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O
VERVIEW OF
A
AES/EBU D
BOUT
The AES/EBU protocol is the most common professional standard for transmitting digital
audio. It is a two-channel protocol designed for stereo pairs, so transmitting from the
eight-channel ADAT M20 requires the use of four sets of AES/EBU jacks: four XLR male
jacks for output, and four XLR female jacks for input. The AES/EBU input jacks may be
routed (or "normalled") to multiple ADAT tracks using the M20's INPUT ROUTING
feature. The AES/EBU output jacks are always active, outputting the data from their same-
numbered track, in addition to the always-active ADAT Optical outputs, so it is possible to
output digital signals to several destinations simultaneously. As with all digital audio
interchange formats, AES/EBU transmits audio encoded as numbers, which may only be
received by another digital unit.
Do not plug any AES/EBU signals into an analog audio device (such as a
The AES/EBU protocol has an embedded clock so that the transmitter and receiver can
lock onto the exact same sample rate. In simple setups, this is automatic: the device
receiving AES/EBU simply follows the incoming clock (for example, recording from a
single CD in stereo). But in multitrack applications such as the M20, you must design your
system with the "one clock" limitation in mind.
When recording multiple AES/EBU inputs, all inputs being recorded must be
D
A
IGITAL
AES/EBU is a high-frequency digital interface with some harmonics of its signal extending
into the radio range. While high-quality standard microphone cables may be used, in some
situations specially-designed cables may be required. Especially in long cable runs, cable
with a specified impedance of 110 ohms may be required. Check with your dealer for more
information.
F
P
RONT
ANEL
After installation, the EC-1 card can be selected as a digital input source and clock reference
via the M20's front panel. Input routing can be applied to the AES/EBU input as well. The
AES/EBU outputs are always available, no matter what input source is selected.
EC-1 M
1.00
ANUAL
M
F
AIN
UNCTIONS
IGITAL
microphone input). Avoid running AES/EBU signals through a patch bay
or cable snake that also handles analog audio signals. Noise and
improper operation may result.
referenced to the same clock. For example, you cannot record into the
M20 from a CD player, a DAT, and a digital sampler simultaneously,
unless all of these devices are synchronous, i.e., set to use a single
master word clock as their reference. For more information on setting
the clock source, refer to the M20 manual chapter 15, tutorial 3 (Digital
Clock Considerations).
C
UDIO
ABLES
S
ETUP
Appendix E, EC-1 AES/EBU Interface
A
UDIO
E-5
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