How useful / necessary is S/PDIF?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eleanor Fudd
  • Start date Start date
It's not necessary, but it can be useful.

There are a few preamps on the market that offer spdif output, (art digital, some focusrites)
so potentially it could let you add two more channels of preamps.
I think maybe some effects units have spdif out too?

It's especially useful on a dirt cheap interfaces IMO because it is the only true way to completely bypass the analog circuitry.
 
My interface has it. I've never used it. Haven't missed it. Don't even really know what it's used for.
 
FunkDaddy said:
My interface has it. I've never used it. Haven't missed it. Don't even really know what it's used for.
Click to expand...
Maybe if you knew what it was for, you might find a use for it.

The reality is, if you will only ever need the analog input and outputs on the interface, the spdif doesn't matter. IF you will ever need to expand the i/o or need to connect something digitally, spdif is the way to get that done.
 
I use it on my Mackie Onyx 400 as digital audio input from my web pc's m-audio 2496 card. It frees up a pair of analog inputs
that I use for I/O on my rack gear.
 
A s/pdif input will allow you to record two more separate tracks to DAW. With an external unit with s/pdif out, of course. Essentially, an external preamp will have it's own D/A conversion. This may be better than included with a cheap interface. Example: TC electronics Gold Channel, that I just acquired, sounds better than the ones in my Tascam interface. Plus I get two more simultaneous tracks with it.

Oh, and spdif is a fun word to say over and over really fast! spdif, spdif, spdif......:drunk:
 
jimmys69 said:
A s/pdif input will allow you to record two more separate tracks to DAW. With an external unit with s/pdif out, of course. Essentially, an external preamp will have it's own D/A conversion. This may be better than included with a cheap interface. Example: TC electronics Gold Channel, that I just acquired, sounds better than the ones in my Tascam interface. Plus I get two more simultaneous tracks with it.

Oh, and spdif is a fun word to say over and over really fast! spdif, spdif, spdif......:drunk:
Click to expand...

I use S/PDIF every time I turn on my DAW but not for extra inputs.

I use the S/PDIF ins to get the return signal from my outboard summing/effects to be able to record my final stereo track back to the DAW from an external 2 channel Analog - Digital converter

I use the S/PDIF outs to feed my Monitor controller so I can monitor that return through the DAW and mix off that post outboard sound.

This allows me to use all of my Analog Ins and Outs for outboard effects and summing and not have to tie some of them up with receiving the final mix back in or for monitoring the returned mix

But it's like a lot of things...."how useful are eyeglasses? if you need them to see then very useful, if you have 20/20 vision then of no use at all"

How useful are 16 I/O connections on a converter...... If you have 16 channels you need to send in and out very useful, If you only ever record one track and send 2 outs to your monitors, you may have wasted your money

How useful is S/PDIF..... if you need it very useful if you don't not useful at all
 
I'll invest in a company that produces bibs. Then write the next pop sensation 'spdif spdif'! I'll be rich beyond comprehension and with that money, everyone gets beer!!!:drunk:
 
jimmys69 said:
I'll invest in a company that produces bibs. Then write the next pop sensation 'spdif spdif'! I'll be rich beyond comprehension and with that money, everyone gets beer!!!:drunk:
Click to expand...



Cool can you purchase for me then a mico brew not just a beer the whole company!
 
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