RME ADI-8 DS Mk III

Overview

The ADI-8 DS Mk III is an 8-channel hi-end AD and DA converter in reference quality. In a standard 19" box with 1 unit height the device offers numerous extraordinary features like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) Intelligent Clock Control (ICC)
Our unique SyncCheck and AutoSync technology has evolved into the new Intelligent Clock Control of the Hammerfall DSP system. HDSP is the only digital I/O-system worldwide capable of measuring and displaying the frequency of all clock sources. Even word clock! Based on validity and current sample rate the system then decides which clock source should be used - fully automated and performed in hardware! With this the HDSP system offers the most easiest handling of the present clocks, although having a lot digital inputs, plus the most advanced support when configuring the clock setup. , SyncCheck SyncCheck
When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary that these are all properly locked, they also have to be totally synchronized. Else drop outs and crackling occurs.
RME's exclusive SyncCheck checks all input signals. In clock mode Master the synchronous operation to the internal clock is checked. This outstanding and unique technology helps to find errors immediately. The actual state of each input is displayed in the settings dialog. ™, SteadyClock, four hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, AES/EBU and ADAT I/O, 192 kHz sample rate, and a digital patch mode.

• 8-channel AD converter, full symmetrical design, 119 dBA
• 8-channel DA converter, double balanced output, 120 dBA
• Low latency conversion: less than 12 samples delay
• 4 x AES/EBU I/O per D-sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
• 2 x ADAT I/O, 8 channels @ 96 kHz, 4 channels at 192 kHz
• Word clock input and output
• 2 x 8-channel level metering
• Comprehensive digital patch mode for full interconnectivity

Features

The ADI-8 DS Mk III is a highly flexible 8-channel AD/DA converter and digital to digital format converter with an unrivalled bunch of features. The device combines excellent analog circuit design with outstanding low latency AD/DA converter chips. Along with SteadyClock™, the DS offers AD and DA conversion of the highest quality, redefining the reference class of analog/digital converters.

The compact 1U device provides a host of extraordinary features, including 4 hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, AES/EBU and ADAT I/O up to 192 kHz, and a comprehensive Patch Mode.

The ADI-8 DS Mk III uses a completely symmetrical signal path, that guarantees an exceptional sound quality, outstanding low distortion and highest Signal to Noise ratio in all level settings. To maintain the full dynamic range within all operating levels the ADI-8 DS Mk III uses discrete gain stages which are switched electronically, so that no additional noise or distortion is introduced into the audio path. Sophisticated AD/DA converters provide samplerates up to 192 kHz with a SNR of 120 dBA. On the digital side, SteadyClockTM, RME’s unique clock technology and jitter suppression, further enhances the list of features, ensuring the best sound quality regardless of the quality of the reference clock signal.

Of course other typical RME features such as Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) Intelligent Clock Control (ICC)
Our unique SyncCheck and AutoSync technology has evolved into the new Intelligent Clock Control of the Hammerfall DSP system. HDSP is the only digital I/O-system worldwide capable of measuring and displaying the frequency of all clock sources. Even word clock! Based on validity and current sample rate the system then decides which clock source should be used - fully automated and performed in hardware! With this the HDSP system offers the most easiest handling of the present clocks, although having a lot digital inputs, plus the most advanced support when configuring the clock setup. , SyncCheck SyncCheck
When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary that these are all properly locked, they also have to be totally synchronized. Else drop outs and crackling occurs.
RME's exclusive SyncCheck checks all input signals. In clock mode Master the synchronous operation to the internal clock is checked. This outstanding and unique technology helps to find errors immediately. The actual state of each input is displayed in the settings dialog. ™, SyncAlign SyncAlign
SyncAlign includes several methods and techniques to guarantee absolute data alignment with regard to time and channels. No RME digital audio card will ever swap channels, not in stereo nor in multi channel mode, regardless what you do with the card and the signals it gets. SyncAlign also controls the timing among the channels, no matter how much are used, they will always start sample-aligned.
When the record while play mode is activated, the corresponding software first starts record and then playback (or playback then record.) SyncAlign can compensate the time difference so that an exact simultaneous start of record and playback in the record while play mode is guaranteed. In asynchronous mode (different programs use different stereo devices of one card) this part of SyncAlign is automatically deactivated. ™ have also been implemented.

The specially developed internal high performance switching power supply provides operation with voltages ranging from 100 to 240 AC Volts. It is short-circuit proof, has an integrated line filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.

Analog Outputs. The ADI-8 DS Mk III has separated driver stages for the TRS and D-sub outputs. The servo-balanced TRS jacks will work up to +21 dBu. When selecting +24 dBu the balanced D-sub connector outputs will provide the higher output level while TRS stays at +19 dBu.

2 ADAT I/Os support up to 8 channels at 96 kHz (S/MUX) and 4 channels at 192 kHz (S/MUX4). A 25-pin AES/EBU interface features 8 channels at 192 kHz. All outputs can be used simultaneously, i.e.: analog (balanced TRS and/or D-sub), ADAT, AES/EBU.

Analog Inputs. The ADI-8 DS Mk III provides inputs via TRS or D-sub connectors. Both operate servo-balanced and accept levels up to +24 dBu.

Digital Patch Mode. A digital patchbay with free choice of source and destination setup can be used to convert ADAT to AES, AES to ADAT, cross-convert them at the same time, pass ADAT on to ADAT while monitored analog, and many more. The ADAT outputs also feature copy mode for connection of two different ADAT devices. These powerful and easy to use modes add significant value to the already outstanding conversion quality.

Tech Specs

Input AD: 1/4” TRS jack and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced, completely symmetrical audio path

Output AD: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical

Input DA: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical

Output DA: 1/4” TRS jack servo balanced, up to +21 dBu. 25 pin D-sub, balanced, up to +24 dBu.

Dynamic Range AD: 119 dBA

THD AD: < -110 dB (< 0.00032 %)

THD+N AD: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)

Crosstalk AD: > 110 dB

Dynamic Range DA: 120 dBA unmuted

THD DA: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)

THD+N DA: < -102 dB (< 0.0008 %)

Crosstalk DA: > 110 dB

Input level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu

Output level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu

Input/Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2 , 96, 176.4, 192 kHz, variable (sync/word)

Frequency response AD/DA -0.1 dB: 10 Hz - 23.2 kHz (sf 48 kHz)

Frequency response AD/DA -0.5 dB: < 5 Hz - 43.0 kHz (sf 96 kHz)

Frequency response AD/DA -1 dB :< 5 Hz - 85.0 kHz (sf 192 kHz)

Power supply: Internal switching mode ps, 100 V-240 V AC