jkokura said:
I've seen some pres like the DBX386 that have spdif outs...but will using the spdif outs allow me to track the two signals to separate mono tracks or simply to one stereo track (in cubas sx3)?
Either / or. It's basically just two extra outputs that you can use as you'd like. Another name for them is "Digital out" and/or "Digital in."
What about using it as an fx send and return to an fx unit like an RNC or a Lexicon MX200? ... Can I use it as the out to my monitors (Event TR6s) and how would I split the signal into L and R?
Again, you can use the extra set of outs and ins as you'd like. It's just another set of inputs and outputs ... like the rest of them on your card. If you've otherwise got an 8-in, 8-out card, then think of them as "input 9 and 10" and "output 9 and 10."
They might even be just that on the 1010 -- I'm not totally sure.
However,
here's the catch: you need an outboard digital converter in order to access those extra ins and outs ... or something with "spdif in" or "spdif out." You can't just plug the line out of your mic pre (or whatever) in to the spdif input, for example. On the other hand, a dbx 386, like you mentioned, has an a/d (analog to digital) converter built-in to the unit as sort of an added feature. Basically, anything with a digital output (SPDIF OUT) can feed the digital input of your sound card.
An analog signal processor, like the RNC or most any other compressor, works in the analog domain, so it most often will not have a digital output. Unless, as in the case of something like a dbx 386, it's tacked on as sort of a bonus feature.
Now on the other hand, a digital processor, like the Lexicon reverb you mentioned, will work within the digital domain, and will usually have a digital output. The first thing it does to an incoming analog signal is convert it to digital so that it can start applying all sorts of funky math to it in order to create an effect like reverb. The digital output of the Lexicon allows you to patch directly in to the digital input of your card. The benefit is that the signal stays digital, so the sound quality isn't further compromised by having to "re-digitise" it,
for lack of a better word.
Now as far as your monitors go ... anything with an "SPDIF IN" and an analog out (LINE OUT, RCA OUT, etc.) will allow you to access the extra digital outputs and use them for monitoring if you'd like.
What do you use the spdif ins/outs on your Delta 1010? I can't believe that nobody uses them...
A lot of people do use them.
When I owned a 1010, I would use a dedicated, outboard digital converter with it in order to have an extra set of inputs and outputs. Otherwise, it's just an 8-in / 8-out card. Think of it like this: Your Delta card has 8 digital converters built in to it. 16 if you count both the inputs and outputs. Having an SPDIF input allows you to bypass those converters if you'd like and send two more digital signals directly to your computer. And there are numerous reasons why you might want to bypass those converters in some instances.
