Advanced Features; Digital Output - SoundCraft M-SERIES User Manual

USER GUIDE

DIGITAL OUTPUT

Each of the models in the Soundcraft M Series is fitted with a digital output. The output conforms to the
S/PDIF standard.
The S/PDIF output conforms to the consumer standard IEC958 1989-03, and also the Japanese standard
EIAJ CP-340 1987-9
For maximum configurability the Soundcraft M-Series S/PDIF can be sourced from two places. There is a
switch located next to the S/PDIF Output socket on the rear of the console:
Switch Out
When the switch is in the out position, the S/PDIF signal is sourced from the Mix bus. This enables you to
record the entire mix digitally, either to CD-R, DAT, DVD, or direct to your computers soundcard.
Switch In
When the switch is in the out position, the S/PDIF signal is source from the Aux 1/2 bus. This enables you
to record a specific channel, by routing the channel to the aux 1/2 output. Aux 1 will feed the left side of
the S/PDIF output and Aux 2 will feed the right hand side of the S/PDIF output.
SPECIFICATION
Signal bit rate is 2.8Mhz based on the sampling frequency (Fs) of 44.1kHz
Physical connection:
Cable: 75W +/-5% (l<10m) or 75W +/-35% (l>10m)
Line driver:
Zout: 75W +/-20% (100kHz .. 6Mhz)
Vout: 0.4Vpp .. 0.6Vpp, <0.05Vdc (75W terminated)
SYNCHRONISATION
The digital output sample frequency is fixed 44.1kHz operation, when connecting to a piece of external
equipment you must ensure that the two are synchronised.
There are two ways to achieve synchronisation when operating the Soundcraft M Series consoles:
1. Ensure the device receiving the digital signal is set to slave to the embedded clock in the S/PDIF output
from your console.
2. Ensure the device receiving the digital signal is fitted with a sample rate convertor, which eliminates the
need for synchronisation.
DIGITAL AUDIO CABLE
S/PDIF (IEC-958) uses 75W coaxial cable and RCA connectors. 75W coaxial cable is inexpensive, because
it is the same cable as used in video transmission (you can buy a video cable with RCA connectors to
connect your S/PDIF equipment together). Coaxial S/PDIF connections work typically at least to 10-15
metre distances with good 75W coaxial cable.
REMEMBER:
The Soundcraft website will contain the latest set-up files for describing the synchronisation settings for
many digital pieces of equipment.
http://www.soundcraft.com
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