S/pdif converter or something of the like

  • Thread starter Thread starter lomky
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lomky

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I'm a Newbieish so I'll post here. I have a Delta 1010 breakout, I want to maximise my analog inputs for the drums (all 8 inputs for drums) I was wondering if there is a way to use the S/pdif inputs for a mix of scratch tracks. I will be overdubbing later so quality is not a huge issue, I just need something for reference. I am using a Mackie 1604 for tracking. Cheapest option is allways best... Is S/pdif stereo??

Thanks
 
Since S/PDIF is only a digital transfer format, you would need another device that has two A/D converters and S/PDIF outputs to this. In your recording software, you would just create a stereo channel and select the S/PDIF input. On the drum tracks you would of course select the appropriate analog inputs. Most multitrack software, and I am almost 100% the Delta card will allow you to work with both at the same time.

Any DAT, CDR recorder/player with S/PDIF outputs should do the trick for you.

Good luck

Ed
 
Thank you for the response. Yes, I can record all 10 inputs at the same time in Cubase from my 1010. However, I can't seem to find anything on the net that I can take a signal from my 1604, be it XLR mains or Aux or something like that and convert it to something that the s/pdif can read.

What are the xlr - S/pdif adapters that Aardverk sells? link: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...0233510780/search/g=home/detail/base_id/55337

I'm sorry but what is AES/EBU.

so.....much....to....learn
 
What you need -- as Sonusman said -- is an Analog-to-Digital converter. More commonly called an AD converter. To be specific, one with a SPDIF output (which is probably the most common format, so that probably won't be a problem).

There are lots of them. The cheapest reasonably ok standalone would probably be the Midiman Flying Calf, I think.

Usually, people use the AD converter that is built into their digital equipment (CD recorder, DAT deck, Hard-drive recorder, sound card). Typically, when people buy a separate standalone AD converter, it's because they want a really, really good special-purpose unit. So most standalone AD converters are really, really good, and quite expensive.

If you've already got something with an AD converter built into it (like a CD recorder or a DAT deck) and a digital out, you could probably use it: just run the signal into it and take the digital out. As suggested by Sonusman.

AES/EBU is another format -- like SPDIF -- for transfering a stereo digital audio signal through a wire. The thing you've linked to converts between the SPDIF format and AES/EBU. It doesn't convert between analog and digital. It's not what you're looking for.
 
One other possibility: an effects unit with a digital out. Your standard garden-variety multi-effects unit is, of course, digital. If it has a digital out (a lot of them do), you can run a signal into the analog inputs, set it to output a 100% dry signal, and use the digital out. I guess you could even use something like a J-Station, though I'm not sure you can set it so the digital output is totally un-effected.
 
The other thing about doing something with the JStation is that it is only mono in. So that won't really work.

A standalone A/D converter with S/PDIF out would be your ticket really. Anything that does that will work.

The thing about using a DAT or CDR unit is that they are only 16 bit.

A CDR unit also would restrict you to 44.1KHz sampling rate too. All of your tracks would have to be 44.1. If you intended to work at 44.1, then no biggie. But if you intended to work at higher sampling rates, you wouldn't be able to.

A stand alone A/D converter that does 24/96 would be just like adding a couple more inputs to your soundcard.

Good luck.

Ed
 
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