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RME ADI-8 QS Overview
RME's ADI-8 QS is an 8-Channel hi-end AD/DA converter with
an unrivalled bunch of features. The device combines excellent analog circuit
design with outstanding low latency AD/DA converter chips of the latest
generation. Along with the integrated SteadyClock, the QS offers an AD- and
DA-conversion of the highest quality.
Analog and digital limiters, 4 hardware reference levels up
to +24 dBu, AES/EBU and ADAT I/O (optional MADI I/O) at up to 192 kHz, remote
control via MIDI, digital input and output trimming for full level calibration,
volume control for all 8 analog outputs, either separately or globally, digital
thru-mode, operation over a wide voltage range and many more features make the
QS truely unique.
The ADI-8 QS is RME's reference - highest performance in
every detail, at an unbeaten price/performance ratio!
- The most important features of the QS:
- 8-Channel AD converter, fully symmetrical design, 117 dBA
- 8-Channel DA converter, DC-coupled signal path, double
balanced output, 120 dBA
- Low latency conversion: only 8 samples of delay!
- 4 x AES/EBU I/O via D-Sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
- 2 x ADAT I/O, 8 channels @ 96 kHz
- Digital input/output trim, range 6 dB per I/O
- Analog and digital limiter for AD-conversion
- 16 LED level meters with 7 LEDs each
- Included remote control for store/recall, volume and DIM
- SyncCheck, unique technology to check clock synchronisation
- All settings are stored permanently
- Fully remote controllable
RME ADI-8 QS Features
The 1 U
height device offers an outstanding AD/DA conversion from/to AES/EBU and ADAT
(MADI optional), at up to 192 kHz. The balanced inputs and outputs use RMEs
circuit design, therefore guarantee outstanding noise and distortion values.
Four different input and output levels each are available, offering a perfect
adaptation to the analog domain. The latest generation AD/DA converters provide
samplerates up to 192 kHz with a SNR of 120 dBA.
Due to its
efficient jitter reduction, SteadyClock(TM) guarantees prestine
sound quality independently from the quality of the external clock signal.
Additionally will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of a
loss of the input signal.
The
technologies known from other RME products like ®
ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Multiple units
can be stacked and operated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are
stored when the unit is switched off.
The QS can
be fully remote controlled and
configured via
MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through
MIDI. Each QS can be given a separate
ID, allowing separate remote controllability of various devices with only one
MIDI channel.
An included
hardware remote allows to control the monitoring volume directly from the
working place. A reference volume once saved can be recalled anytime, and of
course we did not forget to add a DIM function (-20 dB).
RME ADI-8 QS Low Latency
In the QS
RME uses a high-class AD converter from Cirrus Logic, offering exceptional
Signal to Noise and distortion figures. But the biggest difference to all other
ADCs out there is its innovative digital filter, achieving for the first time a
delay of only 12 samples in Single Speed (0.25 ms), 9 samples in Double Speed
(0.09 ms), and 5 (!) samples in Quad Speed (0.026 ms).
These
values are less than a quarter of those available from even much more expensive
devices. They represent an important step in further reducing the latency in
the computer-based recording studio. At DS and QS the added latency can simply
be ignored. The DA-converter offers similar conversion in the range of 5 to 10
samples, turning analog digital monitoring into real analog-style monitoring!
RME ADI-8 QS I64 MADI Card
The I64
MADI Card provides the QS with a 64-Channel MADI input and output. Coaxial and
optical output operate in parallel to the AES/EBU and ADAT output, therefore
deliver the same data.
The I64
MADI Card features an optical as well as a coaxial MADI input. The input is
switched automatically, according to where a valid input signal is detected.
Full redundancy is ensured by the automatic input switching, immediately
changing to the other input in case of loss of the input signal.
The MADI
input will operate as an optional clock source (Clock section, OPTN), as signal
source of the DA-converter and as thru-input. Since each QS uses only 8
channels, up to 56 channels can be passed through. This technique is used to
serially cascade several QS converters. Incoming MADI data is passed through
unchanged, only one block of eight channels is replaced. This allows up to 8
devices to be connected serially. All 64 combined channels are available at the
last device's MADI output.
With an
installed I64 MADI Card the QS can also be remote controlled via MADI. At the
same time
MIDI data are transmitted via MADI.
When
multiple devices are connected serially, the MADI I/O of each QS causes a delay
of 3 samples. Therefore at the MADI output of the last device, the data of all
upstreamed devices are delayed. The problem of this offset is solved by the
function Delay Compensation.
RME ADI-8 QS Tech Specifications
- Input AD:
1/4" TRS jack and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced, completely symmetrical
audio path
- Output AD: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical,
optional MADI
- Input DA: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical,
optional MADI
- Output DA:1/4" TRS jack servo balanced,
up to +21 dBu. 25 pin D-sub, balanced, up to +24 dBu. DC-coupled audio path
- Dynamic Range AD: 117 dBA
- THD AD: < -110 dB (< 0.00032 %)
- THD+N AD: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
- Crosstalk AD: > 130 dB
- Dynamic Range DA: 120 dBA unmuted
- THD DA: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
- THD+N DA: <
-102 dB (< 0.0008 %)
- Crosstalk DA:
> 110 dB
- Input level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu, each adjustable by 6 dB in steps
of 0.5 dB via Digital Input Trim
- Output level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu, each adjustable by +/- 6 dB in
steps of 0.5 dB
- Output level global: 0 down to -96 dB in 48 steps
- Sample rates:
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (sync/word)
- Frequency response AD/DA, -0.1 dB: 10 Hz - 23.2 kHz (sf 48 kHz)
- Frequency response AD/DA, -0.5 dB: < 5 Hz - 44.6 kHz (sf 96 kHz)
- Frequency response AD/DA, -1 dB: < 5 Hz - 63.4 kHz (sf 192 kHz)
- Power supply:
Internal switching mode ps, 100 V-240 V AC
- Dimensions
(WxHxD) 483 x 44 x 200 mm
- Warranty: 2 years
RME ADI-8 QS Connectivity
- 8 x Analog
I/O (up to +24 dBu)
- 4 x AES/EBU
I/O (8 channels @ 192 kHz)
- 2 x ADAT
I/O (SMUX and SMUX4)
-
MIDI I/O
- Word Clock
I/O
- Optional
MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card)
- External
Remote Controller (Volume, DIM, Preset)
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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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