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Subject: RE: digital I/O FAQ - new version

RE: digital I/O FAQ - new version

From: Andreas Stemmer <Andreas.Stemmer_at_web.de>
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2003 20:43:53 +0200

> Wrong. The FM recorder can record digitally. It is the output that is
> missing.
> And to record digitally with the FM, you need a 4-pole 3.5mm plug. One
> for ground, two for left and right Line-In, and one for digital In.
>
> Linus
Oh, I didn't know that! Thank you for correcting me.

Here's a new try:

Question:
74. There's a digital I/O connector on my jukebox. What is it good for?

Answer:
The Recorder models have a connector for digital audio output using the
common S/PDIF standard (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface). This jack is
not present on the Studio/Player/FM Recorder models. By using the
digital output in combination with high class external equipment, you
can get much better sound quality out of your jukebox, because you can
use better DA-converters and better amplifiers.
The Recorder and the FM Recorder models are able to record from digital
sources, too. The digital inputs don't have the 15kHz lowpass filter
like the analog inputs and you are sure to minimize the noise floor.
Generally, S/PDIF can be an electrical or an optical signal and there
are many devices that support both. There are even small 3.5mm sockets
that can take either an optical or an electrical cable. But the socket
on the jukebox is for electrical signals only!
If you want to connect your amp with digital input (RCA type) to the
output of your Recorder you need an adapter cable (3.5mm stereo jack to
dual RCA jack). Plug the 3.5mm stero jack into the digital I/O socket of
your jukebox and the red RCA jack (right channel) into the digital input
socket of your amp and that's it. You don't have to enable the digital
output. The sound settings on the digital output are always flat, your
volume, bass, treble, bass boost, loudness settings won't have any
effect here.
For recording digital signals on the Recorder, use the white RCA jack
(left channel) and plug it into the digital output of your CD player, MD
player or whatever. Don't forget to select digital input in the
recording settings. Note that there exist some adapter cables with
different color coding, so if output doesn't work the red jack try the
white RCA jack, too. The tip of the 3.5mm jack is the digital input, the
ring is the ouput.
For recording digital signals on the FM Recorder, you need a special
4-pole 3.5mm plug (shaft = ground, tip = left channel analog line in,
first ring (next to tip) = right channel analog line in, second ring =
digital in).
If you want to connect devices with optical inputs/outputs, you need a
small converter box which converts your signal from electrical to
optical (for digital output) respectively optical to electrical (for
digital recording).
Received on 2003-06-04

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