TASCAM Digital Interface

These consoles Digital Interface ( TDIF ) is an interface that has been developed by TASCAM digital tape recorder (based on high -8 video cassette ). It can eight digital channels are transmitted bidirectionally. In contrast to the ADAT format, only a 25-pin D -sub cable is required for return line.

The data is transmitted separately from the clock. Since the information is not channel-coded, the cable can have a maximum of a few meters length, and it must use special cable, to ensure secure transmission is guaranteed. The data are transferred serially up to 24 bit/48 kHz on eight training and eight input channels ( TDIF 1 standard). With version 1.1, a parity bit was introduced, and since the TDIF -2 standard, it is also possible, with a reduced number of channels a higher data rate to use (96 kHz / 4 channels, 192 kHz / 2 channels).

The synchronization is done either internally by L / R clock or externally via word clock, as this clock information is not carried (in contrast to most digital formats) here in the cable. The L / R Clock determines whether a signal for the left or right channel is determined. This signal has the same frequency as sample rate (in this example 48 kHz).

The TDIF format could hardly prevail today against the ADAT format of the American Alesis in the audio range. Although the TDIF interface is generally regarded as more reliable, can be found except TASCAM even a few suppliers of devices with this interface; Examples: Soundscape, Otari, Apogee, RME, Motu, Yamaha, Sony, Digidesign.

Since digital tape recorder are now hardly used, the use of the TDIF interface has shifted to digital mixers, sound cards and audio converter.

Swell

• Audio Interface