Refers to a type of connector to which an optical cable is connected. For consumer audio, a format called IEC60958 (S/P DIF) is used. However, the MY8-AT (separately sold) option that can be installed in the YGDAI (*see entry) slot of the AW4416/AW2816 provides an optical connector that uses the ALESIS ADAT format, and allows eight channels of digital audio to be input or output when connected to a compatible device.
Usually refers to a digital audio connector using fiber-optic cable.
Is a popular type of connector for interfacing audio equipment such as DVD players and Dolby Digital decoders. Electrical signals are converted by an LED at the 'transmitter' end, and passed via an intermediate fiber optic light guide, to a phototransistor built into the 'receiver'. The latter device converts the light back into an electrical signal. The main advantages of this system, also known as TOSlink (TOShibaLINK) are isolation and total immunity to interference.