ES-40 SPDIF Interface

Expert Sleepers ES-40 SPDIF Interface

The ES-40 is a Eurorack format module which converts a standard S/PDIF input to five channels of expansion headers, which are used in conjunction with the Expert Sleepers ESX range of expanders (currently including the ESX-8GT, the ESX-4CV, theESX-8CV and the ESX-8MD).

The ES-40 will connect to any audio device using the S/PDIF standard. This includes the digital audio output provided as standard on many recent Macs (more info here on the Mac connection).

The ES-40 also includes an S/PDIF output for sending data back to the computer. This output is used by expansion modules connected to the ES-40; currenty, the only such module is the ES-7 CV Input Expander.

The ES-40 is essentially an ES-4 with the DACs and CV outputs removed. Much of what has been written about the ES-4, and many tutorial videos etc., still apply to the EThe ES-40's specifications are as follows:

• Panel width: 6HP
• Module depth: 51mm
• Digital input: coaxial S/PDIF, standard rates up to 192kHz
• Digital output: coaxial S/PDIF
• Indicators: LED for S/PDIF sync lock
• Expansion
  • 5 headers for connecting ESX series modules
  • Digital audio I/O header (I2S format) for input expansion (e.g. ES-7)
• Current draw: 26mA on the +12V rail only (rises with sample rate; 26mA at 48kHz, 32mA at 96kHz etc.)

The front panel is drilled for both Doepfer and Analogue Systems mounting holes (using a 'slot' rather than a single round hole). The power connector is a Doepfer standard 16 way IDC, with -12V furthest from the top of the board.