RME ADI-4 DD

RME ADI-4 DD Overview

RMEs ADI-4 DD is a highly cost-efficient AES to ADAT and ADAT to AES converter. Support for up to 96 kHz and a built-in jitter suppression are just two of several outstanding features.

The actual states of incoming and outgoing signals and ongoing operations within the unit are displayed by LEDs in an easily overseeable way. SyncCheck®, already found in other RME products, not only shows if an input signal is locked, but also if multiple inputs are in synchronicity. Furthermore RMEs SyncAlign® technology prevents accidental errors of ± 1 sample misalignment between the AES/EBU inputs. The AES output signal can be set to Professsional or Consumer subcode. Channel 1/2 can optionally be received and output optically (TOSLINK).

RME's SteadyClock^(TM) technology guarantees an excellent performance in all clock modes. Its highly efficient jitter suppression enables the ADI-4 DD to refresh and clean up any clock signal, and to provide the clock signal as reference clock at the word clock output. Additionally, Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will maintain the last sample rate detected as valid in case of fault and loss of input signal. The device can be stacked without limit, all devices will be sample synchronous by using word clock. All settings are stored at power-off.

RME ADI-4 DD Features

The device basically consists of two converters: four AES-3 inputs to double ADAT outputs, and double ADAT inputs to four AES-3 outputs. The double ADAT ports enable full 8 channel support, from 32 kHz up to 96 kHz (S/MUX). The unit provides one XLR I/O directly. A DB-25 connector allows for a use of industry standard AES-3 I/O breakout cables. Setting an internal connector easily changes the DB-25 connector to meet the pinout of Tascam (Digidesign), Yamaha and Euphonix cables.

Application examples:

• AES/EBU frontend for RME's digital I/O cards (ADAT optical I/O)
• Serves as 8-Channel AES and ADAT I/O for all digital mixing desks with ADAT or AES ports
• Allows to operate up to 4 SPDIF or AES devices
• Converts between AES-3, SPDIF and SPDIF optical
• Removes jitter from AES-3 and ADAT signals
• Conversion modes (selection):
• 8-Channel AES to ADAT optical converter (96 kHz)
• 2-Channel AES to 8-Channel ADAT splitter (96 kHz)
• 8-Channel ADAT to AES converter (96 kHz)
• 2-Channel AES to 8-Channel AES splitter (96 kHz)
• 4-Channel AES Double Wire to AES Single Wire converter (96 kHz)
• 4-Channel AES Single Wire to AES Double Wire converter (96 kHz)

All in all the ADI-4 DD shows an unsurpassed flexibility together with a sensational price point. It is a perfect interface solution in all areas, from home user up to broadcast applications.

RME ADI-4 DD Tech Specifications

• Input AES/EBU: 1 x XLR, 4 x via DB-25 connector, electrically isolated, highly sensitive input stage (< 0.3 Vpp), SPDIF compatible
• Output AES/EBU: 1 x XLR, 4 x via DB-25 connector, transformer balanced, 5 Vpp
• SPDIF Optical: Second ADAT port can be switched to serve as SPDIF I/O
• Input ADAT^® optical 2 x TOSLINK, 24-Bit, Bitclock PLL
• Output ADAT^® optical: 2 x TOSLINK, 24-Bit
• Input word clock: BNC, Signal Adaptation Circuit (functional from 1.2 Vpp input signal)
• Output word clock: BNC, low-impedance driver stage, 4 Vpp into 75 Ohms, short-circuit-proof
• Sync sources: ADAT optical, AES/EBU, word clock
• Varipitch: by input signal or word clock
• Sample rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, variable (Sync/word clock)
• Sample rate range: AES, word clock: 27 kHz-105 kHz, ADAT 33 kHz - 57 kHz
• Jitter: Internal clock < 1 ns, word clock In < 2 ns, ADAT In < 2 ns
• Jitter sensitivity: all PLLs operate even at 100 ns Jitter without problems
• Jitter suppression: circa 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
• Power Supply: Operates with voltages ranging from 7-30V DC oder AC, allowing operation with practically any power source, including batteries
• External high-quality switching power supply included, for worldwide operation at 100-240 Volt
• Dimensions: 215 x 44 x 100 mm
• Cables (not included):
• BO25MXLR4M4F3: Digital Breakout Multicore, D-Sub to 4 x XLR-F / 4 x XLR-M, 3 m
• BO25MXLR4M4F6: Digital Breakout Multicore, D-Sub to 4 x XLR-F / 4 x XLR-M, 6 m

RME ADI-4 DD Connectivity

• 5 x AES/EBU I/O (1 x XLR, 4 x D-sub)
• 2 x ADAT I/O (optical)
• 1 x SPDIF (optical, instead 2nd ADAT I/O)
• 1 x Word Clock I/O

RME ADI-4 DD Accessories

• External Power Supply for CardBus (NTCB-EU)
• Line Cord for Power supply (NETZ-CB)
• Car Cable for CardBus (AUTOK)
• Cable for Storage Battery (AKKUK)

RME Products Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page   I have used RME PCI cards and breakout boxes and converters over the years, and have never seen an issue with reliability or stability. Overall I think the most stable PC drivers in the industry would have to have RME among them: I mean this stuff just works…and works…and works. As Vince from Sham-Wow says, “you know the Germans make good stuff”. In this case I would certainly say it is proven true.   Digital connectivity is never easier than choosing the right RME product, from ADAT to SPDIF to AES to TOSLINK to MADI to Wordclock, they really have it all. Latency is virtually non-existent thanks to ultra low latency drivers and on board DSP power that takes the load off your computer. “Totalmix”, RME’s internal routing matrix is INCREDIBLE. It took me a while to wrap my brain around it but once I did, I realized I can send anything anywhere at anytime with no noticeable latency at all. Multiple headphone mixes and splits? No problem, RME is on it with Totalmix.   The “Steadyclock” wordclock technology is also just awesome stuff. I have witnessed this clock snap those 1’s and 0’s in line on many a device and it always made an improvement when it was the master. Many RME devices have Steadyclock as standard, it can make a real difference. The A/D and D/A conversion of RME is clean and neutral for the most part, not huge or small or anywhere in between, but pretty true to the source overall. An RME converter will never get in the way of a good recording.   Conclusion: No matter the connection you need to make, RME has it covered. My personal experience has been glitch free and for that reason I am proud to be an authorized RME dealer.