Topic: Digital input guide?

[yltfan]

Can someone point me toward a good explanation of the different types of digital inputs, what is likely to be found at most venues, and if you can switch stuff around with adapters?

I have used spdif, but don't know much about AES and if you can convert from one to the other. Tried doing some research online, but could not find a good explanation for taping purposes. Who wants to school this newbie?

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

From a stupid taper's perspective:

1) Get a Hosa ODL-276A (24bit model).  This will let you convert any TOSLINK signal to SPDIF, and runs on a 9vDC battery.  Also allows conversion from SPDIF to TOSLINK.
2) Get a AES > SPDIF cable made by someone here.

Everything technical is Greek to me...  But getting these items will let you accept pretty much any Digi signal and convert to any other kind you want...  Hosa also makes various other DFC (Digital Format Convertors)...

Terry
 

[yltfan]

What's the most common output on soundboards these days? I see SPDIF on a bunch of boards around town (which is nice for my DR-680), but if I upgrade to an R-88 or HS-P82, I will only have AES inputs. Will most soundboards have AES?

[datbrad]

I don't think I would spend much too much time worrying about the digital outputs on mixing consoles. Instead I think it's best to concentrate on having in the gear bag what is needed in terms of cables and connectors to take an analog patch.

Most digital soundboards with digital outputs have to have those outputs "assigned" by the FOH engineer to even work, just like the analog outputs. The soundman may have his own laptop plugged into them, but if not they are the last thing on his mind.

If the levels are too low from the digital outputs on the sbd you have to either live with it or interrupt the soundman to ask for him to turn his attention to the output level of the digital out.

That interchange does not often go well, unless you personally know the guy. Taking analog outs allows you to set your own levels, something you almost always will want to control.

If you still want to be prepared, you will need an XLR to RCA digital cable made to convert the 110ohm signal to 75ohm, which are not uncommon. The example in the attached photos is a TAF3 to RCA I built for my buddy Matt (Nakguy) for his DR-680.

Notice the small resistor that bridges two of the pins so the device will "see" the correct impedence. Having a cable like that will allow you to take AES/EBU down to spdif so you can use the input on your Tascam no problem.

Good luck !!!

[yltfan]

^ That all makes sense, except there have been a few times when the digital output was the only one available, or the digital in on my deck was the only option. I just want to have it as an option, and since I have been looking at the HS-P82 and R-88 (or hopefully a new 8 channel deck with remote smartphone controls), I want to understand how those options all work.

[Cobiwan]

FWIW, DigiGal on here can make an AES>S/PDIF cable for you for under $40. I got one for those just in case I need it moments.