Alright, so...I'm looking into signal converters (digital format converters) so I can test running my JB3 out of my V3, hoping to bury my DAT forever, or at least only use it as a backup. I think I want stick with AES/EBU output from the V3 so I can reserve the less secure coax for patchers. And so, I need a signal converter that takes AES/EBU and converts to optical. Here are the options I've come up with so far a la Google, both AES/EBU capable and otherwise, all of which appear to be easily powered in the field via 9vdc or 12vdc.
I'm interested in any first-hand experience you all have with any of these devices, though especially the AES/EBU ones. Thanks!
RCA-coax / toslink-opticalJustLink POF-820I believe this is the "grey box" everyone mentions. I see this one ALL over the place. Doesn't look very robust to me, but, that's merely a gut reaction to the pics I've seen. Seen these for as low as $25 (you get what you pay for, perhaps).
M-Audio C02This seems to be a popular choice, as well as reasonably inexpensive. Though I believe this is the device with which Jamie Lutch (I think?) had dropped-sample issues. ~$60.
Fostex COP-1/96Haven't heard of anyone running it, but from what I gather Fostex makes good quality products. ~$100, though it may be discontinued.
XLR-AES/EBU / toslink-opticalEgoSys Dr. DVery little info available on the EgoSys website. Hmph. Could be the solution for which I'm looking. I've had great success with my EgoSys soundcard and am generally impressed with the quality of their products. Available at MarkerTek, but no price posted...will have to call tomorrow. If the price isn't outrageous, this may be my first choice just based on my good experiences with EgoSys to date. Update: Damnit, it's been discontinued! Still trying to track one down...this looks like just the product I want, so of course they had to discontinue it.
M-Audio CO3Cousin to the CO2 and includes XLR-AES/EBU. Not small, however - it's bigger than my V3 (hmph)! And if people's issues (if there even are issues) with the CO2 exist, then perhaps they're an ssue with this box as well? ~$160.
Kramer 465Nice and small, but uses 3-wire terminal blocks instead of XLR. I'm not too terribly concerned about the terminal blocks, makes the much smaller package possible, in part, I suspect. Easily powered via 12VDC. Available at MarkerTek, but no price posted...will have to call tomorrow. Only problem: expensive! > $300. Rats.
Digital Domain FCN-1I've found very little info on this device outside of their webpage, and haven't the foggiest idea how or where to actually buy one, its dimensions, or its power requirements. Seems like its more focused towards the pro environment just based on their website, so perhaps this is a higher quality box?