Extend mic cables or word clock cable portable#

If they are not in sync, the audio may pass through but you will get clicks and pops in the sound. When interconnecting digital audio with ADAT and SPDIF formats between multiple devices, we have to make sure that the frames are in sync. Similar to video and film, digital audio signals have frames. It is also used for internet and television. The cable is thicker than a typical audio cable because it uses the same type of shielded coaxial cable(like tin foil around the cable). It has a higher bandwidth but is more expensive than RCA. A digital coaxial connector looks similar to an RCA connector but instead transmits digital data rather than analog signals.

What Is A Coax Cable In Audio?Ĭoax is the most common digital audio connection. The benefit is that it does not lose signal over long distances. The output signal travels through a cable that is changed or converted from an electrical one to an optical or light-based one from send to receive.ĪU vs VST (Differences, Which To Use & Why)Īfter the signal has reached the optical receiver or input, the signal is converted again from optical to electric. Optical cables are a means of transfer for digital audio connection. Is ADAT Digital Or Analog?ĪDAT is digital. SPDIF uses a coax cable or optical that does not work with ADAT optical cables. The advantage of ADAT is that you get 8 channels rather than 2, so that makes it better when working with multiple devices and more equipment.īut SPDIF is more durable and is less susceptible to interference and may work better at a live venue. It depends on what you prefer, but both should work in most scenarios. SPDIF (Alesis Digital Audio Tape) is a two-channel protocol that was designed for electrical transmission, while ADAT is an 8-channel protocol designed for optical transmission.ĪDAT’s sample rate is 48kHz/44.1kHz while SPDIF’s (Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format) is independent of sample rate the master clock is embedded in the protocol and is recovered by the receiving end. What Is The Difference Between ADAT vs SPDIF?

Extend mic cables or word clock cable portable#

Optical cables are usually thinner and more fragile than coaxial cables, so if you need a portable connection or the cables may be damaged more easily in a scenario, coax might be the way to go.Īlso, in a scenario where longer cables may be needed or there is going to be a source of EMI interference, optical cables would likely be the preferred choice. Which Is Better: Optical Cables Or Coaxial Cables? Coaxial CablesĬoaxial cables require RCA phono connectors and a 75 Ohm coaxial cable to comply with specifications/operating standards.Ĭoaxial cables are shielded and thus more durable than optical cables, but they also have less overall length. SPDIF optical allows immunity to electrical RF interference and ground loops with low signal attenuation that allows for long-distance connections of up to 50m. SPDIF optical cables can be equipped with two different types of connectors: Mini Optical and TOSLINK. The low cost of this product, compared to competitors of $3995, played a huge role in the rapid increase of audio studios in the 90s.

Synchronization was possible with earlier machines, but Alesis was the first to offer this with sample-accurate timing. The first ADAT recorders could record 8 channels and synchronize together 8 other ADAT machines, adding up to 128 possible tracks. What Is ADAT? HistoryĪDAT was a product released in 1992 by Alesis. The main difference is that ADAT allows for 8 channels of audio while SPIDF allows for 2 channels. In this article, we’ll go over what the two audio terms mean and how they may affect your audio setup for your home or business.ĪDAT and SPIDF are audio connection protocols used to connect audio between multiple devices.Įach one is better in certain scenarios but both are standard and used in audio systems worldwide. Also check out our guide to the various cable types that exist.Īre you connecting audio and wondering what the terms ADAT and SPIDF mean?.Find out the differences between ADAT vs SPDIF.Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.