Topic: Line-In Analog vs. Optical In Digital recording on JB3s

[BlueEyes17el]

So I was just going through the JB3 FAQ to make sure I had everything set for the shows I'll be taping later this week....... and realized I'm somewhat confused about the concept of Line-In and Optical-In.

I'm assuming Optical In is better quality, but then I read I need a "male" jack or something? I have no clue what that means.

Anyone want to help me out with what I need to buy to use Optical in with my batt box and mics (info on what rig I'll be using is in my siggy)?

[sleepypedro]

you'd only be using the optical in on the jb3 if you had something handling a/d conversions in the signal path before the jb3.  you don't an outboard a/d converter, so all analog/digital conversions happen within the jb3 itself.

[BlueEyes17el]

 So do I just set it to "Line-in" then?

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Yes. Select Line In. Optical In requires and Optical Digital Cable coming from some sort of A/D converter.

And get yourself an outboard a/d. You will be much happier.

 MIKE B

[Gordon]

fwiw the few shows I've heard using line in (some of cliffs and sloans cooley shows) have sounded great.