Apple Soundtrack - Manual (Page 26)

26 Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System
Optical Digital (AES-EBU and S/PDIF)
AES-EBU and S/PDIF are both used to provide an optical digital connection to
professional and consumer audio equipment, including audio interfaces, DAT (digital
audio tape) machines, and hardware samplers. Both carry a stereo digital signal. AES-
EBU is balanced, and has an operating level of 5 volts, while S/PDIF is unbalanced and
has an operating level of roughly 1/2 volt. There are adapter cables available to convert
between the two protocols. S/PDIF carries additional information with the audio signal,
including SCMS copy-protection information.
1/8-Inch Miniplug
Miniplug connectors are used for audio input and output to computers and on some
consumer electronic devices, particularly portable ones.
Audio Output
Being able to monitor the audio output of your projects at a high level of quality is
crucial to achieving professional results. In general, you should use the best output
equipment your budget allows.
Speakers and Monitors
You can play back audio through your computer’s speakers or headphone jack, but the
audio output may not be high enough for you to evaluate your music at a professional
level of quality. Connecting external speakers or monitors to your system allows you to
hear the audio output with greater fidelity and a wider dynamic range. In general, you
should use the highest-quality speakers or monitors you can afford in order to hear
your projects at the highest level of audio quality.
For detailed information about connecting external speakers to your audio interface,
see the documentation that came with the speakers.
S/PIDF optical digital connector
Stereo miniplug connector (unbalanced)