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RME User Forum → ADI-2 & 2/4 Pro series, ADI-2 DAC series → Apple AirPort Express via Toslink to ADI-2
Hi All,
Anyone any experience with connecting an Apple AirPort Express (1st Gen) via Toslink to ADI-2 for streaming music via AirPlay?
I've setup the connection and can hear music when plugging in an iem into the AirPort Express. But it seems like the AirPort is not sending data via Toslink.
Any idea?
Thank you in advance!
Best,
asahi
Sure you have ADI-2’s Optical input activated?
In DAC’’s factory default and (- Pro versions’) “Auto Mode” setting, a connected USB has priority.
Manually select Optical input.
Even check the optical cable, ADI-2 side: do you see the red light?
In the Main Screen’s lower right corner “SP o” (= SPDIF optical) should be visible.
ADI-2’s “State Overview” screen (press Encoder 1 until it appears) shows the presence of each input signal, have a look there too.
I have several AP Expresses in use like that.
The tip of the special optical cable needs to be long enough to switch the AP Express output to optical. Sometimes, repeatedly plugging in and out resolves the issue. If not, use the small Apple 3,5 mm jack to optical adapter.
Sure you have ADI-2’s Optical input activated?
Not sure.
In DAC’’s factory default and (- Pro versions’) “Auto Mode” setting, a connected USB has priority.
Manually select Optical input.
How to do this?
Even check the optical cable, ADI-2 side: do you see the red light?
Yes
In the Main Screen’s lower right corner “SP o” (= SPDIF optical) should be visible.
It's not
ADI-2’s “State Overview” screen (press Encoder 1 until it appears) shows the presence of each input signal, have a look there too.
At "State Overview" screen I have:
Input | Sync | SR | State | Bit
SP op | -- | -- | -- | --
AES | -- | -- | -- | --
USB | conn |192| 2/2 |
SRC |off
Clock source INT
Does that help?
SPDIF optical is selected but there is no input signal found. Switch to SPDIF input via IR remote, unplug USB. Will not help IMHO, but just in case...
@asahi
Is the Airport express updated to the latest firmware ?
I had one of these long ago and it was a problem child.
optical out was working sometimes and sometimes not.
Worse was the streaming stability, breaks all the time.
With updated firmware it was better but still not good.
The solution was another device : Apple TV !
This piece was a holy grail, with hdmi streaming video to the TV-set and music to the loudspeaker-set it never broke !
if you find a used one, get it !
Maybe I'm just not able to do everything that needs to be done at the ADI-2 Pro to use Toslink.
Can anybody please take me by the hand and guide that Newbie step by step?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
asahi
If your ADI-2 Pro is still in factory default configuration (else see below), for the moment all you have to do is unplug USB.
ADI-2 Pro’s default “Automatic Mode” will automatically select the Optical IF THERE IS A VALID SIGNAL PRESENT
Unfortunately, looking at your State Overview screen, this is not the case.
The problem seems to be on the Airport or the connection.
Do you use ADI-2 Pro’s Optical IN, the black one that doesn’t light?
State Overview should look like this:
At "State Overview" screen I have:
Input | Sync | SR | State | Bit
SP op|sync | 48 | cons | 16 or 24 [this line shows empty at yours]
AES | -- | -- | -- | --
USB | -- | -- | -- | [USB should be unplugged!]
SRC | off
Clock source SPDIF [shows INT at yours]
ADI-2 reset:
While powering up, push and hold the VOL button (NOT the VOLUME dial) and Encoder 1, until you see the message: “Reset done“.
User Setups and EQ Presets are not deleted.
Or a full factory reset:
While powering up, push and hold the VOL button (NOT the VOLUME dial) and Encoder 1 and Encoder 2, until you see the message: “Reset done“.
All user Setups and EQ Presets are deleted.
Take notes before or store them through the Remote App if you want to keep some.
Do you use ADI-2 Pro’s Optical IN, the black one that doesn’t light?
OMG, sometimes it's just that easy. I've used Optical OUT (not IN) - Thank you for this!
State Overview should look like this:
At "State Overview" screen I have:
Input | Sync | SR | State | Bit
SP op|sync | 48 | cons | 16 or 24 [this line shows empty at yours]
AES | -- | -- | -- | --
USB | -- | -- | -- | [USB should be unplugged!]
SRC | off
Clock source SPDIF [shows INT at yours
It's looking not exactly like this^^^,
it's looking like this:
Input | Sync | SR | State | Bit
SP op| lock | 44.1 | cons | 24
AES | -- | -- | -- | --
USB | -- | -- | -- | [USB plugged in but MacBook in sleep - could that be the problem when having some drop offs (see below)?]
SRC | SPDIF
Clock source INT
Now as the first hurdle is taken let's look into optimisation:
Any thoughts on the State Overview Screen?
I can hear music when setting source from "Auto" to "SPDIF" for "Phones Out 3/4" at "i/O" > is there a better way to switch?
I'd like to keep the MacBook plugged in via USB and be able to stream from the iPhone via Toslink > any best practise for this use case?
When streaming via Toslink (MacBook plugged USB in and in sleep mode) I have drop offs, music stops and starts again a few secs later, state overview is empty at SP op at the drop off > any idea how to fix this?
Thank you.
Best,
asahi
Now that the basics are fixed, I suggest to use ADI-2 Pro’s “DAC Mode” to better adapt to your use case.
DAC Mode is the most simplistic one, configures ADI-2 Pro’s to the least complexity.
See manual page 36ff, specifically page 43.
Set:
SETUP / Options / Basic Mode: DAC
CC-Mode: Stereo (=default)
Now input source is selected for all outputs at once, under:
I/O / Line Out 1/2 / AD/DA Source:
Auto, AES, SPDIF c(coax), (SPDIF) Optical, Analog, USB.
Notice, Source Select “Auto” is still availabe if desired.
Input source can even be selected with the Infrared Remote or the Remote App.
Getting familiar with ADI-2 takes a little time, the Remote App is highly recommend for a steep learning curve about ADI-2’s features.
RME User Forum → ADI-2 & 2/4 Pro series, ADI-2 DAC series → Apple AirPort Express via Toslink to ADI-2
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