Question about SPDIF/Converters

[thehymns]

So, this is a very noobie question, but I would like it explained. How does SPDIF in/out on the Digi002 work/what's it's function? Does it pretty much function the same as a line/instrument in? Also, what are ADAT ins, I'm assuming they are the line/instrument input? Someone explained to me how to use the SPDIF feature when I bought the unit but I kind of forgot .

And, if someone feels like explain it, this is going to make me look REALLY stupid, but what is conversion? I'm assuming it's taking a ProTools file and mixing it down, but I'd feel more stupid if that's not what it is and I thought it was. What is the advantage of using a converter, and what are some popular examples of them?

 

[bennychico11]

you need to take a look at your Getting Started manual:
http://akmedia.digidesign.com/support/docs/Getting_Started_002_26685.pdf

Everything is explained in there as to what the S/PDIF and ADAT Optical digital connections are.


'Conversion' is the noun form of 'to convert'. So if you convert something...what would it be doing? Changing from one state to another. In audio this can happen in a ton of different ways...so I'm not exactly sure which way you're asking about.
I'm assuming you're talking about converters in your gear. And generally what this has to do with is your A/D converters...or analog-to-digital converters. Converts analog into digital. Simple!

 

[thehymns]

And generally what this has to do with is your A/D converters...or analog-to-digital converters. Converts analog into digital. Simple!

Ok, this makes sense. So I guess the Digi002R have bad A/D conversion which is why people who use them along with analog gear get something else do that?

 

[bennychico11]

Ok, this makes sense. So I guess the Digi002R have bad A/D conversion which is why people who use them along with analog gear get something else do that?

not necessarily bad...they're just stock factory converters. It depends on the person using them really. Most people just starting out wouldn't hear the difference. Guys who have been recording their own life tend to have a preference...but usually they have the money to buy the expensive gear.

You have to understand that in order to keep costs low and production level high companies have to skimp on some things. If they were to put the best converters with the best preamps and still have 18 inputs on the unit, they're going to up the price a crap load. Again, that's not to say the converters in the unit are bad...they do get the job done and most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between something recorded on the 002 as opposed to a high end Apogee. It all comes down to personal preference and cost.

You also have companies like Black Lion who do mods on gear to make it sound better. And from what most of their customers say, it's totally worth the money:
http://www.blacklionaudio.com/digi002_mod.html

The 002 or a similar Digi unit is required to use Pro Tools. Some people don't like the converters so they purchase another unit and run it via ADAT or S/PDIF for that purpose. Others just use different preamps. Again, it's all preference.

 

[thehymns]

I've been considering the Black Lion mod, but conversion quality was one thing I didn't really understand. However, getting better pre's over the stock would be worth $450 alone for me (I have a sytek MPX-4Aii for channels 5-8). But, if I were to buy a pre-amp with SPDIF out I could use that along with the 8 line-ins all at the same time?

 

[bennychico11]

But, if I were to buy a pre-amp with SPDIF out I could use that along with the 8 line-ins all at the same time?

yes........

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yes- you can get a total of 18 ins to the 002. 4 with preamps, 4 which require outboard preamps, 2 by S/PDIF, coaxial or optical, and 8 more by optical ADAT.
There are some fairly inexpensive 8-channel pres out there with ADAT out, such as M-Audio Octane, and even the dreaded Behringer ADA8000, a $200 box that doesn't suck as much as you would expect from Behringer.-Richie