Meters

Levels for 32 ADAT tracks are displayed using lFsegment I.EDbargraph indicators, ranging from -50 to 0 dB. Below eachbargraph indicator are two additional LEDs, used to indicate eachtrack's record and input status.

For information about setting levels, refer to section 3.3 in theADAT Reference Manual.

1.2B Decay Speeds

The RMB has two speeds (fast or slow) to control the rate atwhich eadr track's level indicator will fall back down whenaudio is no longer present/ or the tape transport is stopped.

1.2C Peak Modes

The RMB uses three different peak modes: Momentary,Continuous and Off. When a track's level reaches its peak, thecorresponding LED will either remain lit for a moment, orremain lit continuously (until the PEAK CLEAR button ispressed), or will not remain lit if the Peak Mode is turned off.

CHAPIER 2s HOOKUP2.O POWER

The RMB works with any AC voltage from 90 to 250 volts, 50 to60 Hz. This eliminates the need for transformers or voltageswitches. The RMB comes with a line cord for the destination towhidr the RMB is shipped.

The RMB's IEC-spec AC cord (do not substitute any other ACcord) is designed for connection to an outlet that includes threepins, with the third pin connected to ground. The groundconnection is an important safety feature designed to keep thechassis of electronic devices such as the ADAT, BRC, AI-1 andRMB at ground potential. Unfortunately, the presence of a thirdground pin does not always indicate that an outlet is properlygrounded. Use an AC line tester to determine this. If the outlet isnot grounded, consult with a licensed electrician. When ACcurrents are suspected of being highly unstable in voltage andfrequencp a professional power conditioner should be used.

2.1 coturuEc',oil to ADAIfstThe RMB comes with a snake with four male,9-pin Dconnectors at each end (labeled 1-4), which is used to connect theRMB to up to four ADATs. The end of the snake fanned out intoshort cables should connect to the RMB, and the end with longercables should connect to the ADATs. If the installation requiresa cable longer than that supplied, use high-quality shieldedcables wired pin-to-pin. Lengths of 100 feet or more may beacceptable, depending upon the quality of the cables andconnectors used. The ADATs are connected to the correspondingconnectors on the back of the RMB, with respect to the trackseadr ADAT is being used for (see figure 1). These connectionscan be made while the power is on.

To connect the RMB to a four-ADAT system:

1. Connect one end of the cable labeled "1" to the Meter BridgeOut connector of the first ADAT (tracks 1-€), and connect theother end to the Tracks 1-8 connector on the RMB. Push eachconnector firmly into its socket, then tighten both screws;

2. Connect one end of the cable labeled 'Z' to the Meter Bridge

Out connector of the second ADAT (tracks 9-15), and connectthe other end to the Tracks 9-15 connector on the RMB;

3. Connect one end of the cable labeled "3" to the Meter BridgeOut connector of the third ADAT (tracks 17-24), and connectthe other end to the Tracks 17-24 connector on the RMB;

4. Connect one end of the cable labeled '(' to the Meter BridgeOut connector of the fourth ADAT (tracks 25-32), andconnect the other end to the Tracks 2ts32 connector on theRMB.

Figure 1

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2.2 R,AGK-MOUNTINE

The two end blocks on either end of the RMB may be removed,if you wish to rack-mount the unit using the rack ears indudedwith the RMB. The figure below indicates the rack ears' locationsand the screws that mount the end blocks.

Fizure 2

2.3 INOUNJ|/NE JO THE BRC

g UseONLYthe 1" hex screwst to attach the end blocks

NOTE: Unlike the BRC, the RMB end blocks will not fit over the rack ears. Dependingon your installation neds, one or the other will be attached to the RMB.

T, UseONLYthe 5/15" phillipsI sc?ews to attach the rackear!

The RMB includes a mounting bracket for attaching to the top ofthe BRC Master Remote Control. The figures below illustratehow the mounting bracket may be attached to either side of theBRC, and to the bottom of the RMB.

1. Turn the RMB upside down, its front facing you, and removethe three screws in the middle of the RMB.

Place the attachment bar on the bottom of the RMB, with itsarms extending towards you. Fasten the attachment bar tothe RMB using the three soews rernoved in step L and thewashers provided.

Match up the two holes in the side of the attachment bar withthe threaded holes in the side of the RMB. Attach theRMB/bar assembly to the BRC by inserting one screw andwasher on each side, through the front hole. Tighten thesetwo screws securelv.

IMPORTANTi MAKE SURE THESE SCREWS ARE THE 5/16"SCREWS INCLUDED WITI{ THE RMB PACKAGE, NOTTHE LONGER SCREWS INCLUDED WTTFI THE BRC ANDINTENDED FOR USE WITH THE ROLL-AROTIND STAND.

NOTE; If your BRC is attached to a stand, skip to step 5. If yourBRC is table standing, move on to step 4.

4. Place the back legs against the side of the BRC as shown,lining up the holes in the legs with the hole in theattachment bar and the threaded hole in the BRC.

Insert one of the remaining two screws with washers into thesecond hole and tighten securely. Repeat for the other side ofthe BRC.

GHAPIER 3g BASI9OPER.A7|ON

3.O POWERIN@-UP

Normally, the RMB does not need to be powered up in any orderwith respect to the ADATs and the BRC for it to work properly.The power switch may be found on the left side of the back of theRMB.

When the RMB is powered up, a welcome message is displayedin the bargraph indicators with the "Alesis" company logo. Thismessage disappears after a brief moment. At this point, the RMBrecalls the most recent mode of operation (the Iast mode beforepower down). The mode is indicated by the LEDs on the left sideof the front panel, above the control buttons. These buttons areused to change the operating mode. The DECAY SPEED andPEAK MODE buttons define the possible uses of the RMB.

3.1 DECAY SPEED

The DECAY SPEED button is used to toggle between the twodecay speeds (FAST or SLOW) which the bargraph indicatorswill use. The currently selected Decay Speed is indicated by thetwo LEDs located directly above the DECAY SPEED button. Onlyone of the speeds may be selected at a time. If the Decay Speed isset to SLOW, pressing the DECAY SPEED button will select theFAST setting. If the Decay Speed is set to FAST, pressing theDECAY SPEED button will select the SLOW setting.

The RMB will automatically adjust the connected ADATs'displays to match the currently selected Decay Speed setting.

3.2 PEAK ITODE

The PEAK MODE button is used to rycle through the three PeakModes: Momentary, Continuous or Off. Only one of the modesmay be selected at a time. Each time the PEAK MODE button ispressed, the Peak Mode will advance through these three modes.

The PEAK MODE LEDs, located directly above the PEAK MODEbutton, indicate the currently selected mode.

Here are descriptions of the three Peak Modes:

o Momentary: Each track's peak LED indicator will remain litfor about two seconds. The MOMENTARY LED will be lit toindicate this mode has been selected.

. Continuous: Each track's peak LED indicator will remain litcontinuously, until the PEAK CLEAR button is pressed, orthe PEAK MODE is changed. The CONTINUOUS LED will belit to indicate this mode has been selected.

. Off: No peak indicators will appear on any tracks. Both theMOMENTARY and CONTINUOUS LEDs will be off toindicate neither of these modes has been selected.

The RMB will automatically adjust the connected ADATs'displays to match the currently selected Peak Mode setting.

3.3 PEAK GLEAN.

The PEAK CLEAR button is used to remove any track peak LEDindicators which remain lit while Continuous Peak Mode isselected. This button will have no effect if the Peak Mode is set toMomentary or Off.

The RMB will automatically clear the connected ADATs'bargraph displays whenever the RMB's PEAK CLEAR button ispressed.

CTIAPTER 4s APPENDTCES

4.O APPENDTX lc SPECIIIGAITONS

Number of Track Indicators:Front Panel Controls andIndicators:

Rear Panel Controls andConnectors:

Power Requirements:

Dimensions(HxWxD):

Weight:Shipping Weight:Accessories Induded:

Optional Accessories:

32

32 drannels of 1S-segment LEDbargraph indicators; 32 pairs ofLED indicators for track record/input status; Pushbuttons forDecay Speed, Peak Mode andPeak Clea4 LED indicators forDecay Speed (Fast, Slow) andPeak Mode (Momentary,Continuous).

Four 9 pin D-Sub connectors forADAT; AC power switch; IEC-spec AC cord connector.90-250 VAC, 5(H0 FIz,50 Wmax.3-l/2" x79" x3-7/2"(2 Rack Spaces)4lbs (1.9 kg)11 bs (a.9 kg)IEC style AC power cordOwne/s Manual30' snake of four 9 pin D-connectorsBRC mounting bracket, screws/rack ears and two support legsAI-1 Digital Interface andSample Rate ConverterBRC Master Remote Control

10

4.1 APPENDIX 2:TUATNITENANGE/SERYTGETNFOR.TUATION

4.1A Cleaning

Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to dean theRMB's metal and plastic surfaces. Do not use solvents or harshabrasives that mav harm the surfaces.

4.18 Maintenance

Here are some tips for preventive maintenance:

o Periodically check the AC cord for signs of fraying or damage.

o Unplug the RMB when not in use for extended periods oftime.

4.1C Servicing

DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRS YOURSELF. THERE ARE NOUSER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE RMB. Refer allservicing to Alesis. YOU MUST FIRST CONTACT ALESIS TOOBTAIN A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER BEFORETHE UNIT IS REruRNED TO ALESIS.

11

,NSIRUGI/,ONS JO f']E USEN,This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a dass Bdigital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residentialinstallation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequencyenergy and, if not installed and used inaccordance with the instructions, maycause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is noguarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If thisequipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,which can be determined by turning the equipment off and o& the user isencouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the followingmeasures:

o Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.. Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver.o Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver isconnected.

. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TVtechnician for help.

This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a class Bcomputing device, pursuant to FCC Rules. In order to maintain compliancewith FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this equipment.Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to resultin interference to radio and TV reception. The user is cautioned that changesand modifications made to the equipment without the approval of manufacturercould void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

ALESIS L'MIIED u'�.AN.R.ANJYALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS"I worronls this product fir be free of defects in moteriol

ondworkmonshipforoperiodof I yeorfromtheddteof originol retoi l purchose.Thisworronv is enforceoble only by the oriqinol retoil purchoser.

To be protected by this w'orronty, the-purchoser must complete ond return the enclosedworronfy cord wifiin l4 doys of purchose.

During lhe worronV period ALESIS sholl, ot its sole ond obsolute option, eilher repoir orr.eploce Free of chorgJ ony product thot proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or itsouthorized service reoresenlolive.

To obtoin worron! service, lhe purchoser must first coll or wrife ALESIS ot the oddressond telephone number prinied below to obtoin o Return Aufhorizotion Number ondinstructions concerninq where lo return the unit for service. All inquiries musl beoccomponied by o deicription of the problem. ,All outhorized rehrrns must be senl to ALESISor on outhorized ALESIS repoir focility postoge prepoid, insured ond properly pockoged.Proof of purchose musl be presenbd in the form of o bill of sole, concelled check or someother poiitive proof thot the product is within the worronty period. ALESIS reserves the rightto updote ony unil relurned for repoir. ALESIS reserves the right to chonge or improvedesign of the producl ot ony iime without prior notice.

This worronV does not cover cloims br domoqe due io obuse, neolect, olterotion oroitempted repoir by unouthorized personnel, onJis limited to foiiure! oriiing during normoluse thot ore due to defects in moteriol or workmonship in the product.

ANY IMPLIED WARMNTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILIWAND FITNESS FOR A PARTICUIAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LENGTHOF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. Some stotes do not ollow limitotions on how long on impliedworronty losts, so the obove limitotion moy nol opply to you.

IN NO EVENT WILL ALESIS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEOUENTIAL OR OTHERDAIv1AGES RESULTING FROM THE BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANW.INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DAMAGE TO PROPERry DAMAGE BASED ONINCONVENIENCE OR ON LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, AND, TO THE EXIENTPERMITTED BY LAW DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY. Some slotes do not ollow theexclusion or limitotion of incidentol or consequentiol domoges, so the obo"e limilofion orexclusion moy not opply to you.

This worronty girbi you ipecific legol rights, ond you moy olso hove other rights whichvory trom slote to stote.

fhis worronty only opplies to products sold ond used in the United Stotes of Americo. Forworronty informqtion iri oll othei counlries pleose refor to your locol distributrcr.

3630 r#Hlo*"*Los Angeles, Colifornio 90016

I -(800)-5-ALESIS

Your worronty will be in effectond you will receive worronty informotion

ONLY IF YOU SEND IN YOUR WARRANTY CARD

For Customer Service In Mexico coll: 95-(800)-5-ALESIS

-tcG|ErEAlesisoorporation 3630HoldrcgeA\,enue LosAngeles CA 90016

O 1993 Alesis Corporation Sp€cificalions Subject To Chanoe Without Notice Printed In USA A299 7.51n072