M-Audio Tampa question.

  • Thread starter Thread starter rcarden2
  • Start date Start date
R

rcarden2

New member
I just got my Tampa in the mail today and I was wondering if there was a difference in the sound between the balanced XLR out and the SPDIF out. I was planning on running SPDIF into my Firepod. Thanks!


Ryan.
 
EDIT: Well, I just looked at the specs and the Tampa does do 24-bit through S/PDIF. I say try both and compare yourself.
 
It depends on whether the A/D convertors are better in the Tampa or the Firepod. The XLR out puts an analog signal into the firepod, and the firepod must then convert it to digital. The SPDIF out is a digital audio stream that was converted by the Tampa A/D convertors. I can't quite remember it right now, but I think there's a gain stage or tube emulation or something that's bypassed when you use the SPDIF. Like I said, I'm not sure, but it's worth looking in your manual before deciding which way to go.
EDIT: just looked it up, the 20dB pad does not effect the SPDIF output, thus bypassing some of the "soft clipping" functionality.
 
Chances are there will be a difference in sound (unless they happen to use the same kind or type of convertors or something)... do a test and listen for yourself!
 
And do let us know how you like the Tampa after you play with it a bit.

-RD
 
Back
Top