USB (or Ethernet) to AES/EBU converter?

[DigiPete]

Congrats on choosing what may be the best monitors in the whole history of monitors.

 

 

The C.A.S.H. list has recommended converters for USB to S/PDIF converters, and for Ethernet to S/PDIF converters.

Computer Audiophile - Computer Audiophile Suggested Hardware List

 

But my soon-to-own professional studio monitors, Genelec 8351A, only accept analogue input and then the professional digital format AES/EBU. Then what?

 

 

Any S/PDIF can be tranformed into AES/EBU

(At least for use with Genelec SAM series)

 

Neutrix NANDITBNC-M

S/PDIF -> AES/EBU converter (75 -> 110ohm transformer)

NADITBNC-M - Neutrik

EUR 45

 

 

I’d prefer an Ethernet to AES/EBU converter, but a USB to AES/EBU converter will also be interesting.

I’d also prefer a unit with a volume control – and perhaps a source selector and an analogue input.

 

Does anybody have suggestions or tips?

 

 

Volume on Genelec SAM's should be controlled through the separate GLM controller and network.

 

See S/PDIF to AES/EBU tranformer above.

 

Genelec SAM's both take one balanced analogue and an AES3 (also known as AES/EBU) digital signal.

The signal source is chosen through the GLM interface on a Mac or PC.

(Note we are still waiting for the release for the GLKM 2 Mac software. It's due ultimo Q1 2015)

 

 

Good luck, and please feel free to ask me any question on Genelec SAM series.

[DigiPete]

Thank you very much. This is indeed a website with many friendly people! :-)

 

If AES/EBU is a standard in professional music recording there really ought to be a number of cross-over products from the professional world. Digital mixing consoles with 1-4 channels and/or preamplifiers with USB and analogue inputs, a physical volume control and an AES/EBU output for active studio monitors. Much like the Benchmark DAC1 PRE had XLR output and was a preamp from music studios.

 

Anybody know any?

 

 

Thomann has a great audio interface selection tool (Europe).

 

Vintage King Audio has great selection and prices (US).

 

 

Or check this list of pro AD/DA sound cards: High end multi channel sound cards

 

A simple Mutec DDC or equivalent may do the trick for you.

[DigiPete]

Does anybody have suggestions or tips?

 

 

Chris, it sounds like you are trying to fix the wrong thing for the right reasons.

 

So your setup is already a mess of USB and other wires?

Why not get rid of all those in one swift swoop?

 

I replaced my wire mess with a single Thunderbolt cable to a breakout box.

 

You have a few to choose from:

 

 

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station

 

3x USB3

2x Thunderbolt

1x HDMI

1x Ethernet

1x Audio In

1x Audio Out

 

USD200

 

 

Belkin 2 Express Dock

 

2x Thunderbolt

1x Gigabit Ethernet port

1x FireWire 800 port

1x 3.5mm Headphone Output Jack

1x 3.5mm Audio Input Jack

3x USB 3.0 ports (data transfer at 2.5Gbps max)

Powered USB 3.0 Ports support USB Charging (500mA)

 

USD 300

 

 

Sonnet ECHO 15 Pro Thunderdock

 

2x eSATA

1x FireWire 800

1x RJ-45 (Gigabit Ethernet)

2x Thunderbolt

4x USB 3.0

2x audio input

2x audio output

2x SATA power (Internal Connectors)

2x 6 Gb/s SATA data (Internal Connectors)

1x 3 Gb/s SATA power/data (reserved for Blu-ray burner)

 

USD 450

 

 

AKITIO ThunderDock

 

2x Thunderbolt

2x USB 3.0 (HASP support)

2x SATA III / 6G eSATA

1x Bus Powered FW800

 

USD 269

 

 

I run everything off my Belkin Express Doc including a Weiss AFI-1 DDC, GLM adapter and my 12TB Promise Pegasus2.

One USB is reserved for my GLM volume button, a Griffin PowerMate: