smashbox wrote: I used the pitch control on the adat to set it to 44.1. I have the lightpipe cables run properly and I tried using both the project mix and the alesis as the sync source but I seem to be having the same problem any way I set it up.

you said pitch control ?

can the Project mix surface be set for external audio clock ... ADAT ?
the software attached to the Project (ProTools) is also set for external Adat sync.

it does seem like a audio clock issue
not sure that the Black Face ADAT was the best choice for the extra inputs but I do get that it was probably cheap ... or just laying around

Thanks for the reply!

Yes pitch control. This is something that took me a long time to figure out. The adat manual states that it is possible to set to 44.1 as the original sample rate of the adat is 48. I had to research forever to eventually discover that the way to get the adat to work at 44.1 is to scroll through the pitch control until it shows 44.1. Weird.

I set the project to external (it said sync source ) but i am assuming its the same thing? I also tried using the project mix as the main sync source but the clicks became more frequent. I didnt see anywhere to set to external adat within my actual protools program but I will have another look.

Would the face that I am not using any sync cables ..just the lightpipe cables have anything to do with it?

I realize the Blackface is not my best choice. It is just something I wanted to use to get me through for now. I have 2 Universal audio la610 preamps and it seemed pointless to have them run through another lower quality preamp in the Project mix. Plus I could use the extra channels. I am currently saving for a Focusrite ISA428 with the digital conversion card. This will give me 4 focusrite pres plus 4 more inputs that can be hooked to the focusrite (so my 2 la 610s plus 2 others). From what i gather this is a good route to take. If anyone has suggestions of alternate routes that would also be great. I would love to hear every ones thoughts.

Although for now I am still stuck with the Blackface that is giving me troubles. Any other thoughts on how to get it working properly with my Project mix would be a huge help.

Thanks

Are you using the 9 pin DSUB cable for the clock?

http://www.pgtonstudio.ch/Adat_Manual.pdf

my gut feeling is don't get side tracked with he 44.1 - 48 k issue

yep that sounds like crap but roll with me here

the Black Face will chase the Project Mix which will be set and in control of the audio clock
either from within or via the attached software DAW

point is
the ADAT clock will go OUT the Project Mix output
and therefore the Black Face will now be chasing

analog signals that go in the Black Face will be converted to digital at that rate

then the outgoing ADAT lightpipe will enter the Project in sync

You will need TWO lightpipe cables ... in and out
You will need to set the Black Face for slave

I think you can ignore the pitch control

that's my therory
never tested

I own XT's and haven't switched them on ... or the BRC for years and years
you would need the BRC to get control of the 9 pin

Thank you all so much for your replies ! Your advice in addition to an insane process of trial and error helped me finally figure this thing out. Since I couldn't find anything on the web or in the manual I figured I would post my setup in this thread for anyone looking. Not saying its the only way or the best way..but after weeks of trying this is the only thing that works for me.

First you must use both your in and out ADAT cables To and from the Alesis adat black face and your project mix.

In The project mix control panel set your sync source to external digital and your sample rate to 44.1.

To match the Alesis adat to 44.1 you scroll through the pitch using the pitch up and down buttons on the adat machine. When you reach the number 149 using the pitch control the number on the screen will change from 149 and display 44.1.

On the adat hold in the Set locate button and press the all input button. The screen will display DAC. It has to be set to this!

Make sure the all input monitor button is set to on.

And thats it! You have 8 extra channels that you can plug 8 of your favorite mic pres into.

Note: Another thing i decided to do was make use of the +4db snake that plugs into the back rather than use the -10 inputs. The snake has 8 balanced 1/4" ins and outs. I removed the 1/4" input ends and replaced them with xlr so they could plug directly into my preamps. Works great.