If you’re going to record using a digital recorder or mixer, you’re going to run into digital connectors (plugs and cables/cords). Digital audio equipment is a recent invention, and as such, no one standards has emerged. Because of this lack of standardization, a variety of digital connection methods are on the market, only a few (or one) of which may be on Digital agency UK equipment that you own or intend to purchase. Regardless, knowing about the most common types of connectors and their purpose can help you decide what equipment is right for you.
MIDI
MIDI short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a handy communication protocol that allows musical information to pass from one device to another. To allow the free passage of such information, MIDI jacks are located on a whole host of electronic instruments – synthesizers, drum machines, sound modules, and even some guitars have MIDI jacks. And, to connect all these instrument, you need some MIDI cables. The MIDI connector contains five pins (male) that plug into the female MIDI jack (port) on the instrument or device
AES/EBU
AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union) cables are much like S/PDIF cables. The AES/EBU standards require these cables to transmit two channels of data at a time. They differ from S/PDIF cables in that they consist of XLR plugs and use balanced cables. AES/EBU was developed to be used with professional audio components; hence the use of balanced cords – the kinds used in professional-level equipment.