User manual RME MADIMAC

User's Guide Mac OS X Version Hammerfall® DSP System MADI TotalMix 24 Bit / 192 kHz ü SyncAlign ® TM SteadyClock TM ZLM ® SyncCheck ® PCI Busmaster Digital I/O Card 64 Channels MADI Interface 24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio Stereo Analog Monitoring 64 x 64 Matrix Router 2 x MIDI I/O MIDI embedded in MADI Quick Boot Contents 1 2 3 4 5 Introduction............................................................ 4 Package Contents .................................................. 4 System Requirements............................................ 4 Brief Description and Characteristics................... 4 Technical Specifications 5.1 Digital.................................................................... 5 5.2 Inputs .................................................................... 5 5.3 Outputs ................................................................. 6 5.4 Analog................................................................... 6 6 Hardware Installation ............................................. 7 7 Driver Installation................................................... 7 8 Flash Update .......................................................... 8 9 Features and Limitations....................................... 8 10 Mac OS X FAQ 10.1 Round about Driver Installation............................ 9 10.2 MIDI doesn't work ................................................ 9 10.3 Which Sample Rates are supported....................10 10.4 Repairing Disk Permissions ................................10 10.5 PCI card and PCI slot compatibility.....................10 11 Connectors 11.1 Overview ............................................................11 11.2 MADI I/Os...........................................................11 11.3 Word Clock I/O...................................................12 11.4 Analog Output ....................................................13 11.5 MIDI ...................................................................13 11.6 Internal Jumper ..................................................13 12 Operation and Usage ............................................14 13 Configuring the HDSP MADI 13.1 General Information............................................15 13.2 Clock Modes ­ Synchronization..........................17 14 Word Clock 14.1 Technical Description and Usage........................18 14.2 Cables and Termination......................................19 14.3 General Operation ..............................................19 15 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring .......................20 15.1 Elements of the Surface .....................................21 15.2 Tour de TotalMix ................................................22 15.3 Submix View ......................................................23 15.4 Mute and Solo ....................................................23 15.5 Hotkeys ..............................................................23 15.6 Quick Access Panel............................................24 15.7 Presets ...............................................................25 15.8 Menu Options .....................................................26 15.9 Level Meter ........................................................26 User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 2 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The Matrix 16.1 Elements of the Surface .................................... 27 16.2 Usage................................................................ 27 16.3 Advantages of the Matrix................................... 28 TotalMix Super-Features 17.1 Selection and Group-based Operation............... 28 17.2 Copy Routings to other Channels ...................... 29 17.3 Delete Routings................................................. 29 MADI Basics ......................................................... 30 SteadyClock.......................................................... 31 Hotline ­ Troubleshooting................................... 31 Accessories .......................................................... 32 TECH INFO ........................................................... 32 Warranty ............................................................... 33 Appendix............................................................... 33 CE / FCC Compliance........................................... 34 User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 3 1. Introduction Thank you for choosing the Hammerfall DSP MADI. This unique audio system is capable of transferring digital audio data directly into a computer, from any device equipped with a MADI interface. Installation is simple, even for the inexperienced user, thanks to the latest Plug and Play technology. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialog puts the Hammerfall DSP MADI at the very top of the range of digital audio interface cards. The package includes drivers for Mac OS 10.2.8 or higher. Our high-performance philosophy guarantees maximum system performance by executing all functions directly in hardware and not in the driver (i.e. the CPU). 2. Package Contents Please check that your Hammerfall DSP MADI package contains each of the following: · · · · · · HDSP MADI PCI card HDSP MADI expansion board Quick Info guide RME Driver CD MIDI breakout cable Expansion Board ribbon cable (14-conductor) 3. System Requirements · Mac OS 10.2.8 or higher · PCI Interface: a free PCI rev. 2.1 Busmaster slot 4. Brief Description and Characteristics · · · · · · · · · · · · All settings can be changed in real-time 32 channels 96 kHz/24 bit record/playback Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control Word clock input and output Enhanced ZLM for latency-free submixes SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals 2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed MIDI DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation TotalMix: 8192 channel mixer with 40 bit internal resolution SteadyClock: Jitter-immune, super-stable digital clock Quick Boot technology for immediate loading of the hardware settings User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 4 5. Technical Specifications 5.1 Digital General · · · · · · · · Clocks: Internal, MADI In, 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: about 30 dB (2.4 kHz) Effective clock jitter influence on AD and DA conversion: near zero Provides nearly jitter-free word clock directly from the MADI input signal Input PLL ensures zero dropout, even at more than 100 ns jitter Sample frequencies: 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4* / 192* kHz *Not yet supported MIDI · · · · · · · · 2 x MIDI I/O via breakout cable 1 x MIDI I/O via MADI PCI bus based hi-speed operation Seperate 128 byte FIFO for input and output MIDI state machine in hardware for reduced interrupt request load Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 56 (up to 48 kHz) Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 28 (up to 96 kHz) Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 14 (up to 192 kHz) 5.2 Inputs 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, plus 96k and 192k Frame Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz Double Wire: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz Quad Wire: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz Lock range: 25 kHz ­ 54 kHz Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns Word Clock · · · · · · · · · · BNC, not terminated (10 kOhm) Switch for internal termination 75 Ohm Automatic Double Speed detection and internal conversion to Single Speed SteadyClock guarantees super low jitter synchronization even in varispeed operation AC-coupling, not effected by DC-offsets within the network Signal Adaptation Circuit: signal refresh through auto-center and hysteresis Overvoltage protection Level range: 1.0 Vss ­ 5.6 Vpp Lock range: 27 kHz ­ 200 kHz Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 5 MIDI · · · · 32 channels MIDI 5-pin DIN jacks Optocoupled, ground-free input 1 virtual MIDI port (MADI) 5.3 Outputs MADI · · · · · · · · · · · Coaxial via BNC, 75 Ohm, according to AES10-1991 Output voltage 600 mVpp Output voltage 1.2 Vpp optional, via jumper Cable length: more than 100 m Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector 62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible Cable length: more than 500 m Generates 56 channel and 64 channel mode, plus 96k and 192k Frame* Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz Double Wire / 96K Frame: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz 192K Frame: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz* *Not yet supported Word Clock · · · · · BNC Max. output voltage: 5 Vpp Output voltage @ 75 Ohm: 4.0 Vpp Impedance: 10 Ohm Frequency range: 27 kHz ­ 56 kHz MIDI · 32 channels MIDI · 5-pin DIN jacks · 1 virtual MIDI port (MADI) 5.4 Analog DA - Stereo Monitor Output (Phones) · Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 110 dB RMS unweighted, 112 dBA @ 44.1 kHz (unmuted) · THD: < - 100 dB, < 0.001 % · THD+N: < -98 dB, < 0.0015 % · Crosstalk: > 100 dB · Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 1 Hz ­ 21.1 kHz · Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 1 Hz ­ 43.5 kHz · Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -0.5 dB: 1 Hz ­ 70 kHz · Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack · Output impedance: 50 Ohm · Output level @ 0 dBFS: +13 dBu User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 6 6. 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 will 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. Important: Before removing the HDSP MADI from its protective bag, discharge any static in your body by touching the metal chassis of the PC. 4. Connect the HDSP MADI card with the Expansion Board using the supplied flat ribbon cable. Note: The connectors on the cable cannot be plugged in the wrong way round. 5. Insert the HDSP MADI firmly into a free PCI slot, press and fasten the screw. 6. Insert the Expansion Board and fasten the screw. 7. Replace the computer's housing. 8. Reconnect all cables including the power cord. Note: If neither word clock I/O nor MIDI I/O is required, it is not necessary to install the Expansion Board at all (i.e. leave out steps 4 and 6). 7. Driver Installation First fit the card (see 6. Hardware Installation), then switch on the computer and install the drivers from the RME Driver CD. The driver files are located in the folder HDSP MADI. Installation works automatically by a double-click on the file hdsp.mpkg. In case a newer driver version was downloaded from the RME website: Double-click onto hdspmadi_xx.gz to expand the archive file to hdspmadi_xx.tar and the folder HDSP MADI, which includes the driver file hdspmadi.mpkg. Installation works automatically by a double-click on this file. The folder HDSP MADI also includes the Settings dialog and the HDSP mixer (TotalMix). These two programs can be copied into any folder, but have to be started at each boot at least once, in order to transfer the stored settings to the hardware. We recommend to add both programs to System Preferences/Login Items. Using the option 'Hide' both programs stay minimized in the Dock when booting. Note: since 10.3 (Panther) Login Items is found in System Preferences/User. Reboot the computer when installation is done. In case of a driver update it's not necessary to remove the old driver first, it will be overwritten during the installation. But please check the entries for the Login Items, to prevent the older settings dialog from being loaded unnoticed. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 7 8. Flash Update The Flash Update Tool updates the HDSP MADI's hardware to the latest version. It requires an already installed driver. Start the program HDSP MADI Flash. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the HDSP MADI (200 or up), and whether it needs an update or not. If so, then simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar shows how several actions are performed. When the flash update process is finished, 'Success' will be displayed. If more than one interface cards is installed, all cards can be flashed by changing to the next tab and repeating the process. After the update the PCI card needs to be resettet. This is done by powering down and shutting off the PC. A warm boot is not enough. When the update fails (status: failure), the card's second BIOS will be used from the next cold boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the card stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again on a different computer. 9. Features and Limitations This driver was tested under Jaguar 10.2.8 and Panther only. Older versions of OS X are not and will not be supported. This OS X driver operates in non-interleave mode. It works for example using iTunes, Cubase SX, Nuendo, Live 1.5.2, Peak 3.1, VSamp 3.2.7, Spark (from version 2.6), Logic 5.4 and Reason 2.5. Via System Preferences / Audio-MIDI Setup the hardware can be configured for the system wide usage. Programs that don't support card or channel selection will use the device selected as Standard-Input and Standard-Output. (Soundstudio, Mplayer, Amplitube etc.). In the lower part of the window, the audiohardware's capabilities are shown and can be changed in some cases. On the record side no changes are possible. Programs that don't support channel selection will always use channels 1/2, the first stereo pair. Since OS X 10.3 playback can be configured freely and to any of the available playback channels. This is done via Speaker Setup. Even multichannel playback (Surround, DVD Player) can be set up easily. Multicard Operation OS X supports more than one audio card, even when used at the same time. Please note that at this time the only multicard-capable software known to us is Digital Performer. The Hammerfall DSP MADI's OS X driver adds a number to each card, so they are fully accessible in any multicard-capable software. It is our experience that using more than one HDSP MADI will work only on dedicated server systems having multiple PCI busses. The PCI bus load of 128 channels plus the realtime behaviour necessary for audio are critical parameters. A usage of 2 cards at full track count is therefore difficult to achieve on current Mac computers. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 8 10. Mac OS X FAQ 10.1 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. Downloading the file can be done via the right mouse key, Save Target as. Despite this procedure, some older browsers like Netscape 4.78 will not save the file correctly - the archive will be corrupted. The driver consists of a package file (pkg), which contains various folders and files, similar to TAR. A double click will start the OS X installer. To save you the hassle of installing both audio and MIDI drivers separately, the HDSP series driver contains an additional meta package (mpkg), that points to the single packages. Those single packages are not shown in the Finder, as they reside within the invisible folder '.contained_packages'. Only the mpkg is visible. Important: an installation can only be done with the complete folder. If only the mpkg is copied to a different place, it will not find the single driver packages! The actual audio driver appears as a kernel extension file. The installer copies it to System / Library / Extensions. It's name is HDSPMADI.kext. It is visible in the Finder, allowing you to verify date and driver version. Yet, in fact this again is a folder containing subdirectories and files. Nonetheless, this 'driver file' can be removed by simply dragging it to the trash bin. This can be helpful in case a driver installation fails. An incomplete installation can currently (10.3.2) only be detected indirectly: The installation routine does not open a message window with a note about a restart of the computer. This indicates that the driver file was not copied and the driver was not installed! Several users have observed that the installation routine occasionally stops and no longer works correctly. This can be fixed by removing the corresponding extension file prior to installation. In some cases, also (or only) a repair of the disk permission will help. We have also received reports saying the driver update could not be installed on the system disk - shown red crossed during the installation. Repairing permission may also help here. If not, we're sorry, but have to recommend to contact Apple. Our driver has no knowledge of folders, disks etc., the installation is handled completely by the OS X installer. 10.2 MIDI doesn't work In some cases MIDI does not work after the installation of the HDSP driver. To be precise, applications do not show an installed MIDI port. The reason for this is usually visible within the Audio MIDI Setup. It displays no RME MIDI device, or the device is greyed out and therefore inactive. Mostly, removing the greyed out device and searching for MIDI devices again will solve the problem. If this does not help, we recommend manual removal of the MIDI driver and reinstallation of the complete driver. Otherwise repairing permissions may help. The HDSP MIDI driver is a plugin. During installation it will be copied to Library / Audio / MIDI Drivers. It's name is Hammerfall DSP MIDI.plugin. The file can be displayed in the Finder and also be removed by simply dragging it to the trash bin. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 9 10.3 Which Sample rates are supported? RME's Mac OS X driver supports all sampling frequencies provided by the hardware. This includes 32 kHz and 64 kHz, and even 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz for the HDSP MADI. 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 RME card. A click on Format will list the supported sample frequencies. Selecting a sample rate will immediately set the device to this frequency, which can be verified in the RME card's settings dialog (System Clock). Format thus allows you to activate any sampling frequency quickly and easily. 10.4 Repairing Disk Permissions Repairing permission can solve problems with the installation process - plus many others. To do this, launch Disk Utility located in Utilities. Select your system drive in the drive/volume list to the left. The First Aid tab to the right now allows you to check and repair disk permissions. 10.5 PCI card and PCI slot compatibility Unfortunately not every RME card will work in every PCI slot of an Apple computer. To our knowledge, the current Hammerfall DSP systems can be used in any PCI slot of all G4 and G5 models. In case additional PCI cards of any manufacturer are used, it might happen that the RME card is no longer found from the system. Swapping cards between slots can be helpful in this case. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 10 11. Connectors 11.1 Overview HDSP MADI consists of the main PCI board and an Expansion Board. All the essential electronics are located on the PCI card, so it will also work without the Expansion Board. The main board's bracket has two MADI interfaces, optical and coaxial input and output each, a MADI erro LED and the analog line/headphone output. Configuration of inputs and outputs is done via the Settings dialog (started by clicking on the hammer symbol in the system tray). Identical signals are available at both the optical and the coaxial output. An obvious use for this would be to simply connect two devices, i.e. using the HDSP MADI as a splitter. The Expansion Board's bracket has the word clock input and output. Next to the input BNC socket, a green LED displays the word clock input's lock status. Between the BNC sockets, word clock termination can be activated and verified by a yellow LED. The included breakout cable is connected to the 9-pin Mini-DIN connector and provides two MIDI inputs and outputs. 11.2 MADI I/Os The BNC input's ground-free design is built according to AES10-1991. The input impedance is 75 Ohm. It will operate error-free from about 180 mVpp. The optical input and output uses a FDDI (ISO/IEC 9413-3) compatible optical module, according to AES10-1991. More information can be found in chapter 18, MADI Basics. HDSP MADI includes automatic input selection (Safe Mode Input). In case the current input signal fails, the unit switches to the other input immediately. This mode, called redundancy mode, offers improved safety against errors on the transmission line. Switching the inputs is done in about one second. Redundancy operation is disaplayed in the Settings dialog. 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. Changing the internal blue jumper X4 to the upper position, the output voltage is increased to 1.2 Vpp. This setting is not intended to be used in normal operation. But in case of a very long or 'lossy' coaxial cable, this setting may ensure an error-free operation of the transmission line. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 11 11.3 Word Clock I/O HDSP MADI includes SteadyClock, guaranteeing 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 BNC output (see section 19). Input The transformer-isolated word clock input is loacated on the Expansion Board. It is activated via Pref. Sync Ref / Wordclock. As soon as a valid word clock signal is detected, the green 'Lock' LED beside the input jack lights up, and in the Settings dialog the field AutoSync Ref shows Word. Below the detected frequency of the word clock is shown. The word clock input is shipped as high impedance type (not terminated). A push switch allows to activate internal termination (75 Ohms). The switch is found between the BNC jacks. Use a small pencil or similar and carefully push the blue switch so that it snaps into its lock position. When termination is active the yellow TERM LED will be lit. Another push will release it again and de-activate the termination. Due to the HDSP MADI's outstanding clock control a synchronization of the output signal to the input signal is not only possible at identical sample rates, but also at half, quarter, double and quad sample rates. Example 1: A playback or recording at 44.1 kHz can be synchronized via an external signal of 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz or 176.4 kHz. Example 2: A playback or recording at 192 kHz can be synchronized via an external signal of 48 kHz, 96 kHz or 192 kHz. The input accepts all those frequencies fully automatically. 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. Thanks to automatic signal centering, 300 mV (0.3V) input level are sufficient in principle. An additional hysteresis reduces sensitivity to 1.0 V, so that over- and undershoots and high frequency disturbances don't cause a wrong trigger. Output The word clock output of the HDSP MADI is always active. It provides the current sample frequency of the HDSP MADI as word clock signal. As long as the HDSP MADI operates in 'Master' mode (field 'Clock Mode'), the word clock will be fixed to the current sample rate. In 'AutoSync' mode the sample rate is identical to the one present at the currently chosen input (Pref. Sync Ref). Without a valid input signal, the card will change between the inputs automatically. As long as no valid input signal is found, the card will stay in Master mode. This way, the card will always generate a valid output signal. The word clock signal received by the HDSP MADI can be distributed to other devices by using the word clock output. With this the usual T-adapter can be avoided, and the HDSP MADI operates as Signal Refresher. This kind of operation is highly recommended, because · · · Input and output are phase-locked and in phase (0°) to each other SteadyClock removes nearly all jitter from the input signal the exceptional input (1 Vpp sensitivity instead of the usual 2.5 Vpp, dc cut, Signal Adaptation Circuit) plus SteadyClock guarantee a secure function also with most critical word clock signals. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 12 11.4 Analog Output HDSP MADI offers a hi-quality analog monitor output. The short circuit protected stereo line output provides high output level, low impedance, and is available via a 6.3 mm (1/4") TRS jack. Therefore it is also suitable for a direct use with headphones. The analog output is directly driven from the channels 63/64. Its output volume is controlled by the hardware output faders of channel 63/64 in TotalMix. Additionally the analog output can play back any input or playback signal (submix, for example Preset 5, 6 and 7). RME's unique Speaker Protection reduces noise when switching the computer on and off, so there is no problem even when using active monitors. In case the output should operate as line out, an adapter TRS plug to RCA phono plugs, or TRS plug to TS plugs is required. The pin assignment follows international standards. The left channel is connected to the tip, the right channel to the ring of the TRS jack/plug. 11.5 MIDI Hammerfall DSP MADI offers two MIDI I/Os via 5-pin DIN jacks. The MIDI ports are added to the system by the driver. Using MIDI capable software, these ports can be accessed as MADI MIDI In 1 (1), MADI MIDI In 2 (2), MADI MIDI Out 1 (1) and MADI MIDI Out 2 (2). The brackets include the card number. The MIDI inputs can not operate multiclient, so a MIDI input signal can not be distributed to several programs at the same time. Such a functionality can be achieved with third party tools. The third MIDI port, MADI MIDI In 3 (1) and MADI MIDI Out 3 (1), receives and transmits MIDI data via MADI. This allows for a direct communication between systems with HDSP MADI cards. Additionally MIDI data can be transmitted from/to RME's ADI-648. Also the ADI-648 can be MIDI remote controlled without any additional line or cabling between computer (MADI card) and ADI-648. 11.6 Internal Jumper The internal blue jumper X4 is neither input nor output. It allows to change the voltage level at the coaxial MADI output. In the lower position, the card generates 600 mVpp (according to the specification). in case of a very long or 'lossy' coaxial cable, a higher output level might help to maintain an error-free operation. In the upper position, the output level is 1.2 Vpp. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 13 12. Operation and Usage 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 has included two unique features in the HDSP MADI: a comprehensive I/O signal status display (showing sample frequency, lock and sync status) in the Settings dialog, and the protective Safe Mode / Input function. Input activates redundancy operation. If the current input signal fails, the other input will be used immediately, provided a valid signal is found there. The sample frequency shown in the Settings dialog (see chapter 13, screenshot Settings) is useful as a quick display of the current configuration (the board itself and all connected external equipment). If no sample frequency is recognized, it will read `No Lock'. With this configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. After selecting the required input, Hammerfall DSP displays the current sample frequency. This parameter can then be changed in the application's audio attributes (or similar) dialog. It often makes sense to monitor the input signal or send it directly to the output. This can be done at zero latency using TotalMix (see chapter 15). User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 14 13. Configuring the HDSP MADI 13.1 General Information Configuring the HDSP MADI 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 Hammerfall DSP System (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. The following is available in the 'Settings' dialog: · · · · · Input selection Output mode Synchronization behaviour Input and output status display Time code display* *'Time Code' displays time information received from the optional Sync Module. Any changes made in the Settings dialog are applied immediately - confirmation (e.g. by clicking on OK or exiting the dialog) is not required. However, settings should not be changed during playback or record if it can be avoided, as this can cause unwanted noises. The status displays at the bottom of the dialog box give the user precise information about the current status of the system, and the status of all signals. `SyncCheck' indicates whether there is a valid signal for each input (`Lock' or `No Lock'), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (`Sync'). The `AutoSync Ref' display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. Quick Boot All the card's settings described below are stored in a hardware memory, and are loaded immediately after a power-on of the computer. In clock mode master even the last used sample rate is set. Directly after switching on the computer, a stable and predictable clock state is found at the HDSP MADI's outputs. This advanced technology completely eliminates disturbing noises and clock network problems during power-up or re-boot times. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 15 MADI In Defines the input for MADI signal. 'Coaxial' relates to the BNC socket, 'Optical' to the optical input. MADI Out Defines the format of the MADI output signal. MADI can be a 56 or 64 channel signal. 96 kHz Sample rates higher than 48 kHz can be transmitted using the normal 48K Frame (Double Wire / SMUX), or using a native 96K Frame at the card's output. Safe Mode Input activates redundancy operation. If the current input signal fails, the other input will be used immediately, provided a valid signal is found there. Clock Mode The card can be configured to use its internal clock (Master), or the clock source pre-defined via Pref. Sync Ref (AutoSync). Pref. Sync Ref Used to pre-select the desired clock source. If the selected source isn't available the card will change to the other one. The currently used clock source and sample rate is displayed in the AutoSyncRef display. The automatic clock selection checks and changes between the clock sources MADI and word clock. System Clock Shows the current clock state of the HDSP system. The system is either Master (using its own clock) or Slave (AutoSync Ref). SyncCheck `SyncCheck' indicates for coaxial and optical MADI input whether there is a valid signal (`Lock' or `No Lock'), or a valid and synchronous signal (`Sync'). The `AutoSync Ref' display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 16 13.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization AutoSync The HDSP MADI has been equipped with AutoSync, an automatic clock source selection, which adopts the first available input with a valid digital signal as the clock reference input. The input currently used as sync reference is shown in the AutoSync Ref status field, together with its sample frequency. AutoSync guarantees that normal record and record-while-play will always work correctly. In certain cases however, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization breaks down. To remedy this, switch the HDSP's clock mode over to 'Master'. 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'. Thanks to its AutoSync technique and lightning fast PLLs, the HDSP is not only capable of handling standard frequencies, but also any sample rate between 25 and 200 kHz. Even the word clock input, most often used in varispeed operation, allows any frequency between 25 kHz and 200 kHz. The HDSP MADI's outstanding clock control allows for a synchronization of the output signal to the input signal not only at identical sample rates, but also at half, quarter, double and quad sample rates. A playback of 192 kHz can easily be synchronized via a 48 kHz clock source. SyncCheck 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. The `SyncCheck' field indicates whether no signal (`No Lock'), a valid signal (`Lock') or a valid and synchronous signal (`Sync') is present at each of the digital clock source inputs. The `AutoSync Ref' display shows the current sync source and the measured frequency. In practice, SyncCheck provides the user with an easy way of checking whether all digital devices connected to the system are properly configured. With SyncCheck, finally anyone can master this common source of error, previously one of the most complex issues in the digital studio world. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 17 14. Word Clock 14.1 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, ADAT and MADI are self-clocking, an additional word clock connection in principle isn't necessary. But when using more than one device simultaneously problems are likely to happen. For example any self-clocking will not work in a loop cabling, when there is no 'master' (main clock) inside the loop. Additionally the clock of all participating devices has to be synchronous. This is often impossible with devices limited to playback, for example CD players, as these have no SPDIF input, thus can't use the self clocking technique as clock reference. In a digital studio synchronisation is maintained by connecting all devices to a central sync source. For example the mixing desk works as master and sends a reference signal, the word clock, to all other devices. Of course this will only work as long as all other devices are equipped with a word clock or sync input, thus being able to work as slave (some professional CD players indeed have a word clock input). Then all devices get the same clock and will work in every possible combination with each other. Remember that a digital system can only have one master! If the HDSP MADI's clock mode is set to 'Master', all other devices must be set to `Slave'. But word clock is not only the 'great problem solver', it also has some disadvantages. The word clock is based on a fraction of the really needed clock. For example SPDIF: 44.1 kHz word clock (a simple square wave signal) has to be multiplied by 256 inside the device using a special PLL (to about 11.2 MHz). This signal then replaces the one from the quartz crystal. Big disadvantage: because of the high multiplication factor the reconstructed clock will have great deviations called jitter. The jitter of a word clock is typically 15 times higher as when using a quartz based clock. The end of these problems should have been the so called Superclock, which uses 256 times the word clock frequency. This equals the internal quartz frequency, so no PLL for multiplying is needed and the clock can be used directly. But reality was different, the Superclock proved to be much more critical than word clock. A square wave signal of 11 MHz distributed to several devices - this simply means to fight with high frequency technology. Reflections, cable quality, capacitive loads - at 44.1 kHz these factors may be ignored, at 11 MHz they are the end of the clock network. Additionally it was found that a PLL not only generates jitter, but also also rejects disturbances. The slow PLL works like a filter for induced and modulated frequencies above several kHz. As the Superclock is used without any filtering such a kind of jitter and noise suppression is missing. No wonder Superclock did not become a commonly accepted standard. The actual end of these problems is offered by the SteadyClock technology of the HDSP MADI. Combining the advantages of modern and fastest digital technology with analog filter techniques, re-gaining a low jitter clock signal of 11 MHz from a slow word clock of 44.1 kHz is no problem anymore. Additionally, jitter on the input signal is highly rejected, so that even in real world usage the re-gained clock signal is of highest quality. This is especially true when extracting the word clock out of a MADI signal. Caused by the MADI format itself, such a signal will have around 80 (!) ns of jitter, which is reduced to about 1 (!) ns by SteadyClock. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 18 14.2 Cables 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. To avoid voltage loss and reflections, both the cable itself and the terminating resistor should have an impedance of 75 Ohm. If the voltage is too low, synchronization will fail. High frequency reflection effects can cause both jitter and sync failure. Ideally all outputs of word clock delivering devices are designed with very low impedance, but all word clock inputs with high impedance, in order to not weaken the signal on the chain. But there are also negative examples, when the 75 Ohms are built into the device and cannot be switched off. In this case the network load is often 2 x 75 Ohms, and the user is forced to buy a special word clock distributor. Note that such a device is generally recommended for larger studios. Also, 75 Ohm cable is almost impossible to find these days. 50 Ohm cable is standard - this will also work as long as the termination resistors are 75 Ohm. The HDSP MADI's word clock input can be high-impedance or terminated internally, ensuring maximum flexibility. If termination is necessary (e.g. because HDSP MADI is the last device in the chain), activate the switch TERM between the BNC jacks on the Expansion Board so that the yellow TERM LED lights up. In case the HDSP MADI resides within a chain of devices receiving word clock, plug a Tadapter into the BNC input jack, and the cable supplying the word clock signal to one end of the adapter, but connect the free end to the next device in the chain via a further BNC cable. The last device in the chain should be terminated using another T-adapter and a terminator plug as described in the previous paragraph. Some devices (like the HDSP MADI) have switchable 75 Ohm resistors, which saves both T-adapter and terminator. Due to the outstanding SteadyClock technology of the HDSP MADI, we recommend not to pass the input signal via T-adapter, but to use the HDSP MADI's word clock output instead. Thanks to SteadyClock, the input signal will both be freed from jitter and - in case of loss or drop out ­ be held at the last valid frequency. 14.3 General Operation The green `Lock' LED at the Expansion Board will light up as soon as a word clock signal is detected. Selecting `Word Clock' in the `Clock Mode' field will switch clock control over to the word clock signal. As soon as there is a valid signal at the BNC jack, 'AutoSync Ref' will display 'Word'. This message has the same meaning as the green `Lock' LED, but appears on the monitor, i.e. the user can check immediately whether a valid word clock signal is present and is currently being used. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 19 15. TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring The Hammerfall DSP system includes a powerful digital real-time mixer. RME's unique TotalMix technology allows for nearly unlimited mixing and routing with all inputs and playback channels simultaneously. Here are some typical applications for TotalMix: · · · · · · setting up delay-free submixes (headphone mixes) unlimited routing of inputs and outputs (free utilisation, patchbay function) distributing signals to several outputs at a time simultaneous playback of different programs over only one stereo channel mixing of the input signal to the playback signal integration of external devices (effects etc). in real-time The block diagram of the TotalMix mixer of the HDSP MADI shows that the record signal always stays un-altered, but can be passed on as often as desired, even with different levels. The level meter of inputs and playback channels are connected pre-fader (due to the enormous routing capabilities). The level meters of the hardware's outputs are connected post-fader. User's Guide Hammerfall DSP MADI © RME 20