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RME OctaMic II Overview
The OctaMic
II provides 8-Channel 192 kHz / 24 bit AD conversion with eight hi-class
microphone and line pre-amplification channels, featuring a combination of
sophisticated components and approved RME technology.
Lowest
distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and perfectly linear frequency
response transmit and amplify the microphone signals truly unchanged.
The OctaMic
II includes some significant enhancements compared to the OctaMic:
- The
balanced TRS inputs of the Neutrik Combo XLR jacks are phantom power-free and
can be operated as real line inputs too. The improved design of the input
circuits allows for a maximum input level of +21 dBu with a convenient gain
range from 6 dB up to 60 dB.
- Improved
signal to noise ratio (SNR) ADC 107.5 dB
- Improved
THD, especially at higher gains
- Optimised
heat dissipation by a new and larger housing with improved convection
- Internal
wide range power supply with line filter, insensitive to voltage fluctuations
- Super-stable,
short circuit proof 48 V phantom power
RME OctaMic II Features
OctaMic II
offers 8 balanced XLR mic / line inputs via Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks. Each channel
contains switches for 48V phantom power, a low cut filter and phase reversal.
Amplification can be set between 6 and 60 dB. LEDs for signal, clip, and
activated phantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status. When the
special Clip Hold mode is activated, any detected clip-state will cause the
corresponding LED to flash once per second. With this, the user gets a
long-term peak detection, and no longer needs to constantly watch the LEDs. At
the same time momentary overloads are still displayed correctly.
Frontside
switches include power on/off and output level, for a choice of -10 dBV, +4 dBu
or Hi Gain (+19 dBu) as reference level. This unusual feature offers two
advantages. First, the reference level can be easily switched to match any of
RME's current interface devices, from HDSP 9632 through Multiface up to the
renowned ADI-8 series converters. Second, the Signal to Noise ratio is
optimized, and the Clip-LED will exactly match the ones of the ADI-8 (2 dB
below 0 dBFS).
The
balanced line level output signal is available at the back of the unit via 8
stereo TRS jacks. The specially developed, internal hi-performance switch mode
power supply lets the OctaMic II operate in the range of 100V to 240V AC. It is
short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against
voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.
RME OctaMic II A/D Conversion
The
8-Channel AD-conversion of the OctaMic II operates at up to 192 kHz. The
digitized signal is available simultaneously at the double ADAT output (S/MUX,
up to 96 kHz), and at a DB-25 connector (4 AES/EBU outputs, up to 192 kHz). The
digital part can be clocked internally (master) and externally via word clock,
AES/EBU and SPDIF.
RME's
outstanding SteadyClock(TM) ensures perfect AD-conversion, as jitter
on the external sync-sources is nearly completely removed. All settings are
done via DIP-switches on the back of the OctaMic II. Analog outputs and both
digital outputs operate fully simultaneously. The choice of reference level
affects the analog outputs only, the signal/clip indication and the
AD-conversion will react only to the Gain-pots.
RME OctaMic II Tech Specifications
- 8 balanced XLR/TRS mic/line
inputs
- 54 dB gain range
- Input impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, TRS 5 kOhm
- Analog input level: from -40 dBu up to +21 dBu
- Maximum output level: +21 dBu
- Output impedance: 75 Ohm
- Output level switchable Hi Gain / +4 dBu / -10 dBV
- Signal to noise ratio (SNR): 129 dB EIN @ 150 Ohm
- THD: < 0.0005 % @ 30 dB Gain
- Large frequency range (200 kHz) with special EMI input filtering
- Frequency response -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 200 kHz
- Hi-pass filter: 80 Hz, 18 dB/oct.
- Line Out: 1/4" TRS (6.3 mm stereo jack),
servo-balanced
- Phantom power: +48 Volt in every channel
- Internal wide range switching
power supply
100-240 Volt AC
- Unbeatable
price/performance ratio!
- AD
conversion
- SNR: >110 dB(A)
- Supported sample rates: 28 kHz - 200 kHz
- THD: < 0.0003 %, < -110 dB
- Sync Sources: AES/EBU (also SPDIF coaxial),
wordclock, internal SteadyClock(TM) ensures best sound quality even
with jittery external clocks
RME OctaMic II Connectivity
- 8 x Mic /
Line Preamp Input (XLR/TRS Combo)
- 8 x Line
Output (TRS balanced)
- 8 x
AD-converter (up to 192 kHz)
- 2 x ADAT
Output (S/MUX, up to 96 kHz)
- 4 x AES/EBU
Output (D-sub, up to 192 kHz)
- 1 x
AES/SPDIF Sync Input
- Phase, Low
Cut and Phantom power per channel
- Clip Hold
Memory
RME OctaMic II Accessories/Add-Ons
- Digital
breakout cable Pro, AES/EBU, D-sub25 to 4x XLR-3 female + 4x XLR-3 male,
1m/3m/6m (ALVA Audio)
- Digital
D-sub cable, AES/EBU, D-sub25 male to D-Sub25 male, 1m/3m/6m (ALVA Audio)
- Optical
ADAT Toslink cable 1m/2m/3m/5m/10m (ALVA Audio)
- Word Clock
cable, 1 x BNC male to 1 x BNC male, 1m/5m/10m (ALVA Audio)
- BOB-32: Universal Breakout Box with 2 x 8
XLR to 2 D-sub connectors (supports TASCAM and YAMAHA format), flip-frame case
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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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