ADAT Transfer Service
The Alesis ADAT digital multi-track tape recorder is an iconic piece of early 1990s audio recording equipment. ADATs used consumer S-VHS videotape to record up to 8 digital audio tracks. They were modular, meaning that each machine could be synced with 15 other ADAT machines. It was, therefore, possible, in theory, to create a home recording studio with the capacity to simultaneously record 128 tracks of audio, a process known as “mega-tracking.”
In analog video, helical scanning and rotating recording/playback heads were the means to produce the larger bandwidth necessary to capture the analog video signal. Helical scanning was logically re-purposed for recording digital audio because it similarly requires substantial bandwidth. The original ADAT was recorded at a sampling rate of either 44.1 or 48 kHz/16 bits, later 20 bits.
Recording revolution
The Alesis ADAT changed the entire recording industry, beginning a revolution of affordable recording tools. Overnight, the cost of digital studio recording plummeted from a sizeable $150,000 for the Sony PCM-3324 24-track to a relatively modest $12,000 for three ADATs at their original $3,995.’
Figures from the Audio Engineering Society suggest that twenty thousand were sold in its first year from October 1992 to November 1993 and 80,000 sold by 1998.’
ADAT at Creative Audio Works
We have multiple Alesis ADAT M20 available to transfer your recordings in the Creative Audio Works studio. We deliver your files as individual synchronized track ‘stems’ and use ADAT’ sync’ and optical cables to ensure an authentic digital workflow. We also provide DA-88 transfers for TASCAM and Sony Decks.
Perhaps now is the time to remix that early digital multi-track masterpiece…
Contact Creative Audio Works for more information.
How do you price your transfers. I have hours of blackface ADAT recordings. One 16 track transfer is definitely needed now as my machines eat tapes.
Hi Ted, as of 10/01/21, our pricing for ADAT transfers is $75 for 8 tracks, $100 for 16 tracks, and $125 for 24 track transfers. Turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks. Return shipping will be applied to your invoice.
Thank you
Stewart Adam
Owner, Creative Audio Works
I have an 8 track tape I would to put it on a thumb drive and on cds . Can you do this?
Hi, Yes we do this all the time. You can find out more here. or contact us at info@creativeaudioworks.com
How much does it cost to run Dat stereo copies to wav?
Steven, as of 10/01/21 our pricing for DAT transfers is as follows.
D-30 $ 37.50 ea.
D-45 $ 55.00 ea.
D-60 $ 75.00 ea.
D-90 $ 112.50 ea.
D-120 $ 150.00 ea.
There is a $75 minimum for each order,
Turnaround time is typically one week. Return shipping will be applied to your invoice. When complete, you will receive a link to pay via credit card. After payment is made, you will receive a link to download your files.
Thank you
Stewart Adam
Owner, Creative Audio Works
I have old studio ADAT recording tape and need to retrieve music and make copies of the recording can you do that?
Yes we do this all the time. Go to our contact page and get in touch with us.
My ADAT recording has a midi file synched to it (on separate softcopy). Do you require or is it good to send the MIDI file as well?
Robert, We don’t handle any MIDI. However, when your files are generated, there is a SMPTE track used to sync 2 or 3 tapes together that can be supplied. So be sure to fill out the shipping form https://creativeaudioworks.com/media-order-form/ when you send your tapes(s), and let us know if you want the SMPTE track.
Thank you.
Hi Stewart, I have three 8 track ADAT tapes that were used to record my band for a 24 track recording back in 1995. I would like to have them synced up as a 24 track and transferred to a thumb drive(do u supply thumb drives?).
Hi Dan,
Yes, we can provide thumb drives. The cost is $10 for the drive.
Hi how much would it be to transfer 6 adat tapes to a protools session from 0:00 – the end? I’m located in Las Vegas NV thanks.
Hello, as of 9/06/22, our pricing for ADAT transfers is as follows,
ADAT Transfer Pricing
There is a $75 minimum on all orders.
The following is the pricing schedule for ADAT transfers.
8-track transfers are $75 ea. (1 tape per session) 3GB of data.
16-track transfers are $100 ea. (2 tapes per session) 6GB of data.
24-track transfers are $125 ea. (3 tapes per session) 9 GB of data.
32-track transfers are $150 ea. (4 tapes per session) 12 GB of data.
You will receive wave files at the same sample rate as the original ADAT tapes. Follow this link https://creativeaudioworks.com/media-order-form/ and fill out the form, and include it with your shipment. Turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks. Return shipping will be applied to your invoice.
Thank you
Stewart Adam
Owner, Creative Audio Works
We recorded 32 track ADAT album in 1996 > prior to audio recording our engineer filmed us performing the tracks live in his studio with a VHS video recorder, which he then used the sync code and we were able to watch the live performance as we laid down individual tracks. This was especially helpful with our drummers (we had two in the band)
If we send the video in along with the ADATs will you be able to digitize it as well so if we decide to remix with a video we can use some of the synced footage?
Hello, I don’t handle VHS transfers myself. I have someone who specializes in video transfer, who is much better than going to a franchise service to get a transfer. Follow this link https://creativeaudioworks.com/contact/ with your information, and I will check on the current pricing.