SPDIF confusion

[(((k)))]

I am trying to figure how and when to use SPDIF but haven't been able to figure it out.

Is SPDIF the same as sometimes referred to "coaxial digital RCA cables"?

If SPDIF is digital what would happen if I plugged it into analogue RCA ins? Would doing that negate the purpose of using digital connectors all together?

What about using standard analogue RCA cables on SPDIF outs?

I use an Mbox and apparently the headphone jack doesn't turn off my speakers which are connected to the TRS outs. I may switch if it turns off the SPDIF outs.

Thanks a lot.

[JaredC]

Is SPDIF the same as sometimes referred to "coaxial digital RCA cables"? YES, But the spdif signal can also be routed to the lightpipe with some interfaces.

If SPDIF is digital what would happen if I plugged it into analogue RCA ins? It will work!
Would doing that negate the purpose of using digital connectors all together? No?

What about using standard analogue RCA cables on SPDIF outs? That is what I use and it sounds good!!

[(((k)))]

Cool. So I guess SPDIF has more bandwidth and sends an actual digital signal? Sort of bypassing the analogue amps of the Mbox before reaching whatever destination?

[spookster]

If SPDIF is digital what would happen if I plugged it into analogue RCA ins? It will work!


Actually, you can't take regular RCA outputs and run them into the SPDIF inputs. It wouldn't work at all. All that SPDIF inputs accept are digital signals. It already has to be in the digital realm. That's the whole point of the SPDIF inputs on the Mbox. You can bypass the A/D converters on the Mbox and use higher quality external A/D converters. Hope this helps. I'm not sure if that was what you were asking but I thought I'd chime in and try to clarify it more for you.

Also, you can use regular RCA cables for SPDIF, but I would really recommend getting some SPDIF cables. They run at a different impedance and are less noisy than anlalog RCA cables.

[JaredC]

[QUOTE]
If SPDIF is digital what would happen if I plugged it into analogue RCA ins? It will work!


My bad I thought you were talking about the wires. Is there really a noticable difference between SPDIF and RCA wires???

[(((k)))]

Well, I think I have it figured now. Thanks for the replies. Strangely Google couldn't help me figure it out at all. I was considering taking advantage of the digital outs on the Mbox but have no compatible gear after all. No big deal.