RME ADI 6432 Bidirectional 64-Channel MADI/AES/EBU Format Converter

ADI-6432 ADI-6432R

Bidirectional 64-Channel MADI/AES Format Converter

The ADI-6432 converts all 64 channels of a single MADI stream to 32 AES/EBU ports and vice versa. Thus it supports all 64 channels of the MADI format at up to 48 kHz, 32 channels at up to 96 kHz and 16 channels at up to 192 kHz. Connected to the HDSP(e) MADI interface, the ADI-6432 turns into a powerful external 32-port AES/EBU interface. Two units will build a perfect digital multicore solution without any computer needed.

Connectivity and Features

• 32 x AES/EBU I/O
• 1 x MADI optical I/O
• 1 x Word Clock I/O
• 1 x Com-Port I/O
• 1 x MIDI I/O

Typical applications include two ADI-6432 used as digital multicore, or one unit used as AES/EBU frontend for the Hammerfall DSP MADI PCI card. Up to 192 kHz at 24-Bit are supported. Built with 2 units height there is enough space for all connectors and control elements.

Of course the unit includes lots of typical RME-features:

• Support for up to 192 kHz with MADI and AES
• Unique status displays for MADI and AES
• SteadyClock for maximum jitter reduction and clock regeneration
• Completely remote controlable via MIDI
• Transfer of MIDI data via MADI
• Transfer of RS232 data via MADI

The compact unit with 19" width and 2 unit height serves as format converter MADI to/from AES (schematic view). MADI handles 64 channels of 24-Bit audio at sampling frequencies up to 48 kHz, 32 channels up to 96 kHz, and 16 channels up to 192 kHz. All channels are transferred across a single cable, either coaxial (BNC) or optical network cable. In both cases, cable lengths of more than 100 meters can be achieved. The AES/EBU channels are provided as 32 AES/EBU inputs and outputs via D-sub connectors. The ADI-6432 accepts 56 channels and 64 channels as well as 96k frame at its input, and can be set to generate those formats at its output.

ADI-6432R: The RME ADI-6432 R is identical to the ADI-6432, but can be connected to two different electrical circuits. If one of these circuits fails, the ADI-6432 R will continue to operate without interruption.

Features

RMEs SteadyClock(TM) lets the ADI-6432 use MADI without an additional word clock connection, and guarantees excellent clock quality in every situation. Due to the highly efficient jitter reduction, any clock signal - even AES and word clock - can be improved and refreshed, and subsequently be used as reference clock at the word clock output. Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.

The ADI-6432 supplies word clock in Single, Double und Quad Speed, distributes Double Wire 96 kHz signals into the MADI data stream, and even supports the double MADI sample rate (96K frame). The SyncAlign ® and SyncCheck ® technologies known from other RME products ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Also multiple units can be stacked and operated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is switched off.

A fully automatic input selection between optical and coaxial input offers a useful redundancy mode for critical applications. Extensive status displays give information about lock and sync states, audio content and the physical quality of the incoming signal.

The front panel features an exciting and detailed sync and audio state display with 97 LEDs. Furthermore every function has its own keys accompanied by clear function LEDs. Especially in a professional application, exact, quick and direct control and display of all incoming and outgoing signals, including MIDI and RS232, becomes indispensable. Errors can be detected at a glance. The control keys can be locked to prevent accidental changing of settings.