RME ADI-642

RME ADI-642, an 8-channel format converter from MADI to AESvice versa, is the latest addition to RME´s successful MADI series. Amongst other applications, the unit can serve as ideal AES/EBU frontend for the Hammerfall DSP MADI PCI card. Up to 192 kHz at 24 bit are supported. RME ADI-642´s most outstanding feature is an easy-to-use 72x72 routing matrix, which can assign an individual input channel to every single output channel, allowing free configuration of all 64 MADI channelsthe 8 AES channels.

RME ADI 642 Additional features include:

• Native support for AES DoubleQuad Wire
• Native support for MADI DoubleQuad Wire
• Direct conversion between these formats
• Automatic Delay Compensation when using more than one unit
• Analog stereo monitor output, up to 192 kHz
• Detailed status display for MADIAES
• Completely remote controlable via MIDI
• Transfer of MIDI data via MADI
• SteadyClock for maximum jitter reductionclock regeneration

The compact unit with 19" width1 unit height serves as format converter MADI to/from AES . MADI handles 64 channels of 24 bit audio at sampling frequencies up to 48kHz, 32 channels up to 96kHz,16 channels up to 192kHz. All channels are transferred across a single cable, either coaxial (BNC)optical network cable. In both cases, cable lengths of more than 100 meters can be achieved. The AES/EBU channels are provided via 4 XLR inputsoutputs, respectively. The ADI-642 accepts 56 channels64 channels as well as 96k192k frame at its input,can be set to generate those formats at its output. This way the ADI-642 even serves as perfect interface between otherwise incompatible MADI devices.

Features

A fully automatic input ion between opticalcoaxial input offers a useful redundancy mode for critical applications. Extensive status displays give information about LockSync states, audio contentthe physical quality of the incoming signal.

RME ADI 642 is compatible to all forms of increasing the sample rate. It supplies word clock in Single, Double und Quad Speed, distributes Double Wire 96kHz signals into the MADI data streamto the AES ports,even supports the double MADI sample rate (96K frame). The same applies to 192 kHz (Quad Wire, 192 kHz frame). The SyncAlign(r) and SyncCheck(r) technologies known from other RME products ensure perfect synchronizationclear detection of errors. Also multiple units can be stackedoperated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is switched off.

Additionally the RME ADI 642 features an easy-to-use 72 x 72 Matrix Router. An input signal can be assigned to every output channel, both for AESMADI. This not only allows free signal routing during format conversion, but also forwardingrouting of signals within the same format. An input signal can also be distributed to any number of outputs. With more than one ADI-642, several MADI signals can be combined (merged) to one MADI stream.

16 MIDI channels can be transferred across MADI (even with 64 audio channels). The device can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI,all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each RME ADI 642 can be given a separate ID, allowing separate remote controllability of various devices with only one MIDI channel.

RME ADI 642 Application examples include:

• AES/EBU frontend for RME´s HDSP MADI
• AES/EBU breakout box for any MADI device
• Digital Multicore, allowing signal transfer across long distances with a single cable
• MADI coaxial/opticalvice versa converter
• MADI redistributor, patchbayrouter
• AES/MADI er
• MADI merger
• RME´s SteadyClock lets the ADI-642 use MADI without an additional word clock connection,guarantees excellent clock quality in every situation. Due to the highly efficient jitter reduction, any clock signal (even AESWordclock) can be improvedrefreshed,subsequently be used as reference clock at the word clock output. Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.

Automatic Delay Compensation eliminates technically inherent delays when signals are transferred from one unit to another. Each device automatically reconizes its position within the chaindelays AES data to ensure sample synchronized operation of all AES in-outputs.

The analog monitor output operates in stereohas a low impedance. It can be used as lineheadphone outputsupports 192 kHz at 119 dBA SNR. The routing matrix can assign any of the 36 stereo input pairs to the monitor output.

RME ADI 642 - Auto Delay Compensation

A typical application example is the use of a HDSP MADI PCI-card in a computer with the RME ADI 642 as external AES interface. As MADI transmits 64 channels, up to eight ADI-642 can be used to provide all 64 channels via 32 AES I/Os. The integrated Matrix Router makes such a setup easy to be configured. The MADI signal is passed through from device to device. The Matrix is used to route the AES channels 1-8 to MADI 1-8 at the first ADI-642, at the second to MADI 9-16so on. When passing through the MADI signal, a delay of a few samples per RME ADI 642 occurs, causing the AES inputsoutputs to show an offset. This problem is fixed by the Automatic Delay Compensation. Each ADI-642 detects automatically which unit it is within the chain,corrects the AES inputoutput data so that all AES I/Os operate sample-aligned.

RME ADI 642 is compatible to MADI interfaces of companies like Sony, Merging, Lawo, Euphonix, Stagetec, Jünger, Audio Service, AMSothers.

Specifications

Input MADI: 1 x BNC, 1 x optical

Output MADI: 1 x BNC, 1 x optical

Input AES/EBUl: 4 x XLR, electrically isolated, highly sensitive input stage (< 0.3 Vpp),

SPDIF compatible

Output AES/EBU: 4 x XLR, transformer balanced, 5 Vpp

Input word clock: BNC, Signal Adaptation Circuit (functional from 1.2 Vpp)

Output word clock: BNC, low impedance driver stage, 4 Vpp into 75 Ohms, short

circuit-proof

MIDI inputoutput: via two 5-pin DIN jacks

Sync sources: MADI, AES, word clock, internal

Varipitch: by input signalword clock

Sample frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (sync/word clock)

Sample rate range: MADI: 32 - 192 kHz, word clock: 27 kHz - 200 kHz, AES: 28 kHz - 200 kHz

Jitter: Internal clock < 1 ns, external clocks < 1 ns

Jitter suppression: >30 dB (2.4 kHz)

Jitter sensitivity: all PLLs operate error-free even at 100 ns

Power supply: Internal switching mode PS, 100V - 240V AC, 20 Watt

Dimensions: (WxHxD) 483 x 44 x 200 mm