Topic: digital transfer of DAT in LP mode - questions please

[pcmm1]

 I've done some transferring of my own DATs done in SP Mode. My buddy records his DATs in LP mode, which I would like to transfer to PC .

 I have 2 soundcard options : (1) m-Audio Audiophile Firewire, workflow dat> 7 pin-coax >SP/DIF in soundcard>firewire> PC, and (2) Edirol UA-1D USB, workflow dat>7-pin-coax> coax in soundcard>PC.

1. Since LP mode is 32 kHz and 12 bit, I am right in that the Audiophile soundcard hears nothing because the resolution is below 16 bit? Am I guessing right that SP/DIF will not work for LP because its 12 bit?

2. With the Edirol workflow, I can record with CD Wav (options are 8 bit and 16 bit) with 8 bit resolution. Will recording with CD Wav in 8 bit negatively affect sound quality? Is there a better work-around, and if not, would I be better off an anolog transfer in this situation?

3. Is there a simple recording program that has a 12 bit resolution option?

Any and all pointers appreciated 

[dnsacks]

I believe you can simply record in 16 bit mode and the unused bits will be padded with zeros.

[pcmm1]

thanks, the coax-in Edirol seems to be working at 16 bit resolution.