The module’s key features include the encoding of two analog inputs into a S/PDIF digital signal, decoding a S/PDIF digital signal into two analog outputs, and the flexibility to support both CV and audio signals. It allows control of the internal sample clock rate or external sync and utilizes digital coaxial cable connectors for S/PDIF signals.
The SPDF module accelerates the utilization of S/PDIF expansion ports found in many audio interfaces, facilitating a seamless digital connection between a computer and a Eurorack system. In terms of connectivity, the module also extends to numerous devices equipped with S/PDIF coaxial ports such as audio interfaces, keyboards, DJ mixers, and even modern TVs and stereo systems.
The module offers versatility by enabling the encoding and decoding of DC signals like control voltages, facilitating the delivery of pitch signals, gates, triggers, and other modulators. This module's design also boasts low-noise performance with buffered inputs and outputs scaled to accept eurorack signals up to ±10 V.
The SPDF module’s operation is reliant on the synchronization to a sample clock of either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, sourced either internally or externally. It boasts impressive flexibility with its configurable settings which can be controlled via DIP switches located at the back of the module. These settings include the selection of DC or AC coupling of the inputs. :internal_private_article_id: boredbrain-music-spdf
The magic of connecting the vast, infinite universe of an analogue Eurorack system to the digital domain is powerfully realized in the Boredbrain Music SPDF Eurorack Module. Acting as the bridge between these two realms, the module creates a harmonious blend of analogue and digital signals, beautifully tailored for audio interfaces, synthesizers, and a whole gamut of S/PDIF-equipped devices.
The unique capabilities of the SPDF module come from its ability to encode and decode audio and control voltage (CV) signals. This dual nature converts two analogue inputs into a S/PDIF digital signal as well as decodes a S/PDIF digital signal into two individual analogue outputs. When used with software like Bitwig Studio or Ableton CV Tools, the SPDF module unwraps an entirely new realm of possibilities.
In practice, what this means is that producers and musicians can use the module to send and receive CVs like pitch signals, gates, triggers, LFOs, ADSRs, and other modulators, accurately reproducing them in the digital domain. On the flip side, the SPDF module also digitally encodes and decodes audio signals, providing an inaudible high-pass filter to remove any DC offset prior to S/PDIF encoding.
As far as connectivity goes, the SPDF module shows an impressive flexibility, extending its reach to anything equipped with S/PDIF coaxial ports – audio interfaces, DJ mixers, digital speakers, keyboards, samplers, and even consumer electronics like TVs or stereo systems. Proper connections are easily achieved using digital coaxial cables for optimal signal transmission, avoiding the loss of signal quality.
Its meticulously designed low-noise I/O circuitry is a testament to Boredbrain Music’s commitment to top-notch sonic performance. Considering that this module accepts Eurorack signals up to ±10 V, the low-noise capability is indeed a noteworthy feature, reflecting an attention to detail that’s highly appreciated in professional studio environments.
A crucial aspect of the SPDF module is its ability to synchronize with an internal or external sample clock of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. This allows the user to seamlessly switch the sample clock source (internal or external) via the SYNC switch, ensuring that the module only operates when locked.
Configuring the SPDF module is simple, thanks to the DIP switches on the back. Users can easily select between DC and AC coupling of the inputs and manage the synchronization settings. This level of control makes the Boredbrain SPDF an indispensable tool, integrating the analogue might of Eurorack with the precision and convenience of digital systems.
The story of Boredbrain Music's SPDF Eurorack Module is ultimately a narrative of harmonizing analogue and digital domains – a story of seamless conversion and impeccable synchronization wrapped in a neat package, primed for performance and ready to explore the vast landscapes of sound design and music production.
Example Usage
Imagine you have a beat in Ableton Live on your computer that you want to spice up with some modular synthesis magic. It's possible to easily send it through your capable audio interface into the SPDF module in your Eurorack system and directly back to the computer.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
- First, connect the S/PDIF out port of your audio interface to the Rx jack on the SPDF module using digital coaxial cable (not a regular RCA audio cable).
- Make sure the SYNC switch on the SPDF module is set to EX. A blue EXT SYNC LED will illuminate, indicating a valid sample clock has been detected.
- Once connected, go to Ableton Live and send your beat to the audio interface output that is connected to the SPDF.
- The SPDF will convert the digital S/PDIF signal from the audio interface into analog signals. You'll see these at OUT 1 and OUT 2 on the SPDF.
- Now, connect OUT 1 and OUT 2 with patch cables to the inputs of whatever module(s) you choose.
- Once the analog signal has been processed by the module(s), route them back to the SPDF's IN 1 and IN 2 jacks.
- Lastly, connect the SPDF's Tx jack to the S/PDIF In on the audio interface.
- The modified beat will now be sent back into Ableton Live where you can further edit and mix as needed.
With the SPDF you have now included your Eurorack system into your digital production setup seamlessly!
Suppose you have an intricate modular synth sequence running on your Eurorack system, and you desire to add a layer of digital character from a VST plugin in your computer's DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). The Boredbrain Music SPDF Eurorack Module perfectly accomplishes this task.
Firstly, to achieve a bi-directional digital connection, ensure your audio interface is equipped with both S/PDIF In and Out ports and that the SYNC switch on the SPDF module is set to EX for external sample clock sync.
Next, feed your analog Eurorack sequence into the IN 1 and IN 2 jacks on the SPDF module. This analog signal is then converted into a digital S/PDIF signal at the Tx jack which interfaces with your computer's audio interface.
Now, you elevate your modular sequence within your DAW by running it through a VST plugin like a delay or bit crusher. Finally, the manipulated digital audio is sent from your DAW via your audio interface and returns to the SPDF via the Rx jack. The module then converts the digital bit manipulated sound back to the analog domain via the OUT 1 and OUT 2 jacks.
And voila! You now have a uniquely processed Eurorack sequence with additional digital character. The Boredbrain Music SPDF Eurorack Module brilliantly simplifies the interfacing between your analog Eurorack system and the digital world, expanding creative possibilities.
Further Thoughts
Let's dive into an expert usage scenario for the Boredbrain Music SPDF Eurorack Module. Imagine you have a Eurorack rig that you're already using to create a wealth of unique sounds and textures. You're also running a DAW like Ableton Live on your computer, equipped with an audio interface that has S/PDIF ports.
Now you want to expand your sonic palette by integrating the digitally produced sounds from your DAW with the analogue textures of your Eurorack system, and then modulating those digital sounds with analogue CV signals. This is where the SPDF unassumingly shows its true power.
Start by converting your DAW's digital audio outputs into analogue signals so that they can be processed and manipulated within your Eurorack modules. Connect your audio interface's S/PDIF output to the SPDF's Rx (receive) jack using a coaxial digital cable. By setting the SYNC switch to EX, SPDF will sync to the external sample clock from your DAW. The two analogue signals derived from the S/PDIF input can now be routed within your Eurorack system through the OUT 1 and OUT 2 jacks.
Next, consider the flow in the opposite direction. Take two separate analogue Eurorack signals, such as a complex synth lead and an evolving drone from separate analog sources in your Eurorack system. Route these into the SPDF via the IN 1 and IN 2 jacks. These feeds are then converted to the S/PDIF digital format and output through the Tx (transmit) jack. You can then route this S/PDIF output back into your DAW's S/PDIF input for digital capture and further processing.
Further, let's not forget the module's DC-coupled I/O feature. Use a software such as Ableton CV Tools to generate control voltages within your DAW which can then be sent from your audio interface's S/PDIF out to the SPDF's Rx jack. The received digital CVs are then converted to analogue and output through the OUT 1 or OUT 2 jacks giving you the ability to modulate other elements in your Eurorack system.
Conversely, analog CVs from your Eurorack rig can be encoded to S/PDIF digital format by SPDF and sent back to your DAW for controlling soft-synths or digitally processed effect parameters. Think about LFO sweeps, envelopes and sequencer outputs controlling your favorite VSTs or digital effect parameters in unpredictable ways.
All these possibilities offer an unprecedented interchange between your analog and digital music environments. The Boredbrain Music SPDF module elegantly dissolves the boundary between the two realms to create a synergistic sonic ecosystem.