User’s Guide ADI-8 DS Mk III A true industry standard SyncAlign ™ ™ SyncCheck ™ SteadyClock Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 192 kHz Reference Low Latency Conversion 8-Channel Analog <> AES / ADAT Interface 24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio ADAT <> AES Format Converter AES-3 24 Bit Interface
Important Safety Instructions ..................................4 General 1 2 3 4 Introduction ...............................................................6 Package Contents .....................................................6 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6 First Usage – Quick Start 4.1 Controls - Connectors - Displays ............................7 4.2 Quick Start Operation..............................................8 5 Accessories ......................................
Important Safety Instructions ATTENTION! Do not open chassis – risk of electric shock The unit has non-isolated live parts inside. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified service personnel. Mains • The device must be earthed – never use it without proper grounding • Do not use defective power cords • Operation of the device is limited to the manual • Use same type of fuse only To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this device to rain or moisture.
User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
User’s Guide ADI-8 DS General User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME 5
1. Introduction RME's ADI-8 DS is an 8-channel high-end AD/DA converter with a truly unique feature set. The device combines excellent analog circuit design with the latest generation of outstanding low latency AD/DA converter chips. Along with its integrated SteadyClock, the ADI-8 DS offers AD and DA conversion of the highest quality. When developing the ADI-8 DS we used all our experience, and also the experience of our customers, to create a unique, excellent and high-quality unit.
4. First Usage – Quick Start 4.1 Controls - Connectors - Displays The front of the ADI-8 DS features 16 LED level meters, six select keys and 27 LEDs providing a detailed status display. The analog input sensitivity can be changed in the area A/D REFERENCE. In A/D STATE 8 level meters show the digital input level per channel. The LEDs in A/D OUTPUT indicate which digital output currently carries the signal of the analog to digital conversion.
4.2 Quick Start Operation After connection of all cables and power-on of the device, the configuration of the ADI-8 DS begins in the CLOCK section. Choose a clock source and a sample rate. Connect the TRS-jacks or the D-sub connector with the analog signal source. Change the input sensitivity by pressing A/D REFERENCE until the input level is sufficient to avoid noisy operation. Try to achieve an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself.
5. Accessories RME offers several optional components for the ADI-8 DS: Part Number Description OK0050 OK0100 OK0200 OK0300 OK0500 OK1000 Optical cable, Toslink, 0.5 m (1.7 ft) Optical cable, Toslink, 1 m (3.3 ft) Optical cable, Toslink, 2 m (6.6 ft) Optical cable, Toslink, 3 m (9.9 ft) Optical cable, Toslink, 5 m 16.4 ft) Optical cable, Toslink, 10 m (32.8 ft) BO25MXLR4M4F1PRO Digital Breakout Cable Pro, AES/EBU 25-pin D-sub to 4 x XLR male + 4 x XLR female, 1m (3.3 ft) BO25MXLR4M4F3PRO same, 3 m (9.
6. Warranty Each individual ADI-8 DS undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete test at IMM before shipping. The usage of high grade components should guarantee a long and trouble-free operation of the unit. If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer. Audio AG grants a limited manufacturer warranty of 6 months from the day of invoice showing the date of sale. The length of the warranty period is different per country.
CE / FCC Compliance CE This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility according to RL2004/108/EG, and European Low Voltage Directive RL2006/95/EG. FCC This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
User’s Guide ADI-8 DS Usage and Operation User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME 13
8. Front Panel Controls 8.1 A/D Reference The analog input sensitivity of the AD-converters is referenced to digital full scale level (0 dBFS). The choices are: +4.2 dBu (-10 dBV compatible), +13 dBu, +19 dBu and +24 dBu. As the adaptation is performed in the analog domain, the ADI-8 DS achieves the highest possible values for Signal to Noise ratio and distortion in any setting. 8.2 A/D State - Meters The 8 level meters of the D/A STATE show the digital value (dBFS) of the input level per channel.
8.5 Clock Section The source and frequency of the unit's clock is configured in the CLOCK section. The button CLOCK lets you step through the options external clock (Word, AES, ADAT) and internal clock, and sets the sample rate range for both an external and the internal clock. WCK, AES, ADAT Defines the corresponding input as clock reference. A missing or invalid clock source signal is indicated by flashing of the corresponding LED. INT (Master Mode) Activates the internal clock.
8.6 D/A Input The button D/A Input selects the signal source of the DA-converters. A currently active Patch Mode does not disable this function, the DAconversion is always available. Each input has its own SYNC LED. If a valid input signal is applied, SyncCheck is automatically active. SyncCheck takes the chosen clock (internal, external, etc.) as reference and compares it with the input clocks. Inputs which are not synchronous will be signalled by flashing of the corresponding SYNC LED. 8.
User’s Guide ADI-8 DS Inputs and Outputs User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME 17
9. Analog Inputs / Outputs 9.1 Line In The ADI-8 DS rear has 8 balanced Line inputs, provided by 1/4" TRS and a 25-pin D-sub connector. Both are internally connected, so can not be used at the same time. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles unbalanced (mono jacks) and balanced (XLR, stereo jacks) signals correctly, automatically adjusting the level reference. When using unbalanced cables with XLR or TRS connectors be sure to connect pin 3 (- or ring) to 1 (ground).
9.2 Line Out The ADI-8 DS has 8 balanced Line outputs on the rear, provided by 1/4" TRS and a 25-pin D-sub connector. They have their own output drivers respectively and can therefore – in contrary to the inputs – be used simultaneously. The electronic output stage of the TRS jacks is built in a servo-balanced design which handles unbalanced (mono plugs) and balanced (stereo plugs) correctly, automatically adjusting the level reference. The maximum output level is +21 dBu.
10. Digital Inputs / Outputs 10.1 AES/EBU The four AES/EBU inputs and outputs are provided on the rear of the ADI-8 DS via a 25-pin Dsub connector with Tascam pinout (pinout see chapter 12.5). A digital breakout cable will provide 4 male and 4 female XLR connectors. Every input and output is transformer-balanced and galvanically isolated. The inputs can be used in any combination, e. g. it is sufficient to connect an input signal only to input 3.
10.2 ADAT Optical The ADI-8 DS provides two digital inputs and outputs in ADAT optical format. Using sample rates up to 48 kHz only the port labelled MAIN is relevant for operation. Higher sample rates than 48 kHz are realized by sample multiplexing. When using more than four channels at Double Speed or two channels at Quad Speed, the port labelled AUX has to be used as well.
11. Word Clock 11.1 Word Clock Input and Output Input The ADI-8 DS word clock input is active when WCK is chosen in the clock section. The signal at the BNC input can be Single, Double or Quad Speed, the ADI-8 DS automatically adapts to it. As soon as a valid signal is detected, the WCK LED is constantly lit, otherwise it is flashing. Thanks to RME's Signal Adaptation Circuit, the word clock input still works correctly even with heavily mis-shaped, dc-prone, too small or overshoot-prone signals.
11.2 Operation and Technical Background In the analog domain one can connect any device to another device, a synchronization is not necessary. Digital audio is different. It uses a clock, the sample frequency. The signal can only be processed and transmitted when all participating devices share the same clock. If not, the signal will suffer from wrong samples, distortion, crackle sounds and drop outs.
11.3 Cabling and Termination Word clock signals are usually distributed in the form of a network, split with BNC T-adapters and terminated with resistors. We recommend using off-the-shelf BNC cables to connect all devices, as this type of cable is used for most computer networks. Actually you will find all the necessary components (T-adapters, terminators, cables) in most electronics and computer stores. The latter usually carries 50 Ohm components.
User’s Guide ADI-8 DS Technical Reference User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME 25
12. Technical Specifications • • • • • • • Power supply: Internal, 100-240 V AC, 30 Watts Typical power consumption: 12 Watts Dimensions including rack ears (WxHxD): 483 x 44 x 242 mm (19" x 1.73" x 9.5") Dimensions without rack ears/handles (WxHxD): 436 x 44 x 235 mm (17.2" x 1.73" x 9.3") Weight: 2 kg ( 4.4 lbs) Temperature range: +5° up to +50° Celsius (41° F up to 122°F) Relative humidity: < 75%, non condensing 12.1 Analog Line In 1-8, TRS/D-Sub • Input: 6.
12.2 Digital Inputs AES/EBU • 4 x 25-pin D-sub, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992 • High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp) • SPDIF compatible (IEC 60958) • Accepts Consumer and Professional format • Lock Range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz • Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns • Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.
12.3 Digital Outputs AES/EBU • 4 x, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992 • Output voltage Professional 4.0 Vpp • Format Professional according to AES3-1992 Amendment 4 • Single Wire: 4 x 2 channels 24 bit, up to 192 kHz ADAT • 2 x TOSLINK • Standard: 8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz • S/MUX: 16 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz, equalling 8 channels 24 bit 96 kHz • S/MUX4: 16 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz, equalling 4 channels 24 bit 192 kHz Word Clock • BNC • Max.
12.5 Connector Pinouts D-Sub AES/EBU The D-sub connector provides four AES inputs and outputs. The pinout uses the widely spread Tascam scheme. Tascam: Signal D-Sub Signal D-Sub In 1/2+ 24 In 1/212 In 3/4+ 10 In 3/423 In 5/6+ 21 In 5/69 In 7/8+ 7 In 7/820 Out 1/2+ 18 Out 1/26 Out 3/4+ 4 Out 3/417 Out 5/6+ 15 Out 5/63 Out 7/8+ 1 Out 7/814 GND is connected to pins 2, 5, 8, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25. Pin 13 is not connected. The Yamaha pinout is quite popular as well.
D-Sub Analog Inputs / Outputs The 25 pin D-sub connectors of analog input and output are wired according to the Tascam scheme, as shown in this table: Channel D-sub 1+ 24 112 2+ 10 223 3+ 21 39 4+ 7 420 5+ 18 56 6+ 4 617 7+ 15 73 8+ 1 814 GND is connected to pins 2, 5, 8, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25. Pin 13 is unconnected. The servo balanced input circuitry allows to use unbalanced connections with no loss in level. For this to work, pins 3 (-) and 1 (GND) have to be connected.
13. Technical Background 13.1 Terminology Single Speed Sample rate range originally used in Digital Audio. Typical applications are 32 kHz (digital radio broadcast), 44.1 kHz (CD), and 48 kHz (DAT). Double Speed Doubles the original sample rate range, in order to achieve higher audio quality and improved audio processing. 64 kHz is practically never used, 88.2 kHz is quite rare in spite of certain advantages. 96 kHz is a common format. Sometimes called Double Fast.
13.2 Lock and SyncCheck Digital signals consist of a carrier and the data. If a digital signal is applied to an input, the receiver has to synchronize to the carrier clock in order to read the data correctly. To achieve this, the receiver uses a PLL (Phase Locked Loop). As soon as the receiver meets the exact frequency of the incoming signal, it is locked. This Lock state remains even with small changes of the frequency, because the PLL tracks the receiver's frequency.
13.3 Latency and Monitoring The term Zero Latency Monitoring has been introduced by RME in 1998 for the DIGI96 series and describes the ability to pass-through the computer's input signal at the interface directly to the output. Since then, the idea behind has become one of the most important features of modern hard disk recording.
13.4 DS - Double Speed When activating the Double Speed mode the ADI-8 DS operates at double sample rate. The internal clock 44.1 kHz turns to 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz to 96 kHz. The internal resolution is still 24 bit. Sample rates above 48 kHz were not always taken for granted, and are still not widely used because of the CD format (44.1 kHz) dominating everything. Before 1998 there were no receiver/transmitter circuits available that could receive or transmit more than 48 kHz.
13.6 AES/EBU - SPDIF The most important electrical properties of 'AES' and 'SPDIF' can be seen in the table below. AES/EBU is the professional balanced connection using XLR plugs. The standard is being set by the Audio Engineering Society based on the AES3-1992. For the 'home user', SONY and Philips have omitted the balanced connection and use either Phono plugs or optical cables (TOSLINK). The format called S/P-DIF (SONY/Philips Digital Interface) is described by IEC 60958.
13.7 Signal to Noise Ratio in DS- / QS-Operation The outstanding signal to noise ratio of the ADI-8 DS AD-converters can be verified even without expensive test equipment, by using record level meters of various software. But when activating the DS and QS mode, the displayed noise level will rise from -115 dBFS to -106 dBFS at 96 kHz, and –79 dBFS at 192 kHz. This is not a failure.
13.8 SteadyClock The SteadyClock technology of the ADI-8 DS guarantees an excellent performance in all clock modes. Its highly efficient jitter suppression refreshes and cleans up any clock signal, and provides it as reference clock at the word clock output. Usually a clock section consists of an analog PLL for external synchronization and several quartz oscillators for internal synchronization. SteadyClock requires one quartz only, using a frequency not equalling digital audio.
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