Alesis Masterlink ML-9600 disk recorder users

[StGeorge]

I'm getting ready to test my mixing abilities using my Mackie 1604VLZ mixer to myAlesis ADAT-XT by going straight to my new Alesis Masterlink
ML-9600 from the ADAT (instead of digitally sending the audio tracks to my computer for more tweaking with my Alesis ADAT Edit module and sending back to ADAT).

I'm figuring to do this test first (why mess with what you think is already
a good mix?, plus the ML-9600 has DSP capabilities for tweaking) so I get
a result showing me what can be improved on toward a punchier pro sounding Red Book final version. Does this make any sense?

My biggest question actually would be: The digital outputs of the ADAT are only capable for use into my computer, so how do I digitally connect
my ADAT to my ML-9600? Is analog connection the only possibility, or are there still other types of cables that I need to buy?

[David Klausner]

Since you have an analog console, the connection between the console and the Masterlink will be an analog one. The only way to get a mixdown of the tracks on the ADAT digitally into the Masterlink would be with a digital mixer of some sort.

[JeffBarnett]

Originally posted by StGeorge
My biggest question actually would be: The digital outputs of the ADAT are only capable for use into my computer, so how do I digitally connect
my ADAT to my ML-9600? Is analog connection the only possibility, or are there still other types of cables that I need to buy?

The digital output of your ADAT is an 8-channel output, but the Masterlink is a 2-channel (stereo) device. To get your 8 channels to become 2, you will need a mixer. Using an analog mixer, such as the 1604 you already have, is the easiest way.

A digital mixer would prevent you from having to convert to analog and then back to digital, but might be more money than you're willing to invest in this project.

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as just buying the right cable.

[StGeorge]

Thanks are in order for both David Klausner and Jeff Barnett. Thanks for the input, guys. I'm learning.