Noob question about S/PDIF out into interface when recording

sorefingers · Oct 15th 2012

I have a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP interface, as seen here:

I read on another forum (I think the Gear Page or Gearslutz) that when using the S/PDIF out on the KPA into the S/PDIF in on the Focusrite interface, you bypass the preamps and D/A converters on the interface.

What I'd like to know is if this is the case, what does this mean in a practical sense sound quality wise? Is it just that the Focusrite is passing the digital signal of the Kemper straight through to my DAW? Am I better off using the analog signal flow from the Kemper to my interface?

I'm very new to interfaces on the level of the Focusrite and DAWs, so any tips from the more experienced Kemper users, especially Fully Grown Male Individuals™, on their preferred signal flow would be welcome.

I'm not looking to take over from Alan Parsons or anything, but if there's a better way between the two types of connections sonically, then I'm interested.

Thanks

Gibson · Oct 15th 2012

You Got it All, just try it...
It is the Best way to record with the Kemper and you can also make a dry and wet track true s/pdif.

almogaver · Oct 15th 2012

On a side note, remember to (i) set 44.1 kHz as sample rate both on your sound card and on your DAW and (ii) set "SPDIF" (not "internal" or other) as sync source on your soundcard.

BTW, I have the same sound card; it's a great one!

londonjeepster · Oct 15th 2012

Soundwise there is no difference between analog and sdif.

sorefingers · Oct 16th 2012

Thanks to you all. Didn't even think about the wet/dry thing.

apr13st · Oct 16th 2012

Hey Sore, can you tell me more about that interface? How do you like it? I mainly use headphones at home due to noise etc... the integrated vrm sounds like it would be very helpful to mix with. Thoughts?

viabcroce · Oct 18th 2012

Quote from sorefingers

I read on another forum (I think the Gear Page or Gearslutz) that when using the S/PDIF out on the KPA into the S/PDIF in on the Focusrite interface, you bypass the preamps and D/A converters on the interface.

Actually, by feeding the I\F with a digital signal you eliminate the need to have it converting an analog signal into a digital one. So, what you bypass are the Focursite A\D converters. And, since the KPA doesn't have to convert its digitally-generated signal into analog (because it supplies a digital signal to the I\F through S\PDIF), you also bypass the KPA's D\A converters.

All the above doesn't necessarily mean that the less conversions the best sound, because (as we all know) guitar signal is not Hi-Fi, and we're no interested in the purest possible signal but rather in a pleasant sound.

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