• Registered: 2019-05-10
  • Posts: 7

Topic: UFX+ AES Workaround

Today I learned that the UFX+'s AES and Optical (in AES/SPDIF mode) I/O cannot be used independently.

I have a pair of Genelec SAM monitors connected to the AES output on the UFX+, and I had planned to connect an external 2ch AD/DA to the UFX+'s ADAT 2 I/O in AES/SPDIF mode. Alas, I understand now that this will not work ...

I could of course drive the monitors w/ analog input, reserving the AES I/O on the UFX+ for the external AD/DA, but I would like to avoid the extra conversion penalty if possible.

So, could anyone recommend a robust (and preferably inexpensive) solution that will allow me to connect both the monitors and the external AD/DA to the UFX+ digitally? The external AD/DA has AES, Optical, and Coaxial I/O.

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2021-01-01 11:38:20)

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 12,869

Re: UFX+ AES Workaround

This Mutec MC-1.1+ AES splitter might help
https://www.thomann.de/de/mutec_mc_11_a … verter.htm €349
https://www.mutec-net.com/downloads/man … screen.pdf
Mode "Uni-Dir": Unidirectional conversion, from one format to all others

https://www.mutec-net.com/downloads/images/MC-1.1plus_Front_CMYK.jpg
https://www.mutec-net.com/downloads/images/MC-1.1plus_Back_CMYK.jpg

This format converter/splitter is also very practical in situations when your monitors don't provide an AES through plug like my Geithain RL906D monitors (to connect them via AES to a RME RayDAT).

>
> and I had planned to connect an external 2ch AD/DA
>

If this should be an ADI-2 Pro/DAC: these devices are able to read the 1st two channels from an ADAT stream. In this case you wouldn't need the Mutec MC-1.1+. Then you could connect:

  • UFX+ ADAT1 OUT: ADI-2 DAC/Pro

  • UFX+ AES     OUT: Genelec (assumed the monitors have AES through port otherwise you need the Mutec above to split the AES signal for two monitors)

Do not forget, with AES you need 110 Ohm cables.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13