Topic: Difference between optical inputs (ad20 to MT)

[redbook]

I'm a little confused about this.

I run DPA mics to a AD20 with optical (toslink) outputs to a JB3. I've been thinking to upgrade to Edirol or even better, to a MT.
AFAIK Edirol doesn't do any kind of digi in, and the MT digital input is SPDIF. IS there a way to connect the AD20 output to a MT?

[Ed.]

if the ad20 doesn't have a coax digi out, you'll need something like a hosa to convert the optical signal to a coax signal.

[redbook]

that's what I thought... I run a modded AD20 version which takes 1/8" inputs and acts as a batt box for the DPAs too, all in order to run as stealthy as possible.
Get an additional box just to get a signal conversion won't be so cool. That hosa box is a simple signal conversion or does it do anything else?

[Ed.]

just signal conversion i think.

if you're looking at upgrading to an mt, i'd consider the r1 or the upcoming r09 and ditch the ad20.  I'd get a battery box to power the mics and then run them into the edirol.  Lots of users say the pre/adc in that is quite good.  I've never heard it compared to the ad20, but I bet it would compete with it just fine.

[JasonSobel]

the AD-20 should have two digital outputs, the optical output, and an 1/8" S/PDIF output.  if you go to radio shack (or someplace similar), you can get a mono 1/8" to RCA adaptor, and then just run a regular coax cable to the MT.  certainly, a smaller option than running a separate format converter box...

[LeftoverSammy]

the AD-20 should have two digital outputs, the optical output, and an 1/8" S/PDIF output.  if you go to radio shack (or someplace similar), you can get a mono 1/8" to RCA adaptor, and then just run a regular coax cable to the MT.  certainly, a smaller option than running a separate format converter box...

This is true. I ran an AD-20 for some time and fed to a D7 & D8 via a 7pin>coax SDIF without any issues. Just need the 1/8 mono>coax adapter from RS as Jason suggested to the run a standard 75ohm coax digi cable from device to device. They even make them in gold. Should be no issues for the  AD>MT via SPDIF lineup.

[cpatch]

the AD-20 should have two digital outputs, the optical output, and an 1/8" S/PDIF output.  if you go to radio shack (or someplace similar), you can get a mono 1/8" to RCA adaptor, and then just run a regular coax cable to the MT.  certainly, a smaller option than running a separate format converter box...

Just need the 1/8 mono>coax adapter from RS as Jason suggested to the run a standard 75ohm coax digi cable from device to device. They even make them in gold. Should be no issues for the  AD>MT via SPDIF lineup.

I'm running an AD-20 > MT and this is correct. Todd R will do a custom cable if you want to go with right-angle connectors.

Craig