{"id":50338,"date":"2023-06-05T16:22:05","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T15:22:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/?p=50338"},"modified":"2025-01-06T13:41:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T13:41:27","slug":"what-is-adat-synthax-explains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/2023\/06\/05\/what-is-adat-synthax-explains\/","title":{"rendered":"What is ADAT? | Synthax Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"article-wrapper\">\n<h2>In part 4 of our Synthax Explains video series, we answer the question \u201cWhat is ADAT?\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>Modern professional recording and music production employs a number of different digital audio formats, which can be useful for simplifying the transfer of multiple tracks of audio between different devices in a studio or live recording setup.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common of these formats is ADAT (the shortened name for <strong>ADAT Lightpipe<\/strong>, or <strong>ADAT Optical Interface<\/strong>), a digital audio transfer protocol capable of carrying up to 8 channels of audio via a single cable.<\/p>\n<p>Watch our video to find out why this 30-year old format remains popular to this very day, or read on for a deeper dive.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; justify-content: center;\">\n<div>\n<h4>What is ADAT? Synthax Explains Video<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is ADAT?\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EF83pEAgEZo\" name=\"What is ADAT? video\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">See more videos at <a title=\"Subscribe to the SynthaxTV YouTube channel\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/subscription_center?add_user=synthaxtv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Synthax TV<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h2>What is the difference between Analogue and Digital Audio?<\/h2>\n<p>First up, a brief explanation of the difference between analogue and digital audio signals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_50344\" style=\"width: 434px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50344\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-50344\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tierra-Audio-Canyon-Summing-Mixer.jpg\" alt=\"Tierra Audio analogue summing mixer and back panel\" width=\"424\" height=\"286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tierra-Audio-Canyon-Summing-Mixer.jpg 1702w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tierra-Audio-Canyon-Summing-Mixer-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tierra-Audio-Canyon-Summing-Mixer-1024x691.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tierra-Audio-Canyon-Summing-Mixer-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tierra-Audio-Canyon-Summing-Mixer-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-50344\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The <a title=\"Tierra Audio | Studio Outboard - Compressors, Equalizers &amp; Summing Mixers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/tierra-audio\/tierra-audio-studio-outboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tierra Audio Canyon 16<\/a> summing mixer is an analogue-only device<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Generally speaking, analogue audio covers anything in the studio that either makes or records sound.<\/p>\n<p>So, microphones and electronic instruments such as keyboards, synthesizers and electric guitars, as well as devices that physically play back audio, such as guitar amps, speakers and headphones.<\/p>\n<p>All of these devices use analogue signals &#8211; electrical signals that fluctuate in voltage, in parallel to the varying pressure of a sound wave &#8211; when either capturing or playing back sound.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of listening to recorded material, this also includes analogue storage mediums, such as tape recorders and cassette tapes, and vinyl records.<\/p>\n<p>Digital audio on the other hand, is simply information stored as ones and zeros, which can be understood by computers and other digital devices. For recorded sound and music, this includes digital files like mp3s, wavs and aiffs, as well as digital playback mediums like CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays etc.<\/p>\n<p>Digital audio is also extremely useful in the studio for transporting audio, allowing us to send multiple tracks down a single digital cable &#8211; unlike in an analogue system, where we need a separate cable for each instrument or microphone. Digital cabling is also immune to the kinds of interference that analogue cabling can suffer from, such as ground loops or electrical noise.<\/p>\n<p>In order for us to record analogue sources to digital, we first need to convert the analogue signal to a digital one via something called an analogue to digital converter, a type of microchip or integrated circuit also known as an \u2018A to D\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Equally, for us to be able to hear these digital audio signals, the information has to be converted back into an analogue signal via a digital to analogue converter, or \u2018D to A\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>You might have already guessed that AD\/DA converters are found built into a wide range of devices &#8211; from your smartphone, laptop or iPad, to music production devices like digital mixing consoles and audio interfaces.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting however that in pro audio, the term \u2018AD\/DA converter\u2019 is also often used in reference to a specific piece of equipment \u2013 a standalone device like one of <a title=\"Ferrofish | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/ferrofish\/\">Ferrofish&#8217;s multi-channel converters<\/a>, which are used to expand the number of analogue channels available in a recording setup, and which we\u2019ve covered in one of our <a title=\"What is an AD\/DA Converter? | Synthax Explains\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/2022\/06\/17\/what-is-an-ad-da-converter-synthax-explains\/\">previous Synthax Explains videos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Once these analogue signals are converted into digital ones, how the information is treated \u2013 the way in which it&#8217;s encoded, structured and decoded &#8211; is governed by a set of rules commonly known as a format, the first of which we\u2019ll be talking about today called ADAT.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignright wp-image-50484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Fireface-UCX-II_back_ADAT_I-O.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup of ADAT I\/O connections and TOSLINK cables\" width=\"425\" height=\"262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Fireface-UCX-II_back_ADAT_I-O.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Fireface-UCX-II_back_ADAT_I-O-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Fireface-UCX-II_back_ADAT_I-O-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Fireface-UCX-II_back_ADAT_I-O-768x474.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/>What is ADAT?<\/h2>\n<p>ADAT is a digital audio format that can carry up to eight channels of audio over a single cable, and is commonly used for transporting audio between two devices in the studio.<\/p>\n<p>ADAT can be found on many modern devices such as audio interfaces, converters, microphone preamps, mixing consoles and even some FX units.<\/p>\n<p>Up to 8 individual channels of audio can be transferred between devices via a single optical cable (at 24Bit \/ 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rates).<\/p>\n<p>Connection between each device is made via optical TOSLINK cables &#8211; small digital cables with a square connector on each end. On pro audio devices, ADAT is often found in pairs &#8211; one connection for inputs, and one for outputs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ferrofish-Pulse-8-AE-ADAT-converter.jpg\" alt=\"Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE analog to ADAT converter\" width=\"551\" height=\"248\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>The <a title=\"Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/ferrofish\/ferrofish-ad-da-converters\/ferrofish-pulse-8-ae\/\">Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE<\/a> is an easy to way to add 8 x inputs and 8 x outputs to an audio interface.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>What is TOSLINK?<\/h4>\n<p>Short for Toshiba Link, TOSLINK cables are a type of fibre optic cable originally designed by Toshiba.<\/p>\n<p>These cables are cheap and very easy to use, with a small square connector at both ends that plugs into the ADAT port. (You&#8217;ll also be able to see light visibly emitting from the end of the cable when one end is connected).<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re the same cables used for the digital audio connections found on a host of consumer products like TVs, media players, games consoles and Blu-Ray players, although these devices tend to use a slightly different 2-channel format called SPDIF, which we\u2019ll talk about more further down.<\/p>\n<h4>ADAT maximum Cable Length<\/h4>\n<p>The original ADAT spec allowed a maximum cable length for optical cables up to around 5m \/ 16 feet, although the actual achievable length can vary depending on the quality of the cable.<\/p>\n<p>Cheaper cables are more susceptible to signal degradation, whilst higher quality cabling tends to remain effective for much longer distances (some users have reported success up to around 15m).<\/p>\n<p>If you do want to extend your ADAT cable length, a safer bet is to use an ADAT Extender \u2013 a device designed to increase the reach of the ADAT signal, such as the <a title=\"Appsys ProAudio ADS-8 - Active ADAT\/Toslink Splitter &amp; Repeater | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/appsys\/adat-splitters-repeaters\/appsys-proaudio-ads-8\/\">Appsys ProAudio ADS-8<\/a>, or the <a title=\"Appsys ProAudio ADX-8 - ADAT Extender | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/appsys\/adat-extenders\/appsys-proaudio-adx-8\/\">Appsys ProAudio ADX-8<\/a> (which allows you to run ADAT up to 100m over standard Cat5 (ethernet) cabling).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>A brief history of ADAT<\/h2>\n<p>Nowadays, ADAT is cheap, easy to use, and found on a wide range of gear. But when it first arrived on the recording scene, ADAT was near-revolutionary.<\/p>\n<p>In 1991, Alesis announced an 8-track digital audio recorder called the Alesis Digital Audio Tape.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas previously digital recording was reserved only for large professional recording studios, when ADAT machines first appeared, they offered digital recording at a price-point that whilst not necessarily \u2018cheap\u2019 (the original retailed for $3,995), made digital multi-track recording available to independent musicians and smaller studios for the first time.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img aligncenter wp-image-50486\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Alesis-ADAT-XT-front-panel.jpg\" alt=\"Front panel of the Alesis ADAT XT\" width=\"699\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Alesis-ADAT-XT-front-panel.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Alesis-ADAT-XT-front-panel-300x86.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Alesis-ADAT-XT-front-panel-768x221.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 699px) 100vw, 699px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Alesis ADAT XT, the successor to the original Alesis ADAT machine.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Up to eight tracks of audio could be recorded simultaneously directly to S-VHS or Super-VHS tapes, and multiple units could also be synced together to provide even more channels.<\/p>\n<p>Although ADAT recorders are definitely a thing of the past, their legacy has been long-reaching, with the ADAT format adopted by many pro audio equipment manufacturers as a way of sending audio between all kinds of different device, and these days the term \u2018ADAT\u2019 is usually used to refer to the transfer format, rather than the original ADAT recorders themselves.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignright wp-image-50488\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-Fireface-UCX-II-OctaMic-XTC-ADAT.jpg\" alt=\"RME Fireface UCX II and OctaMic XTC showing ADAT connection\" width=\"474\" height=\"237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-Fireface-UCX-II-OctaMic-XTC-ADAT.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-Fireface-UCX-II-OctaMic-XTC-ADAT-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-Fireface-UCX-II-OctaMic-XTC-ADAT-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-Fireface-UCX-II-OctaMic-XTC-ADAT-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/>Why is ADAT still useful?<\/h2>\n<p>So why is ADAT still so widely used, even after over 30 years on the scene? Simply put, it remains a simple and inexpensive way of connecting multiple audio devices together in the studio.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you may already have an audio interface that allows you to record directly via its analogue connections, such as built-in microphone preamps and line-level I\/O.<\/p>\n<p>But what if you want to record more microphones than your interface can handle? If your interface has ADAT I\/O, you can easily expand the number of microphone inputs by connecting an external microphone preamp to your interface (via ADAT). This will allow you to record another 8 microphones at the same time directly into your DAW, and with each microphone recorded to its own track for mixing and processing.<\/p>\n<p>So if you\u2019re a home studio user or have a smaller project studio, you can use two ADAT lightpipe cables to easily unlock an extra eight channels in both directions, a great option for connecting more microphones, instruments and other hardware in your studio.<\/p>\n<p>ADAT can also be used for recording at higher sample rates, such as 96 and 192 kHz, using a technology called Sample Multiplexing, or \u2018S\/MUX\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Be aware however that doubling the sample rate requires twice the bandwidth, so each time you increase the sample rate, you halve the number of channels available for recording. In other words, recording or playing back at 96 kHz allows you to transfer up to 4 channels each way over ADAT, whereas 192 kHz gives you 2 channels in each direction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Where is ADAT found?<\/h2>\n<p>As mentioned previously, ADAT is still found today on all sort of devices in the studio including digital mixing desks, audio interfaces, microphone preamps, AD\/DA Converters, and even some FX units.<\/p>\n<p>From <a title=\"All Brands | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/category\/index\/\">our brands<\/a> here at Synthax, both RME and Ferrofish devices continue to feature ADAT I\/O for digital connectivity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignright wp-image-6575\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/RME-Digiface-USB-01-Synthax-Audio-UK-e1487604745201.jpg\" alt=\"RME Digiface USB ADAT audio interface\" width=\"299\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/RME-Digiface-USB-01-Synthax-Audio-UK-e1487604745201.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/RME-Digiface-USB-01-Synthax-Audio-UK-e1487604745201-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/RME-Digiface-USB-01-Synthax-Audio-UK-e1487604745201-768x547.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 299px) 100vw, 299px\" \/>RME Audio Interfaces<\/h4>\n<p>The convenience and flexibility of the ADAT format even led RME to design the <a title=\"RME Digiface USB | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/rme\/firewire-usb\/rme-digiface-usb\/\">Digiface USB<\/a>, a pocket-sized ADAT-only interface. Using only 4 pairs of ADAT I\/O, the Digiface USB can transport a total of 32 channels of digital audio both to and from a computer (via USB), making it a fantastic option for adding external mic pres and converters from different manufacturers.<\/p>\n<p>RME\u2019s larger format audio interfaces also feature ADAT as part of their digital connectivity offering. Interfaces like the Fireface 802, UFX II and UFX III feature two sets of ADAT I\/O, making it possible to add 16 extra channels of audio from just four extra cables.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, a wide range of RME interfaces feature ADAT connectivity, making it easy to add extra channels to any recording or production setup.<\/p>\n<p>The portable <a title=\"RME Babyface Pro FS | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/rme\/firewire-usb\/rme-babyface-pro-fs\/\">RME Babyface Pro FS<\/a> is also equipped with ADAT I\/O, meaning that whilst the interface remains a fantastic mobile recording device for recording with one or two microphones or instruments, it can also be easily expanded via ADAT, with a microphone preamp like RME\u2019s Octamic XTC or 12Mic, or an AD\/DA Converter like the Ferrofish Pulse 16.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Ferrofish Pulse 16 &amp; A32pro<\/h4>\n<p>Speaking of the <a title=\"Ferrofish Pulse 16 | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/ferrofish\/ferrofish-ad-da-converters\/ferrofish-pulse16\/\">Ferrofish Pulse 16<\/a>, this 1U AD\/DA Converter offers users an additional 16 analogue inputs and 16 analogue outputs from two pairs of ADAT I\/O, and is a fantastic option for producers, musicians and composers looking for a way of getting hardware instruments or <a title=\"Tierra Audio | Synthax Audio UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/tierra-audio\/\">outboard gear<\/a> into their DAW.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also an ideal device for bringing a small analogue mixing desk into the digital realm. By connecting the analogue outputs of a mixer to the analogue inputs of the Ferrofish, each channel can be passed from the Ferrofish via ADAT to an audio interface for recording to a DAW.<\/p>\n<p>The analogue outputs can even be used for connecting multiple pairs of speakers, for mixing in 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img aligncenter wp-image-47091\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ferrofish-Pulse-16-DX-Dante.jpg\" alt=\"Ferrofish Pulse 16 DX AD\/DA converter\" width=\"700\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ferrofish-Pulse-16-DX-Dante.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ferrofish-Pulse-16-DX-Dante-300x82.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ferrofish-Pulse-16-DX-Dante-1024x280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ferrofish-Pulse-16-DX-Dante-768x210.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Pulse 16 comes in three different varieties- the Pulse 16, which comes simply with ADAT I\/O; the Pulse 16 MX which adds another digital audio format called MADI; and finally the Pulse 16 DX, which adds an audio networking format called Dante.<\/p>\n<p>All of the Pulse 16 Models are also available with DC-coupled outputs, which are ideal for sending control voltages to modular synthesizers.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, Ferrofish also produce 32-channel converters called the A32pro and A32pro Dante. Both of these models also feature ADAT, although to make full use of the 32 analogue inputs and 32 outputs, you&#8217;ll need an interface or sound card with support for MADI or Dante.<\/p>\n<h4>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<h4><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignleft wp-image-19522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/RME-12Mic-NAMM-2020-Synthax-Audio-UK.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"351\" height=\"123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/RME-12Mic-NAMM-2020-Synthax-Audio-UK.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/RME-12Mic-NAMM-2020-Synthax-Audio-UK-300x105.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/RME-12Mic-NAMM-2020-Synthax-Audio-UK-768x269.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/RME-12Mic-NAMM-2020-Synthax-Audio-UK-1024x359.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/>RME 12Mic (12-Channel Microphone Preamp)<\/h4>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to record more microphones simultaneously, a preamp like the RME 12Mic can be connected via ADAT too.<\/p>\n<p>This next-generation 12-channel preamp also features MADI connectivity and comes in two versions, one with AVB audio networking and one featuring Audinate&#8217;s Dante protocol (the RME 12Mic-D).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignright wp-image-48397\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RME_ADI-2_PRO_FS_R_product_render.webp\" alt=\"RME ADI-2 Pro FS R 2-channel AD\/DA converter\" width=\"374\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RME_ADI-2_PRO_FS_R_product_render.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RME_ADI-2_PRO_FS_R_product_render-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RME_ADI-2_PRO_FS_R_product_render-768x384.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 374px) 100vw, 374px\" \/>RME ADI-2 DAC\/Pro FS R (2-Channel AD and DA converters)<strong><br><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>As mentioned previously, the TOSLINK connector was originally designed by Toshiba for home audio and Hi-fi usage, though the connector is also capable of carrying the two-channel consumer format SPDIF, which we\u2019ll come to in just a moment.<\/p>\n<p>RME AD\/DA\u2019s like the ADI-2 Series DAC and Pro FS R have the ability to process both ADAT and SPDIF, meaning you can use a TOSLINK cable to <a title=\"How to connect the RME ADI-2 DAC or Pro FS R to an audio interface\" href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/2021\/11\/15\/rme-adi-2-dac-pro-connect-audio-interface\/\">connect with an audio interface<\/a> for mastering-quality monitoring.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What is SPDIF?<\/h2>\n<p>Many of RME\u2019s devices feature ADAT in conjunction with another digital format, called &#8216;S\/PDIF&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>SPDIF stands for Sony Philips Digital Interface, and was designed by those two companies as a way of interfacing their home digital equipment. It&#8217;s essentially a consumer version of another digital format used in pro audio and broadcast circles called AES-3, or AES\/EBU.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst ADAT was designed as an 8-channel professional format, SPDIF was intended as a stereo consumer format, and is therefore limited to just two channels. This is irrespective of sample rate however*, meaning SPDIF can still send 2 channels of uncompressed PCM audio at 96 or 192 kHz.<\/p>\n<p>* In theory at least \u2013 check your device\u2019s manual for what sample rates it supports. RME devices all support up to 192 kHz over SPDIF.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignright wp-image-50531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Digiface_AES_back_SPDIF_I-O.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup of SPDIF I\/O connections and digital RCA cables\" width=\"425\" height=\"262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Digiface_AES_back_SPDIF_I-O.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Digiface_AES_back_SPDIF_I-O-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Digiface_AES_back_SPDIF_I-O-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME_Digiface_AES_back_SPDIF_I-O-768x474.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/>You\u2019ll also find SPDIF in home cinema setups, as it can also be used for sending 6 channels of compressed audio for 5.1 surround sound. Note however that whilst an audio interface may be able to pass this AC3 or DTS-encoded signal, you\u2019ll probably still need a separate decoder to use it for 5.1, as pro audio devices are generally designed to use SPDIF for uncompressed stereo signals.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike ADAT which is only available via optical TOSLINK cables, SPDIF comes in the form of both optical and coaxial connections. These connectors will be pretty recognisable if you\u2019ve ever connected any home audio equipment, using the same red and white connectors as analogue RCA connections, which are commonly found on things like amplifiers, DJ mixers and some studio monitors for connecting analogue sources like turntables, and the line-level ouputs of CD players.<\/p>\n<p>Although coaxial SPDIF uses the same connector type (RCA) as analogue connections like phono and line, don\u2019t forget that SPDIF is a digital format, and therefore requires a digital RCA cable, and the two are not compatible*. Phono and line-level connections require analogue cables, whereas SPDIF requires digital cables, so it\u2019s just the connector that\u2019s the same.<\/p>\n<p>*Technically you may find analogue and digital RCA cables can work interchangeably, and you may find you can get away with it on shorter cable runs. It&#8217;s usually best avoided though &#8211; better to stick with cables designed for their actual purpose!<\/p>\n<p>Whilst SPDIF isn\u2019t as common in pro audio hardware, RME interfaces like the Fireface UCX II and Digiface AES can accept both ADAT and SPDIF signals, with both devices featuring connections for ADAT\/SPDIF optical and ADAT\/SPDIF coaxial.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also worth noting that whilst the ADAT and SPDIF formats aren\u2019t universally compatible across all devices, all RME interfaces can accept SPDIF on their optical connections (another neat little trick from RME), giving you more flexibility in the number of devices you can connect to your interface.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"head-img alignright wp-image-50495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-SteadyClock_FS_Matthias_Carstens.jpg\" alt=\"Hand using pen to point at Rohde &amp; Schwarz HMO1202 measuring WordClock\" width=\"425\" height=\"283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-SteadyClock_FS_Matthias_Carstens.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-SteadyClock_FS_Matthias_Carstens-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-SteadyClock_FS_Matthias_Carstens-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/RME-SteadyClock_FS_Matthias_Carstens-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/>WordClock (Digital Clocking \/ \u2018Sync\u2019)<\/h2>\n<p>Whilst expanding a recording setup with ADAT is as simple as connecting a couple of lightpipe cables, it\u2019s worth noting that working in the digital realm requires another step to make the two devices work seamlessly, known as \u201cWordclock\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>You may have comes across terms like \u201cSync\u201d or \u201cDigital Clocking\u201d in sound engineering and audio production, and this something we\u2019ll be explaining further in a future episode of Synthax Explains.<\/p>\n<p>But for now, it\u2019s enough to know that every digital audio device has an internal clock that controls the timing of its audio, and when working with two or more devices you\u2019ll need to synchronise them with one another. This protects against potential signal degradation, and ensures sure everything remains sample-accurate.<\/p>\n<p>WordClock can usually be carried down the same digital cable you use for the audio (e.g. a TOSLINK or coax cable), although many pro devices also have dedicated WordClock I\/O connections as well, which allow you to transmit WordClock via BNC cables. Many older or legacy devices were designed with BNC connections for their WordClock, and even some modern manufacturers (particularly in broadcast) still prefer this method for syncing between devices, so having a dedicated WordClock I\/O simply provides better support for a wider range of products.<\/p>\n<p>Most devices in the studio will allow you to both input and output a WordClock signal, and you\u2019ll need to choose one device to be the Clock Master, then set the others as Slaves.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting that different devices may have different clocking capabilities however, so check your manual for anything you\u2019re unsure about &#8211; RME\u2019s latest generation of interfaces for example feature very accurate master clocking called SteadyClock FS.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>ADAT Summary<\/h2>\n<p>So that\u2019s it for our look at ADAT. Hopefully we&#8217;ve answered your questions about what those little square connectors are for on the side of your audio interface.<\/p>\n<p>If you found this article or video helpful, make sure you let us know by commenting or giving the video a like on YouTube, and subscribe to our channel to keep up with the rest of this series as it grows!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can also check out the other episodes in this series via the <a title=\"Synthax Explains Playlist | YouTube\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLl2zBrVpi6AhFZAOcCePFLZTukJ-3b5yd\">Synthax Explains Playlist on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/rme\/\">See the full range of RME Audio devices<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/ferrofish\/\">See the full range of Ferrofish AD\/DA Converters<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<footer>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 5px;\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"logo-img\" style=\"float: left; margin: 10px 20px 20px 0;\" title=\"RME Audio Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/RME-Logo.png\" alt=\"RME Audio Logo\" width=\"150\" height=\"29\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"footer-text\">\n<p>Want to more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/rme\/\">RME<\/a> audio interfaces and sound cards? \n<br>\nGive us a call on <a href=\"tel:+441727821870\">01727 821 870<\/a> to speak to one of our team, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/contact-us\/\">contact us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n\n#attachment_50344 {\n  border: none;\n}\n\nh1 {\n  line-height: 36px;\n}\n\n.article-wrapper p, .article-wrapper li {\n  font-size: 130% !important;\n  line-height: 26px !important; \n}\n\n\/*\n.article-wrapper h3, .article-wrapper h2 {\n  letter-spacing: 0.099em !important;\n}\n*\/\n\n\n.article-wrapper-heading {\n  margin-top: 20px;\n  letter-spacing: 0.099em;\n}\n\n\n.eightCol {\n  padding: 0 !important;\n}\n\n.wp-block-separator {\n  margin: 10px;\n}\n\n.footer-top-wrapper {\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n\n\n.footer-text {\n  font-family: \"Helvetica Neue\", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; \n  font-size: 20px; \n  font-style: normal; \n  font-variant: normal;\n  font-weight: 400;\n  margin: 20px 0;\n}\n\n.footer-text p {\n  line-height: 26px !important;\n}\n\n  .head-img-txt {\n    font-size: 110%;\n    font-style: italic;\n  }\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 768px) {\n\nh2 {\n  font-size: 21px;\n  line-height: 28px;\n}\n\n  .head-img {\n    width: 98vw;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: row;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n    justify-content: center;\n    margin: auto;\n    clear: both;\n  }\n\n  .head-img-lg {\n    width: 90vw;\n    padding-left: 100px;\n  }\n\n\n  .logo-img {\n    width: 50vw;\n    display: flex;\n    justify-content: center;\n    margin: 20px auto !important;\n    float: none !important;\n  }\n  \n  .separator {\n    display: none;\n  }\n\n.article-wrapper p, .article-wrapper li {\n  font-size: 130% !important;\n  line-height: 22px !important; \n}\n\n\/*\n.article-wrapper h3, .article-wrapper h2 {\n  letter-spacing: 0.01em !important;\n}\n*\/\n\n\n}\n\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In part 4 of our Synthax Explains video series, we answer the question \u201cWhat is ADAT?\u201d Modern professional recording and music production employs a number of different digital audio formats, which can be useful for simplifying the transfer of multiple tracks of audio between different devices in a studio or live recording setup. One of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":50539,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[4,495],"tags":[14,1116,2173,614,66,686,533,216,2172,769,564,5,563,73,478,2171],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50338"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50338"}],"version-history":[{"count":191,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50338\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59286,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50338\/revisions\/59286"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50539"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.synthax.co.uk\/latest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}