toddak

So I've been doing some searching, but haven't been able to find a response for my question.

I'm using Max/msp for audio installation work, and generally work with my Motu Ultralite Mk3. This has been using the dac~ object, and a number of outs to send audio through all the 1/4" jacks to powered monitors.

What I'd like to do is be able to send the audio out of max/msp via either: HDMI, Tos-link, or coaxial digital out. From what I understand of my soundcard, the s/pdif may only be stereo, so I may need to use another sound card.

The reason being is that I'd like to run my audio straight into a 9.1 (or maybe 11.2) surround sound amplifier. This way I could utilize passive speakers, and not have to buy enough amps to power all the speakers individually.

So, can dac~ automatically communicate with HDMI, Tos-link or coaxial digital outs on a soundcard that carries the appropriate outs?

And if so, are their arguments needed to specify the outs?

Recommendations for soundcards also welcome :) Also, I just send HDMI out the HDMI port on my macbook pro?

I'm using Max/msp for audio installation work, and generally work with my Motu Ultralite Mk3. This has been using the dac~ object, and a number of outs to send audio through all the 1/4" jacks to powered monitors. 

What I'd like to do is be able to send the audio out of max/msp via either: HDMI, Tos-link, or coaxial digital out. From what I understand of my soundcard, the s/pdif may only be stereo, so I may need to use another sound card. 

So, can dac~ automatically communicate with HDMI, Tos-link or coaxial digital outs on a soundcard that carries the appropriate outs?
And if so, are their arguments needed to specify the outs?

Recommendations for soundcards also welcome :) Also, I just send HDMI out the HDMI port on my macbook pro?


dac-and-mutlichannel-out-options

dac~ will communicate with any sound outputs it can find, based on your configuration in Options >> Audio Status. As far as using the audio on your HDMI outs on you MBP, I can't really tell you....

The main thing I'm trying to figure out at the moment is that if I can select the S/pdif out, will it be able to send more than stereo? From what i understand of my research, the only way s/pdif can send surround is if it is first encoded into Dolby Digital or DTS (and then it is only 5.1 I think).

By this, I would assume I have to output from max into something else (I guess like sound flower) that can then real time encode, and then pass that on to a s/pdif out.

Getting kind of head ache-y at this point, but still researching. It almost seems easier just to buy 5 stereo amps....

The main thing I'm trying to figure out at the moment is that if I can select the S/pdif out, will it be able to send more than stereo? From what i understand of my research, the only way s/pdif can send surround is if it is first encoded into Dolby Digital or DTS (and then it is only 5.1 I think). 

Getting kind of head ache-y at this point, but still researching. It almost seems easier just to buy 5 stereo amps....


The bigger MOTU 828 has two ADAT (8-channel) optical outputs. But, what kind of amp are you thinking of? I don't think any consumer gear understands ADAT. OTOH, many consumer amps have a bunch of analog ins, eg:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/PUSA/Images/Product%20Images/Home/SC-57_Rear_large.jpg

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLA4/

The bigger MOTU 828 has two ADAT (8-channel) optical outputs.  But, what kind of amp are you thinking of?  I don't think any consumer gear understands ADAT.  OTOH, many consumer amps have a bunch of analog ins, eg:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/PUSA/Images/Product%20Images/Home/SC-57_Rear_large.jpg

Or, you could get two of these:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLA4/


dac~ and mutlichannel out options