M-Audio SAM [11/17] Operating modes overview

Operating Modes Overview

The SAM has six different operational modes which are selectable

via the Mode button. Five of these modes translate ADAT Optical

signals to the S/PDIF format and the sixth mode translates S/PDIF

signals to the ADAT Optical format.

Mix Mode:

When SAM is first turned on it will be in Mix mode, one of the

ADAT-to-S/PDIF modes. Here, all eight ADAT channels may be

combined into a stereo S/PDIF signal using the built-in mixer. Note

that the SAM mixer will generate a 24-bit output even if the ADAT

Optical signal originates from a source with less than 24-bit resolu-

tion.

Other ADAT-to-S/PDIF modes:

There are four other modes that translate ADAT-to-S/PDIF. They are

labeled “1&2”, “3&4”, “5&6”, and “7&8.” These modes resemble the

presets of other format translators, allowing you to make an exact

bit-for-bit copy of two adjacent ADAT channels to S/PDIF. In these

modes SAM will ignore its Gain and Pan pots – they are disabled.

S/PDIF Mode:

This is the S/PDIF-to-ADAT mode. SAM will distribute the incoming

stereo S/PDIF signal to the eight outgoing ADAT channels as fol-

lows:

S/PDIF left = ADAT channels 1, 3, 5, 7

S/PDIF right = ADAT channels 2, 4, 6, 8

Again, SAM will make an exact bit-for-bit copy of each input chan-

nel, and will ignore its Gain and Pan pots.

In any mode, only two digital audio connections need to be made to

the SAM in order for the SAM to operate properly – one ADAT opti-

cal and S/PDIF coax. In all ADAT-to-S/PDIF modes, SAM accepts

ADAT Optical Digital Interface audio data at the ADAT In jack, and

outputs S/PDIF coaxial audio data from the S/PDIF Out jack. In the

S/PDIF-to-ADAT mode, SAM accepts S/PDIF coaxial audio data

from the S/PDIF In jack, and outputs ADAT Optical Digital Interface

audio data from the ADAT Out jack. In all modes, if there is no valid