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Digital interface (S/PDIF)
Use the digital interface of your UF400e Board 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 “UF400e
(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
UF400e 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 UF400e. 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
DTS
DTS
” 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.
MIDI interface
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU is available for suitably-equipped peripherals such as MIDI
keyboards, DAW controllers and other devices. The cables for MIDI connections are
Practical tip:
For an absolutely clean and jitter-free signal path
(when mastering, for example), use special shielded RCA cables
to transfer digital data.
Devices that can process the S/PDIF protocol can be connected
to the coaxial digital interface (RCA sockets on the panel). These
include DAT recorders and a wide range of HiFi components, as
well as other computers.
UF400e Firewire Audio Expansion Board Users Manual