Alesis ADAT VHS tape digital audio transfer to .wav files

We can transfer and digitize your ADAT tapes (S-VHS), both 16 and 20 bit, and support any number of tracks to multiple digital audio files in the .wav or .aiff file formats. This will allow you to digitally remix the tracks in a modern day Mac or PC DAW (digital audio workstations) like Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Garage Band, or Reaper. We can convert tapes that were tracked with the original "blackface" ADAT and the "silverface" ADAT XT, ADAT XT 20 or ADAT LX 20. It was not uncommon to have projects recorded with a single deck (8 tracks), 2 decks (16 tracks), 3 decks (24 tracks, the most popular configuration), 4 decks (32 tracks), 5 decks (40 tracks), or 6 decks (48 tracks) synced together. There is no limit to the number of tracks we can transfer and digitize. When you bring the audio files into your DAW and drag them all to the very start of the timeline we guarantee they will all be lined up an in sync. We have well maintained machines that are synchronized with a precise master clock distributed to all machines for a perfect, sample-accurate transfer. Contact us now for a quote and directions on sending us your tapes.

ADAT machinesThe Alesis ADAT was the first affordable 8-track digital audio recorder which were in production from 1992 to 2003. They recorded on the same type of tape that VCRs did for video except they were a higher grade of VHS tapes called S-VHS. Some notable records were recorded on ADAT in the early 90s including Alanis Morrisette's Jagged Little Pill, Primus's Pork Soda, and Queensryche's, Promised Land. Each machine could record up to 8 tracks, and multiple machines could be synched together, with the typical system consisting of 3 machines for 24 tracks. The original ADAT "blackface" and ADAT XT were capable of recording at 16-bit. Recordings made using an ADAT XT20 or LX20 are capable of recording at 20-bit. Alesis would later release the HD24 hard disk recorder as a predecessor to the ADAT.

ADAT tapeSome common tapes used with ALESIS ADAT multi-track machines include:

  • Quantegy DM 42
  • HHB ADAT45
  • HHB ADAT60
  • BASF DA 40
  • QUANTEGY ADAT 42C
  • ADAT 60C
  • AMPEX 489
  • EMTEC ADAT MASTER

  • You will always see the ADAT logo on tapes designed specifically for ADAT machines. S-VHS video tapes could also be formatted and used in ADAT machines, so if you see any hand written notes on the label like "Master 16 bit / 48 KHz" or "Master 1 of 3" etc., you are likely looking at a tape recorded with an ADAT machine.

    Audio Tape Transfer FAQ

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Why Choose Deep Signal Studios?

  • File conversion work and tape transfers can be tedious and frustrating. Your time as an artist is better spent working on your music and mixes on a platform you know.
  • All work is completed by certified engineers with over 20 years experience with DAWs, MIDI sequencers, notation software, synthesizers, samplers, and tape machines. We have comprehensive knowledge about everything that has come and gone, as well as all current and emerging platforms.
  • Services are performed by native English speakers in the recording capital of the world, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Your files are secure. All work is performed in-house and in strict confidentiality. Client files are archived for 30-days upon completion of the project, and promptly destroyed thereafter.