Anyone successfully connecting AxeFX SPDIF out to an interface?

fuzzyoctaves

fuzzyoctaves

Inspired
I am trying to set this up with an Audient iD14 and it is not working and Audient is being unhelpful.

If you have this set up, what interface do you use?
 
I haven't used it that way for a while but have had no issues connecting to a Focusrite Clarett interface via SPDIF in the past.
 
Speaking of helpful, "it is not working" isn't much for us to go on in order for us to be helpful. What's happening exactly? Static? No sound? ...

Anywho, I connect Axfx spdif Out to Roland OctaCapture spdif In. The biggest todo with my Roland is to make sure it's clock is set to external / 48kHz.
 
Did you set the digital input format to S/PDIF in Audient's software mixer System Panel? What RCA SPDIF to toslink converter are you using?

Screenshot 2025-09-11 162431.png

You'll also want to set the Audient's clock source to optical when you have it connected this way.
 
sprint said:
Speaking of helpful, "it is not working" isn't much for us to go on in order for us to be helpful. What's happening exactly? Static? No sound? ...
Click to expand...

Sorry, I wasn't asking for troubleshooting help, but I'll always accept offered help...

Problem: Getting an Invalid clock source error in in SW.

In MacOS, both AFX and iD14 are at 48k
I have tried 3 different converter boxes and ofc swapped every cable
II see the green light in ID SW, but get the flashing error message
All settings on iD SW correct
 
fuzzyoctaves said:
Sorry, I wasn't asking for troubleshooting help, but I'll always accept offered help...

Problem: Getting an Invalid clock source error in in SW.

In MacOS, both AFX and iD14 are at 48k
I have tried 3 different converter boxes and ofc swapped every cable
II see the green light in ID SW, but get the flashing error message
All settings on iD SW correct
Click to expand...
Some other possibilities if not already checked:
  • Audient Interface Driver + FW are up to date.
  • Direct Usb-c connection (no hubs).
  • iD14's "digital input format" set to "s/pdif" on the iD14 system panel.
  • Audient driver compatible to current MacOS version.
  • "Word clock" set to "Internal" in Axfx IO Setup menu.
  • Order of power up (mine seems to care): PC 1st > Axfx > Audio Intrfc
Those converter boxes tend to be nasty but u tried 3 - can't be that unlucky.
 
sprint said:
Some other possibilities if not already checked:
  • Audient Interface Driver + FW are up to date.
  • Direct Usb-c connection (no hubs).
  • iD14's "digital input format" set to "s/pdif" on the iD14 system panel.
  • Audient driver compatible to current MacOS version.
  • "Word clock" set to "Internal" in Axfx IO Setup menu.
  • Order of power up (mine seems to care): PC 1st > Axfx > Audio Intrfc
Those converter boxes tend to be nasty but u tried 3 - can't be that unlucky.
Click to expand...

Done all of the above. I do notice3 that sometimes, the error message will switch to "Mismatched Sample Rates." In Audio MIDI Setup, the Audient is ofc set to 48k.

All of the converter boxes have been cheap amazon ones. Does anyone have a known good one?
 
I'm on windows but am using an audient id44. I use these:
1757687312021.png

I let the axefx provide the clocking.
1757687670554.png

within the audient panel, I have:

1757687570159.png
 
rzjd said:
I'm on windows but am using an audient id44. I use these:


I let the axefx provide the clocking.


within the audient panel, I have:
Click to expand...

Yep. Setup just the same, but not working. My boxes look essentially the same as yours.

Anyone with Audient and Mac?
 
fuzzyoctaves said:
Yep. Setup just the same, but not working. My boxes look essentially the same as yours.

Anyone with Audient and Mac?
Click to expand...
ok.
the only other thing to note are the physical connections but I think you would have it right. outbound rca spidf coax from the axe goes into the rca input of my converter with a toggle flipped to rca. The fiber out from the converter goes to the TOS 1 input on the ID. I keep the clock on this connection. then of course, unmuting the spidf input on the mixer.
For reamping, I also have another converter connected but in reverse (from TOS out of the audient to the converter input) and out rca spdif coax to the input of the axe. This has nothing to do with the clock though.
 
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I ordered a couple more of the converter boxes as it seems that's the only questionable bit at this point. Audient suggested I get a "name brand" but the only branded ones I find are just random Chinese boxes with funny brand names. Anyone know of a box that is made by a reliable manufacturer?
 
Tried two more converter boxes. One didn't connect at all and the other exhibits the same issue. On top of that, the Axe and the Audient don't work well in aggregate device mode. Hell, I'd buy a different interface, but I can't find a current interface <$1k that has coax RCA in and outs. It seems to me that Fractal should recommend a converter box that is known to work since coax SPDIF has disappeared from the interface market. I have been a huge Fractal fan for a long time now, but I have always just used it as an interface. Now that I am building a proper (prosumer) studio, it is a big PITA.

I am starting to wonder if there could be something wrong with my Axe's clock or something? Maybe it isn't the Audient afterall?
 
Focusrite 18i20 has SPDIF via RCA. So does the Motu 828. I have owned both and the Motu is far superior, but more expensive.
 
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