• Registered: 2008-09-29
  • Posts: 57

Topic: ADAT patchbay

I have a UFX (original) and a couple of ADI 8 Pros. Half the time I would like to use the adat ports of the UFX and the ADI-8 pros for tracking with external outboard gear and using them as inserts in my DAW. The other half of the time I would like to use the adat outputs of the UFX to feed another D to A converter and monitor my ATMOS setup.

I was hoping I could do this with the ADI-8 Copy mode where adat input is directly routed to the adat output. But I still think I would need something like the Hosa MFO 363B adat patchbay (which is no longer made). Any ideas on how I could accomplish this?

2 Reply by oli77sch (edited by oli77sch 2024-05-01 08:09:27)

  • Registered: 2016-06-14
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Re: ADAT patchbay

As long the host computer is involved and running anyway (and I assume so), you could use a Digiface USB:
UFX ADAT out 1/2 —- Digiface ADAT in 1/2 —- Digiface ADAT out 1/2/3/4 —- ADI-8 / other converter ADAT in
The Digiface of course connected to the computer to control it in its own TotalMix window but not selected as audio interface in the DAW (there is still the UFX, nothing changed). Then store separate snapshots with the different signal routing for the Digiface and easily switch between them.
Of course this solution is more expensive than a simple patchbay but also much more flexible.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
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  • Kubrak
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Re: ADAT patchbay

I would add that althought DF USB is not designed/intended to run in standalone mode (without computer).... One may set routing in it and while it is kept powered on it works as setup even if it is not connected to computer anymore....

I use it such a way. DF USB is plugged to powered USB hub so that it stays powered on and remembers last setting/routing. I may use HW even if I am lazy to switch on the computer. If the routing in DF does, what I need....

  • waedi
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Re: ADAT patchbay

Sunshy wrote:

...adat input is directly routed to the adat output.

Every toslink cable does this.

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  • Registered: 2016-06-14
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Re: ADAT patchbay

waedi wrote:
Sunshy wrote:

...adat input is directly routed to the adat output.

Every toslink cable does this.

To my understanding he is talking about using the ADI-8 as signal splitter: either
UFX ADAT out —> ADI-8 ADAT in —> analog out to ext. processors
or
UFX ADAT out —> ADI-8 ADAT in —> ADAT out —> other converter ADAT in —> analog out for Atmos

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2
  • Registered: 2008-09-29
  • Posts: 57

Re: ADAT patchbay

Yes oli77sch  this is correct. I was hoping to simplify my system some. I have a LOT of RME gear (2 UFX, 2 Babyface pro, 3 ADI8 PRO, Digiface Dante, A32 Dante) and didn't want to buy any more cogs for the machine. The ADAT patchbay would be a simple solution. I was hoping I could just turn on the UFX for basic tasks, then flip on converters to use outboard gear and/or monitor Atmos mixes. This way, I could sell my Dante gear as my needs have simplified. I might just use the RME Dgigface Dante & Ferrofish A32 Dante for everything and perhaps sell the UFX. I've had that thing for so long that it's hard to let it go! I might keep my eye out for a Hosa MFO-363B to see if one pops up.

  • cyrano
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Re: ADAT patchbay

M-Audio also used to make an ADAT patchbay, the M-Audio Digipatch 12X6. These do still surface every now and then.

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8 Reply by Sunshy (edited by Sunshy 2024-05-07 00:22:43)

  • Registered: 2008-09-29
  • Posts: 57

Re: ADAT patchbay

Thanks for the tip though I thought these were limited to 16 bit.

  • cyrano
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Re: ADAT patchbay

ADAT is what it is, but the routers can't be limited to 16 bits. It's just a dumb hardware switch.

Some ADAT ADDA boxes are 16 bit, like the Fostex VC8s I have here. But AFAIK the routers just pass what goes into them.

MB Pro - 2 X FireFace 400, FF800 & DigiFace USB
ADAT gear: Korg, Behri, Fostex, Alesis...

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  • Registered: 2008-09-29
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Re: ADAT patchbay

That makes sense. I was going off of this thread I remembered from a while ago:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/threads/a … ble.38852/

  • Registered: 2023-11-29
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Re: ADAT patchbay

You also can use the RME ADI-648 as a patchbay. Even standalone where you configure it by hand if need by iirc.
The aren't for sale anymore but there should be some used ones to be found in the classifieds.

12 Reply by MC

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Re: ADAT patchbay

cyrano wrote:

ADAT is what it is, but the routers can't be limited to 16 bits. It's just a dumb hardware switch.

Some ADAT ADDA boxes are 16 bit, like the Fostex VC8s I have here. But AFAIK the routers just pass what goes into them.

I missed that unit in 1997, but found several sources that claim that this unit is limited to 16 bits. That contradicts the statements in press and manual about this unit being just a dumb multi-switch that forwards the whole signal, no matter the sample rate and content, to the outputs. Very mysterious.

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  • cyrano
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Re: ADAT patchbay

MC wrote:
cyrano wrote:

ADAT is what it is, but the routers can't be limited to 16 bits. It's just a dumb hardware switch.

Some ADAT ADDA boxes are 16 bit, like the Fostex VC8s I have here. But AFAIK the routers just pass what goes into them.

I missed that unit in 1997, but found several sources that claim that this unit is limited to 16 bits. That contradicts the statements in press and manual about this unit being just a dumb multi-switch that forwards the whole signal, no matter the sample rate and content, to the outputs. Very mysterious.

It's the internet...

You can also find posts telling you that the Behringer ADA8000 does 96 kHz. That's because it mirrors audio to ports if you send it an smuxed signal.

I've seen an ADAT ADDA box that forced some via ADAT attached interfaces to 16 bit. I've only seen that once and I don't understand how that would work. Don't remember the brand. Maybe it was a Swissonic? It wasn't an RME product...

ADAT is simple, but combinations sometimes behave oddly.

MB Pro - 2 X FireFace 400, FF800 & DigiFace USB
ADAT gear: Korg, Behri, Fostex, Alesis...

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