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A digital audio input receives audio that is already encoded as digital data. Unlike a microphone or line input, it does not need to convert an incoming analog signal with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before the interface can record or process it. The phrase describes the signal arriving at the port—not its connector, channel count, sample rate, or compatibility.
How a digital audio input differs from an analog input
A microphone, instrument, or line-level source normally delivers an analog electrical signal. An ADC converts that signal into digital data for recording or processing. A digital input instead accepts data that has already been converted, typically from another audio device. Focusrite’s glossary defines an ADC as the component that converts an analog input signal to a digital word: Focusrite audio glossary.
“Digital input” is therefore a broad description, not a single standard. To determine what a particular input can receive, identify its protocol, connector and port mode, channel capacity at the intended sample rate, and clocking requirements.
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Which connections can carry digital audio?
ADAT optical
ADAT is a multichannel digital audio format carried over an optical cable. In the Focusrite Red range documentation, one ADAT connection carries eight channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz, four at 88.2 or 96 kHz, and two at 176.4 or 192 kHz. These are the documented capabilities of that product range, not a guarantee for every device. Focusrite describes ADAT and its channel capacity in its ADAT interface overview and Red range operation guide.
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- Supports Uncompressed 2 channel LPCM or PCM Digital Audio Signal Output: Provides Electromagnetic-noise-free Transmission. ⚠️Ensure the audio output is set to PCM or LPCM to avoid potential audio distortion. For 5.1 decoding/output, check out our upgraded 5.1 model.
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ADAT is commonly useful for adding channels from an external preamp or converter: connect that device’s ADAT output to an interface’s ADAT input, then set both devices to a supported sample rate and configure their clock relationship.
S/PDIF
S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) is generally a two-channel digital connection in the Focusrite documentation cited here. It may use coaxial RCA or optical TOSLINK, but the port and device must support the chosen form. See the Red range operation guide and Red range controls and connections.
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AES/EBU and other digital links
AES/EBU is a professional digital audio connection family. Connector type and channel arrangement depend on the equipment, so consult the exact device manual before choosing a cable or assuming compatibility. Some professional audio equipment also carries audio over network connections; the supported protocol and interoperability are product-specific.
USB is not necessarily the external digital input
USB often carries audio between an interface and a computer. That host connection is different from an interface’s optical or coaxial input for external audio gear. For example, Focusrite lists USB Type-C as the computer connection and separately describes optical input uses on its 18i8 hardware features page.
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Why an optical port may not accept your source
TOSLINK describes an optical connector, not one guaranteed audio protocol. Depending on the interface, an optical port may carry ADAT, optical S/PDIF, or only one of them. Some interfaces let you select the mode in control software; others have fixed capabilities. Check the manual and settings for the exact model. Focusrite explains the distinction in its Digital I/O Modes guide.
Matching the cable ends is not enough: a TV’s optical output will not work with an interface whose optical input accepts ADAT only. Likewise, a coaxial S/PDIF output requires an interface with a compatible coaxial S/PDIF input.
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Connecting a TV or console to an interface
- Check the ports and formats. Confirm that the source has an optical output and that the interface accepts optical S/PDIF on its optical input. Do not infer support from the TOSLINK connector alone.
- Connect the optical cable. Use a TOSLINK cable between compatible ports.
- Set the source to Linear PCM. In the TV or console’s audio settings, choose Linear PCM for the optical output rather than DTS or Dolby Digital. Focusrite says its interfaces cannot decode those surround-encoded formats in the described connection; they require a separate decoder.
- Select the correct interface mode if needed. Set the optical input to S/PDIF in the interface’s control software when the model offers that choice.
See Focusrite’s TV and other-device connection guidance for its supported setup details.
Quick Recap
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Adding channels with an ADAT input
- Verify the ports. The external preamp or converter needs an ADAT output, and the interface needs an ADAT input.
- Connect the optical cable. Connect the output to the input; an optical connector alone does not establish that both ports are set to ADAT.
- Agree on a sample rate. Choose a rate supported by both devices and check the interface’s channel capacity at that rate. For the Focusrite Red range figures above, capacity decreases as the sample rate rises.
- Set synchronization. Decide which device supplies the clock. If the expansion unit is the clock leader, configure the interface to follow its ADAT clock. Focusrite explains clock-source choices in its Sync/Clock Source guide.
What to check before choosing or using a digital input
- Protocol: Identify whether the connection is ADAT, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, or another named format.
- Connector and mode: Establish whether the port is optical TOSLINK or coaxial RCA and, for optical ports, whether it supports the protocol your source sends.
- Channels at your sample rate: Confirm the channel count available at the rate you plan to use; some implementations carry fewer ADAT channels at higher rates.
- Source format: Check the supported audio format and sample rate. A device may not accept a surround-encoded signal even if it has a compatible-looking port.
- Clock and synchronization: Set the devices to compatible clock sources when sending digital audio between them.
- Computer connection: Treat USB or another host link as a separate connection unless the product documentation specifically says otherwise.
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