The DataSync is the first JL Cooper dedicated peripheral for the Alesis ADAT and is aimed at those users who want to run a sequencer in sync with tape, but don't need the sophistication of the BRC and don't want to waste a track on time code. Essentially, the DataSync converts the Alesis ADAT sync code to MIDI Time Code and pipes it out of a MIDI socket ready for use. As a bonus, the DataSync also converts the ADAT transport control actions to MIDI Machine Control, or MMC, allowing MMC-compatible equipment to be stopped and started directly from ADAT. A MIDI In with merge facility simplifies connection in that it enables new sequencer parts to be overdubbed without having to repatch the MIDI cables. Any data sent to the MIDI In is merged with the MMC and MTC information generated by the unit before being fed to the MIDI Out. The MMC commands sent by the DataSync are: Deferred Play, Pause, Record, Rewind, Fast Forward and Search.

The unit itself is a typical JL Cooper 'brick' powered by a supplied mains adaptor. The front panel controls are a pair of switches and a couple of status LEDs, while the rear panel boasts only the PSU input, MIDI In and Out and a 9-pin Sync socket which links to ADAT using the supplied lead.

The front panel switches offer a choice of 24, 25 or 30 frames per second for the time code, and the MMC option may be turned off if not required. This is useful, as some pieces of equipment not designed to run with MMC get upset when they receive it. The red Run LED comes on whenever code is being generated.

The DataSync starts at 01:00:00:00, corresponding to the zero time indication on ADAT. Code still runs during the two-minute Data section at the start of each ADAT tape, so the physical start of the tape actually produces an MTC output of 00:58:00:00. Because the MTC is linked to the ADAT's own sync code, an appropriate start time must be entered on the sequencer.

The really nice thing about using this unit is that once you've decided on a frame rate, there's nothing else to worry about. There's no striping tape, no worrying about code levels and no chance of accidentally erasing part of the sync track. The only minor drag is that you have to set a new sequencer start time for each song; some of us lazy types are more used to striping a new bit of code for each song and always starting at the default time offered by the software!

Unfortunately, I have no MMC-compatible tape machines so I can't confirm correct operation of this aspect of the machine, though the correct MIDI data appears to be generated, so there's no reason to expect problems.

It would seem, once again, that JL Cooper have come up with a simple, very useful niche product that does the job expected of it with almost tedious predictability. It doesn't look as sexy as a BRC though!

Further Information

Datasync £349 inc VAT.

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