User's Guide Hammerfall® DSP System HDSP 9632 ™ TotalMix 24 Bit / 192 kHz 9 ® SyncAlign ZLM ® ® SyncCheck ™ SteadyClock PCI Busmaster Digital I/O System 2 + 8 + 2 Channels SPDIF / ADAT / Analog Interface 24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio 24 Bit / 192 kHz Stereo Analog Monitor MIDI I/O
General 1 2 3 4 5 6 Introduction ...............................................................6 Package Contents .....................................................6 System Requirements ..............................................6 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6 Hardware Installation................................................7 Hardware – Connectors 6.1 External Connectors ..............................................7 6.2 Internal Connectors.........................
Driver Installation and Operation - Mac OS X 19 Driver and Flash Update 19.1 Driver Installation ................................................. 34 19.2 Driver Update....................................................... 34 19.3 Flash Update........................................................ 34 20 Configuring the HDSP 9632 20.1 Settings Dialog..................................................... 35 20.2 Settings Dialog – DDS ......................................... 37 20.
28 TotalMix: The Matrix 28.1 Overview ..............................................................66 28.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................66 28.3 Usage...................................................................66 28.4 Advantages of the Matrix .....................................67 29 TotalMix Super-Features 29.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows only) ..............67 29.2 Selection and Group based Operation ................68 29.3 Copy Routings to other Channels ......
User's Guide HDSP 9632 General User's Guide HDSP System HDSP 9632 © RME 5
1. Introduction Thank you for choosing the RME Hammerfall DSP system. This unique audio system is capable of transferring analog and digital audio data directly to a computer from practically any device. The latest Plug and Play technology guarantees a simple installation, even for the inexperienced user. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialog puts the Hammerfall DSP at the very top of the range of computer-based audio interfaces.
5. Hardware Installation Before installing the PCI card, please make sure the computer is switched off and the power cable is disconnected from the mains supply. Inserting or removing a PCI card while the computer is in operation can cause irreparable damage to both motherboard and card! 1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the computer. 2. Remove the computer's housing. Further information on how to do this can be obtained from your computer´s instruction manual. 3.
6.2 Internal Connectors CD / AEB / SYNC IN This internal digital input can be used with both SPDIF and ADAT. SPDIF • Connection to an internal CD-ROM drive with digital audio output. Allows for a direct transfer of digital audio data within the computer. • Connection to SYNC OUT of another card. This internal SPDIF connection can be used to synchronize multiple cards with sample accuracy, and without the need for an external connection.
7. Accessories RME offers several optional components. Additionally parts of the HDSP 9632, like the special breakout cables, are available separately. Part Number 36003 36004 36006 36007 36008 36009 Description Optical cable, TOSLINK, 0.5 m (1.6 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 (33 ft) Standard lightpipe with TOSLINK connectors, RME approved quality.
9. Appendix RME news, driver updates and further product information are available on our website: http://www.rme-audio.com Distributor: Audio AG, Am Pfanderling 60, D-85778 Haimhausen, Tel.: (49) 08133 / 91810 Manufacturer: IMM Elektronik GmbH, Leipziger Strasse 32, D-09648 Mittweida Trademarks All trademarks, registered or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. RME, DIGI96, SyncAlign, ZLM, SyncCheck, DIGICheck and Hammerfall are registered trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions.
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 RL89/336/EWG and RL73/23/EWG. 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 HDSP System HDSP 9632 © RME
User's Guide HDSP 9632 Driver Installation and Operation - Windows User's Guide HDSP System HDSP 9632 © RME 13
10. Driver and Firmware 10.1 Driver Installation After the PCI card has been installed correctly (see 5. Hardware Installation), and the computer has been switched on, Windows will recognize the new hardware component and start its ‘Hardware Wizard’. Insert the RME Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive, and follow further instructions which appear on your computer screen. The driver files are located in the directory \WDM on the RME Driver CD.
10.4 Firmware Update The Flash Update Tool updates the HDSP 9632 to the latest firmware version. It requires an already installed driver. Start the program hdsp_fut.exe. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the HDSP 9632, and whether it needs an update or not. If so, then please press the 'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished. The bar moves slowly first (program), then faster (verify).
Options SyncAlign guarantees synchronous channels when using WDM multitrack software. This option should only be switched off in case the used software does not work correctly with SyncAlign activated. AEB activates the internal connector as ADAT input instead of the optical TOSLINK. An expansion board (AEB4-I, AEB8-I, TEB) can be connected here.
Pref. Sync Ref. Used to pre-select the desired clock source. If the selected source isn't available, the unit will change to the next available one. The current clock source and sample rate is displayed in the AutoSync Ref display. The automatic clock selection checks and changes between the clock sources Word Clock, ADAT and SPDIF. System Clock Shows the current clock state of the HDSP system. The system is either Master (using its own clock) or Slave (see AutoSync Ref).
11.2 Settings dialog - DDS Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in between. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision.
Application examples DDS allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From alignment to other sources up to creative effects – everything is possible.. DDS allows to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning. DDS allows to define a specific sample rate. This feature can be is useful in case the system randomly changes the sample rate – for unknown reasons.
Via Pref. Sync Ref (preferred synchronization reference) a preferred input can be defined. As long as the card sees a valid signal there, this input will be designated as the sync source, otherwise the other inputs will be scanned in turn. If none of the inputs are receiving a valid signal, the card automatically switches clock mode to ‘Master’. To cope with some situations which may arise in studio practice, setting ‘Pref Sync Ref’ is essential.
12. Operation and Usage 12.1 Playback The HDSP system can play back audio data only in supported modes (channels, PCM) and formats (sample rate, bit resolution). Otherwise an error message appears (for example at 22 kHz and 8 bit). In the audio application being used, HDSP must be selected as output device. This can often be found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus under Playback Device, Audio Devices, Audio etc. We strongly recommend switching off all system sounds (via >Control Panel /Sounds<).
12.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS) under MME AC-3 / DTS When using popular DVD software player like WinDVD and PowerDVD, their audio data stream can be sent to any AC-3/DTS capable receiver, using the Hammerfall DSP's SPDIF output. For this to work the SPDIF output wave device has to be selected in >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<. Also check 'use preferred device only'. You will notice that the DVD software's audio properties now allow to use 'SPDIF Out', 'Use SPDIF' or to 'activate SPDIF output'.
12.3 Notes on WDM The driver offers a WDM streaming device per stereo pair, like HDSP 9632 (1+2). WDM streaming is Microsoft's current driver and audio system, directly embedded into the operating system. WDM streaming is nearly unusable for professional music purposes, as all data is processed by the so called Kernel Mixer, causing a latency of at least 30 ms.
12.4 Multi-client Operation RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. This means several programs can be used at the same time. Also all formats (ASIO, WDM, GSIF) can be used simultaneously. The use of multi-client operation requires to follow two simple rules: • Multi-client operation requires identical sample rates! I.e. it is not possible to use one software with 44.1 kHz and the other with 48 kHz. • Different software can not use the same channels at the same time.
12.5 Digital Recording Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is present, digital I/O cards always need a valid input signal to start recording. To take this into account RME included a comprehensive I/O signal status display (showing sample frequency, lock and sync status) in the Settings dialog.
12.6 Analog Recording For recordings via the analog inputs the corresponding record device has to be chosen (HDSP Analog (x+x)). The input sensitivity of the analog inputs can be adjusted via the Settings dialog to meet the most often used studio levels, see chapter 24.1. 13. Operation under ASIO 2.0 13.1 General Start the ASIO software and select ASIO Hammerfall DSP as the audio I/O device. The 'ASIO system control' button opens the HDSP's Settings dialog (see chapter 11 / 20, Configuration).
14. Operation under GSIF (Gigasampler Interface) Windows 2000/XP The GSIF interface of the Hammerfall DSP allows direct operation with Gigastudio, with up to 18 channels, 96 kHz and 24 bit. The new GSIF 2.1 is also supported with both audio and MIDI. Gigastudio requires a lot of the computer’s calculation power. An optimum performance is achieved with a stand-alone GSIF PC. However, when using the Hammerfall DSP, the latency is always the same as the one selected for ASIO operation.
15. Using more than one Hammerfall DSP The current drivers support operation of up to three Hammerfall DSP systems. All cards of theHDSP and HDSPe systems share the same driver, therefore can be used simultaneously in any combination. Please note that only one ADAT Sync In can be used (of course). All units have to be in sync, i.e. have to receive valid sync information either via word clock or by using AutoSync and feeding synchronized signals.
17. Hotline – Troubleshooting 17.1 General The newest information can always be found on our website www.rme-audio.com, section FAQ, Latest Additions. The input signal cannot be monitored in real-time • ASIO Direct Monitoring has not been enabled, and/or monitoring has been disabled globally (for example in TotalMix). The 8 ADAT channels don’t seem to work • The optical output has been switched to SPDIF. The ADAT playback devices are still usable by routing and mixing them in TotalMix to other outputs.
17.2 Installation Hammerfall DSP is found in the Device Manager (>Settings/ Control Panel/ System<), category 'Sound-, Video- and Gamecontroller'. A double click on ' HDSP 9632' starts the properties dialog. Choosing 'Resources' shows Interrupt and Memory Range. The newest information on hardware problems can always be found on our website www.rmeaudio.com, section FAQ, Hardware Alert: about incompatible hardware.
18. Diagrams 18.1 Channel Routing ASIO at 96 kHz This diagram shows the signal paths in ASIO double speed mode (88.2 / 96 kHz). The devices available via the ASIO driver have been designed to avoid conflicts in normal operation. Record and playback are identical.
18.2 Channel Routing WDM at 96 kHz This diagram shows the signal paths in MME double speed mode (88.2 / 96 kHz). The devices available via the MME wave driver have been designed to avoid conflicts in normal operation, which is why channels 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the ADAT device have been omitted. Record and playback are identical.
User's Guide HDSP 9632 Driver Installation and Operation – Mac OS X User's Guide HDSP System HDSP 9632 © RME 33
19. Driver and Flash Update 19.1 Driver Installation First fit the card (see 5. Hardware Installation), then switch on the computer and install the drivers from the RME Driver CD. The driver file is located in the folder Hammerfall DSP. Installation works automatically by a double-click on the file hdsp.mpkg. RME recommends to download the latest driver version from the RME website! If done, the procedure is as follows: Double-click onto hdsp_xx.gz to expand the archive file to hdsp_xx.
20. Configuring the HDSP 9632 20.1 Settings Dialog Configuring the HDSP 9632 is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can be opened by clicking on the hammer icon in the dock. The mixer of the HDSP 9632, TotalMix, can be opened by clicking on the mixer icon in the dock. The Hammerfall DSP’s hardware offers a number of helpful, well thought-of practical functions and options which affect how the card operates - it can be configured to suit many different requirements.
Clock Mode The unit can be configured to use its internal clock source (Master), or the clock source predefined via Pref Sync Ref (AutoSync). Pref Sync Ref Used to pre-select the desired clock source. If the selected source isn't available, the unit will change to the next available one. The current clock source and sample rate is displayed in the AutoSync Ref display. The automatic clock selection checks and changes between the clock sources Word Clock, ADAT optical and SPDIF.
20.2 Settings dialog - DDS Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in between. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision.
Application examples DDS allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From alignment to other sources up to creative effects – everything is possible.. DDS allows to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning. DDS allows to define a specific sample rate. This feature can be is useful in case the system randomly changes the sample rate – for unknown reasons.
If several digital devices are to be used simultaneously in a system, they not only have to operate with the same sample frequency but also be synchronous with each other. This is why digital systems always need a single device defined as ‘master’, which sends the same clock signal to all the other (‘slave’) devices. RME’s exclusive SyncCheck technology (first implemented in the Hammerfall) enables an easy to use check and display of the current clock status.
21. Mac OS X FAQ 21.1 Round about Driver Installation The driver with the file suffix gz provided by RME is a compressed TAR archive. TAR bundles multiple files and folders into one file, but does not save memory space nor download time. Both TAR and gz are supported natively by OS X, a double click on the file is all you need to do. Older browsers do not recognize gz as an archive, loading the file as a document. This results in a cryptic looking text within the browser window.
21.3 Supported Sample Rates RME's Mac OS X driver supports all sampling frequencies provided by the hardware. Besides 192 kHz and 96 kHz this also includes 32 kHz and 64 kHz. But not every software will support all the hardware's sample rates. For example Spark does not display 32 kHz and 64 kHz. The hardware's capabilities can easily be verified in the Audio MIDI Setup. Select Audio devices under Properties of: and choose the Hammerfall DSP. A click on Format will list the supported sample frequencies.
Multicard Operation OS X supports more than one audio device. Since 10.4 (Tiger) Core Audio offers the function Aggregate Devices, which allows to combine several devices into one, so that a multi-device operation is possible with any software. The Hammerfall DSP driver adds a number to each unit, so they are fully accessible in any multicard-capable software. 22. Hotline – Troubleshooting The newest information can always be found on our website www.rme-audio.com, section Support, Macintosh OS.
23. Diagram: Channel Routing at 96 kHz This diagram shows the signal paths in double speed mode (88.2 / 96 kHz). The last four channels of the ADAT port have no function anymore in Core Audio, but are used by the hardware to transmit data at double sample rate.
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User's Guide HDSP 9632 Connections and TotalMix User's Guide HDSP System HDSP 9632 © RME 45
24. Analog Connections 24.1 Line Inputs The HDSP 9632 has an unbalanced stereo Line input via RCA connectors. The optional analog XLR breakout cable turns the inputs into fully balanced ones. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles unbalanced and balanced signals correctly, automatically adjusting the level reference. When using unbalanced cables with the XLR breakout cable: be sure to connect the 'ring' contact of a stereo TRS jack, and pin 3 of a XLR jack, to ground.
24.2 Line Outputs The short circuit protected, low impedance line outputs (channels 11/12) are available as unbalanced outputs via phono breakout cable. The optional analog XLR breakout cable provides XLR connectors and fully balanced operation. The electronic output stage does not operate servo balanced! When connecting unbalanced equipment, make sure pin 3 of the XLR output is not connected.
25. Digital Connections 25.1 ADAT The ADAT optical I/O of the HDSP 9632 is fully compatible to all ADAT equipped units. RME's unsurpassed Bitclock PLL prevents clicks and drop outs even in extreme varipitch operation, and guarantees a fast and low jitter lock to the digital input signal. A usual TOSLINK cable is sufficient for connection. More information on Double Speed (S/MUX) can be found in chapter 33.3. ADAT In Interface for a device sending an ADAT signal to the HDSP 9632. Carries the channels 1 to 8.
Note: Recordings with (pre-) emphasis show a treble boost (50/15 µs), which has to be compensated at playback. Therefore, when selecting Emphasis all analog outputs will be processed by a treble filter based on 50/15µs, which sounds like a high cut. The HDSP 9632’s new output header is optimized for largest compatibility with other digital devices: • 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.
26. Word Clock 26.1 Word Clock Input and Output (optional Word Clock Module) SteadyClock guarantees an excellent performance in all clock modes. Based on the highly efficient jitter suppression, the HDSP 9632 refreshes and cleans up any clock signal, and provides it as reference clock at the BNC output (see section 33.7). Input The HDSP 9632's transformer isolated word clock input is active when Pref.
26.2 Technical Description and Usage 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. AES/EBU, SPDIF and ADAT are self-clocking, an additional word clock connection in principle isn't necessary.
26.3 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. You will find all the necessary components (T-adapters, terminators, cables) in most electronics and/or computer stores.
27. TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring 27.1 Overview The HDSP 9632 includes a powerful digital real-time mixer, the Hammerfall DSP mixer, based on RME’s unique, sample-rate independent TotalMix technology. It allows for practically unlimited mixing and routing operations, with all inputs and playback channels simultaneously, to any hardware outputs. Here are some typical applications for TotalMix: • Setting up delay-free submixes (headphone mixes).
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27.2 The User Interface The visual design of the TotalMix mixer is a result of its capability to route hardware inputs and software playback channels to any hardware output. The HDSP 9632 provides up to 16 input channels, 16 software playback channels, and 16 hardware output channels: 32 channels don't fit on the screen side by side, neither does such an arrangement provide a useful overview. The input channel should be placed above the corresponding output channel.
27.3 Elements of a Channel A single channel consists of various elements: Input channels and playback channels each have a mute and solo button. Below there is the panpot, realized as indicator bar (L/R) in order to save space. In the field below, the present level is displayed in RMS or Peak, being updated about every half a second. Overs (overload) are indicated here by an additional red dot. Next is the fader with a level meter.
As shown it is very easy to set up a specific submix for whatever output: select output channel, set up fader and pans of inputs and playbacks – ready! For advanced users sometimes it makes sense to work without Submix View. Example: you want to see and set up some channels of different submixes simultaneously, without the need to change between them all the time. Switch off the Submix View by a click on the green button.
You will certainly have noticed that the signal at the outputs 7/8 did not change while you were routing channel 4 to other outputs and setting different gain values for those. With all analog and most digital mixing desks, the fader setting would affect the level for every routed bus - not so for TotalMix. TotalMix allows for setting all fader values individually. Therefore the faders and the panpots jump to the appropriate setting as soon as another routing is chosen.
27.7 The Quick Access Panel This section includes additional options, further improving the handling of TotalMix. The Master buttons for Mute and Solo have already been described, they allow for group-based working with these functions. In the View section the single mixer rows can be made visible or invisible. If the inputs are not needed for a pristine playback mix, the whole upper row falls out of the picture after a click on the Input button.
Mouse: The original factory presets can be reloaded by holding down the Ctrlkey and clicking on any preset button. Alternatively the files described above can be renamed, moved to a different directory, or being deleted. Keyboard: Using Ctrl and any number between 1 and 8 (not on the numeric keypad!) will load the corresponding factory default preset. The key Alt will load the user presets instead. When loading a preset file, for example 'Main Monitor AN 1_2 plus headphone mix 3_4.
27.9 The Monitor Panel The Monitor panel provides several options usually found on analog mixing desks. It offers quick access to monitoring functions which are needed all the time in typical studio work. Monitor Main Use the drop down menu to select the hardware outputs where your main monitors are connected to. Dim A click on this button will lower the volume of your main monitor output (see above) by an amount set up in the Preferences dialog (see below).
Main Monitor Dim: Amount of attenuation of the Main Monitor output in dB. Activated by the Dim button in the Monitor panel. Stereo Pan Law The Pan Law can be set to -6 dB, -4.5 dB, -3 dB and 0 dB. The value chosen defines the level attenuation in pan center position. This setting is useful because the ASIO host often supports different pan laws too. Selecting the same value here and in the ASIO host, ASIO Direct Monitoring works perfectly, as both ASIO host and TotalMix use the same pan law.
27.12 Hotkeys In many situations TotalMix can be controlled quickly and comfortably by the keyboard, making the mixer setup considerably easier and faster. The Shift-key for the fine mode for faders and panpots has already been mentioned. The Ctrl-key can do far more than changing the routing pairwise: • Clicking anywhere into the fader area with the Ctrl-key pressed, sets the fader to 0 dB. • Clicking anywhere into the pan area with the Ctrl-key pressed, sets the panorama to meaning Center.
27.13 Menu Options Always on Top: When active (checked) the TotalMix window will always be on top of the Windows desktop. Note: This function may result in problems with windows containing help text, as the TotalMix window will even be on top of those windows, so the help text isn't readable. Deactivate Screensaver: When active (checked) any activated Windows screensaver will be disabled temporarily. Ignore Position: When active, the windows size and position stored in a file or preset will not be used.
27.14 Level Meter The HDSP 9632 calculates all the display values Peak, Over and RMS in hardware, in order to be capable of using them independent of the software in use, and to significantly reduce the CPU load. Tip: This feature, the Hardware Level Meter, is used by DIGICheck (Windows only, see chapter 16) to display Peak/RMS level meters of all channels, nearly without any CPU load. The level meters integrated in TotalMix - considering their size - cannot be compared with DIGICheck.
28. TotalMix: The Matrix 28.1 Overview The mixer window of TotalMix looks and operates similar to mixing desks, as it is based on a conventional stereo design. The matrix display presents a different method of assigning and routing channels, based on a single channel or monaural design. The matrix view of the HDSP looks and works like a conventional patchbay, adding functionality way beyond comparable hardware and software soutions.
28.4 Advantages of the Matrix The Matrix not always replaces the mixer view, but it significantly enhances the routing capabilities and - more important - is a brilliant way to get a fast overview of all active routings. It shows you in a glance what's going on. And since the Matrix operates monaural, it is very easy to set up specific routings with specific gains.
29.2 Selection and Group-based Operation Click on the white name label of channel 1 and 2 in TotalMix. Be sure to have channel 3's fader set to a different position and click on its label too. All three labels have changed to the colour orange, which means they are selected. Now moving any of these faders will make the other faders move too. This is called 'building a group of faders', or ganging faders, maintaining their relative position.
29.5 Recording a Subgroup (Loopback) TotalMix supports a routing of the subgroup outputs (=hardware outputs, bottom row) to the recording software. Instead of the signal at the hardware input, the signal at the hardware output is sent to the record software. This way, complete submixes can be recorded without an external loopback cable. Also the playback of a software can be recorded by another software. To activate this function, click on the white label in the third row while holding down the Ctrl-key.
Recording a Software's playback In real world application, recording a software's output with another software will show the following problem: The record software tries to open the same playback channel as the playback software (already active), or the playback one has already opened the input channel which should be used by the record software. This problem can easily be solved.
Unfortunately, very often it is not possible within the record software to assign a different input channel to an existing track 'on the fly'. The loopback mode solves this problem elegantly. The routing scheme stays the same, with the input channel 1 sent to any output via TotalMix, to the Compressor, from the Compressor back to any input. Now this input signal is routed directly to output 1, and output 1 is then switched into loopback mode via Ctrl-mouse. As explained in chapter 29.
30.3 Setup • Open the Preferences dialog (menu Options or F3). Select the MIDI Input and MIDI Output port where your controller is connected to. • When no feedback is needed (when using only standard MIDI commands instead of Mackie Control protocol) select NONE as MIDI Output. • Check Enable MIDI Control in the Options menu. 30.3 Operation The channels being under MIDI control are indicated by a colour change of the info field below the faders, black turns to yellow.
30.5 Simple MIDI Control The stereo output faders (lowest row) which are set up as Monitor Main outputs in the Monitor panel can also be controlled by the standard Control Change Volume via MIDI channel 1. With this, the main volume of the HDSP 9632 is controlable from nearly any MIDI equipped hardware device. Even if you don't want to control all faders and pans, some buttons are highly desired to be available in 'hardware'.
Examples for sending MIDI strings*: - Set input 1 to 0 dB: B0 66 40 - Set input 17 to maximum attenuation: B1 66 0 - Set playback 1 to maximum: B4 66 7F - Set Output 16 to 0 dB setzen B8 75 40 *Note: Sending MIDI strings might require to use programmer's logic for the MIDI channel, starting with 0 for channel 1 and ending with 15 for channel 16. 30.6 Loopback Detection The Mackie Control protocol requires feedback of the received commands, back to the hardware controller.
User's Guide HDSP 9632 Technical Reference User's Guide HDSP System HDSP 9632 © RME 75
31. Tech Info Not all information to and around our products fit in a manual. Therefore RME offers a lot more and detailed information in the Tech Infos. The very latest Tech Infos can be found on our website, section News & Infos, or the directory \rmeaudio.web\techinfo on the RME Driver CD. These are some of the currently available Tech Infos: Synchronization II (DIGI96 series) Digital audio synchronization - technical background and pitfalls. Installation problems - Problem descriptions and solutions.
32. Technical Specifications 32.1 Analog AD – Line In • Resolution AD: 24 Bit • Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 109 dB RMS unweighted, 111 dBA @ 44.1 kHz • THD @ -3 dBFS: -101 dB, < 0.001 % • THD+N @ -3 dBFS: -99 dB, < 0.0015 % • Crosstalk: 108 dB • Frequency response AD @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 21.5 kHz • Frequency response AD @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz – 45.
32.2 Digital Inputs SPDIF (AES/EBU) • 1 x RCA (XLR), transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992 • High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp) • SPDIF compatible (IEC 60958) • Accepts Consumer and Professional format, copy protection will be ignored • Lock Range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz • Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns • Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.
Word Clock • 2 x BNC, separated driver stage • Max. output voltage: 5 Vpp • Output voltage @ 75 Ohm termination: 4.0 Vpp • Output impedance: 10 Ohm • Frequency range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz 32.4 Digital • • • • • • • • Clocks: Internal, ADAT In, SPDIF In, optional word clock in Low Jitter Design: < 1 ns in PLL mode, all inputs Internal clock: 800 ps Jitter, Random Spread Spectrum Jitter suppression of external clocks: > 30 dB (2.
33. Technical Background 33.1 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.
33.2 Latency and Monitoring The term Zero Latency Monitoring has been introduced by RME in 1998 for the DIGI96 series of audio cards. It stands for 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.
Therefore, in a digital loopback test a negative offset of about 2 ms occurs. This is no real problem, because this way of working is more than seldom, and usually the offset can be compensated manually within the application. Additionally, keep in mind that even when using the digital I/Os usually at some place an AD- and DA-conversion is involved (no sound without DAconversion...). Note: Cubase and Nuendo display the latency values signalled from the driver separately for record and playback.
33.4 QS – Quad Speed Due to the small number of available devices that use sample rates up to 192 kHz, but even more due to a missing real world application (CD...), Quad Speed has had no broad success so far. An implementation of the ADAT format as double S/MUX (S/MUX4) results in only two channels per optical output. Devices using this method are few.
33.6 Noise level in DS / QS Mode The outstanding signal to noise ratio of the HDSP 9632's 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 -109 dB to -104 dB at 96 kHz, and –82 dB at 192 kHz. This is not a failure. The software measures the noise of the whole frequency range, at 96 kHz from 0 Hz to 48 kHz (RMS unweighted), at 192 kHz from 0 Hz to 96 kHz.
34. Diagrams 34.
34.2 Connector Pinouts TRS jacks of analog input / output The stereo ¼" TRS jacks of the analog inputs and outputs are wired according to international standards: Tip = + (hot) Ring = – (cold) Sleeve = GND The servo balanced input and output circuitry allows to use monaural TS jacks (unbalanced) with no loss in level. This is the same as when using a TRS-jack with ring connected to ground. TRS Phones jack The analog monitor output on the front is accessible through a stereo ¼" TRS jack.
34.
