Can I Connect SPDIF to Optical? Is It Possible?

There you will find different types of digital audio interfaces, among them SPDIF is one of the renowned digital audio interfaces. Basically, SPDIF transmits the audio signal through either a coaxial cable or an optical cable.

If you are willing to transmit the audio signal from SPDIF to optical then first, you will need to understand whether it’s possible or not. Well, the answer is both yes and no. Actually, it will depend on what type of cable you are using. 

To learn more, go through this article and read till the end. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s begin then.

Possibilities of Connecting SPDIF to Optical

As you already know in what ways SPDIF transmits the digital audio signal, now you will be able to understand the terms quite easily. If you check out the signal transmitting ways, you will find the coaxial cable is mostly used. 

Now, if SPDIF is using a coaxial cable for transmitting the audio signal then you won’t be able to directly do SPDIF to Optical. Because the audio signal transmitting process is totally different in a coaxial cable.

Generally, the coax cable uses the electrical pulse to transmit the audio signal whereas the optical uses light. Here is the actual difference and that’s why coax cable can’t be directly connected to Optical or vice versa. However, there are different approaches that can be followed. 

What if SPDIF is using the optical cable then you can simply connect and use SPDIF to optical without a second thought. Just simply plug in and the signal transmission will be started.

What Need to Be Done If SPDIF is Using Coaxial Cable?

Well, in that case, you will need to use a converter. Using a converter will help you to convert the signal from one format to another. Just simply buy a converter from a renowned manufacturer, connect the cables, and then enjoy the audio output from SPDIF to Optical. 

You can buy the converter from your nearby electrical retailer shop or you can grab it from online marketplaces like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Before buying, make sure that the converter is suitable for you, and don’t ever go after a cheaper one. Before buying check whether the converter supports the audio format that you are willing to use, should be capable of matching the bit depth and sample rate of your audio sources, and should be multi-channel supported.

Mostly Asked Questions

What are the benefits of connecting SPDIF to optical?

There are several benefits that you will get while doing SPDIF to optical. Such as, you will have fewer interfering issues as optical is immune to electrical interfacing. You can transmit signals over a longer distance without any kind of issues, etc.

What are the drawbacks of connecting SPDIF to optical?

The drawbacks are limited while you are connecting SPDIF to optical. Optical cables are fragile compared to coax cables and also they are expensive. 

End Notes

With technological advancement, there’s nothing impossible in today’s technical world. Just you will need to do some tricks or convert the way with the help of a converter. Then you can achieve what you were looking for. Hope that this article has helped you out and if you have any further queries then feel free to reach us through the comment box below.