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RME ADI-642 Overview
The ADI-642, an 8-Channel format
converter from MADI to AES and vice versa, is the latest addition to RMEs
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. Its most outstanding feature is an easy-to-use 72 x 74 routing
matrix, which can assign an individual input channel to every single output
channel, allowing free configuration of all 64 MADI channels and the 8 AES
channels.
Additional
features include:
- Direct
support for MADI Double and Quad Wire
- Automatic
Delay Compensation when using more than one unit
- Analog
stereo monitor output, up to 192 kHz
- Detailed
status display for MADI and AES
- Completely
remote controlable via
MIDI
- Transfer of
MIDI data via MADI
- SteadyClock
for maximum jitter reduction and clock regeneration
The compact
unit with 19" width and 1 unit height serves as format converter MADI
to/from AES (Schematic View). MADI handles 64 channels of 24-Bit audio at
sampling frequencies up to 48kHz, 32 channels up to 96kHz, and 16 channels up
to 192kHz. All channels are transferred across a single cable, either coaxial
(BNC) or 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 inputs and
outputs, respectively. The ADI-642 accepts 56 channels and 64 channels as well
as 96k frame at its input, and 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.
RME ADI-642 Features
A fully
automatic input selection between optical and coaxial input offers a useful redundancy mode for critical
applications. Extensive status displays give information about Lock and Sync
states, audio content and the physical quality of the incoming signal.
The ADI-642
supplies word clock in Single, Double und Quad Speed, distributes Double Wire
96kHz signals into the MADI data stream and to the AES ports, and even supports
the double MADI sample rate (96K frame). The SyncAlign® and SyncCheck technologies
known from other RME products ensure perfect synchronization and clear
detection of errors. Also multiple units can be stacked and operated
sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is
switched off.
Additionally
the ADI-642 features an easy-to-use 72 x 74 Matrix Router. An input signal can
be assigned to every output channel, both for AES and MADI. This not only
allows free signal routing during format conversion, but also forwarding and
routing 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, and all status displays can be
queried through
MIDI.
Each ADI-642 can be given a separate ID, allowing separate remote
controllability of various devices with only one
MIDI channel.
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/optical or vice versa converter
- MADI
redistributor, patchbay and router
- AES/MADI
inserter
- Madi Merger
RMEs
SteadyClock(TM) lets the ADI-642 use MADI without an additional word
clock connection, and guarantees excellent clock quality in every situation.
Due to the highly efficient jitter reduction, any clock signal (even AES and
Word Clock) can be improved and refreshed, and subsequently be used as
reference clock at the word clock output. will retain the last valid sample frequency in case
of a loss of the input signal.
The analog
monitor output operates in stereo and has a low impedance. It can be used as
line and headphone output and supports 192 kHz at 112 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
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.
When passing through the MADI signal, a delay of a few samples per ADI-642
occurs, causing the AES inputs and outputs to show an offset. This problem is
fixed by the Automatic Delay Compensation. Each ADI-642 automatically detects
which unit it is within the chain, and corrects the AES input and output data
so that all AES I/Os operate sample-aligned. The additional Auto Configuration
mode sets up all ADI-642 to use consecutive AES I/Os. A manual configuration
via each unit's Matrix is not required.
The ADI-642
is compatible to MADI interfaces of companies like Sony, Merging, Lawo,
Euphonix, Stagetec, Jünger, Audio Service, AMS and others.
RME ADI-642 Tech Specifications
- Input MADI: 1 x
BNC, 1 x optical
- Output MADI: 1 x
BNC, 1 x optical
- Input AES/EBU: 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 input and output: via two 5-pin DIN jacks
- Sync sources:
MADI, AES, word clock, internal
- Varipitch: by
input signal or word 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
- Warranty: 2 years
RME ADI-642 Connectivity
- 1 x MADI
I/O (optical and coaxial)
- 4 x AES/EBU
I/O
- 1 x
MIDI I/O
- 1 x Stereo
DA (Phones)
- Com-Port
I/O (RS232)
- Word Clock
I/O
- RME Remote
RME ADI-642 Optional Accessories
-
MIDI breakout cable (BOHDSP9652MIDI)
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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.
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