Audio interface for AES

[tamtam]

Hey guys,
I'm planning to purchase an audio interface for my AES/EBU speakers (PMC).
And I'm stuck between choosing a proper and expensive solution and a passive conversion from spdif.
So, option one is to buy Ultralite MK5 and convert the Coax SPDIF into AES/EBU
using RCA -> BNC (RG6) -> Canare impedance converter -> XLR
Or
UCX 2.
A bit afraid of the passive conversion way, even the distance is less than 5 meters.
Volume control is a must have.
What do you think ?
Thanks

 

[G|force]

Lynx Hilo and Hilo2 also has AES I/O.

 

[tamtam]

Hilo is too expensive for me. It is for home studio / listening room.
Versatility is important for me, but the main limitation is the Volume control I guess.
Most of the interfaces are not supporting control over volume through spdif coax.
Not even sure if the volume is controllable via the Macos volume slider, because some audio interfaces lock this feature.
Need to control the volume for sure,
and another feature must have is a permanent dsp on headphones to bump the bass.
Sold my Prism Lyra 1 a while ago, due to the lack of versatility and lack of digital outputs.
No reason to go another da/ad conversion for these monitors.

 

[Neddy]

In case you missed it, tho may be more channels than you need...but a fraction of the Hilo pricing.

Okto Research

Objective performance

www.oktoresearch.com

Volume via knob or remote...

 

[Whatsthephuss]

Another option to consider is an active spdif to AES converter. Hosa makes one for sale on Sweetwater for $161.

I have several inexpensive consumer devices with EQ + spdif out (WIIM/FIIO), and I bought an active spdif to AES converter on eBay for $25. It took a few weeks to arrive from China but if you’re not in a rush it’s an option.

 

[tamtam]

Thanks guys, for now I decided to continue with a test with passive transformer from a WiiM Pro spdif .
In theory, if this works, I might be saving some bucks on the future audio interface with spdif instead of aes.
However, anyway there are not a lot of devices that allow volume control over spdif.
I thought I found a hidden gem, Arturia Audiofuse, (cheap on second hand market)
but unfortunately this device has a problematic volume potentiometer design.
On a fence now, couldn't justify the price of UCX 2, considering this is a digital connection and the sound should be the same from $150 or $1500 device.

 

[darius.m]

I have the same issue. My monitors have this AES inputs ( Barefoot ) and so far I failed to utilize them.
First thing I tried was the Ultralite MK5. Unfortunately it will not support the 192Khz. if you switch it to 192k, I think spif or the AES ( I forgot exactly which one ) will vanish from input outputs.
Then I tried to get a few of these chines converters like this and after a series of message back and forth, They admitted that it will not work in 192khz ( despite the fact they mentioned it exactly that it will work )

So I'm left with only options of buying an expensive soundcard that can work in 192khz and still keps its AES XLR output.

Please if you worked with this WiiM Pro spdif, share your resutls and can you please confirm if it's possile to run it in 192kz ?

 

[john61ct]

Why 192kHz? It adds no SQ just cost and hassle

 

[darius.m]

Why 192kHz? It adds no SQ just cost and hassle

Our whole production and recording, mix/mastering , and release is in 192khz.
We worked enough with this sample rate that its quality is immediately clear to our ears. Another point is plug-ins. They love more samples.
UAD, for example, will upsample the input internally to 192 kHz and then apply the effect and then sends out the downsample version (if your DAW is working in 48 kHz, for example).
Most distributors are adopting it to. most platforms are streaming too.

 

[john61ct]

Then you must save up for the pricey gear I guess.

Or 75-ohm to 110-ohm conversion from S/PDIF can apparently work well.

IIRC transformer based is dicey, only for VERY short distances.

proper active repeater/converters required

Also beware S/PDIF and AES/EBU handle channel status bits and copy-protection flags differently