RME HDSPe PCI-Card Overview

In the year 2001 RME started a revolution in mobile audio recording: the HDSP System, consisting of a PCI or CardBus card plus an external I/O-box has been the world's first audio system, operating at both desktop and laptop. And the world's first professional multitrack system for notebooks at all.

Today we are proud to look back and conclude: the HDSP system has become a true 'industry standard'. Thanks to continuing firmware and driver updates it stayed a cutting-edge product, still offers un-beaten performance, and still enjoys great popularity among the users.

The PCI Express card 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. RME is especially proud on the fact that all users of RME interfaces can easily expand their system so that it operates with the latest and fastest PCI Express computers and Windows Vista, not loosing all the money formerly invested in audio hardware. As additional option the HDSPe PCI card can be used directly with RME's Time Code Option Module, offering an SMPTE controlled operation.

RME HDSPe PCI-Card Features

RME's HDSPe PCI 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. RME's flash update technology ensures future firmware improvements, adjustments, and bugfixes to be installed easily at any time.

The PCI Express interface of the HDSPe system 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 PCI Express card 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 PCIe card operates as power supply for the attached I/O-box (Digiface, Multiface, Multiface II, RPM) over the FireWire cable.

RME HDSPe PCI-Card Tech Specifications

• Short PCI Express card
• 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: PCIe card, cable 4 meter (12 ft) IEEE 1394a

RME HDSPe PCI-Card Connectivity

• PCI Express interface
• Connection of Multiface, Multiface II, Digiface and RPM

RME HDSPe PCI-Card Differences

• PCI Express interface
• Even lower latencies
• Direct support of HDSP TCO

RME HDSPe PCI-Card Optional Add-Ons

• HDSP TCO: Timecode Option Module with enhanced sync capbilities for HDSPe cards: 1 x word clock I/O, 1 x video sync input (alternative to WC In), 1 x LTC I/O

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.