I just got a new Macbook and they removed the mic/digital input from it. Anyone know of a cheap device (the cheaper the better) that'll convert a TOSlink to usb?
A Roland UA-1EX? It's been discontinued for a number of years. Don't know how well it would work with a current Mac. May be able to find one used on eBay. http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/743
That's what I'm looking for, but looks like support information hasn't been updated since 2013, and there may be issues. I found the Sound Blaster X-Fi HD http://www.soundblaster.com/products/Sound-Blaster-X-Fi-HD.aspx , which is a phone pre-amp and has audio input and output for about $99.99. I'd like cheaper, but this may do in a pinch.
Nice find. Got to like those inexpensive Chinese gizmos when they fill a need. I hope it works. I wouldn't want to play or record analog with that, but for digital in and out it is likely just fine.
It works as an TOSLINK (labeled as S/PDIF) input on my Mac, but I could not get the output (from Mac->USB->Optical Out->Optical in on Harman Kardon receiver to work It works fine (in and out) on my PC, so I'll keep it.