Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 209)

DTS
Digital Theater System (DTS) is a compressed digital audio signal format used for
transmission of 5.1-channel surround sound. This format is primarily used in movie theaters
and on DVD releases. More recent variations of DTS support more than six channels of
audio. This audio signal is usually embedded within a S/PDIF signal and carried via TOSLINK
or coaxial cables with RCA connectors.
TOSLINK
TOSLINK is an optical digital audio format developed by the Toshiba Corporation. These
digital audio formats can be transmitted via TOSLINK optical cables and connectors:
• S/PDIF
• ADAT Lightpipe
Some Mac computers have a single interface that combines a TOSLINK connector with
an analog stereo miniplug.
TOSLINK connector
ADAT Lightpipe
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.
TDIF
Tascam Digital Interface (TDIF) is a signal format for transferring digital audio between
Tascam digital multitrack recorders or digital mixers. A 25-pin D-subminiature connector
is used. 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.
TDIF connector
About Analog Audio Levels
There are six basic kinds of analog audio levels found on most equipment:
• Microphone level: Around 50 or 60 dB less than line level. When you use a microphone,
the level is very low, requiring a preamplifier to raise the signal to line level before it
can be recorded or processed. Most audio mixers, cameras, and professional portable
recording devices have built-in preamplifiers.
209 Chapter 12 Connecting Professional Video and Audio Equipment