Helix Rack <-> RME Babyface Pro. Digital Connection (aes/ebu, spdif,adat)

[Mareckiwt]

Hi.

So I have:

- Helix Rack + Helix Control

- RME Babyface Pro

- Helix Native

 

Helix Rack is equipped with AES/EBU XLR i/o, SPDIF rca (coaxial) i/o.

RME Babyface Pro has ADAT/SPDIF optical (toslink) i/o.

In short, I need to connect these two digitally, to have all sound sources controlled in Ableton Live for Live performance and for recording convenience (not having to switch forth and back), clock sync both ways (not at a time). Ableton controlling Helix (snapshot change) and Helix controlling Ableton (start stop and so on).

 

Is there anyway that I can connect these Helix XLR AES/EBU i/o to RME optical ADAT? This option would be maybe more usable for multiple channel connection.

Or the other way - connect Helix SPDIF coaxial to RME optical (toslink) SPDIF? This I know carries only two channels, but still usable.

RME's ADAT vs SPDIF share the same toslink i/o and are switchable in RME Totalmix software.

 

Any direct cables? I suppose not, that would have to be analog to optical.

Any good quality converters?

 

I have already tried Helix XLR out to RME XLR in  + midi connection for clock sync.

 

I aslo tried Helix USB as an audio interface, but I want to avoid that, as RME drivers are more stable and as a result more usable for live performance with Ableton Live.

I do live sets in Ableton + play an electric violin thru Helix.

 

Helix native is also not the way to go bc still there's no control over midi, and my computer is not that new (i7 2012) so better to use outboard effects unit since I have it.