Virus TI2 S/PDIF outputs

[djd_oz]

Anyone here use the S/PDIF outputs from the Virus TI2? I'm having a discussion with Virus support regarding the volume level of the S/PDIF outputs vs. the analog outputs. I'm using the Motu Ultralite MkII soundcard and the S/PDIF outputs are definately louder than the analog outputs. If you do use this than please respond with the soundcard you are using and also, which is louder.

Also, I occasionally get random burst of noise on one channel when the unit is in standby/sleep mode on the S/PDIF outputs?

[djd_oz]

Here is a sample of the noise that I was talking about,

http://soundcloud.com/djd_oz/virus-spdif-noise

[Nobl1v1on]

Hey I believe that we have corresponded on the EU Forum, and the noise you posted on souldcloud was exactly the same sound coming from my unit before i sent it in.

Hope the Helps and Good Luck,

Lars

[SupaSandeep]

I have the same issue, SPDIF is definitely louder

[FSTZ]

yeah, I use a Focusrite Saffire 40 and the SPDIF out is louder as well

[Ruari]

How are you testing this?

If you look at my screenshot the analog is the loudest, I've adjusted the gain on the input though. The SPDIF is about the same as the USB but the wave looks different. I'm using the same patch for all 3 examples.

I'm using a Saffire Pro 40 as well

[nutrinoland]

I'm not so sure..but does this have to do with 16 bit and 24 bit...each bit being 6 Db of dynamic range .,,, ?

[Ruari]

Originally Posted by nutrinoland

…does this have to do with 16 bit and 24 bit...

All my examples were rendered at 24 bit, I'm thinking that the others may be normalising after bouncing…?

[grs]

In my experience the TI analog outs are a bit quiet for + 4 dBu inputs on sound cards, but this gives more head room incase of realy loud bits peeking out other equiptment. Perfectly usable at this setting.
At the same time the analog outs are a bit loud for -10 dBV inputs, you can get a hotter signal into your DAW or mixer this way if you need to hear something to live audition a sound etc, but your recordings are going to have less dynamic detail and clarity, about a 'bees dick' worth less.
Now if your sound card has a gain knob on the input your using then the input sensitivity is nominal (ie, you nominate the sensitivity by turning the knob) That would be cool if you were worried about the spdif being louder or softer, you can just set it to be the same.
Also I believe the spdif to be under control of the TI's volume knob, meaning there is some digital gain involved here. This will add to the purists dilemma of finding the most perfect untouched sound from the TI.
By the way I was once a purist but now believe the 'bees dick' is worth less in the overall picture of getting stuff done. I find the USB sound to be 99.9% of quality that the spdif has and I've got 3 stereo channels to play with.