Topic: Analog to Optical

[beathydrolysis]

This may be a stupid question...but is there anyway to turn an analog (1/8 ") input into an optical stream without buying a +$300 preamp.  I run cardiod mics --> sound professionals 9v preamp --> JB3 and I'm really not interested in getting a UA-5, etc. at this point.  This may be better suited to the A/D threads but I just thought there was an off-chance that some beefy cable with some sort of embedded A/D processor might do it...

[beathydrolysis]

PS. I already read the Topic: Does a SPDIF Coax > 1/8" Stero Mini Cable Exist???

[Brian Skalinder]

This may be a stupid question...but is there anyway to turn an analog (1/8 ") input into an optical stream without buying a +$300 preamp.  I run cardiod mics --> sound professionals 9v preamp --> JB3 and I'm really not interested in getting a UA-5, etc. at this point.  This may be better suited to the A/D threads but I just thought there was an off-chance that some beefy cable with some sort of embedded A/D processor might do it...

Just to ensure we're covered on the basics:  a preamp will provide gain (volume) adjustments in the analog realm.  An analog-to-digital-converter (ADC) will convert the analog signal to digital for storage in the digital realm, e.g. hard drive, solid state (CF, SD media), DAT, etc.  I don't know of an ADC in a cable form factor.  IMO, given the gear you already own, you're best off simply utilizing the internal ADC of the JB3.

[beathydrolysis]

Thanks for the reply.  I just see all these cats running around converting their signal with an external ADC before and then feed it into their JB3 via an optical cable.  I thought that maybe the JB3's internal ADC was garbage and that I'd end up with a superior recording doing the A --> D externally.  But if your recommendation is to just feed the signal in analog and let the JB3 do the rest.  That's what I'll do.  Thanks again

[Brian Skalinder]

I thought that maybe the JB3's internal ADC was garbage and that I'd end up with a superior recording doing the A --> D externally.  But if your recommendation is to just feed the signal in analog and let the JB3 do the rest.  That's what I'll do.

Well, you would achieve superior A>D running externally.  But based on the fact that you're not interested in getting an external ADC (like the UA5), it makes the most sense to stick with the JB3's internal ADC.

[beathydrolysis]

Well in that case I may have to put some more money aside and get a new preamp with a nice ADC.  Thanks for all the help.

[beathydrolysis]

Now I need to go read the remote power threads for a UA5...

[Javier Cinakowski]

I would buy a Sony SBM-1, but make sure it comes with a 7-pin->optical cable. 

[F.O.Bean]

sbm1 modded preferably or a simple ad-20 by denecke

[rowjimmy]

Well in that case I may have to put some more money aside and get a new preamp with a nice ADC.  Thanks for all the help.

Well decided.