ADAT Setup Help between 2 Different AI's

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spindlebox
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2015/01/17 11:21:10 (permalink)

ADAT Setup Help between 2 Different AI's

I just picked up a couple Presonus Digimax D8's to use as "mixers" for my new reel-to-reel setup, and I figured I might as well see if I can integrate them with my current main digital recording setup.  I currently use 2 Focusite Saffire Pro 40's.  The reason I got the Presonus is because they are a true Analog output, and I wanted to keep that front end analog all the way to tape.  The intent is then to use the Analog outs into my DAW, so I can record the tracks into my DAW.  (Whatever your opinions of this, save it for another thread, I'm doing it so end of story.)  Anyway....here are the backs of both of the units, stacked just like I have them in my rack:
 
I picked up a couple ADAT cables and then went to the back.  This is what I found.  I figured I would need some more cables (this type of thing - ADAT/Lightpipe or whatever - is totally new to me.)
 
(Presonus is 2 on top, Focusrites are 2 on bottom.)
 

 
(In case the photos aren't clear enough, the Presonus have the LIGHTPIPE-Sync In, and ADAT Out, and the Focusrites have the Optical IN and OUT.)
 
I went to Focusrite's website, and all of their examples included using connections using the LIGHTPIPE "Sync In" on the Presonus, along with another one on the Focusrite.  But their examples used an OctoPre - the Saffire Pro 40's don't have that.
 
So anyway, I'm just wondering if syncing these units are possible, given the ins and outs that I am stuck with.  

Thanks in advance!


 
 
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    Jeff Evans
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    Re: ADAT Setup Help between 2 Different AI's 2015/01/17 21:12:54 (permalink)
    That Sync Input on the Presonus I guess is Word Clock.  (not well worded)  You cannot use that between the two units you have because the other does not offer a Word Clock OUT.
     
    It has nothing to do with ADAT Sync either.
     
    You will need to decide which one of these brands eg the Focusrite or the Presonus is going to be the Master and which one is going to be the Slave.  Well after looking closely that is obvious.  The Presonus units don't actually connect to your computer so the Focusrites will be the master.
     
    Connect the ADAT OUTS on the Presonus to the Optical IN on the Focusrites.
     
    For (digital) sync purposes though it is usual to also connect the Optical OUT of the Focusrites back to the Presonus units but you cannot do that.  (like you can on the Behringer ADA8000. When I do this I set the ADA8000's into slave mode so they lock to the master unit they are connected to)  You can get away without digital sync but you may get spitting and clicking noises though which is not good.
     
    Have you bought these by the way?  You need to research this very carefully.  Are you sure Sonar is going to see all these interfaces at once?

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    spindlebox
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    Re: ADAT Setup Help between 2 Different AI's 2015/01/17 23:39:39 (permalink)
    Hey Jeff, yes I bought them but syncing them to the DAW was not my primary intent. I explained above what I was using them for.  But I just figured, since they're there, if they could be used to expand my input count then why not? No big deal if it doesn't,  but I will try what you suggest.  


     
     
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