User Manual

The MADI protocol (= Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) audio transmission of up to 64 channels over a single
cable. The digital MADI audio format is no mystery, it is based on the common professional AES/EBU standard.
Technically it’s simple: 32 AES/EBU signals are transmitted within one optical or coaxial cable with the multiplex
method.
Optical MADI cables are not only inexpensive, but offer a considerable advantage: While coaxial cables allow
distances of up to 100 meters, it is possible to cover distances of up to 2000 meters with optical fibers – an
impossible venture with traditional analog multicores. The optical interface is also more interesting for its
complete galvanic separation.
Another key advantage of MADI - compared to ADAT, TDIF or AES/EBU - is the possibility to cascade external
devices easily. Analog converters, microphone preamps and converters to/from AES/EBU or ADAT can be
combined in a single MADI line. A thin, optical double-cable for signals and remote control connects the DAW
computer to the equipment rack in the recording room or on stage - in both directions. The rack-devices itself
were connected in series with short, centimeter-long MADI cables. For example: with 64 input channels it’s
easily possible to create a studio or stage with a combination of 24 mic preamps plus further 24 channels of AD
converters. And there are still 16 channels available for additional analog or digital inputs.
MADI shows its strengths especially in networked production houses with many recording suites, classical
orchestra recordings or broadcast audio setups of large outdoor sports and other live events. But even in small
music studios, where the distances from the main DAW to the recording room or the equipment room can easily
reach more than 15 m, MADI leaves AES/EBU or ADAT cabling far behind.
But there is more: RME MADI products not only transmit 64 audio channels with a single line, but also embed
MIDI and RS232 signals “invisibly” into the data stream. All RME MADI-based devices can be directly remote
controlled from the main computer – via the same MADI cable.
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All the tools.
RME MADI interfaces
ADAT on Steroids?
MADI . Made by RME
optical cables
2 x 64 channels . up to 2000 m
Example . Digital Multicore
ADI-6432
64-Channel bidirectional
AES/EBU frontend
8-Channel 192 kHz MADI <> AES/EBU converter
64-Channel 192 kHz MADI <> AES converter (AES-id version available)
8-Channel 192 kHz AES/EBU . ADAT . MADI <> AD/DA converter
64-Channel 192 kHz ADAT <> MADI converter (8 x ADAT to MADI and back!)
HDSPe MADI FX
390-Channel PCI Express Card
with optical
and coaxial MADI I/Os