Digital interface (S/PDIF)
Devices that can process the S/PDIF protocol can be connected to
the coaxial digital interface (RCA sockets on the multi-connector
cable of the DIGITAL/MIDI connection). These include DAT re-
corders and a wide range of HiFi components, as well as other
computers.
Use the digital interface of your PHASE 24 FW card to transfer music digitally from your
computer to other devices, or to record audio data with your computer. There are two
separate coaxial jacks (cinch) for recording and playback. The interface can send and
receive sample rates of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. The recording driver is called
“PHASE 24
FW(0) SPDIF In”
, and the routing must be set to the digital output in the Control Panel for
playback.
Synchronization.
When recording from a digital source, make sure that the sampling
rates of both devices (e.g. DAT recorder and laptop) are synchronized. The S/PDIF
protocol contains a signal for this purpose. If such a signal is applied to the digital input
and the Master Clock switch is set to “External”, the PHASE 24 FW will automatically
synchronize to it and the “Digital In” channel will be available in the mixer.
ASIO applications such as Cubase SX often have an option to switch the hardware from
an internal to an external (sometimes also called S/PDIF) clock source. This changeover
currently has no effect on the PHASE 24 FW. The switch to an external clock is not to be
confused with external synchronization to MIDI devices, video equipment or tape decks
and therefore cannot be found in the Sync, MIDI Clock, MTC or SMPTE settings of the
applications.
AC3
and
DTS
can also be played back via the digital output. Select “NonAudio” for the
digital output in the Control Panel under “Routing”. This setting mutes the Digital Play path
in the digital mixer so that the non-audio signals are not also sent to the analog outputs.
Practical tip
: For an absolutely clean and jitter-free signal path
(when mastering, for example), use special shielded RCA cables
to transfer digital data.
20
PHASE 24 FW (English)
