Topic: Making an AES > SPDIF cable

[MegaMaha]

Hello

I'm looking for a BNC > SPDIF cable - is this configuration possible?  Thanks

[pdxdanmusic]

I would contact Digigal or tgakidis and ask them. Digigal made me me and AES xlr to spdif.

[macdaddy]

Checking in (thx for the recent bump )

[DigiGal]

I sent him a PM but haven't heard back as yet. 

[tabtab]

Hello!
Can I contact you about AES/SPDIF cable?

Here is a much better solution I ran across for this application and made up one of these cables myself using parts on hand.  It works clean from MixPre-D AES to Marantz PMD661 S/PDIF at 24/96.  I can confirm this cable also works going the AES out of a Apogee MiniMe to S/PDIF in on a PMD 661.

A passive impedance conversion AES to S/PDIF cable can be made using a quality 75 ohm coax video cable (i.e. Belden 1505A, Canare LV-61S or equivalent), and to turn the 110 ohm AES source into a 75 ohm impedance install 237 ohms of resistance across pins 2 and 3 within the cables AES's XLR-F connector with the center conductor of coax to pin 2 and shield to pin 1.  Then terminate the other end of the coax with either a 75 ohm BNC or 75 ohm RCA connector to meet your needs.   

The 237 ohm resistance in parallel with the 110 ohm AES source converts it to 75 ohm internally in the XLR-F connector and is then 75 ohm impedance matched all the way to the SPDIF termination.  I've since purchased a large stock of 237 ohm resistors and hand tested/sorted each using my HP3478A Bench Meter to find the ones that meet the tightest tolerance.  My cable utilizes a Neutrik XCC connector which maintains the coaxial shield something that ordinary XLR connectors don't.

EDIT TO ADD: I've had many requests from TS members to sell these cables from another post I made.  If you'd like one please feel free to send me a PM, I'd be glad to make one for you if you're not capable or don't want to make one yourself.  There are now several people out there using my DigiGal AES > S/PDIF passive impedance conversion cable.  I keep stock on hand for a quick build time and am considering posting in the Retail thread since demand has been fairly steady.

 

[Marc44]

A passive impedance conversion AES to S/PDIF cable can be made using a quality 75 ohm coax video cable (i.e. Belden 1505A, Canare LV-61S or equivalent), and to turn the 110 ohm AES source into a 75 ohm impedance install 237 ohms of resistance across pins 2 and 3 within the cables AES's XLR-F connector with the center conductor of coax to pin 2 and shield to pin 1.  Then terminate the other end of the coax with either a 75 ohm BNC or 75 ohm RCA connector to meet your needs.   
y DigiGal AES > S/PDIF passive impedance conversion cable.  I keep stock on hand for a quick build time and am considering posting in the Retail thread since demand has been fairly steady.

Very nice feed indeed !

But, in the picture,  I see 2 resistances more than 237 ohms
Could you please indicate their values and how to connect ?

Thanks.

Marc

[DigiGal]

There are three resistors in the photo, I used values that I had on hand to make a simple series parallel resistor network that gave me the 237 ohms required.

[TSNéa]

Voilà qui est fait !
 

[Marc44]

There are three resistors in the photo, I used values that I had on hand to make a simple series parallel resistor network that gave me the 237 ohms required.

OK I see.
But I am surprised that it is as simple to reduce the voltage AES output to SP/DIF input.
Another example :
http://www.rane.com/note149.html
or Neutrik transfo :
http://www.thomann.de/gb/neutrik_naditbncmx.htm

edit : I join a pic to compare solutions

Marc

[Marc44]

Hello DigiGal,

Is your Marantz 661 a MK1 model (ou MK2) ?
Perharps, I can buy a second hand 661 (MK1) to use with a MixPre-D.
And I would like be sure to get a good one.

Marc

[DigiGal]

I've got the original PMD661, cable works with both the original and MKII, there really is not much difference between the two.

[Marc44]

Thank a lot DigiGal.
I'll try your AES cable with 2 resistances 470 ohms in parallel (= 235 ohm).

Marc

[Cobiwan]

I'm excited to get this cable and actually have 2 digi outs from the Apogee MiniMe!

[Marc44]

I'm excited to get this cable and actually have 2 digi outs from the Apogee MiniMe!

Very easy to make.
You have to solder a few pieces.

Marc

[Marc44]

I got a Marantz PMD661(MK1) for the Mix-Pre-D ,
I adjust settings on 2 machines : 24b/48Khz,
I connect a cable AES/SP-dif as DigiGal style
and it works fine.

For the Mix-Pre-D power, I use the Hawk-wooks DV-SQNR to recycle my NPF-970's (Hirose connector, 12v output)
At last, I got a Petrol bag : PS607 which is very helpful to insert all things , including headphones.
Ready to use !

It remains to find an external power supply for Marantz (5V) (as Hawk-wooks style)

Marc