Optical/SPDIF question

[Chris F]

Just had a question about optical and S/PDIF connections. I'm recording a lot of rehearsal stuff through a Soundcraft M12 (which has SPDIF out) into either an MOTU 1224 (into DP on a quicksilver 800), a Sony minidisc recorder (actually sounds surprisingly good), or into a cheapo TEAC standalone CD burner. The TEAC has both SPDIF and optical in options.

My question: is there any reason to bother with the optical transfer option if I'm going from the minidisc recorder to the TEAC, or at this level of sound quality, does it really matter? Alternately, would there be any added gain in quality by running the SPDIF out of the mixer straight into the TEAC rather than going through the board and into the burner's analog ins? It seems pretty obvious that the MOTU unit is going to have the best converters for keeper stuff, but does anyone think the optical and or SPDIF options are worth a shot for everything else? If not, I'll just save myself the trouble and keep doing what I've been doing. Thanks in advance!

 

[SonicAlbert]

Anytime you can avoid an extra round of DA/AD conversion it's a good thing. So yes, you should at least try going SPDIF out of your mixer digitally to whatever recording device you are using. It will most likely sound better.

 

[AlexW]

Maybe. I'm not sure how good the A/D conversion is on the M12. I've got the same board but have never tried it. I'd guess your best conversion source is your MOTU.

 

[ssscientist]

Anytime you can avoid an extra round of DA/AD conversion it's a good thing.

Pfffffft! Gag! Kack!

 

[SonicAlbert]

Pfffffft! Gag! Kack!

Is that agreement or disagreement?

I should have said, use your best converters and then go directly to the recording device without any further conversion.

This is a situation where unecessary analog/digital conversions are detrimental in my opinion. Since you are not doing any analog processing, there is no reason for it and no value in it. I personally like to use analog processors like compression and eq, but when mixing there can be value in going through a round of DA to AD conversion in order to use outboard gear. For straight up recording of a signal the shortest cleanest path with the best and fewest conversions is ideal.