SPIDIF to Optical. Does it work ?

[Matthew Seed]

Hi guys, I just bought a Fractal Audio AXE FX 3 and I wanted to connect it to my UAD Apollo Twin.

The AXE FX has an SPDIF output and the UAD has optical in.

Is that a none compatible scenario? Or is there a cable for that which would be good?

Thanks for any help.
Matthew

[Tomás Mulcahy]

If you're in UK this converter box is readily available, I used it and it works. Note that it does not include the optical cable, or the S/Pdif cable, or the USB power plug. But those are readily available elsewhere (or you probably have them already).

[Matthew Seed]

Hi there, thanks for this. Is there such a thing as quality when it comes to something like this. Or is digital - digital !

I guess what I’m saying is I’m plugging a £2300 modelling amp into a £1000 UAD preamp with a £10 box.

I don’t want it to be a case of being the weakest link.

Or is a more expensive one no better quality.

Thanks
Matt

[James Perrett]

A £10 box like this should work fine - it is probably very similar to the input and output stages of your other units. I use something similar to hook up a Mini-disc player to the rest of my setup. There are possibly issues if you are using high sample rates with some budget units but you should soon hear if there are problems with dropouts and clicks in the signal.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Hi there, thanks for this. Is there such a thing as quality when it comes to something like this. Or is digital - digital !

The electronics involved are very simple and the few components needed are very cheap. The power supply and the case are probably the most expensive parts!

[ef37a]

Hi there, thanks for this. Is there such a thing as quality when it comes to something like this. Or is digital - digital !

The electronics involved are very simple and the few components needed are very cheap. The power supply and the case are probably the most expensive parts!

Yes, I took one apart and it used a HEX inverter chip, a very fast switch. One way it is fed from an opto-diode and the other it drives an IR LED whole thing is smaller than a postage stamp.
I used a pair for some time getting signals in and out of a MD recorder and 2496 sound card. Never noticed any quality loss at all.

Dave.

[Matthew Seed]

Thank you all for the advice. I shall make a purchase.

Thanks again
Matthew