RME Announces Micstasy Firmware 2.0 Update and MIDI Remote 1.4

Jun 12, 2007

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RME has announced that a re-engineered and enhanced Firmware 2.0 Update for the Micstasy is now available. The update gives the Micstasy direct compatibility with Yamaha's M7C and PM5D mixing consoles, responding to their Sysex commands. Input gain is adjustable in steps of 1dB (gain range of -9 to 63dB), with phantom power selectable on each channel.

The Micstasy can also be controlled from Yamaha's DM1000 and DM 2000 consoles via MIDI, even though the protocols are not directly compatible. For this purpose, the consoles' MIDI remote layer functionality has to be set up so that it corresponds to the Micstasy's Sysex remote protocol.

A main feature of this latest update is its digital return functionality. Until now the Micstasy M has acted as a one-way A/D converter, with its MADI input functioning as a pass through when several units are chained together in series. Selecting the new "Digital Output" menu option, a group of eight MADI input signals can now be made available at the ADAT and AES outputs. This allows audio to be sent to and from the Micstasy via MADI, using the MADI connection as a return path.

The Micstasy's Word Clock output followed the current sample rate up to 192 kHz. However by selecting the "Always Single Speed" option, the sample rate is adjusted so that it is always in the region of 32 to 48 kHz. In the case of 96 and 192 kHz sample rates, a uniform 48 kHz is output. This is an indispensable option for ensuring accurate sample synchronicity between multiple devices using S/MUX based interfaces, like ADAT and MADI.

Version 1.4 of the free MIDI Remote Control software is now available. This includes practically all the new features found in the firmware 2.0 update, plus an improved view of the Micstasy with larger gain display. If several devices are in use simultaneously, an optional Slim View allows all the different control surface windows to remain visible on the monitor.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rme-audio.com.