RME HDSPe RayDAT Overview

HDSPe RayDAT is a multi-channel, multi-format and multi-task tool in stunning professional quality, the ideal solution from recording up to the final mastering. For the first time, even SPDIF (phono) and AES/EBU (XLR) are simultaneously operational due to separated hardware and record/playback devices. RayDAT offers no less than 4 x ADAT optical I/O, SPDIF I/O and AES/EBU I/O. That's a whopping 36 channels of inputs and outputs. On top, there are 2 MIDI I/Os and TotalMix, RME's unsurpassed DSP-based real-time mixer/router, with hardware-calculated level metering and complete MIDI remote capability. HDSPe RayDAT also supports the optional TCO for synchronization to timecode (LTC/video).

Internal ADAT inputs and outputs allow to add up to two TDIF ports directly inside the computer via RME's optional expansion boards.

HDSPe RayDAT is the newly developed PCI Express version of the HDSP 9652. A genuine PCI Express core consequently takes full advantage of the new format, achieving significant performance gains in multitrack audio. Thanks to RME's secure flash update technology, firmware improvements, adjustments, and bugfixes can be installed easily at any time.

RME HDSPe RayDAT Features

• The HDSPe RayDAT provides unique features:
• 4 x ADAT digital I/O, supporting 192 kHz via S/MUX4 operation
• 1 x SPDIF digital I/O, 192 kHz-capable
• 1 x AES/EBU digital I/O, 192 kHz-capable
• 2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed MIDI via breakout cable
• Up to 36 inputs and 36 outputs can be used simultaneously!
• DIGICheck, RMEs unique metering- and analysing tool
• TotalMix: 2592 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
• Native PCI Express - no PCI to PCI Express bridge used
• S/MUX poured in hardware: 16 channels 24-bit/96kHz for record and playback on ADAT optical

HDSPe RayDAT includes SteadyClock^TM, RME's own clock technology, combining professional features like maximum jitter suppression at full varipitch capabilities and software controlled sample rates.

Included software

DIGICheck for Windows: Spectral Analyser, professional level meter for 2, 8, or 36 channels, Vector Audio Scope, various other audio analysis tools.

Drivers: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/64 (full ASIO multi-client operation of WDM, GSIF 2.0 and ASIO 2.0), Mac OS X Intel (Core Audio and Core MIDI).

RME HDSPe RayDAT Settings Dialog

Just click on the hammer symbol in the systray of the taskbar and the settings dialog of the HDSPe RayDAT comes up. The clear structured, easy to understand window plus the unique informative status windows for input signal, clock mode, sample rate and time code make your work with the card to a real pleasure. With a simple mouse click you gain access to the full power of your card.

When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary that these are all properly locked, they also have to be totally synchronized. Else drop outs and crackling occurs. RME's exclusive SyncCheck © checks all input signals. In clock mode Master the synchronous operation to the internal clock is checked. This outstanding and unique technology helps to find errors immediately. The actual state of each input is displayed in the settings dialog.

RME's unique SyncCheck and AutoSync technology has evolved into the new Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) of the HDSPe system. HDSPe RayDAT measures and displays the frequency of all clock sources. Even word clock! Based on validity and current sample rate the system then decides which clock source should be used - fully automated and performed in hardware. With this the HDSPe system offers the most easiest handling of the present clocks, although having a lot digital inputs, plus the most advanced support when configuring the clock setup. 

RME HDSPe RayDAT Tech Specifications

• Supported sample frequencies: Internally 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz. Externally 28 kHz - 200 kHz.
• 8 buffer sizes/latencies available: 0.7 ms, 1.5 ms, 3 ms, 6 ms, 12 ms, 23 ms, 46 ms, 93 ms
• All settings changeable in realtime
• Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
• Enhanced Mixed mode: All inputs and outputs simultaneously operational
• Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode
• TMS (Track Marker Support): Supports CD/DAT start-IDs and the read out of CD subcode
• DIGICheck, RME's ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool
• Unique status windows for record and playback, showing mode and sample
• Super low jitter design: < 1 ns in all clock modes

RME HDSPe RayDAT Connectivity

• 36 Inputs / 36 Outputs
• 4 x ADAT I/O (up to 192 kHz via S/MUX4)
• 1 x AES/EBU I/O (192 kHz)
• 1 x SPDIF I/O (192 kHZ)
• 2 x MIDI I/O
• TotalMix
• optional: Time Code Option (TCO)
• optional: Expansion Board WCM
• optional: Expansion Board TEB

RME HDSPe RayDAT Differences to 9652

• PCI Express interface
• Additional (fourth) ADAT I/O
• S/PDIF and AES/EBU I/O
  simultaneously operational
• Sample rates up to 192 kHz
• even lower latencies
• Greatly enhanced TotalMix
• Word Clock I/O via optional expansion board
• direct support of HDSP TCO
• No ADAT Sync port (D-sub)

RME HDSPe RayDAT Optional Expansions

• Expansion Boards WCM/TEB
• Word Clock Expansion: The optional 9632 Word Clock Module provides a galvanically isolated word clock input and two word clock outputs via BNC jacks.
• TDIF Expansion: HDSPe RayDAT can provide up to two TDIF interfaces when using the TEB module.
• HDSP TCO: Timecode Option Module adding further sync options: 1 x word clock I/O, 1 x video sync input (alternative to wc input), 1 x LTC I/O.

RME HDSPe RayDAT Optional Accessories

• Digital breakout cable, AES/EBU & SPDIF (BO968)
• MIDI breakout cable (BOHDSP9652MIDI)

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.