EricDeluxe
Max Output Level: -82 dBFS
- Total Posts : 428
- Joined: 2010/01/18 02:38:58
- Location: Sweden
- Status: offline
How to connect analog output into optical inputs? Motu/Apollo Twin II
Hi! A bit of a newbie questions as I haven't used hardware much. I recently bought myself a couple of hardware synths. I connect them via their analog out into my Motu Ultralite MK3 Hybrid interface. (6/8 analog IN/OUT) and can record easy into SPlat. This work very well. http://motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite-mk3/i-o.html However, my analog inputs are all used now, but I got a total number of 10 IN/14 OUT (with S/PDIF). If I want to connect more analog outputs into my Motu audio interface via the digital port, what do I need? An extra converter/box of some sort? Same question apply to the following. I am a bit interested in the newly released Apollo Twin 2 from UAD. It has 2 Mic/Line input as well a optical IN. How do you connect 6 analog output into that card? http://www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/apollo-twin-mkii.html
http://soundcloud.com/ericdeluxe - my harder side https://soundcloud.com/cirque-du-sonique my softer side *************************************** Sonar Platinum, Windows 10 (64 bit), MOTU Ultralite MK3 Hybrid, Novation SL MKII 25, NI KORE 2, NI Maschine, NI Komplete 9, Yamaha HS50m, AKG K240S, AKG Perception 200, Z3TA 2+, Soundtoys Native Effects, PSP Mixpack 2, several VSTs****************************************
|
JonD
Max Output Level: -39 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3617
- Joined: 2003/12/09 11:09:10
- Location: East of Santa Monica
- Status: offline
Re: How to connect analog output into optical inputs? Motu/Apollo Twin II
2017/01/22 12:32:27
(permalink)
The converter boxes aren't cheap. Unless you can find a great deal on one, it would be overkill for your needs. One solution would be a small mixer with s/pdif out like the Edirol M10DX or M16DX. Both are discontinued, but come up for sale often, like here (though still not cheap): https://reverb.com/item/3292883-edirol-m-16dx-digital-mixer The M10DX or M10MX sell for about half that but are pretty rare (especially the latter model). Another option, much less costly, is to install a patch bay. So instead of permanent connections, just easier access for you to patch your ins and outs.
post edited by JonD - 2017/01/22 14:47:14
SonarPlat/CWbBL, Win 10 Pro, i7 2600K, Asus P8Z68 Deluxe, 16GB DDR3, Radeon HD5450, TC Electronic Impact Twin, Kawai MP11 Piano, Event ALP Monitors, Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, Too Many Plugins, My lucky hat.
|
tlw
Max Output Level: -49.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2567
- Joined: 2008/10/11 22:06:32
- Location: West Midlands, UK
- Status: offline
Re: How to connect analog output into optical inputs? Motu/Apollo Twin II
2017/01/22 16:08:42
(permalink)
EricDeluxe
Hi!
A bit of a newbie questions as I haven't used hardware much.
I recently bought myself a couple of hardware synths. I connect them via their analog out into my Motu Ultralite MK3 Hybrid interface. (6/8 analog IN/OUT) and can record easy into SPlat. This work very well.
http://motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite-mk3/i-o.html
However, my analog inputs are all used now, but I got a total number of 10 IN/14 OUT (with S/PDIF). If I want to connect more analog outputs into my Motu audio interface via the digital port, what do I need? An extra converter/box of some sort?
Same question apply to the following. I am a bit interested in the newly released Apollo Twin 2 from UAD. It has 2 Mic/Line input as well a optical IN. How do you connect 6 analog output into that card?
http://www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/apollo-twin-mkii.html
To add more analogue inputs to the UAD the best approach would be to use an ADAT unit via the optical in. ADAT units basically consist of a bunch of preamps and a DAC, then their output connects to the interface's optical input. Note that ADAT isn't the same thing as stereo SP/DIF, ADAT can handle more channels, the total amount usually depends on the sample rate that's being used and the capabilities of the main interface and the ADAT unit. The Focusrite Octopre range are decent quality ADAT units at a price that isn't outrageous. For the MOTU my approach would be either to use a patch bay or to add a mixer with the mixer's analogue outputs running into the MOTU line inputs. It could be done by SP/DIF but my personal preference would be a mixer/patchbay for simplicity. Not using the SP/DIF also allows a mixer's auxiliary channels to be routed to the audio interface's line inputs while SP/DIF is stereo only.
Sonar Platinum 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit, I7 3770K Ivybridge, 16GB Ram, Gigabyte Z77-D3H m/board, ATI 7750 graphics+ 1GB RAM, 2xIntel 520 series 220GB SSDs, 1 TB Samsung F3 + 1 TB WD HDDs, Seasonic fanless 460W psu, RME Fireface UFX, Focusrite Octopre. Assorted real synths, guitars, mandolins, diatonic accordions, percussion, fx and other stuff.
|
tlw
Max Output Level: -49.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2567
- Joined: 2008/10/11 22:06:32
- Location: West Midlands, UK
- Status: offline
Re: How to connect analog output into optical inputs? Motu/Apollo Twin II
2017/01/22 16:08:46
(permalink)
Accidental double-post, so content deleted.
Sonar Platinum 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit, I7 3770K Ivybridge, 16GB Ram, Gigabyte Z77-D3H m/board, ATI 7750 graphics+ 1GB RAM, 2xIntel 520 series 220GB SSDs, 1 TB Samsung F3 + 1 TB WD HDDs, Seasonic fanless 460W psu, RME Fireface UFX, Focusrite Octopre. Assorted real synths, guitars, mandolins, diatonic accordions, percussion, fx and other stuff.
|
Cactus Music
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 8424
- Joined: 2004/02/09 21:34:04
- Status: offline
Re: How to connect analog output into optical inputs? Motu/Apollo Twin II
2017/01/22 17:39:10
(permalink)
Possibly the least expensive route is a small mixer. I do this with a small format Yamaha mixer that cost me under $300. I used to use my Yamaha 01V but it takes up too much room. Here's one for $79 https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1202 You use the mixer as a patch bay keeping all your outboard gear plugged in.
|
filtersweep
Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
- Total Posts : 194
- Joined: 2009/03/10 21:11:27
- Status: offline
Re: How to connect analog output into optical inputs? Motu/Apollo Twin II
2017/01/24 19:17:06
(permalink)
Drawback to some small mixers is that they will add noise. They are likely to be the weak link in your signal chain. It might not make a difference in the mix depending on what you are recording.
|