what is the max no of outputs with lightpipe?

[The Tasmanian]

Does anyone know what the maximum no of D to A outputs with lightpipe - without using PTools HD?
Can you get 48 outs?
More than 48?
And what sort of hardware (cards) would one use to get the lightpipe outputs out of a Mac.
Would appreciate some feedback on this if anyone has any info or experience with this.
Thanks

[waitup]

The lightpipe (ADAT) transfer protocol is limited to 8 channels of audio per cable at a maximum sample rate of 48khz.

I imagine there are many audio interfaces around with a few adat outputs, but I'm not the person to ask. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

[mylesgm]

Hi Chris,

The maximum allowed channels is 8 but this is reduced to 4 or even 2 when doing higher sample rates. There are a few options for the mac that allow more than 1 pair of lightpipe i/o such as the RME fireface, the MOTU 2408 (at least it used to), the maudio lightbridge (3 pairs I think). These will allow more channels be lightpipe but you must of course have more converters too. I just bought an Apogee ad16 which gives 16 channel a/d over light pipe at upto 96k (needs four light pipe connections for 8ch at 96) I pipe that into an RME fireface and clock from the apogee with wordclock. Solid and sounds great. The converters in the RME are pretty good too so all up I've got 16 ADAT, 10 RME and 2 spdif all on the same converter.

I'm sure there are other solutions but I hope that helps.

M

[GlennS]

If you are talking specifically about Pro Tools (non HD, i.e. LE or M Powered) the maximum is 18.

[Chinagraf]

SSL Alphlink AX has 24 adat i/o (in addition to the 24 analog i/o)

[mylesgm]

Actually thats a pretty good solution for 48 channels. whats the rpice of an SSL alphalink?

M

[Chinagraf]

There was a bundle price going when I got mine for the alphalink plus madixtreme64 card somewhere in the low 3K area. Don't know if it's still going.
Don't know if we can recommend retailers here? PM if you want details of who I went through.

[Linear]

I can get 32 lightpipe outputs from protools M-powered.

Using a profire lightbridge and V 7.3.1 there is no restrictions on outputs. this was a 'bug' that was corrected (or should I say, a software restriction that was reinstated) with subsequent versions.

the lightbridge is a pretty crappy interface, but it works. you just need to know how to set it up. you can't use wordclock input, it's jittery. use one of the ADAT inputs, with the right firmware and it's seamless and bug-free.

Chris

[Milo]

Remember that if you have more than one lightpipe output, the signal may be shared (SMUXed) between the two at higher rates: Typically 8 out at 44.1 and 48, 1-4 out of one and 5-8 on the other for 88/96, and only 4 0ut (1-2 and 3-4) at 192. Depends on the device, of course

[GlennS]

I can get 32 lightpipe outputs from protools M-powered.

Using a profire lightbridge and V 7.3.1 there is no restrictions on outputs. this was a 'bug' that was corrected (or should I say, a software restriction that was reinstated) with subsequent versions.

the lightbridge is a pretty crappy interface, but it works. you just need to know how to set it up. you can't use wordclock input, it's jittery. use one of the ADAT inputs, with the right firmware and it's seamless and bug-free.

Chris

Chris, where could I get a 7.3.1 installer from? I don't think I could generally go back to 7 from 8, but there are times when I would like to use more outputs. I'm sure I have heard there is some way you can install two versions on one computer.

Agreed regarding the lightbridge. If you have the right firewire card it's problem free, otherwise forget about it.

[The Tasmanian]

Andy - it looks like the SSL is the way to go - as i need 48 outs for a particular clients setup.
The M powered setup looks like a great way to go for my setup though - thankx Chris
Thanks guys - your always on the pulse!