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Gear / Technical Help => TS Knowledge Base / Archive => Cables => Topic started by: Brian Skalinder on October 08, 2003, 05:06:12 PM

Title: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Brian Skalinder on October 08, 2003, 05:06:12 PM
Finally made my AES/EBU > S/PDIF cable.  Pinouts and parts list below.

XLRs from V3 > impedance transformer:

Pin 1 - shield
Pin 2 - (+)
Pin 3 - (-)

BNC/RCA pinout:

Center pin - (+)
Outer ring - (-)
Shield - not used

Parts list (of course, other connectors and cabling may be used, but I've used and liked Canare products in the past):

Qty  |  Markertek Part#  |  Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1  |  NC3FRC-B         |  3-pin XLR female, right angle, gold contacts
     |                   |  Plugs into V3
 10  |  DA-202           |  2-channel digital audio cable, 110 ohm, 10'
     |                   |  Run b/w female XLR f/V3 and male XLR to imp trans
  1  |  NC3MX-B          |  3-pin XLR male, gold contacts
     |                   |  Plugs into impedance transformer
  1  |  BCJ-XJ-TR        |  Canare # BCJ-XJ-TR, impedance transformer
     |                   |  XLR female, 110 ohm > BNC receptacle, 75 ohm
  1  |  BCP-C4           |  Canare # BCP-C4B
     |                   |  BNC connector, 75 ohm
 10  |  LV-61S BE        |  Canare LV-61S, black, 10'
     |                   |  Digital cable, 75 ohm
  1  |  RCAP-C4A         |  75 ohm RCA connector

Thanks to TapeItNow, an even better suggestion than building the BNC / 75-ohm coax / RCA part of the cable:  simply use a BNC/RCA adapter from Radio Shack, then you can use any old RCA/RCA 75-ohm coax cable to run from the impedance transformer/RS adapter to your deck/7-pin cable or whatever.
Title: Re:Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: utahtaper on October 18, 2003, 01:05:53 AM
What I did was make a foot long 110 cable with a rt angle to plug into the MMe/V3 end. Then I bought the 110>75 Canare impedance converter and plugged that into the other end of the 110 cable(which is straight) and I can feed any deck from that connection. I actually reserved that connection for myself and let the patchers have the spdif.
Title: Re:Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: F.O.Bean on January 04, 2004, 06:32:14 AM
What I did was make a foot long 110 cable with a rt angle to plug into the MMe/V3 end. Then I bought the 110>75 Canare impedance converter and plugged that into the other end of the 110 cable(which is straight) and I can feed any deck from that connection. I actually reserved that connection for myself and let the

this is my next project w/ the v3 8)
Title: Re:Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: tim in jersey on February 12, 2004, 12:56:20 AM
I'm just about ready to build one of these for myself. I plan on using XLR> soldered RCA (one of those cool Neutriks w/ the spring-loaded sleeve).

What is the pin assignment for the RCA end?
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: leegeddy on March 16, 2005, 08:08:20 PM
make sure you're using 75ohm s/pdif (digital) cables.  i highly recommend Canare or Belden brands.

RCA:        XLR:
tip (+)      Pin 2
shield (-)   Pin 3
shield (-)   Pin 1

Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: adventuregeorge on March 17, 2005, 09:49:43 PM
Man, those are beautiful  ;D Marc, your work is flawless. I love my cables by the way  :D
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: tim in jersey on March 17, 2005, 10:45:58 PM
I never did get around to building on of these for myself, lazy bastard that I am.  ::)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: ice8888 on April 28, 2005, 11:16:01 AM
just ordered the parts for this.  is this the correct radio shack part for the bnc > rca cable:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=278-303
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Brian Skalinder on April 28, 2005, 11:38:54 AM
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=278-303

Looks like that'll do the trick, yes.
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: ice8888 on May 02, 2005, 02:46:27 PM
finished making mine.  seems to work.  will give it a full test tonight at the black crowes show here in louisville.  i've attached a picture, although it isn't very good.  damn camera phone.

(http://www.dmbtaper.com/aes.jpg)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on May 01, 2011, 01:00:18 AM
I'd like to get one of these...  about 2-3 feet long...  PM me if you can make one solid...

Terry
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on May 11, 2012, 06:46:56 PM
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.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4239/35732774362_5488e86448_z.jpg)  (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4242/35862088646_292b932ff7_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Rousselus on October 01, 2013, 07:40:53 PM
PM to DigiGal : I'd love to buy one of your cable (AES to SPDIF, XLR/F to RCA) to be able to connect my MixPre-D to a PMD 661.
Could you help me ?
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: pdxdanmusic on October 03, 2013, 03:40:49 PM
PM to DigiGal : I'd love to buy one of your cable (AES to SPDIF, XLR/F to RCA) to be able to connect my MixPre-D to a PMD 661.
Could you help me ?

I got one from her about a month ago for my MixPre-D to PMD661 and she does great work. Send her a PM and she will most likely do it. She also did a mod to a AC>DC power supply (I picked up on ebay) to add a hirose power connector and a external battery cable where she added a hirose connector.
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: wigglepuppy on October 14, 2013, 05:20:53 PM
Just got my DigiGal AES > SPDIF cable, It works great, very well made and a super smooth transaction!

Old thread but I just ran across another DIY solution for this and made up one of these cables myself for grins using parts on hand.  Works clean from MixPre-D AES to Marantz PMD661 S/PDIF at 24/96.

So a simple AES to SPDIF 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.

I used a Neutrik XCC connector for this build but you could use a standard XLR-F connector too.

EDIT TO ADD: I've had a few requests from TS members to sell these cables.  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.  I can confirm this cable also works going AES out of a Apogee MiniMe to S/PDIF in on PMD 661.

(http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b419/DigiGal_taper/Cables/file-1.jpg)  (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b419/DigiGal_taper/Cables/file.jpg)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: MegaMaha on December 29, 2013, 03:50:50 PM
Hello

I'm looking for a BNC > SPDIF cable - is this configuration possible?  Thanks
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: pdxdanmusic on December 30, 2013, 10:16:16 AM
I would contact Digigal or tgakidis and ask them. Digigal made me me and AES xlr to spdif.
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: macdaddy on December 30, 2013, 12:20:53 PM
Checking in (thx for the recent bump ;) )
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on December 30, 2013, 04:27:30 PM
I sent him a PM but haven't heard back as yet. 
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: tabtab on January 07, 2014, 02:07:23 PM
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.

(http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b419/DigiGal_taper/Cables/file-1.jpg)  (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b419/DigiGal_taper/Cables/file.jpg)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 07, 2014, 05:49:52 AM
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
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on May 07, 2014, 10:31:36 PM
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.
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: TSNéa on May 07, 2014, 10:36:20 PM
Voilà qui est fait !
 ;)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 08, 2014, 01:39:02 PM
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

Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 10, 2014, 08:29:22 AM
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
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on May 11, 2014, 07:24:20 PM
I've got the original PMD661, cable works with both the original and MKII, there really is not much difference between the two.
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 12, 2014, 03:44:00 AM
Thank a lot DigiGal.
I'll try your AES cable with 2 resistances 470 ohms in parallel (= 235 ohm).

Marc
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Cobiwan on May 16, 2014, 01:22:31 AM
I'm excited to get this cable and actually have 2 digi outs from the Apogee MiniMe!
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 16, 2014, 12:58:12 PM
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
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 21, 2014, 09:58:27 AM
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
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on May 21, 2014, 02:26:35 PM
Nice looking bag Marc, I posted photos of my rig combo which uses Portabrace and Marantz cases strapped together in another tread.

I used to use one Tekkeon MP3450 it had a dedicated 5V output to power the PMD661 and I would set the adjustable output to 12V to power the MixPre-D via the Hirose connector.  This battery powered both devices for several shows before needing a re-charge and fit easily in gear bag.  Here's a photo showing the battery as mounted in the Portabrace bag and another showing the bags strapped together, provides gear protection, allows full access and viewing in a nice compact setup for the combo rig.  After having a couple of Tekkeon failure(s) both in and out of warranty decided to make the jump up to a NP1 type battery solution.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4317/35901006736_951eb84b8f_b.jpg) (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4296/35132568843_e650de2aaa_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 21, 2014, 04:02:58 PM
Yes, I see your bag.
Nice so and probably more usefull to have a look on time-code for example.

For Tekkeon MP3450, it's a good idea.
I understand there is a fix output to 5V and another one variable (12V possible).
http://www.tekkeon.com/products-mypall-zoom.html (http://www.tekkeon.com/products-mypall-zoom.html)
Is it easy to wire a Hirose connector on the box side?
For 5V , is the same connector for Marantz as for desktop ?

Marc
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on May 21, 2014, 06:15:17 PM
Yes, I see your bag.
Nice so and probably more usefull to have a look on time-code for example.

For Tekkeon MP3450, it's a good idea.
I understand there is a fix output to 5V and another one variable (12V possible).
http://www.tekkeon.com/products-mypall-zoom.html (http://www.tekkeon.com/products-mypall-zoom.html)
Is it easy to wire a Hirose connector on the box side?
For 5V , is the same connector for Marantz as for desktop ?

Marc

You'll need to make or buy a Tekkeon cable to Hirose 4-pin power cable for the MixPre-D.  You'll also need to make or buy a USB-A to 1.7mm I.D. x 4.0 O.D. power plug for the PMD661, best to use a beefy USB cable for this.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend that a beginner attempt to make their own Hirose cable but go ahead if you have proficient soldering skills.  Good dexterity, eyes and/or magnifier are certainly useful with Hirose 4 pin connectors.  I made my own but if you're not up to it yourself get in touch with Ted/GAKables for these power cables.
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 22, 2014, 02:50:53 AM
No, no, I don't want solder an Hirose socket, my dexterity has some limits ...
XLR-3 / RCA: OK but more tiny, I don't try.
It's the reason why  I bought the DV SQN-R , all is included.
Thank for the link Ted/Gakables  ;)
For 5V, I think it's possible to find an USB-A to 1.7mm I.D. x 4.0
For 12V, I don't found a Tekkeon Hirose cable.
Is there a specific socket on  Tekkeon side (12v) ?
If yes , is it easy to  solder ?

A link for expert hands  :
http://www.danmccomb.com/posts/1262/wire-a-tekkeon-battery-to-power-mixpre-and-zoom-h4n/ (http://www.danmccomb.com/posts/1262/wire-a-tekkeon-battery-to-power-mixpre-and-zoom-h4n/)

Marc
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: Marc44 on May 22, 2014, 11:00:52 AM
About Vu meters on PMD661  - signal from Mix-Pre-D (thru AES/sp-dif link):
- 1Khz 0 dbu on Mix-Pre-D = -20dbFS on bargraph PMD661 (I think it's normal)
- 1Khz 0 dbu on Mix-Pre-D = -40dbFS on LED scale PMD661
Why such a difference ?

Marc
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: tripey on February 02, 2021, 05:27:25 PM
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.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4239/35732774362_5488e86448_z.jpg)  (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4242/35862088646_292b932ff7_z.jpg)

Hey I know this is an old post.  I've been searching around the internet and ran into this thread.  I'm trying to connect spdif from my ad/da converter to another converter that has aes.  I think I'm. understanding how to wire this but the picture with the 3 resistors is confusing me.  Is it 1 resistor wired across pins 2 and 3?  What are the other two resistors?

Thanks
Title: Re: Making an AES > SPDIF cable
Post by: DigiGal on February 03, 2021, 10:49:48 PM
Yes old post, if it wasn’t clear the three resistors pictured were from stock I had on hand to make 237 ohm.  You are seeing them wired series-parallel, two wired in series then parallel wired to the third resistor. They were values I had that when combined provided the desired resistance value. Since then I’ve just used a single 237 ohm resistor.  If you are unsure how to combine resistors to achieve the desired resistance or don’t have a supply of resistors to work from then pick up a 237 ohm resistor to wire in parallel with the 110 ohm AES connector for the conversion.