RME Launches Analog Multichannel Converter Series At Frankfurt Musikmesse 2009

Mar 17, 2009

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RME launches new analog multichannel MADI and ADAT converter series at Frankfurt Musikmesse 2009 RME's comprehensive MADI line is now extended by hi-class multichannel converters with 16 and 32 channels. The M-series converters have been conceived and optimized for professional studio, stage, and broadcast applications.

Packed into only 2U height the M-32 AD offers a 32-channel AD-conversion to MADI and ADAT in reference quality. The fully symmetrical analog circuit design guarantees excellent S/N and THD specs across a wide analog level range. Using up-to-date converter technology, the device not only works up to 192 kHz, but also reaches a real-world signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dBA — on all channels. Further features are analog limiters for an efficient protection of the analog inouts against overload, three hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, MADI and ADAT I/O, analog inputs via 6.3mm TRS and D-sub connectors, remote control via MIDI and MIDI over MADI, and operation across a wide range of mains voltages.

Nearly identical features are found in the M-32 DA, which offers a 32-channel high-end DA conversion. It is easy to operate despite having a comprehensive feature set. The unit combines excellent analog circuit design with the latest converter chips and RME's superior SteadyClock into a state-of-the-art DA conversion, with outstanding THD and S/N specs of up to 118 dBA.

Both converters are also available as 16-channel versions. Except for the reduced channel count M-16 AD and M-16 DA are identical to their bigger brothers.

M-series converters have optical and coaxial MADI I/Os for fail safe redundancy operation. The MADI input serves not only as optional external clock source, but passes unused channels to the output undelayed. This way the signals of multiple units can be combined serially into one MADI stream of up to 64 channels. Thus RME's new M-series is an unsurpassed flexible base for the realization of multichannel setups. Combinations of the M-16 and M-32 converters allow setups with 16, 32, 48, or 64 channels, according to your individual application or budget. Up to four M-16 AD/DA and up to two M-32 AD/DA can be connected in series via MADI.

Due to the newly developed zero-delay MADI I/O the M-series converters can be used serially without problems with any other MADI devices and setups. A compensation of typical pass-through delays is not necessary as their MADI I/Os operate virtually transparent.

Included ADAT ports make the M-series not only first choice with MADI, but also a perfect solution for all other units having ADAT interfaces.

The converters of the M-series are expected to be available in May 2009.