I originally posted in the interface forum but there doesn't seem to be much activity there, so I'm giving this forum a try.
 
I own a Quad Capture UA55. While its called a "quad" it will only record two analogue inputs simultaneously. I understand that to utilize the "quad" ability you need to input an additional two digital signals.
 
How is this done?

Where do I find a digital signal?

Would taking the digital output from a second UA55 to the digital input of the first UA55 allow me to record four inputs simultaneously?

I have looked on the Roland website but can find no clues, so I hope someone here can help.

Thanks and cheers

Answered 

http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2818937

The extra "coaxial" digital connection is for hooking up the Roland Karaoke machine.

Good clean fun.




The ROLAND manual refers to the connection as "coaxial" but it is probably a SPDIF connection using common RCA (coaxial) connectors.

You can start by assuming that it's just a SPDIF and see what works with it.

Some SPDIF devices have strange and arcane copy protection schemes... hopefully you'll just plug something in and it will work well.

If it doesn't you'll want to track down ROLAND service and ask them why they don't provide better specs that describe that connection.

update: at the end of the manual I found this "COAXIAL: conforms to IEC60958"

So if you go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:IEC_60958

You see that the unbalanced connection for this is referred to as SPDIF.


best regards,
mike

I bought the Quad thinking it's 4-ins.. and like the OP.. wondering about the other 2 ins at first.

I've just bought the RCA coaxial cable (coaxial with an RCA plug insert) but have not test it yet (my Alesis multimix comes with coaxial in/out).
At least my older Phonic Firefly 302 model describe what it is.."3 ins (2 phono + 1 mic, 2 outs) and there is a SPDIF in/out too.

Hmmm....... all seems rather pointless. Going to the expense of adding SPDIF if only to be used for karaoke or pluging ina CD player.

I have now asked Roland, but as yet no reply.

Tomixornot, have you tried the coax out of your Alesis multimix or Phonic Firefly to the coax in on the Quad capture? Or the other way round?

Just had a reply from Roland

"You are correct in that you will need a digital source in order to record your 3^rd and 4^th channel.

There are many products that have digital outputs such as our TD-30 v-drums module, Octacapture, M-10MX mixer and many other 3^rd party products.

there are also products that can convert an analogue input to a digital SPDIF output such as the picture below available fairly cheap from your local electronics store or ebay."

So maybe connecting two Quads or other interface with SPDIF out may work.

Tomixornot, perhaps this is something you can try.

I've got the coaxial/RCA for the purpose of trying out, but I'm in the middle of something and not going to upset the current setup.

I shall give it a go once I've got more time and post back to this thread.

Tomixornot, I would be very interested in the outcome.

I know I can get more inputs from an Octacapture or some other brand with multiple inputs, but because cash is tight, I'd like to explore the cheaper route first.

I'm expecting the Alesis multimix SPDIF out to send it's total mix as stereo out to the SPDIF, that's what it said on the manual.


Hopefully I'll have some time over the weekend.


Cheers!

Optimus,

it is always a little funky how companies "count" ins/outs.  The Spdif is a digital standard for transfering info, as is AES and ADAT.  As you see from above, you need another piece of hardware w/ analog to digital convertors and Spdif connections to make full use of the quad.  What to buy is dependent upon your needs.  If you just want to record another 2 tracks there are a number of products out there that do AD over Spdif.  Look at one of the major retailer to get an idea of what is available.  I'm not sure what is at the low end of the scale.  Another cheap interface might work, if it remembers the settings from the last powerdown. 

Good luck.