Track IDs and other sub code info are stored in unused bits that are part of the digital stream that make up a SPDIF signal. If you record or patch thru a SPDIF signal via a MOTU interface, this subcode info will be included. However, if you alter the level of the SPDIF signal, it changes the bits and this sub code info may be lost.

So, for example, let's say you have a CD player with only optical SPDIF out that you wish to transfer to a DAT machine with only Coax SPDIF in, and you wish to retain the sub code data during this transfer. You can record the signal into your 828 via optical and play it back via Coax, but you must not alter the signal's level while it's in your recording application, or the sub code data (track IDs, etc) may be lost.