Specifications

Hooking It Up
Studio 32 Reference Manual 35
Connecting to a Professional +4 dBu
Multitrack Recorder
Professional recorders typically feature 3-pin XLR connectors on their inputs and
outputs. ADATs feature a multipin ELCO connector that takes care of all the
channels (8 inputs, 8 outputs) on a single connector. The nominal signal level of
these units is +4 dBu (1.23 volts). In either case, connect these decks to the TAPE IN
jacks, not the MIC IN XLR jacks.
ADAT: The best method for connecting an ADAT is to purchase an ELCO-to-TRS
multipair cable, available from many different cable manufacturers. This will
connect from the ELCO-type connector on the ADAT on one end, fanning out to
sixteen tip-ring-sleeve quarter-inch phone plugs (labeled INPUT 1, OUTPUT 1 and
so on) on the other end. This method assures full-balanced outputs from the ADAT
to the TAPE IN jacks. The connection from the Studio 32’s GROUP or DIRECT OUT
jacks to the ADAT’s inputs will also be balanced. The GROUP and DIRECT OUTS
have plenty of headroom, with a maximum balanced output of +27 dBu before
mixer distortion (although the ADAT’s own maximum is +19 dBu). Balanced cables
between the recorder and the mixer can be very long, if necessary, without adding
noise.
XLRs: If you have a video or old analog deck with XLR inputs and outputs, you will
need:
• An XLR female to 1/4" TRS cable for each output of the tape recorder; and,
Pin 2 (+)
Pin 3 (-)
Pin 1 (Ground)
Sleeve (Ground)
Tip (+)
Ring (-)
• An XLR male to 1/4"TRS cable for each send to the tape recorder.
This arrangement will give you a balanced connection for recording and playback in
most cases. However, some recorders with XLRs may not be truly balanced, with
pin 2 or 3 (depending on vintage) tied to ground, which may cause a ground loop.
Also, depending on the characteristics of the deck, metering levels may not match
between the deck and the Studio 32.
You may need to increase the Studio 32’s fader level in order to get enough level on
the multitrack’s meters. Some multitracks have high/low level input switches;
follow the manufacturer’s instructions on setting these properly.