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RME HDSPe ExpressCard Overview
In the year
2001 RME started a revolution in mobile audio recording by introducing the HDSP
System, consisting of a CardBus card plus an external I/O-box. The world's
first professional multitrack system for laptops was born.
While other
products often become obsolete after a few years, continuous firmware and
driver updates ensure RME's HDSP system will remain a cutting-edge product with
unbeaten performance, as popular and successful as ever. With the HDSPe
ExpressCard the HDSP system is still at its best - and compatible with all
newer laptops with ExpressCard slots.
The HDPe
ExpressCard uses RME's own audio bus, already known from the PCI version,
operating in combination with Multiface II, Multiface, Digiface and the RPM DJ
interface. This way RME offers a seamless upgrade path to the faster PCI
Express computers. Current RME interface owners will not lose investments made
for HDSP breakout boxes when changing from Cardbus to Expresscard interfaces.
HDSPe PCI
Card and ExpressCard are simply the best interfaces for professional audio - no
other solution can keep up regarding low
latency and lowest CPU load. Also in regards of competition
RME's HDSP system is still unsurpassed. No other manufacturer offers such a flexible, robust, performing and expandable solution.
RME HDSPe ExpressCard Features
RME's HDSPe
Express Card is not based on a PCI to PCI Express bridge, which would simply
add PCIe to existing PCI technology. It is a newly developed genuine PCI
Express solution, which consequently takes full advantage of the new format,
achieving significant performance gains in multitrack audio. Thanks to RME's
flash update technology, future firmware improvements, adjustments, and
bugfixes can be installed easily at any time. Furthermore, the Secure BIOS
Technology ensures that the card stays fully functional even when the flash
process fails.
The
ExpressCard is based on the PCI Express Base Specification v 1.1. It represents
a 1-Lane PCI Express endpoint device and supports 2.5 Gbps line speed. Thanks
to the packet-based full duplex communication, the card provides a transfer
rate of up to 500 MB/s - 250 MB/s in each direction.
The
connection between ExpressCard and I/O box is established using ordinary
FireWire cable (IEEE 1394, 6-pin). The data transfer does not use FireWire
protocol, but RME's own proprietary bus protocol. The supplied cable is 4 m (12
ft.) long. The ExpressCard does not provide power to the attached I/O-box.
Therefore a compact and light-weight hi-tech switch-mode power supply is
included.
RME HDSPe ExpressCard Tech Specifications
- ExpressCard,
34 mm standard
- 1-Lane PCI
Express endpoint device (no PCI Express to
PCI
Bridge), revision 1.1
- 250 MB/s
transfer rate per direction
- Secure BIOS
Technology: card stays fully functional even when the flash process fails
- Output:
IEEE 1394 connector, RME bus protocol
- Package
contents: ExpressCard, cable 4 meter (12 ft) IEEE 1394a, switch-mode power
supply 100 V-240 V/12 V - 1.25 A, car cable, battery cable
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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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