ADAT
Alesis Lightpipe (TOSLINK)
Invented in
1991
Invented by
Alesis
Availability
Common (studio)
An optical interface (over TOSLINK fibre) that carries up to eight channels of digital audio down a single strand of light. The studio standard for expanding the input count of audio interfaces.
Technical specifications
Introduced1991 (Alesis)
SignalOptical digital audio
CarrierTOSLINK fibre
Channels8 @ 48 kHz
Found on
a mixer / interface
Recommended brands
01Cordial
02Hosa
03Oehlbach
Where to buy
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Common adapters and cables
Coaxial to optical (TOSLINK) converter
Converts S/PDIF between coaxial and optical.
Fun fact
It began as a way to record digital audio onto S-VHS tapes, the Lightpipe connection outlived the tape machines it was born with.
Tips & tricks
Set one device as clock master. ADAT carries 8 channels at 48kHz, but only 4 at 96kHz (S/MUX).
Philosophy
Sound travelling as pulses of light down a glass thread. ADAT turned the humble optical cable into a river of eight channels.
Applications
Pro audioData
