RME Releases New Details on OctaMic

Oct 10, 2003

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RME has updated the feature list for the soon to be released OctaMic, an extended and enhanced 8-channel version of the 4-channel QuadMic. Both units offer phantom power, low cut filter and phase reversal, all switchable per channel. The OctaMic also features a discrete Class-A front-end and the choice of the current reference level for the balanced line output. Furthermore both units can be operated with nearly any power supply available, including batteries.

The OctaMic will be available in two versions, both having 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs. Amplification can be set between 10 and 60 dB. LEDs for signal, clip, and activated phantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status. The OctaMic offers a special mode called Clip Hold. When activated, any detected clip-state will cause the corresponding LED to flash once per second. This way, the user gets 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 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 ADI-8 series converters. Second, the Signal to Noise ratio is optimized, and the Clip-LED will exactly match the ones on 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, and also via a 25-pin D-sub connector, for a direct and lockable connection to RME's 8-channel converters ADI-8 PRO and DS with just one cable.

The OctaMic D includes the optional OctaMic ADC module, which can also be added to the OctaMic basic version. The ADC Module adds 8 channels of 192 kHz AD-conversion, available as double ADAT output (S/MUX, up to 96 kHz), and simultaneously via DB-25 connector as 4 AES outputs (up to 192 kHz). The ADC can be clocked internally (master), and externally via word clock and AES sync. RME's SteadyClock reduced jitter on the external sync-sources. All settings are done via DIP-switches on the back of the OctaMic D. 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.

OctaMic is expected to ship in November 2003.