Connecting To A Digital Audio Device - Townshend Computer Tools DAT-Link User Manual

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2.5 Connecting to a Digital Audio Device

DAT-Link
Now that the
other half of the connection|between the
This will usually be a Digital Audio Tape (DAT) recorder, but you can also connect
DAT-Link
the to a Compact Disk (CD) player, a MiniDisk (MD), a Digital Compact
Cassette (DCC), a standalone digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converter, or a
special e ects processor. The only requirement is that the device has a digital input
and/or digital output.
DAT-Link
The supports three di erent types of connections to digital audio devices:
SPDIF:
This is the interconnect that is most often used on consumer DAT ma-
chines. The connectors are standard phono connectors. This type of connector
may also be label \IEC Type II" or simply \Digital I/O". Standard analog
phono cables can usually be used for the digital data, however some cables
that are designed for analog may not be able to carry the high rates needed for
the digital data, especially over long distances. Many high-end audio stores
carry special digital phono cables that solve this problem.
AES/EBU:
This type of cabling is most often found on professional equipment.
It uses three-pin XLR connectors. Cables designed for analog applications
work ne for AES/EBU connections as well. However, note that shielded
cables (most cables are shielded) must be used, otherwise unacceptable levels
of radio or TV interference may be generated by the
cabling is the preferred choice for long distance runs between the
and the digital audio equipment.
Fiber-optic:
Many CD players use a ber-optic output which can be connected
DAT-Link
to the using this connection. Also, DAT machines are increasingly
moving to this type of connection. Note that the type of ber-optic cables
used by digital audio equipment limits the distance of this type of connection
to about 3 meters (10 feet).
If the appropriate cables were not included with your digital audio equipment, they
can be obtained at any audio store which carries digital equipment.
Using the connection type available on your equipment, connect the devices using
two cables, one for each direction | playback and record. If you're using a CD
player or other device which is not able to make recordings, you will only need one
cable | from the CD player's digital output to the
Multiple devices can be connected to a single
connections. When audio output is generated, the data appears on all three output
connectors. For audio input, the programs provided allow the user to select which
connector is used for the input source. You can, for example, connect a DAT
machine via the IEC Type II connectors and a CD player via the ber-optic input.
is connected to your computer, you need to make the
DAT-Link
DAT-Link
Installation
and a digital audio device.
DAT-Link
. This type of
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DAT-Link
's digital input.
as long as they use di erent