I want to convert a usb output from a MacMini to an aes/ebu connection on an active speaker. I’ve seen some devices that do this but they are very pricey. Like this
https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/82/X-SPDIF3 This device costs $500. While I’m sure this would do the job it’s alot more than I need or am willing to pay There must be a simpler more affordable solution. Suggestions or links please. I don’t want anything that will degrade the data.
Thanks,
Jcris
https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/82/X-SPDIF3 This device costs $500. While I’m sure this would do the job it’s alot more than I need or am willing to pay There must be a simpler more affordable solution. Suggestions or links please. I don’t want anything that will degrade the data.
Thanks,
Jcris
Maybe you could cascade a USB to I2S interface (like Amanero Combo384 or I2SoverUSB) with an I2S to S/PDIF and AES/EBU interface. This is an example of an I2S to AES/EBU interface designed to be driven by an Amanero: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/inte...al-interface-32bit-384khz-dsd128-p-13627.html
It appears Amanero also has a Combo384SE with S/PDIF connection, https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/inte...b-384khz-spdif-wm8804-to-i2s-dsd-p-14535.html Add a small transformer to convert 75 ohm unbalanced to 110 ohm balanced and there is a good chance that it works, even though the voltage levels are not exactly according to the AES standard.
Or this: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/digi...es-spdif-i2s-32bit-192khz-dop128-p-14869.html
It appears Amanero also has a Combo384SE with S/PDIF connection, https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/inte...b-384khz-spdif-wm8804-to-i2s-dsd-p-14535.html Add a small transformer to convert 75 ohm unbalanced to 110 ohm balanced and there is a good chance that it works, even though the voltage levels are not exactly according to the AES standard.
Or this: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/digi...es-spdif-i2s-32bit-192khz-dop128-p-14869.html
Last edited:
In a lot of ways that device is very similar to the Matrix that costs 7 times as much. Crazy! Not a bad idea though. Thanks for sharing. Honestly though I’m really just looking to buy something retail.
Best,
Jcris
Best,
Jcris
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/digi...es-spdif-i2s-32bit-192khz-dop128-p-14869.html is an Amanero, Bluetooth receiver and S/PDIF + AES/EBU interface with connectors and all built into an enclosure.
I had very good results with a JLsounds converter. < € 100.
The number of options is dizzying, but if you ask they configure it before shipping.
I also got a small optical and coax output board to mount on the case panel.
Edit that audiophonics thing also looks good, but no idea how good the quality of clocks etc is.
Jan
The number of options is dizzying, but if you ask they configure it before shipping.
I also got a small optical and coax output board to mount on the case panel.
Edit that audiophonics thing also looks good, but no idea how good the quality of clocks etc is.
Jan
Last edited:
Thanks Marcel and Jan,
Dizzying is exactly right. I’m going to use SPDIF as the cable will be less than 12’ long. This will probably be a temporary solution until I get a better wifi connection
Best
Dizzying is exactly right. I’m going to use SPDIF as the cable will be less than 12’ long. This will probably be a temporary solution until I get a better wifi connection
Best
Last edited:
If DIY products are acceptable, I have several USB conversion boxes that can output AES/EBU, balanced analog stereo output, etc. The price ranges from 25$ to 180$, and supports up to 8 channels.
I don’t know if you can access the WeChat official account in mainland China. If you can access it, please search:soundproaudio. There are related product introduction instructions, or visit this link:https://shop140311301.taobao.com/index.htm?spm=2013.1.w5002-21755844073.2.b4c3352dXJk6gk
Yes I can access that link, but when I click a product to check the info I am asked to log in ...
I think this is what I was looking for:
USB界面声卡 支持平衡模拟+AES/EBU+RCA+同轴SPDIF输出
¥ 嵢佁戔䫒埒切
已售：0件
Jan
I think this is what I was looking for:
USB界面声卡 支持平衡模拟+AES/EBU+RCA+同轴SPDIF输出
¥ 嵢佁戔䫒埒切
已售：0件
Jan
Yes, most websites in mainland China require registered membership to view all content. If you have WeChat or other contact information, I will send you the relevant product documentation. The document is only in Chinese
Good move. I've had such a device in use for maybe 10 years, called "Breeze" and found it on eBay for maybe $35. Nice box. Also has fiber output and choice of clock.
I connect a Mac to the Breeze then to Input A of the great workhorse, Behrenger DCX2496. Not sure if Input A is nominally AES or SPDIF (which differ only in signal voltage) but seems to work just with either level signal. BTW, connecting to the DCX this way keeps things digital past the input stage which otherwise is the victim of undeserved criticism.
I believe anything digital is great sound and the Breeze doesn't disappoint.
A major issue for me was how to do a master volume control for all the speakers together and maintaining good gain management. Can't control volume from the Mac laptop - unless there's an after-market software fix I don't know about. Ended up with multiple pots mounted on a single shaft and lots of RCA jacks.
I connect a Mac to the Breeze then to Input A of the great workhorse, Behrenger DCX2496. Not sure if Input A is nominally AES or SPDIF (which differ only in signal voltage) but seems to work just with either level signal. BTW, connecting to the DCX this way keeps things digital past the input stage which otherwise is the victim of undeserved criticism.
I believe anything digital is great sound and the Breeze doesn't disappoint.
A major issue for me was how to do a master volume control for all the speakers together and maintaining good gain management. Can't control volume from the Mac laptop - unless there's an after-market software fix I don't know about. Ended up with multiple pots mounted on a single shaft and lots of RCA jacks.
Last edited:
Well there are these, and there are a bunch of them on eBay and they are under $24 typically shipped
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353538460669?
I use AES extensively and am planning to get one or two of these as quick problem solvers, if they don't work I haven't wasted much.
I have been experimenting with a cheap SPDIF RX/TX to USB interface, I haven't finished evaluating it, but it at least works and shows up as an interface I can connect to in Reaper. Sound quality will be evaluated next. It was cheap enough to throw away if it doesn't meet my expectations.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353538460669?
I use AES extensively and am planning to get one or two of these as quick problem solvers, if they don't work I haven't wasted much.
I have been experimenting with a cheap SPDIF RX/TX to USB interface, I haven't finished evaluating it, but it at least works and shows up as an interface I can connect to in Reaper. Sound quality will be evaluated next. It was cheap enough to throw away if it doesn't meet my expectations.
Sampling rate 44.1??? In theory by Claude Shannon, should be fine (like CDs and Apple OS in practice)?
The ones i would look at do 24 bits and 192k. The one I mentioned max's out at 192k. To the best of my knowledge 24 bits is the max bit depth.
I am running 24 bit 96k on AES.
I am running 24 bit 96k on AES.
Last edited:
Jumping into this topic with a naive question...
...why can you not simply fabricate a USB-C (or pick your USB-flavor)-to-XLR cable to go between say an Android smartphone or latest gen iPhone supporting USB-C? In the proposed scenario one could use the D+/D- plus ground communication lines (USB2 specification) to communicate directly across a 110ohm AES-compatible cable.
The D+/D- would connect to the #2/#3 pins of the AES-XLR termination, and ground to #1.
I get that the voltages output by the respective smartphones may not conform to AES standard, but that could be corrected by inserting appropriate resistors in series with the signals.
Like I said, I am claiming to know what I am talking about here - just trying to better understand the problem.
Thx, M
...why can you not simply fabricate a USB-C (or pick your USB-flavor)-to-XLR cable to go between say an Android smartphone or latest gen iPhone supporting USB-C? In the proposed scenario one could use the D+/D- plus ground communication lines (USB2 specification) to communicate directly across a 110ohm AES-compatible cable.
The D+/D- would connect to the #2/#3 pins of the AES-XLR termination, and ground to #1.
I get that the voltages output by the respective smartphones may not conform to AES standard, but that could be corrected by inserting appropriate resistors in series with the signals.
Like I said, I am claiming to know what I am talking about here - just trying to better understand the problem.
Thx, M