User's Guide SyncAlign ® ® TM SyncCheck Intelligent Clock Control Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 48 kHz 8 Channel AD / DA-Converter ADAT® optical / TDIF®-1 Interface Digital 24 Bit Interface / Format Converter TDIF-1 24 Bit Interface 2 User's Guide ADI-8 PRO © RME Contents 1 2 3 4 Introduction............................................................ 4 Supplied Contents ................................................. 4 Brief Description and Characteristics ................... 4 Technical Specifications ....................................... 5 4.1 Analog Specs ...................................................... 5 4.2 Digital Specs ....................................................... 5 First Usage - Quick Start........................................ 6 Inputs and Outputs 6.1 Analog Inputs ...................................................... 7 6.2 Analog Outputs.................................................... 8 6.3 Digital Inputs ....................................................... 9 6.4 Digital Outputs................................................... 10 6.5 Word Clock Input and Output ............................ 11 Clock Section ....................................................... 12 Word Clock 8.1 Operation and Technical Background ................ 13 8.2 Cabling and Termination ................................... 13 Special Functions 9.1 Bit Split ............................................................. 15 9.2 Combine............................................................ 15 9.3 Copy Mode........................................................ 16 16 bit Operation and Dither ................................. 17 Controls and Connectors .................................... 18 Connector Pinouts ............................................... 19 Block Diagram ...................................................... 20 Warranty ............................................................... 21 Appendix............................................................... 21 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 User's Guide ADI-8 PRO © RME 3 1. Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of a ADI-8 PRO. This hi-quality analog to digital and digital to analog converter includes ADAT optical and TDIF-1 digital interfaces. It precisely converts analog audio data into a digital data stream and into the format of your choice. Newest circuit technology combined with latest integrated circuits result in a unique and outstanding device, meeting highest quality standards. The ADI-8 PRO will excite you even after many years of operation. 2. Supplied Contents Please ensure that all the following parts are included in ADI-8 PRO's packaging box: · · · · ADI-8 PRO Manual Power cord 2 x 2m optical cable (TOSLINK) 3. Brief Description and Characteristics The ADI-8 PRO is an 8-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter in a 19" rackmount enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit converters using 128 times oversampling result in more than 110 dB dynamic ratio. This value is not only printed in the brochure, thanks to our Low Jitter Design it is available with every sold unit. The servo balanced analog inputs and outputs are fitted with both D-sub (for optional XLR multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. The signal path from the jacks to the ADC is totally balanced. The digital inputs and outputs are available at ADAT optical and TDIF-1 connectors. One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level. RME's ADI-8 PRO includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path and operate as remote controlled level attenuators. Two switches on the front panel control all electronic switches of all channels for a perfect adaptation to the most often used levels -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each analog input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check. The AD-converter can provide internal clocks (44.1 and 48 kHz) at all digital outputs. The unique Intelligent Clock Control technology (ICC) enables a flexible operation with internal clock at 44.1 and 48 kHz, external word clock or the digital input signals. These options, also available for the DA-conversion, are easy to understand and easy to use. The current state of locking and clock synchronisation is shown by blinking or constant lit LEDs. The digital section of the ADI-8 PRO includes two outstanding functions. Bit Split allows to split one 24 bit signal to two 16 bit outputs. This technique allows for example to use two 8channel 16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Using Bit Combine will put the splitted signals back to one full 24 bit signal. The method of splitting/combining is compatible to the method used by Yamaha in their digital mixing desk 02R, so the ADI-8 PRO can be used directly in 24 bit operation with this desk! Furthermore the unique Copy Mode allows to use the device completely in digital domain. Copy Mode routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate simultaneously with identical data the ADI-8 PRO not only turns into a superiour ADAT/TDIF converter but also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to different devices. In Copy Mode both Bit Split and Combine are also available, so the functionality is boosted again. That's why we call our ADI-8 PRO an Intelligent Audio Solution. 4 User's Guide ADI-8 PRO © RME 4. Technical Specifications · Power supply: Internal, 100-240 V AC, 30 Watts · Dimensions 483 x 44 x 205 mm · Weight: 2 kg 4.1 Analog Specs AD · Resolution AD: 24 bit · Signal to Noise ratio: 112 dB RMS unweighted, 116 dBA · THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 % · THD+N: < -102 dB, < 0.0008 % · Crosstalk: > 130 dB · Maximum input level AD: +19 dBu · Frequency response AD, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz ­ 21.5 kHz · Input Line: 1/4" TRS and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced · Input impedance Line: 10 kOhm · Input sensitivity switchable: +4 dBu, -10 dBV, Hi Gain · Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu / -1 dBV · Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu · Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV DA · Resolution DA: 24 Bit · Dynamic Range: 112 dBA (unmuted) · THD: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 % · THD+N: < -102 dB, < 0.0008 % · Crosstalk: > 110 dB · Maximum output level DA: +19 dBu · Frequency response DA, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz ­ 21.6 kHz · Output Line: 1/4" TRS and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced · Output impedance Line: 47 Ohm · Output level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV · Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu · Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu · Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV 4.2 Digital Specs · · · · · · · · · Super Low Jitter Design: < 4 ns word clock PLL, < 1 ns ADAT PLL, < 1 ns internal Internal sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz Supported sample rates through word clock in: 27 kHz - 57 kHz Internal resolution: 24 bit Outputs: ADAT optical (24 bit), TDIF-1 (24 bit), word clock Inputs: ADAT optical (24 bit), TDIF-1 (24 bit), word clock Supported sample rates through ADAT In: 33 kHz - 57 kHz Bit Split: 24 bit to 1 channel 16 bit and 1 channel 8 bit Copy Mode: Direct 24 bit copying from ADAT to ADAT/TDIF and vice versa User's Guide ADI-8 PRO © RME 5 5. First Usage - Quick Start The clearly structured front panel design ensures an easy start when working with the device for the first time. Nevertheless we recommend to study at least the chapters 'Clock Section' and 'Copy Mode', as the extensive usage of format converter and clock options may result in some behaviour that may require further explanation. Connect the analog inputs with the analog signal source. Change the input sensitivity by pressing INPUT LEVEL until the input level is sufficient to avoid noisy operation. Try to achieve an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the input level until the Over LED's flash at the loudest parts of the signal, then reduce the level a bit until no more overs are detected. The analog line inputs of the ADI-8 PRO can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. They are fitted with both D-sub (for an optional XLR multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. Both are internally connected, so not operational at the same time. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB. When switched on the ADI-8 PRO starts in a default mode which should be suitable for most applications: · · · · AD-converter in master mode (CLOCK INTERNAL) DA-converter in slave mode (CLOCK INPUT) Sample rate 44.1 kHz Input ADAT optical On the DA-side you just have to choose the desired digital input by pressing DIGITAL INPUT. A coarse correction of the analog output level can be done by pressing OUTPUT LEVEL. The ADI-8 PRO stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is turned on. Transferring digital data into a PCI bus equipped computer is best done using RME's digital interface cards of the DIGI96® and Hammerfall® series. These hi-quality cards come with drivers for all popular operating systems. They have a world wide reputation as ultimate solution for master and multitrack tasks. 6 User's Guide ADI-8 PRO © RME 6. Inputs and Outputs 6.1 Analog Inputs The ADI-8 PRO's back provides 8 (stereo) 1/4" TRS jacks and a 25 pin D-sub jack. Both are internally connected, so not operational at the same time. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB. When using unbalanced cables with XLR jacks pin 3 of the cables jack should be connected to pin 1 (ground). Otherwise noise may occur, caused by the unconnected negative input of the ADI's balanced input. The 25-pin D-sub connector follows the pinout known from devices manufactured by Tascam. Refer to chapter 11 for a pinout listing. We do not recommend to make such a cable by yourself, as it is extremely difficult to integrate 8 balanced lines into a small D-sub housing without shorts. Your dealer will be glad to provide you with a professional Tascam multicore, D-sub to XLR, made in the length of your choice. One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level. Because of this RME's ADI-8 PRO includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path. The key INPUT LEVEL allows a perfect adaptation for all 8 channels to the most often used levels -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each analog input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload of each channel are easy to check. The green LED begins to light at -40 dBFS in an analog fashion (more bright at higher levels). When this LED lights up only seldom or never the input level is too low, causing a noisy and distorted recording. The red LED lights up 2 dB before reaching maximum level (-2 dBFS), to securely prevent overload of the analog input. The 'standardized' studio levels do not result in a (often desired) full scale level, but take some additional digital headroom into consideration. The amount of headroom is different in different standards and again differently implemented by different manufacturers. Because of this we decided to define the levels of the ADI-8 PRO in a most compatible way. The headroom of the ADI-8 PRO is defined according to the chosen reference level. Reference Lo Gain +4 dBu -10 dBV 0 dBFS @ +19 dBu +13 dBu +2 dBV Headroom 15 dB 9 dB 12 dB At +4 dBu a headroom of 9 dB offers a problem-free operation with most devices, and meets the latest EBU recommendations for Broadcast usage. At -10 dBV 12 to 15 dB headroom are common practice, each mixing desk operating at -10 dBV is able to send and receive much higher levels. Lo Gain allows to work with high levels, best suited for professional users who prefer to work balanced and at highest levels. User's Guide ADI-8 PRO © RME 7 6.2 Analog Outputs The 8 short circuit protected, low impedance and servo balanced line outputs are available as (stereo) 1/4" TRS jacks and 25 pin D-sub jack. Both are internally connected, and - in contrary to the inputs - can be used simultaneously. The electronic output stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB. The 25-pin D-sub connector follows the pinout known from devices manufactured by Tascam. Refer to chapter 11 for a pinout listing. We do not recommend to make such a cable by yourself, as it is extremely difficult to integrate 8 balanced lines into a small D-sub housing without shorts. Your dealer will be glad to provide you with a professional Tascam multicore, D-sub to ...