User`s guide

User's Guide HDSPe MADI FX © RME
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12.3 Multi-client Operation
RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. Several programs can be used at the same
time. The formats ASIO and WDM can even be used on the same playback channels simulta-
neously. As WDM uses a real-time sample rate conversion (ASIO does not), all active ASIO
software has to use the same sample rate.
However, a better overview is maintained by using the channels exclusively. This is no limitation
at all, because TotalMix FX allows for any output routing, and therefore a playback of multiple
software on the same hardware outputs.
Inputs can be used from an unlimited number of WDM and ASIO software at the same time, as
the driver simply sends the data to all applications simultaneously.
RME's sophisticated tool DIGICheck is an exception to this rule. It operates like an ASIO host,
using a special technique to access playback channels directly. Therefore DIGICheck is able to
analyse and display playback data from any software, no matter which format it uses.
12.4 Digital Recording
Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is
present, digital interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording. Taking this into
account, RME added a comprehensive I/O signal status display to the HDSPe MADI FX, show-
ing sample frequency, lock and sync status for every input.
The sample frequency shown in the fields
Clock Mode and Input Status is useful as a
quick display of the current configuration of
the unit and the connected external
equipment. If no sample frequency is
recognized, it will read ‘No Lock’.
This way, configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. HDSPe MADI
FX displays the current sample frequency of the currently used input. This parameter can then
be changed in the application’s audio properties (or similar) dialog.
It often makes sense to monitor the input signal or send it directly to the output. This can be
done at zero latency using TotalMix FX (see chapter 25).
An automated control of real-time monitoring can be achieved by Steinberg’s ASIO protocol
with RME’s ASIO drivers and all ASIO 2 compatible programs. When 'ASIO Direct Monitoring'
has been switched on, the input signal is routed in real-time to the output whenever a recording
is started (punch-in).