Okay... Am I an idiot or what.. Mac Pro Digital Input Output

[Dizzi45Z]

I know this isn't that much Pro Tools related, but I am having a really hard time finding any information on the Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs that are built into the Mac Pros.

I am trying to connect my mac pro Digital inputs/outputs to my Tascam DM-3200 ADAT in and outs. I have not been able to get it to work, but now I just think I realized something... Or at least I have a theory that if I am correct, I am a complete idiot. Is it true that not all Optical connections are the same? In other words, are the Digital outputs from a Mac Pro not ADAT even though they both use Optical connections?

If so, I am an idiot. The whole time I thought Mac Pro's came with 8 digital ins and outs because of the optical audio connections. If this isn't true, then what kind of Digital interface do I need to use the built in Audio from the Mac Pro? I would prefer to just leave my 192 Digital to be used only with my HD set-up and the Digital inputs and outputs for all other audio. Thanks.

[Drew Mazurek]

Honest mistake.

You've got connectors, in this case a Toslink Optical, and then you've got Formats. Two different things. Optical can carry SDPIF, Dolby Digital, or ADAT, etc.

[Dizzi45Z]

Originally Posted by dmazurek

Honest mistake.

You've got connectors, in this case a Toslink Optical, and then you've got Formats. Two different things. Optical can carry SDPIF, Dolby Digital, or ADAT, etc.

I haven't purchased a new home theatre system since 1993. This probably explains why I made this mistake. I also always thought that SPDIF was sent through the RCA style (digital coaxical) SPDIF cables. But it sounds like it is also sent through digital optical.

So I would need to get an AV receiver if I was to use the built in Digital connections?

[gonsdeejay]

If your Tascam 3200 Let you to set on the Digital Preferences, The ADAT As SPDIF, If I remember, TYascam 3200 has it Two Sets Of ADATS I Mean 1-8 and 9-16, Try to set 9-16 ADAT (second port) as SPDIF To Get a Digital Connection between Both Your MAC PRO and Tascam 3200. in My case, I Use that Digital Output Input, With an Old MINI DISC as DIGITAL CONVERTER, I just have turn On, Select the Optical Input on the MINI DISC, and Set my MAC PRO To Digital I/O and Done.

[Dizzi45Z]

Originally Posted by gonsdeejay

If your Tascam 3200 Let you to set on the Digital Preferences, The ADAT As SPDIF, If I remember, TYascam 3200 has it Two Sets Of ADATS I Mean 1-8 and 9-16, Try to set 9-16 ADAT (second port) as SPDIF To Get a Digital Connection between Both Your MAC PRO and Tascam 3200. in My case, I Use that Digital Output Input, With an Old MINI DISC as DIGITAL CONVERTER, I just have turn On, Select the Optical Input on the MINI DISC, and Set my MAC PRO To Digital I/O and Done.

That is good to know. I will check it out.

[groovebrother]

(not sure to have read it in this topic), the digital in & out from a MP through a toslink cable are spdif