Good move on the Lavry -

On the interface - I use the AES-16 and it certainly does the trick (for the unitiated, the Lynx AES-16 is a simple 16 I/O AES interface and clock in a PCI card with software based mixing functions. Very versatile unit).

Not familiar with the Dakota - If you're referring to a TOSLink - S/PDIF optical, you can use the M-Audio Co3 as an AES-S/PDIF RCA/Optical I/O.

If the Dakota is an actual ADAT optical (8 channels) I have no idea - There's probably something in the Dakota's literature than might tell you if it will transfer a simple stereo signal.

There is such a thing as a AES/EBU->optical converter, but it'll cost you $400 and you'll probably lose some wordclock integrity in the process.
http://www.instrumentpro.com/p-ALEAI4.html

Far better to just get a proper interface card.

Thanx John and dasbin,

Yes the Dakota is ADAT optical (8 channels).

$400 for that AES -> optical converter! Definitely looks like the Lynx AES-16 is the way to go.

Steve

There should be no problems running the Lynx card along with the Dakota card ... as long as you have an extra PCI slot ot put the Lynx in.

I would check with Frontier Designs to learn if they can see any issues first however.

One problem to be considered is the Tango and Dakota are only 24 / 48 capible. You may be better off just using the Lavry and abandoning the Tango and Dakota.

Thanx Kurt - good points - I wasn't even thinking about the sampling rate limitations in the Dakota/Tango.

The nice thing about the Dakota is that it has built in Sync - it will automatically convert from SMPTE to MTC.

If I use the Lynx with the Lavry Blue, I guess I'll need some other means of sync-ing. The most common scenario here is transferring from 16-track tape to PC - I make two passes - 8 tracks at a time.

I certainly cannot afford 16 channels of Lavry right now - what additional hardware will I need to maintain song position and clock sync?

Steve