spdif

[rd2rk]

Does anybody use this? I can't get it to work, and I don't know if it's my interface or the POD. Seems like I had it working once upon a long time ago, but I coulda' been trippin'.

[bartnettle1]

I use it alot for home recording /practice.

Make sure the sample rates are matched on your HD and interface preference menu asio page.

Ensure the s/pdif cable is a quality 75ohm video cable.

On the HD setup pages you have  a choice between wet and dry. Dry being only raw guitar. 

[pfsmith0]

I also use it frequently but I don;t think I can help you. Mine worked fine on first connection so I never had to debug it and learn any nuances to using it.

[rd2rk]

pfsmith0 -

 

Thanks for the reply, I'm beginning to think that my trusty old Fast Track Pro has bit the big one!

 

I know that you're fond of technical testing - have you ever compared the quality of the spdif signal to that of a regular xlr or 1/4 out to interface connection? How much of a difference does it really make? I thought I heard a difference in the high frequencies, but I don't claim to have audiophile ears.

[Onepiece]

I take it you've followed the procedure on page 2.9 of the advanced guide? Both units are set to the same sample rate (as bartnettle1 said) with your interface set to follow the clock in the POD?

[pfsmith0]

rd2rk, i have not yet testing any of the output signal paths, only SPDIF. Well, I DID check gains and clip levels here, but I didn't look at quality levels (noise and distortion). From previous experience I know that the fewer data converters you use the better the sound quality, so I try to give the HD500 the best chance of being good as I can - which means using SPDIF whenever possible.

 

Good luck on your troubleshooting.

[rd2rk]

Onepiece -

 

Yep.

 

pfsmith0 -

 

"the fewer data converters you use..."

 

Makes sense to me.

[bartnettle1]

Do you have any other gear with s/pdif out for testing your Fast Track Pro? Does it work fine with analogue inputs.

Did you bring up the preference menu and open the asio drive making sure s/pdif is armed. And track in your softeware armed with the s/pdif input selected for that track.

Also Really make sure you have a very good cable. 

[rd2rk]

I retired the FTP because the outputs had gotten flakey. Unfortunately, it's the only interface of the 4 that I own that has spdif IN. Likewise, the POD is the only device I have that has spdif OUT.

 

Yes, spdif is enabled in the ASIO panel, and the Host preferences (if that's what you mean, ASIO DRIVE???), and the Host track has spdif as INPUT.

 

I have 2 brand new data cables, one the expensive choice from Radio Shack, one a mid priced one from Amazon. Same specs, different lengths. Both, at one time, worked.

[bartnettle1]

If two cables and no joy seems as you say Interface or POD.

If you could be bothered to borrow a friends gear with s/pdif out you will then know.

Until then use the usb 

[rd2rk]

bartnettle1 -

 

Thanks for your replies. Actually, I'd need to find someone with an interface that has spdif IN (probably what you meant). Nobody I know has one. I tried GC, asked if they had something out-of-box that I could test it with, told them IF the POD spdif was working I'd buy a Focusrite 6i6 from them (even though much cheaper on Amazon - no sales tax), but none of their 3 Denver area stores had anything I could use for the test. Guess I'll just have to get the 6i6 from Amazon and take the risk.

[bartnettle1]

No, my logic is another piece of gear that outputs s/pdif so that you can determine if the prob is your FTP or the POD. 

Some DVD players have s/pdif out usually fixed at 48khz. If you match that and select it up in your DAW and preferences you should know if it is your FTP.

Getting a lend of an interface to test the POD can be done by hiring it or a studio 

[rd2rk]

Of course, both devices need to be tested, same problem, no access. By the time I find two devices, rent them, pick them up and return them, it's cheaper to buy the 6i6 from Amazon. Since the FTP is already retired for other reasons, if it's the POD at least I'll know it's worth repairing in terms of having a device to use it with. Assuming, of course, that the cost to repair the POD is reasonable. This whole spdif thing is about studio use, without it the POD is still useful for performance 4cm with my amp. Of course, if it's not affordable to fix, I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and get a Helix...... :)sigh....

[bartnettle1]

Well you still have USB on the POD for studio use.

I missed "the flakey outs on the FTP "

I just use a Motu 2408MkIII as I can hook up dedicated preamps for vocals and bass

And Mixdown analogue using it's outs.

Helix would be awesome and it has a USB and s/pdif as well 

[laxtlo]

I use spdif always when i record or play guitar with headphones. My pod hd500x is connected to Roland Quad-Capture UA-55 via spdif and headphones are connected to Roland also.