Fiber optic cables can and should be used for transmitting audio signals. In fact, fiber optic cable is common for digital audio applications that benefit direсtly from the fiber optic cable functionality.

Advantages of fiber optic cables for audio compared to copper audio transmission cables and speakers include the lack of electromagnetic interference, long-distance transmission, and higher bandwidth.

Some professional audio systems also use a combination of copper (for power) and fiber (for signal) in a single cable. This allows devices to be powered and receive/transmit data over long distances using a single connection.

Fiber Optic Toslink Cables For Audio

One of the most well-known uses of fiber optic cables for audio is the TOSLINK interface, an optical audio cable. TOSLINK is a standardized connection that uses fiber optics to transmit digital audio signals between devices, such as between a CD/DVD player and an AV receiver. This connection is immune to electromagnetic interference, which means that it is a preferred method in environments where noise is a concern.

Basically, TOSLINK is a subtype of fiber optic cable meant explicitly for the transmission of audio signals. 

• One notable difference between TOSLINK cables and other types of fiber optic cables is that they are made from cheaper plastic optical fiber (POF) for short-distance audio transmission. However, some higher-end TOSLINK cables use glass fibers.
• Also, TOSLINK generally has a lower bandwidth compared to many standard fiber optic cables used in data transmission. Its effective range without signal loss is shorter, usually up to 5-10 meters, though this can vary.
• TOSLINK has a specific connector type, usually square or round, designed to easily connect audio devices.

Basically, TOSLINK is optimized for audio transmission compared to a standard fiber optic cable.

Other Methods of Transmitting Audio Over Fiber

While TOSLINK fiber optic cable is a primary method of transmitting audio signals through fiber optic technology, this is not the only method. In both professional and consumer contexts, there are other methods and standards for transmitting audio over fiber. Let's look into additional methods: 

• MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface): In professional audio environments, MADI is a popular interface for transmitting multiple channels of digital audio over fiber optic (or coaxial) cable. MADI can transmit up to 64 channels of audio over a single connection.
• Dante over Fiber: Dante is a protocol for transmitting uncompressed, multichannel digital audio over a network. While Dante primarily uses Ethernet and can run over standard copper cables (CAT5e, CAT6, etc.), it can also operate over fiber optic networks, especially when long-distance transmission is required.
• AES67 over Fiber: AES67 is a standard for audio-over-IP and can be transmitted over fiber optic networks. It defines synchronization and related techniques, allowing different AoIP (Audio over IP) systems to interoperate.
• ADAT Lightpipe: ADAT Lightpipe, often simply referred to as ADAT, is an optical interface protocol that was originally designed to connect multiple ADAT tape decks. It can transmit up to 8 channels of digital audio over a single optical connection. While it uses optical fiber, the connectors and protocol are different from TOSLINK.

When to Use Fiber Optic Cables For Audio?

Now, let's dwell on occasions when fiber optic cables are the best choice for audio applications and focus on them in more detail.

As it stands, fiber optic cables are the best for the following audio applications:

Using fiber optics for audio transmission offers several benefits. Here are some scenarios and reasons when fiber optics would be an ideal choice for audio:

Long-Distance Transmission:

• Fiber optics can transmit signals over long distances without significant degradation. This makes them particularly useful in large venues like stadiums and concert halls.
• Fiber optics becomes the go-to choice for applications that need to bridge distances greater than what copper-based solutions can handle (which is often limited to around 100 meters for many standards).

A music festival is a perfect example of an application when long-distance transmission calls for a fiber optic cable. With fiber optics, you could run a single line from each stage to the control room, even if they are 500 meters apart. The signal would remain strong and clear over this distance without repeaters.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Concerns:

• Fiber optics offer an interference-free transmission method in environments with high electromagnetic interference, such as near radio towers and power stations, because they use light to transmit data.

Consider a radio station's broadcast studio located adjacent to powerful transmission antennas. The electromagnetic fields from these antennas can interfere with copper-based audio transmission. Using fiber optic cables for internal connections can prevent interference in the audio signal.

High Bandwidth Needs:

• For scenarios where high-resolution audio or numerous audio channels must be transmitted simultaneously, the high bandwidth of fiber optic cables becomes an advantage. For example, professional recording studios or broadcast stations might use fiber to handle the vast amount of data from multiple audio sources.

Let's say a production company is recording a live orchestra performance with over 100 microphones to capture each instrument in detail. They might opt for fiber optics to transmit this vast amount of audio data simultaneously because of its high bandwidth.

Infrastructure Integration:

• Modern facilities or campuses might be pre-wired with fiber optic infrastructure for data and communications. Using the same infrastructure for audio can simplify integration and make it cost-effective.

Safety and Isolation:

• In settings where electrical isolation is crucial, like in medical applications, fiber optics can be preferable since they don't conduct electricity.

Transmitting audio through fiber optic cables makes all the sense in hospitals. It is not just because of the fire hazard, but also because MRI machines contribute to electromagnetic interference.

Can Audio Be Translated Through Regular Fiber Optic Cable?

Yes, it is possible to translate audio through regular fiber optic cables and not specific ones like TOSLINK. However, using a technology specifically designed for transmitting audio is more convenient.

To transmit audio without TOSLINK, you would need a multi-mode fiber optic cable. You will also typically need devices on both ends to convert the electrical audio signal into an optical one (and vice versa). These devices are sometimes called transceivers or media converters. The specifics depend on the audio protocol and format you're using.

If you're looking to transmit raw audio data over fiber without using a specific standard like TOSLINK or MADI, you would need to define (or use) a protocol that details how the audio data is packaged, transmitted, and then unpacked on the other side. Thus, it is far easier to use things like TOSLINK and MADI.

Is Fiber Optic Better than Copper For Audio?

Whether copper or fiber optic is "better" for audio depends on the application's specific requirements. 

Fiber optic cables are immune to EMI and can transmit data over longer distances. They also have high bandwidth. However, all of these things are not necessary for home audio setups.

In summary, if you're setting up an audio system at home without significant interference and over short distances, copper cables might be sufficient. However, for professional audio setups, long-distance transmissions, or environments with potential interference, fiber optic cables would offer distinct advantages.