Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

On Monday, May 20, 2002, at 05:24  PM, forneau wrote:

> I'm disappointed that this basic information (sample rate, bit
> depth) is not mentioned in any Emu documentation. Every other
> piece of equipment I have with digital I/O capability clearly states
> this information.

It's 20 bit, 44.1kHz. Note that this information is essentially encoded 
into the signal, so a receiver should be able to auto-detect the format 
without user intervention. But if your receiver requires you to set this 
information manually, now you have the information you need.


> Maybe the digital out is like the USB port: not actually functioning
> until a later OS. Or, maybe it's just broken in my machine.

The SPDIF has been working since day one of shipment. Many people are 
using it with great success. Note also that USB is now functional with 
Windows drivers - Mac drivers are due late summertime. See the E-Loader 
1.1 information at the E-mu website: 
<http://www.emu.com/support/eloader.html>

We have seen that some receivers have troubles with receiving SPDIF 
well. The basic problem with SPDIF is that it is very difficult to 
supply it and still have the unit pass FCC radiation emission 
requirements. So, unfortunately, the signal must be clamped down to a 
value needed to meet legal FCC emissions levels, but  it still meets the 
SPDIF spec. There are electrical hacks that can be done to the output 
circuitry to make the signal stronger, but we can't legally sell the 
product that way. If your receiver is having trouble, you might consider 
either a different receiver that is more sensitive, or finding a tech 
that is competent (and willing) to try doing the electrical 
modifications. Note that doing this can cause noise problems with other 
equipment in your studio (besides being illegal ;-). Contact me offline 
if you are considering this alternative.

Scott