Hi, and thanks for the help in advance.

Issue: SPDIF from MOTIF XS8 to my audio interface sounds bland and flat compared to when using headphones. Is this thing I’m describing that it’s missing reverb?

My setup:
OS:Win7x64
DAW: Cubase AI4
Yamaha addons: Studio Manager, Yamaha VST Plugins, Extensions. Yamaha USB Driver.
Audio interface: Focusrite saffire 24 DSP.

I’ve tried doing a factory reset on the keyboard and then pulling all settings to the Studio Manager via sync in Cubase AI4. I just can’t seem to get the same sound.

What am I doing wrong??

The S/PDIF output is a digital version of the main L/R output - so it definitely contains the System Effects (which includes the reverb).

You need to get the documentation of your audio interface (Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP) and read up on using the S/PDIF input. If the digital signal is being degraded this is an issue between the incoming audio and the settings on the interface

FYI: the S/PDIF output of the Motif XS is 44.1 kHz/24
bit. If your interface does not do automatic SRC (Sample Rate Conversion) you will need to set it to 44.1kHz/24-bit.

I like to add:
I have been using the S/PDIF output of my XS8 for years - connected to RME fireface. I can clearly hear (in my acoustically treated studio), that the S/PDIF is VERY good - slightly better compared to the main analog outputs are.
I would say that the bass is very solid on the S/PDIF.

I do not have the Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP, but checking it’s manual (page 12), I see that the Device status section should indicate: Sync Source is EXTERNAL (what is the XS8 in your case).

I have my XS7 hooked up via SPDIF to my HT receiver...and it seems when the board is silent and then goes to make output ( say I play a chord after not playing for awhile) I get a “click” in the sound.

Anyone have any idea what could be causing that?

Funkster

Improper setup.

Bad_Mister - 25 June 2010 05:25 PM

Improper setup.

Can you be a little more specific?

Improper setup of what, how?

My HT Receiver auto detects the clock and bit depth and displays it correctly.

What is setup wrong? Something on the XS?

Funkster

The XS is the source, nothing to set there. Only you know what HT Receiver you have and how you have it set.

It’s a Denon 3806 and there is nothing to setup there so it mustnt be a setup problem

Funkster

I would highly recommend that you contact Denon and inform them of your problem.

Why should I do that? They’ll just say to call Yamaha.

Now I know whey you’re “Bad” mister :)

Be nice now don’t try to send me on an infinite tech support loop :)

My personal theory is a cabling problem.

Funkster

Are you sure the input is standard S/PDIF. You don’t even have to tell them what you are hooking up - just find out that the input on your Home Theatre is able to receive input from a S/PDIF device. That’s all. You don’t have to to be put into a loop (?)… the source device should (Motif XS) be automatically detected and dealt with properly by a device able to receive S/PDIF. Does the specification for your device mention S/PDIF (at all)?

Yes it does SPDIF… It has 5 spdif inputs of which 2 are coaxial.

It works over spdif...I just get the occasional “click” sound when the motif is idle and then I play something.

By loop I meant the vendor point the finger loop...Eg Yamaha says call Denon, Denon says call Yamaha, rinse and repeat.

So..one question for you.... When the motif is idle...is it sending out silence at 44.1khz or is the spdif just doing nothing?

Funkster

Funkster - 26 June 2010 06:28 PM

So..one question for you.... When the motif is idle...is it sending out silence at 44.1khz or is the spdif just doing nothing?

Funkster

You should be asking that question of the Denon receiver.

Almost ALL home theater receivers have a mode that “saves power” by cutting off output to the speakers when the source volume is too low. The click you are hearing is most likely the receiver detecting input from the Motif and then reactivating the speakers.

I encountered the same clicking problem this person did.  The solution is to set your audio cards clock to S/Pdif rather than internal.  You can do this temporarily while recording the output of your Motif and switch back to the internal clock when mixing or just leave it.  Your DAW setup in this circumstance (ie; recording Motif tracks) should be 44.1 and 24bits.

Thank you.

Michael Webb

I have the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 audio interface. Setting the clock to S/PDIF did not solve the issue.

Here’s my setup

Motif XF8 > S/PDIF cable -> Audio interface -> USB to host -> Yoga 2 pro laptop.

Asio buffer size set to 1ms in the scarlett control panel software.

Any help would be appreciated.

harshalnaidu - 15 November 2014 05:44 PM

I have the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 audio interface. Setting the clock to S/PDIF did not solve the issue.

Here’s my setup

Motif XF8 > S/PDIF cable -> Audio interface -> USB to host -> Yoga 2 pro laptop.

Asio buffer size set to 1ms in the scarlett control panel software.

Any help would be appreciated.

Plug the regular (analog) left and right
outs of the Motif into your audio interface’s
analog inputs. End of problem.

There is no advantage, practically speaking,
to using the SPDIF out. And there are a lot
of disadvantages to it, as you have already
discovered.

Only a dog or a 3 year old baby can hear
the difference between audio routed via the
analog outs and digital outs.