Q - We have the ability to run completely digital thru and out out DJ gear, wouldn't make sense to have a digital in on the BB amps? The DSP has to convert the analogue to digital and back to analogue, correct? Is there noticeable loss in the DSP conversions? I'm quite ignorant on this subject but I was just curious, the reasoning why there isn't a digital in on BB speakers.
Great question! It's rarer use scenario, and the lack of a universal digital standard makes it an option we don't feel that customers need or want to pay for, as it adds cost.
The AES digital is a single feed with both left and right signals are carried down one signal cable. Therefore each loudspeaker has to be informed as to whether it's left or right, necessitating a control. Not all mixers have AES outs, so it's a feature that most people couldn't use.
SPIDF is carried separately left and right but they use a cable that for which there is a practical limit in the length and as far as I know you cannot use it for a pass-through signal.
These are just two options – there are other digital options such as Dante, which necessitates IT programming that can lead to trouble and error, and again, adds significantly to the cost due to the Dante IP charges.
It would be better sonically to have a straight through digital signal, however that works only if everything is using the same protocols, clock speed, sampling rate, etc., where as analog is universally compatible.
The tradeoff in quality is minimal due to the quality of components we use. Ultimately user-error and the quality of the audio tracks will have a far greater impact than the small conversion losses from going D/A/D.