User`s guide

Windows Driver 4.x © RME

7. TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring

7.1 Overview

TotalMix FX is the next generation digital real-time 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 numerous delay-free submixes (headphone mixes).

• Unlimited routing of inputs and outputs (free utilisation, patchbay functionality).

• Distributing signals to several outputs at a time. TotalMix offers state-of-the-art splitter and

distributor functions.

• Simultaneous playback of different programs via a single stereo output. The ASIO multi-

client driver supports the usage of several programs at the same time. When done on

different playback channels TotalMix provides the means to mix and monitor these on a

single stereo output.

• Mixing of the input signal to the playback signal (complete ASIO Direct Monitoring). RME not

only is the pioneer of ADM, but also offers the most complete implementation of the ADM

functions.

• Integration of external devices. Use TotalMix to insert external effects devices, be it in the

playback or in the record path. Depending on the current application, the functionality equals

insert or effects send and effects return, for example as used during real-time monitoring

when adding some reverb to the vocals.

Every single input channel, playback channel and hardware output features a Peak and RMS

level meter, calculated in hardware*. These level displays are very useful to determine the

presence and routing destinations of the audio signals.

For a better understanding of the TotalMix mixer you should know the following:

• As shown in the block diagram (next page), the record signal usually stays un-altered.

TotalMix does not reside within the record path, and does not change the record level or the

audio data to be recorded (exception: Loopback mode).

• The hardware input signal can be passed on as often as desired, even with different levels.

This is a big difference to conventional mixing desks, where the channel fader always

controls the level for all routing destinations simultaneously.

• The level meter of inputs and playback channels are connected pre-fader, to be able to

visually monitor where a signal is currently present. The level meters of the hardware’s

outputs are connected post-fader, thus displaying the actual output level.

* Multiface, Digiface and RPM can only show peak levels in the third row.