|
|
RME
MADI
Bridge Overview
Developed
as the optimal missing link between MADI devices of any manufacturer, RMEs MADI Bridge is patchbay, distributor,
signal buffer and input selector, all at the same time - and thus mandatory for
every MADI user. Up to 16 devices can be freely connected with each other by 6
coaxial (BNC) and 2 optical in- and output pairs. Thanks to an intuitive and
easy to navigate user interface, the device is easy to understand and to
operate. The
MADI
Bridge adds to RMEs MADI series as a
comfortable, even
MIDI
controlled device management solution - as always with RME for a sensational
low price!
All input
signals are routed unaltered to the desired outputs. Like this, the MADI Bridge
supports any format, no
matter if it is 56 or 64 channels or includes special invisible control
commands, any sample rates and even out-of-spec data rates or violations of the
MADI protocol. Thanks to a special equalizing
and highly sensitive
input stages, coaxial cable lengths of 100 m can be used - even between several
devices.
Some
application examples:
- 8 x 8 MADI
matrix
- Dual MADI
coaxial/optical and vice versa converter and distributor
- MADI
distributor, patchbay, router
The MADI
Converter is an ideal companion to RME's
MADI
Bridge, converting the Bridge's six
coaxial inputs and outputs to optical. The optical format is advantageous in
live and installed setups, and for longer cable lengths. The MADI Bridge can be
placed above the MADI Converter ideally; the coaxial in- and outputs of the two
devices will be right next to each other vertically, and can be connected with
short patch cables easily.
RME
MADI
Bridge Features
Patch it!
On the front panel, 8 alpha-numeric LED displays show the current signal source
for every output separately. With two push buttons per channel, any signal
source can be changed quickly. Besides input 1 to 8, input 0 (no input) can be
chosen as well. The front panel has eight fixed output fields. This clarifies the
way the
MADI
Bridge operates.
Above each
configuration field, an empty label
area allows to attach a tape to each output, with the name of
the connected device. With this, the routing stays clear and easy to
understand, even when all I/Os are in use. The Lock section allows both locking the keys on the device and locking the
MIDI remote. This way the device can be secured
against accidental operating errors.
The device
stores the last settings when being switched off and offers 9 free memories for presets. Memory 0
is pre-configured as panic button, it cancels all connection points. RMEs love
for professional details can be seen here as well: a preset is pre-selected
first, and then recalled with the Recall button. As soon as one of the routings
is being changed, both the changed output and the preset number show a dot in
the display.
The first
class front panel display is being rounded off by a 64 LED matrix field. All routings are
displayed here in classical matrix view, a configuration can be viewed and
understood in a glance. The matrix field is especially valuable for
pre-selection of the presets, because the preset's routing is displayed in the
matrix before recall.
The rear of
the
MADI
Bridge looks clear and tidy. Six coaxial
BNC inputs and outputs each, two optical inputs and outputs and two DIN MIDI
jacks offer superior flexibility and compatibility.
The
MADI
Bridge is compatible to MADI interfaces
from Sony, Merging, Lawo, Euphonix, Stagetec, Jünger, Audio Service,
Soundtracs, AMS and others.
RME
MADI
Bridge Remote Control
Of course
the
MADI
Bridge can be remote controlled via
MIDI. Also all controls and LEDs on the
front plate - the complete status - can be read via
MIDI. Each
MADI
Bridge can be programmed with its own ID, providing a separated remote
control of multiple devices via a single
MIDI channel.
The Windows
software MIDI Remote can be downloaded for free from the RME website. It can
use any existing
MIDI
port within the system to perform remote control and status requests of all
MADI Bridges via a simple mouse click.
Most
appealing is the combination Hammerfall DSP MADI or Hammerfall DSPe MADI and
ADI-648. They transmit
MIDI directly embedded in MADI, thus allow controlling a
MADI
Bridge which is located far away from the
computer.
RME
MADI
Bridge Tech Specifications
- Input MADI: 6 x
BNC, 2 x optical (SC)
- Output MADI: 6 x
BNC, 2 x optical (SC)
-
MIDI input and output: via two 5-pin DIN jacks
- Sync: not
required
- Sample rates: any
- Power supply:
internal switching mode ps, 100 V-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 15 Watts
- Dimensions: 483 x
44 x 200 mm
- Warranty: 2 years
RME
MADI
Bridge Connectivity
- 6 x MADI
I/O (coaxial)
- 2 x MADI
I/O (optical)
- 1 x
MIDI I/O for Remote
- RME Remote
RME
MADI
Bridge Optional Accessories
-
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.
|
|
|
|
|