Audio to S/PDIF Convertor

  • Thread starter Thread starter DigitalDon
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DigitalDon

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I use an Aardvark Q10 in my home studio. Since I only have 8 channels I usually have to give up my talkback channel. Hand signals and wierd looks through the glass are getting a little old. I know the Q10 also has S/PDIF inputs (channels 9 and 10) on the back. Does anyone know of an audio (XLR - mic) to S/PDIF (RCA connector, not optical) convertor I can build DIY or purchase at a reasonable cost? All I need is a single channel but 2 would be icing on the cake. I don't even need a mic preamp in it since the Q10 will take care of that. I'm sure this has been a problem with other Q10 owners or anyone else with limited audio input channels but available S/PDIF inputs. I would have no problem building it myself (electronics tech for 25 years) if I had schematics/instructions. I know M-Audio makes one called a Duo (I think they bought it from Core Sound) which does what I want plus more but I don't want to spend that much on it. Not just for a talkback mic. I've done searches on Yahoo and Google with no luck. Suggestions? Ideas?

Thanks,
DD
 
An A/D converter isn't a DIY job. I think the M-audio Flying Cow or Behringer stuff can be had for around the 200 dollar mark. The ART DI/O is a little cheaper than that, I think. The Duo is a whole computer sound interface (which doesn't seem to include SPDIF anyways...)

Maybe you're an electronics tech, but I don't think you can get AKM converters in anything less than batches of 1000. Building you're own AD converter just isn't feasible.
 
Yeah I was thinking of a DIY kit type thing. I didn't want to blow a lot of time researching schematics, parts, etc. Anyhow I think the M-Audio Duo would do the job and, yes, it does have S/PDIF out. Here's the specs I got from a website:

The Duo is a powerful tool for recording mic and line level signals over USB in the highest quality possible. The Duo allows you to record from microphones (even large diaphragm mics that require phantom power) or any line level sources. You can optimize your levels with gain controls and pads, as well as signal and clip LEDs. Use the Direct Monitor button for zero latency monitoring (direct from the sources without going through the computer and software). You can also adjust the global output of the Duo by toggling between +4db and 10db on the rear panel. Headphones may also be connected for convenient monitoring in the field. When disconnected from the USB port, the Duo also functions as a high performance 24-bit standalone A/D converter. Select your sample rates via the DIP switches on the bottom of the unit (44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz), connect the S/PDIF output to your digital device, and you re ready to record digitally anywhere, anytime. The Duo s digital output is compatible with 24-, 20- and 16-bit devices.

Looks like it sells on eBay for about $100. I'll check out the Behringer and ART units too.

Thanks,
DD
 
if you want to do a DIY A/D converter

ask Jimmy Williams @ www.audioupgrades.com

he said you can make a pretty smoking converter for 200 bucks i think if you know what your doing that is.
 
Huh...didn't know that about the Duo. I actually searched a page to be sure...I guess I was just too tired...

I wonder how good is "pretty smoking" and...I wonder what sort of parts are at hand for a DIY job. Time to refresh my knowledge base, it seems...
 
You can pick up cheap run-out Roland MMP-2 (mic preamps - now obsolete) - which will do what you want.

Lexicon MPX-200 and MPX-110 are under $200 at present and again offer this conversion (and effects to boot) - or you can simply bypass the effects and use the converter.

There was a device called a "flying cow" which did analog->SP/DIF also.

Hunt around.
 
Thanks guys. Here's some info for the technically inclined from someone over at http://www.diyaudio.com
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I've had to do something similar in the past and I went with a midrange Cirrus Logic ADC evaluation board and added a microphone amp built around the Analog Devices SSM2017(discontinued but can be replaced with SSM2019 or the Texas Instruments INA217). As you do not want to spend that much you could see if you can still get the evaluation board for the low end 8pin Cirrus Logic CS5330/31 ADC . You could then add a simple microphone amp to it. If that has been discontinued there is the CS5340 evaluation board. Both boards have SPDIF transmitters. Cheaper still , you could download the manuals for either of these boards and build a bare bones ADC from the schematics.

CS5330/31 and link to CS5340
http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/detail/P70.html
SSM2019
http://www.analog.com/en/prod/0,2...M2019,00.html
INA217
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/ina217.html
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