Apple Soundtrack Pro 2 - Manual (Page 493)

Appendix C Working with Professional Video and Audio Equipment 493
Some Macintosh computers have a single interface that combines a TOSLINK connector
with an analog stereo miniplug.
ADAT Lightpipe is an eight-channel digital audio format developed by Alesis. This
signal format uses TOSLINK optical connectors. Eight channels are supported at sample
rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz using 24 bits per sample. Higher sample rates are available by
pairing channels (this format is sometimes called sample multiplexing, or S/MUX). For
example, a sample rate of 192 kHz is possible, but the number of channels is reduced to
two. However, not all equipment supports channel pairing and increased sample rates.
AES/EBU
The AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union) standard for
transferring digital audio typically uses XLR connectors in professional studio
environments. The data protocol is essentially identical to S/PDIF.
TDIF Connectors
Tascam Digital Interface (TDIF) is a signal format for transferring digital audio between
Tascam digital multitrack recorders or digital mixers. Connections are made via a 25-pin
D-subminiature connector and data is carried on shielded cable. Eight channels are
supported at sample rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz using 24 bits per sample. Higher sample
rates are available by pairing channels. The TDIF standard is currently one of two major
formats (the other being ADAT optical) widely used in professional products for digital
transfer of more than two tracks of audio simultaneously using only one cable.
TOSLINK connector
XLR connector
TDIF connector