Echo 12, 2, 4, 8

Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: You are unable to get your DAT recorder to recognize the S/PDIF

output from AudioFire2, AudioFire4 or AudioFire8.

Solution: Digital information is transmitted in either of two modes, “professional”

or “consumer.” The professional mode is usually implemented in devices that are

likely to be used in professional recording environments, whereas the consumer

mode is commonly implemented on equipment designed for home use in the

consumer market. The primary difference between the two modes is in the

implementation of the SCMS copy protection bit, which, in the consumer format,

prevents the user from making digital copies of a digital copy. In most professional

equipment, this copy-protection bit can be turned off or on according to the user’s

needs. In consumer products, the SCMS bit is always enabled.

Unfortunately there is no way for the transmitting device to automatically detect

which format the receiving device is able to accept. If you have a DAT deck that is

not able to read the S/PDIF output from your AudioFire, chances are it is

transmitting in the mode that the deck is not equipped to handle.

We have provided a software switch in the driver that allows you to select which

mode AudioFire8 transmits. To access this switch go to the console. Click on the

Settings tab. In the window that appears you’ll see a pair of radio buttons in an

area labeled S/PDIF Format; one radio button is labeled Consumer and the other

Professional. Select the appropriate format for your DAT (if you don’t know

which one to use, simply select the one that is not currently checked). Now click

the Close button and again try recording to your DAT.

Note: AudioFire never transmits the SCMS bit; regardless of which mode is

selected.