[72reissue]

hmmm...

i may not have had it set to ADAT in PT. but i fear what you say might be right. i didnt understand why the 48 was lit the whole time. i feared this was a problem.
the optical cable is new. but anything's possible.

is my theory on creating 8 tracks with the SPDIF as the input correct? any recommendations. i ask becasue, i am an old school in the sense i would love to still have each drum mic isolated...

i think i am confusing myself at this point.

thanks for all the quick responses everyone!