Apple Soundtrack Pro 2 - Manual (Page 492)

492 Appendix C Working with Professional Video and Audio Equipment
XLR Connectors
These are the most common professional audio connectors. They almost always carry
a balanced signal. Many cables use an XLR connector on one end and a 1/4" TRS
connector on the other. The signal may be microphone level (when using a
microphone) or +4 dBu/dBm (professional) line level.
Digital Audio Connectors, Cables, and Signal Formats
Although digital audio signals are completely different from analog signals, the same
connectors are often used for convenience. For example, an XLR connector can be
used to carry an analog audio signal or an AES/EBU digital audio signal. The following
is a cross-section of available industry-standard digital audio connectors, cables, and
signal formats.
S/PDIF
Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (S/PDIF) is a consumer-level variation of the AES/
EBU digital audio protocol. S/PDIF audio data can be transmitted several ways, including:
 Via coaxial cables with an RCA connector
 Via optical TOSLINK
Connectors for S/PDIF signals are found on most consumer digital equipment, such as
DAT recorders, CD players, DVD players, MiniDisc equipment, and some audio interfaces.
TOSLINK Optical and ADAT Lightpipe
TOSLINK is a connector for optical digital signals. TOSLINK is used for several digital
signal formats, although most devices support only one of these formats:
 S/PDIF (stereo digital)
 AC-3 and DTS (5.1-channel surround)
 ADAT Lightpipe (an 8-channel digital signal)
XLR connector
S/PIDF optical digital connector