As you know, the manual say that recording using the digital out provides excellent audio quality. I would like to understand if it could be better than recording by mlan.

I also would like to know how to connect the motif xs to my macbook pro, using the digital out. I suppose I need an audio interface, because I haven’t an optical port.
What the easiest way to record with the digital out?

Thank you

mLAN/Firewire is a form of digital recording outputs. It simply has MORE outputs available. the mLAN/Firewire is a multiple port digital audio output. You have 16 audio output buses between the Motif XS and your computer (L/R plus 14 individual outputs) ... additionally there are 3 pairs of audio returns from the computer back to the Motif XS.

mLAN/Firewire is 24-bit recording with sample rates from 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz.

the S/PDIF (coaxial) digital output is a simple reproduction of the main stereo output of the Motif XS and is fixed at 24-bit/44.1kHz.

Which you opt to use is entirely up to you… you may only require stereo output recording… of course, you may want the flexibility that comes with routing signals to individual outputs and separate audio tracks. It all depends on where you are at with your own music production.

The type of busing you find with the mLAN/Firewire is arguably the most advanced on any synthesizer (ever). Certainly no competing synth gives you this type of flexibility when it comes to routing and recording of your audio signals.

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perfect. Thank you for this complete explanation!