S/PDIF to Optical input

[cvdevol]

I have an MZ-M10. My soundcard is an M-Audio 2496 with S/PDIF output (using RCA-type jacks). Can I just get the appropriate cable to digitally record from the computer to the optical jack on the MD, or do I need another piece of hardware to convert signals or something?

[Jimbo2]

I have always just used a regular spdif cable and it worked. You need to make sure you plug it into the optical in on the MD player, and not the linein. And ensure there is a red light coming out the end of the cable

I have an MZ-M10. My soundcard is an M-Audio 2496 with S/PDIF output (using RCA-type jacks). Can I just get the appropriate cable to digitally record from the computer to the optical jack on the MD, or do I need another piece of hardware to convert signals or something?

[alexis]

S/P-DIF is the format used for consumer electronics digital music transmission. It exists in two "physical" flavours: electrical (using RCA jacks) and optical (using various connectors and fiber optics). The binary content is actually the same, so if your sound card digital out is the electrical kind, all you need is to convert the electrical binary signals to optical signals, and the connect to your MD player. You will need a hardware device to perform the operation. There are kits to buy for home electronic hobbyists, or complete devices including power supply etc... for less problems but more money.

Note that it is very important to setup your digital output to settings that your MD understands (16bit/44.1kHz). MD do not record or downsample 24bit/96kHz audio. Make sure that your digital output SCMS setting allows copying, then there should be no problem. However, if you need resampling or whatever additional signal procesing, you will need a much more sophisticated device, meaning also much more expensive (and sometimes these are also illegal in some countries because they could be used to overcome SCMS copy protection).

Another possibility would be to simply add an inexpensive sound card providing optical S/P-DIF out (if applicable) and reserving it to the purpose of MD output (sticking to a 16bit/44.1kHz setup).

[DATfan]

I have an MZ-M10. My soundcard is an M-Audio 2496 with S/PDIF output (using RCA-type jacks). Can I just get the appropriate cable to digitally record from the computer to the optical jack on the MD, or do I need another piece of hardware to convert signals or something?

Not having the manual at hand, I am guessing that, like my NH900, you have a mini-plug that can be used for analog-in or optical-digital-in.

If you need to send digital to the unit, you will have to either buy a converter that adapts your RCA-plug digital out to an optical digital out terminating in a male mini-plug, or purchase a sound card that contains an optical digital out such as TOSLINK.

Use an adaptor such as the one here at Minidisc Access http://www.minidiscaccess.com/item.html?PRID=1561904 to convert TOSLINK to miniplug.

[johnnybebad]

I have an external soundcard for my laptop, which has surround sound, and such. It also has a Digital output which I have never used for anything (S/PDIF in and out). When you remove the cover of the jacks, a red light shines out. What kind of cord would I need to use this with my Minidsic player (Mz-M100).

Thanks!

Ryan

[DATfan]

I have an external soundcard for my laptop, which has surround sound, and such. It also has a Digital output which I have never used for anything (S/PDIF in and out). When you remove the cover of the jacks, a red light shines out. What kind of cord would I need to use this with my Minidsic player (Mz-M100).

Thanks!

Ryan

You probably need a TOSLINK cable and the miniplug adaptor linked in the prior post.

As the previous poster said, "Note that it is very important to setup your digital output to settings that your MD understands (16bit/44.1kHz). MD do not record or downsample 24bit/96kHz audio."

So you need to pass 2-channel, 44.1 kHz, 16 bit, non-SCMS digital audio.

[Sparda]

A Sony POC-15AB would do the trick too, I was just wondering about this too last week and found out the answer myself by taking a look at the accessories list in my manual. I think the optical in on the unit is also electrical right? Or is it...

[DATfan]

A Sony POC-15AB would do the trick too, I was just wondering about this too last week and found out the answer myself by taking a look at the accessories list in my manual. I think the optical in on the unit is also electrical right? Or is it...

Yes, that will work. I chose to get an adequate TOSLINK to TOSLINK 25 foot cable on Amazon for about $12, plus $5 for an adaptor.

I'm not sure what you mean by "electrical." If you mean you can use a coaxial digital cable from RCA-plug to a miniplug, carrying digital (not analog), my NH900 manual is silent on this, which I take to mean it is not supported.

But let us know the results if you try it.