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Appendix E, EC-1 AES/EBU Interface
EC-1 MANUAL 1.00 E-5
OVERVIEW OF MAIN FUNCTIONS
ABOUT AES/EBU DIGITAL AUDIO
The AES/EBU protocol is the most common professional standard for transmitting digital
audio. It is a two-channel protocol designed for stereo pairs, so transmitting from the
eight-channel ADAT M20 requires the use of four sets of AES/EBU jacks: four XLR male
jacks for output, and four XLR female jacks for input. The AES/EBU input jacks may be
routed (or “normalled”) to multiple ADAT tracks using the M20’s INPUT ROUTING
feature. The AES/EBU output jacks are always active, outputting the data from their same-
numbered track, in addition to the always-active ADAT Optical outputs, so it is possible to
output digital signals to several destinations simultaneously. As with all digital audio
interchange formats, AES/EBU transmits audio encoded as numbers, which may only be
received by another digital unit.
Do not plug any AES/EBU signals into an analog audio device (such as a
microphone input). Avoid running AES/EBU signals through a patch bay
or cable snake that also handles analog audio signals. Noise and
improper operation may result.
The AES/EBU protocol has an embedded clock so that the transmitter and receiver can
lock onto the exact same sample rate. In simple setups, this is automatic: the device
receiving AES/EBU simply follows the incoming clock (for example, recording from a
single CD in stereo). But in multitrack applications such as the M20, you must design your
system with the “one clock” limitation in mind.
When recording multiple AES/EBU inputs, all inputs being recorded must be
referenced to the same clock. For example, you cannot record into the
M20 from a CD player, a DAT, and a digital sampler simultaneously,
unless all of these devices are synchronous, i.e., set to use a single
master word clock as their reference. For more information on setting
the clock source, refer to the M20 manual chapter 15, tutorial 3 (Digital
Clock Considerations).
DIGITAL AUDIO CABLES
AES/EBU is a high-frequency digital interface with some harmonics of its signal extending
into the radio range. While high-quality standard microphone cables may be used, in some
situations specially-designed cables may be required. Especially in long cable runs, cable
with a specified impedance of 110 ohms may be required. Check with your dealer for more
information.
FRONT PANEL SETUP
After installation, the EC-1 card can be selected as a digital input source and clock reference
via the M20’s front panel. Input routing can be applied to the AES/EBU input as well. The
AES/EBU outputs are always available, no matter what input source is selected.