User’s Guide M-32 DA M-16 DA The Professional’s Converter Solution ™ TotalRemote ADAT ™ I/O MADI I/O ™ SteadyClock ® SyncCheck Professional 32/16-Channel D/A Converter Double Balanced Output Stages 32/16-Channel Analog to MADI / ADAT Interface 24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio MIDI Remote Control AES-10 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 ..............................................................9 5 Accessories ...............................
Technical Reference 15 Technical Specifications 15.1 Analog.................................................................. 30 15.2 Digital Inputs ........................................................ 30 15.3 Digital Outputs ..................................................... 31 15.4 Digital ................................................................... 31 15.5 MIDI ..................................................................... 32 15.6 General ............................................
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 M-32 DA M-16 DA General User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 5
1. Introduction RME’s M-32 DA and M-16 DA are DA-converters with a truly unique feature set. They combine excellent analog circuit design with the latest generation of outstanding DA converter chips. Along with the integrated SteadyClock, they offer DA-conversion of the highest quality. When developing these units 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 M-32 DA features 32 LED level meters, eleven select keys, and 32 LEDs providing a detailed status display. The analog output level can be changed by pushing the ANALOG OUTPUT key. M-32 DA: The key MADI IN routes the channels 1 to 32 or 33 to 64 of the MADI input to the analog converters. M-16 DA: The key MADI OUT routes the channels 1 to 16, 17 to 32, 33 to 48 or 49 to 64 of the MADI input to the analog converters.
The rear panel of the M-32 DA has 32 analog inputs, mains power, MIDI I/O, word clock I/O, MADI I/O and ADAT I/O. ANALOG OUTPUTS: 32 balanced line outputs via 1/4" TRS jacks and four 25-pin D-sub connectors. WORD IN (BNC): A push switch allows for an internal termination to be activated (75 Ohms). WORD OUT (BNC): Standard word clock output. ADAT OUTPUTS 1 to 4 (TOSLINK): Standard ADAT optical ports. MADI I/O optical: Standard MADI ports. MADI I/O coaxial (BNC): Standard MADI ports.
4.2 Quick Start After connection of all cables and power-on of the device, the configuration of the M-32 DA starts in the CLOCK section. Choose a clock source and a sample rate. Connect the TRS-jacks or the D-sub connectors with the analog signal receiver used for monitoring. Change the output level by pressing ANALOG OUPUT until the output level is sufficient to avoid noisy operation. The analog line outputs of the M-32 DA can be accessed by using D-sub (with an optional XLR multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks.
5. Accessories RME offers several optional components for the M-32 DA: 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) BO25MXLR8F3 Analog Breakout Cable 25-pin D-sub to 8 x XLR female, 3 m (9.9 ft) BO25MXLR8F6 same, 6 m (19.
6. Warranty Each individual M-32 DA / M-16 DA undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete test at IMM before shipping. The usage of high grade components allows us to offer a full two year warranty. We accept a copy of the sales receipt as valid warranty legitimation. If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer.
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 M-32 DA M-16 DA Usage and Operation User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 13
8. Front Panel Controls 8.1 Analog Input In the OUPUT area, the select key causes a change of the analog output level, referenced to digital full scale level (0 dBFS) of the DA-converters. The choices are: +13 dBu, +19 dBu and +24 dBu. As the adaptation is performed in the analog domain, the M-32 DA achieves the highest possible values for Signal to Noise ratio and distortion in any setting. 8.
8.5 ADAT Sync The key ADAT SYNC determines the signal source of the AD-converters: ADAT and MADI. In case MADI has been selected the 4 ADAT SYNC LEDs are turned off. Each ADAT input has its own SYNC LED. If a valid input signal is applied, SyncCheck is active automatically. 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.
In internal clock mode it is mandatory that the clock rate of the source is synchronous to the M-32 DA. Therefore the external device has to be synchronized by the M-32 DA’s word clock output or ADAT/MADI output. The M-32 DA thus has to be master, all devices connected to it have to be in slave mode. In order to avoid clicks and drop outs due to faulty or missing synchronicity, a special process called SyncCheck compares the incoming data and the M-32 DA’s internal clock.
Word Clock Out The word clock output can follow the current sample rate up to 192 kHz (Follow Sample Rate), or stay in the Single Speed range (Always Single Speed). The latter is default. These options can only be changed by MIDI Remote, they can not be set directly at the unit.
9. Remote Control 9.1 MIDI The M-32 DA can be completely remote controlled via MIDI. It reacts on special SysEx commands. Furthermore, upon request it will report the complete device status, including all controls and LEDs on the front plate. Each M-32 DA can be programmed with its own ID, providing a separated remote control of multiple devices via a single MIDI channel. A description of the MIDI implementation is found in chapter 19.
The block diagram shows the signal flow in a HDSP MADI-based remote control system. MIDI commands from a software on PC or Mac travel from the MADI Out of the HDSP MADI to the MADI In as well as to the MIDI Out and MADI Out of the M-32 DA. Additional to the remote commands further MIDI data can be transmitted, available then at the DIN MIDI output jack of the M-32 DA. However, MIDI signals at the DIN input jack can not travel back to the computer. With input setting MIDI the other direction is active.
Via MIDI remote control, all front panel controls of the M-32 DA can be locked (Lock Keys). An exception is the key LOCK KEYS. Therefore a locking of all the controls can be revoked directly at the unit at any time. Since firmware 2.1 the fan of the M-32 DA can be set. Additonally the internal temperature of the M-16 and M-32 is displayed. The software MIDI Remote also controls RME’s ADI-648, ADI-6432, ADI-642, Micstasy, ADI-8 QS and the MADI Bridge.
User’s Guide M-32 DA M-16 DA Inputs and Outputs User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 21
10. Analog Outputs The M-32 DA’s rear has 32 balanced Line outputs, provided by 1/4" TRS and four 25-pin D-sub connectors. They have their own output drivers respectively and can therefore 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.
11. Digital Inputs / Outputs 11.1 ADAT Optical The M-32 DA has four optical ADAT inputs. When used with sample rates up to 48 kHz 32 input channels are provided (8 per port). Higher sample rates are transmitted by Sample Multiplexing (S/MUX). Therefore the channel count decreases to 16 channels at Double Speed and 8 channels at Quad Speed. With signals encoded as S/MUX, the Clock Section (STATE) has to be switched into DS mode manually, depending on the current application.
11.3 MADI Output At the rear side of the M-32 DA there are two MADI outputs. The BNC output is built according to AES10-1991. The output's impedance is 75 Ohm. The output voltage will be 600 mVpp when terminated with 75 Ohm. The optical output uses a FDDI (ISO/IEC 9413-3) compatible optical module, according to AES10-1991. More information can be found in chapter 16.6, MADI Basics. Coaxial and optical outputs operate simultaneously and deliver the same data. The max.
12. Word Clock 12.1 Word Clock Input and Output Input The M-32 DA’s 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 M-32 DA 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.
12.2 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.
12.3 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 M-32 DA © RME
User’s Guide M-32 DA M-16 DA Technical Reference User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 29
15. Technical Specifications 15.1 Analog Line Out, TRS • Maximum output level: +21 dBu • Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, servo-balanced • Output impedance: 75 Ohm • Output level switchable +13 dBu, +19 dBu @ 0 dBFS Line Out, D-Sub • Maximum output level: +27 dBu • Output: D-sub 25-pin, electronically balanced • Output impedance: 150 Ohm • Output level switchable +13 dBu, +19 dBu, +24 dBu @ 0 dBFS DA-Conversion • Resolution: 24 bit • Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +24 dBu, 44.
MADI • • • • • • • • • • • Coaxial via BNC, 75 Ohm, according to AES10-1991 High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.2 Vpp) Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector 62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible Accepts 56 channel and 64 channel mode, and 96k frame Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz Double Wire / 96k frame: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz Quad Wire: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz Lock range: 28 kHz – 54 kHz Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz) 15.
15.5 MIDI • 16 channels MIDI • 5-pin DIN jacks • Optocoupled, ground-free input MADI • Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 56 (48k frame) 15.6 General • • • • Dimensions including rack ears (WxHxD): 483 x 88 x 242 mm (19" x 3.46" x 9.5") Dimensions without rack ears/handles (WxHxD): 436 x 88 x 235 mm (17.2" x 3.46" x 9.
15.9 Connector Pinouts D-Sub Analog Outputs The 25 pin D-sub connectors of the analog outputs are wired according to the Tascam scheme, as shown in this table: Chan. 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 output circuitry does not operate in a servo-balanced way. When connecting unbalanced devices make sure that pin 3 (-) stays unconnected.
16. Technical Background 16.1 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.
16.2 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.
16.3 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.
16.4 DS - Double Speed When activating the Double Speed mode the M-32 DA 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.
16.6 MADI Basics MADI, the serial Multichannel Audio Digital Interface, has been defined already in 1989 as an extension of the existing AES3 standard following several manufacturers' wish. The format also known as AES/EBU, a balanced bi-phase signal, is limited to two channels. Simply put, MADI contains 28 of those AES/EBU signals in serial, i. e. after one another, and the sample rate can still even vary by +/-12.5%. The limit which cannot be exceeded is a data rate of 100Mbit/s.
16.7 SteadyClock The SteadyClock technology of the M-series 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 synchronisation. SteadyClock requires one quartz only, using a frequency not equalling digital audio.
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19. MIDI Implementation M-Series 19.1 Basic SysEx Format Value F0h 00h 20h 0Dh 32h 00h..7Eh, 7Fh mm nn oo F7h Name SysEx header MIDITEMP manufacturer ID Model ID (M-Series) Bank number / device ID (7Fh = broadcast, all IDs) Message type Parameter number (see table 1) Data byte EOX Bank Number / Device ID The lower nibble refers to the device ID (0..7), the higher nibble refers to the bank number (0..7), e. g. 25h means bank 2, device 5. 7Fh addresses all banks and all devices. 19.
19.3 Table No. No.
00h 0 settings byte 1 MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 MSB / 1 LSB / 0 LSB / 0 01h 1 settings byte 2 MSB / 7 6 5 4 MSB / 2 1 LSB / 0 3 2 1 LSB / 0 02h 03h 2 3 settings byte 3 info byte 1 MSB / 1 LSB / 0 MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 MSB / 1 LSB / 0 2 1 LSB / 0 LSB / 0 MSB / 1 MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 LSB / 0 44 User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 0 madi input: 0 = BNC, 1 = opt madi frame: 0 = 48k, 1 = 96k madi format: 0 = 56ch, 1 = 64ch madi channels: 0 = 1ff, 1 = 16ff, 2 = 32ff, 3 = 48ff 0 input madi / adat: 0 = madi, 1
04h 4 info byte 2 MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 2 0 WCK lock WCK Input 192k WCK Input 96k 0 0 ADAT Ref (AD) or 1 (DA) Sync: 0 = no sync, 1 = sync ADAT Ref (AD) or 1 (DA) Lock: 0 = unlock, 1 = lock 1 LSB / 0 05h 5 info byte 3 MSB / 7 6 0 0 ADAT 2 Sync: 0 = no sync, 1 = sync ADAT 2 Lock: 0 = unlock, 1 = lock ADAT 3 Sync: 0 = no sync, 1 = sync ADAT 3 Lock: 0 = unlock, 1 = lock ADAT 4 Sync: 0 = no sync, 1 = sync ADAT 4 Lock: 0 = unlock, 1 = lock 5 4 3 2 1 LSB / 0 06h 6 info byte 4 MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 LSB / 0
level steps: AD 000 001 010 011 100 101 -oo -42 -18 -9 -3 Over DA 000 001 010 011 100 101 110 -oo -54 -36 -18 -9 -3 0 000 001 010 011 100 101 110 111 < -1 > -1 > -3 > -6 > -9 > -12 > -15 > -18 limiter reduction: 27h 39 fan control (fan speed is response only) 28h 46 40 temperature MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 LSB / 0 MSB / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 LSB / 0 0 fan mode: 1 = silent, 2 = cool, 3 = normal (fan mode) 0 = n. a. MSB / 1 LSB / 0 0 0 MSB / 2 1 LSB / 0 fan speed: 0..
User’s Guide M-32 AD M-16 AD Application Examples User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 47
20.1 Formats and Number of Channels PC or Mac based recording and playback can be realized easily with the M-series converters. ADAT optical and MADI formats are available for data transmission. RME offers several specialized computer interfaces: • HDSPe RayDAT: PCI Express card with 4 optical inputs and outputs in ADAT format (3 channels in and out respectively). Offers an additional SPDIF I/O (RCA) and an AES/EBU I/O (XLR). Internal mixer for free routing and mixing of all I/Os.
20.2 Multichannel Playback M-16 DA and M-32 DA can be combined freely. Therefore 16, 32, 48, 64 (or multiple thereof) different audio signals can be played back by the computer. When using the HDSPe RayDAT the converters are connected via ADAT optical with the card. It is recommended to operate the card in clock mode Master, with all converters synchronizing to the ADAT signal (Slave). This setup will allow for up to 32 channels with 2 M-16 DA.
When using the HDSPe MADI the converters and the card are connected serially. RME recommends the usage of optical MADI cables. These provide a useful galvanical separation between the units, and are immune against any kind of electromagnetic interference. It is recommended to operate the card in clock mode Master, all converters synchronized to the MADI signal (Slave). This setup will allow for up to 64 channels with 4 M-16 DA.
20.3 Multichannel Recording M-16 AD and M-32 AD can be combined freely. Therefore 16, 32, 48, 64 (or multiple thereof) different audio signals can be recorded by the computer. When using the HDSPe RayDAT, the converters are connected via ADAT optical with the card. This setup will allow for up to 32 channels with 2 M-16 AD. The clocking can be set up in different ways. It is recommended to operate the card in clock mode Master, with all converters operating as slave. One M-16 AD.
When using the HDSPe MADI the converters and the card are connected serially. RME recommends the usage of optical MADI cables. These provide a useful galvanical separation between the units, and are immune against any kind of electromagnetic interference. It is recommended to operate the card in clock mode Master, all converters synchronized to the MADI signal (Slave). This setup will allow for up to 64 channels with 4 M-16 AD.
20.4 Multichannel Recording and Playback The converters of the M-series can be combined freely. Therefore 16, 32, 48, 64 different audio signals (or multiple thereof) can be played back and recorded by the computer. Recording and playback do not need to have the same number of channels. When using the HDSPe RayDAT, the DA converters will simply synchronize to the playback signal via their ADAT input. The AD converters are synchronized by the word output of the DA converter.
When using the HDSPe MADI, the converters and the card are connected serially. RME recommends the usage of optical MADI cables. These provide a useful galvanical separation between the units, and are immune against any kind of electromagnetic interference. It is recommended to operate the card in clock mode Master, all converters synchronized to the MADI signal (Slave). This setup will allow for up to 64 channels record with 4 M-16 AD and up to 64 channels playback with 4 M-16 DA.
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME 55
20.5 Digital Multicore Using optical MADI, the converters of the M-series are perfectly suitable as a replacement for an analog Multicore. Such a setup provides several advantages: • • • • No big and heavy cable drum Up to 64 channels bi-directional with just one duplex cable Flexible setup Transmission of MIDI signals included Stage and FOH do not need to have the same number of channels. For example while 16 channels are sent to the stage, 64 channels can be sent from the stage to the FOH.
Despite serial cabling the playback is sample accurate between all units, because the converters automatically activate Delay Compensation. Note: The Delay Compensation operates separately for AD and DA converters. It will only work when the AD- and DA-converters are connected serially in an ordered way. A DA between two AD (or vice versa) will prevent correct recognition of identical units and subsequently disable the activation of the Delay Compensation.
