SPDIF and AES/EBU cards

[Mikko Helin]

>From:	SMTP%"magnus at analogue.org" 11-JUN-1998 00:23:59.37
>To:	MHELIN
>CC:	
>Subj:	SPDIF and AES/EBU cards
>
>I have long wished that I had a SPDIF and AES/EBU card for my
>computer. Don't tell me about all these "pro" audio cards floating
>around, I know that they in their super-expensive version comes with
>SPDIF.
>
The least expensive solution could be using Ensoniq AudioPCI card
(or any of it's close relatives). They cost some 330 FMK (is that
480 SKR?) here in Finland (at www.arctecho.com, guess they could 
ship to Sweden, too). 

There's an I2S input on card ready to take the output from
CS8412 (if that's your chip), and there are easy to locate
pads on PCB where you get the output as well (it's not in I2S
format, but in format what Crystal calls format 0). For AES/EBU
you just need the transformer, S/PDIF is easier, as well as optical
output (you'll find the opto parts from http://elektronikkatalogen.ericsson.se/).
You'll find ES1370 datasheets from Ensoniqs site (at least
they used to be there, but things use to change), and maybe you need
also the data sheets for the codec on AudioPCI (AKM's AK4531).
There are Linux drivers for the card at 
http://www.ife.ee.ethz.ch/~sailer/linux/pciaudio.html.
Problem is that there are now two versions of this card sold
by Creative, the other is based on ES1371 AC97 controller and
AC97 codec AKM4540. Maybe the writer of Linux driver's have
more information on differences.

It's also told that TB Montego card has optional S/PDIF in/out
port, but I don't have any infomation on that card except it
use some Aureal Vortex chip. There's also Xitel's Storm VX
card (which by the way claims to have 94 dB SNR and costs $80),
it does use Aureal's Vortex chip, too, and it can be ordered
directly form www.xitel.com. You'll find some info on Vortex
on http://www.aureal.com/prod/8820.html, but there are no
data sheets (I guess they will send them you if you tell
you're writing Linux drivers for the card).


Some other choices are MIDIMAN Dio 24, which is sold at
www.musicians-gear.com for 324 DM (check their other prices,
too, good place to buy if you know what you buy and can live
without any support), it's in Germany. Dio 24's got a DSP
chip which can be programmed, so it would be interesting
one (I just found an old TB Tahiti for about $60, bought it
for the DSP). Check www.midiman.de for more information on DIO.

Hope this helps,

-Mikko


>I want a simple and cheap card that gives me SPDIF and possibly
>AES/EBU. Having SMPTE synk in and out is also interesting.
>I could construct one of my own, but I usually have trouble getting
>over the phase cad/pcb-design/etching/drilling where as I can do the
>things around that phase quite easy (those, draw the drawings and
>solder the stuff onto it). I am running Linux and can make a device
>driver for a card if it is needed, but I need the specs (which rules
>out some commercial cards without documentation and drivers).
>
>Now, does anyone know of such a card that one could DIY so I don't
>have to construct one myself?
>
>Suggestions to cards existing would be appreciated as well...
>
>BTW. I have had the SPDIF/AES3/EBU chips in a drawer for years, so I
>just have to...
>
>I still want to get that Indy back... they had SPDIF on the
>motherboard along with 4 channel sound in and out as well as a frame
>grabber... just the way it should be!
>
>Cheers,
>Magnus