Analog to SPDIF

  • Thread starter Thread starter eByte
  • Start date Start date
E

eByte

New member
I'm currently recording using a M-Audio Delta1010 and want to use all 10 inputs at once (8 analog, 2 SPDIF). I have the analog part down, but need to find a way to utilize the SPDIF inputs. Are there any decent 2 channel direct input boxes or converters that will accept analog 1/4" inputs and convert them to SPDIF out?

Also, does anyone know how well this would work? I've heard it could cause sync issues and that the extra conversions will degrade the sound quality. Anyone have any first hand experience or any other suggestions?

Thanks.
 
A cheapie that I use is the ART DI/O and it sounds pretty good and is really inexpensive. You wouldn't be adding an extra conversion process, since you are simply adding converters ahead of the SPDIF inputs.

As far as syncing, there's a couple ways to do that. You could sync your setup to the ART DI/O (just using that as an example). Or, you could hook up your interface's SPDIF output to the DI/O's SPDIF input, and sync the ART off your interface. In that scenario the SPDIF output of the aRT would go to the SPDIF input of the interface.

I do like the ART DI/O's. Not the best converters out there, but they sound way better than they should for the price. I have a couple of them.
 
Cheap effective option- use a TC Electronics M300 multi-fx box, and clock the card off of the M300. It's a fair reverb, but if you push the "bypass" button, it bypasses the FX and reverb sections, and routes the signal straight to the S/PDIF out. You have to send it a line level signal. Although it has makeup gain, the M300 is not a preamp. You can send it a line level signal from any preamp or mixer. As a $200 reverb and standalone 2 channel A-D/D-A box, the M300 is a very useful cheap box.-Richie
 
Will the M300 clock off it's SPDIF input even if you are using its analog inputs? That would be the only issue I see with this scenario, as it may not always be desirable or practical to clock the entire rig off the M300.
 
Thanks! The ART DI/O looks great... exactly what I'm looking for. The M300 looks good too, but I would probably not use the extra features of it and I'm trying to spend as little as possible. :p

This might be a stupid question, but would the ART DI/O act as a preamp or would I have to run the signal through a preamp, into the ART DIO, and then into the Delta1010? This is for recording instruments directly from their effects units (ie PODxt) or the line outs.
 
The ART DI/O is not a preamp. However, if you are already at line level you don't need to and shouldn't put a preamp inline.

Somehow the concept is spreading on this board that preamps need to be used on line level equipment, and that is incorrect.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top