Rme ADI-8 QS User Manual
User’s Guide
ADI-8 QS
The Professional’s Converter Solution
TotalRemote
FlexGain
™
™
SteadyClock
I64 Option Slot
™
SyncCheck™
Professional 8-Channel AD/DA Converter
Reference Low Latency Conversion
8-Channel Analog <> AES / ADAT Interface
Optional 64-Channel MADI Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
MIDI Remote Control
Desktop Monitor Level Remote
24 Bit Interface
™
AES-3
AES-10
Important Safety Instructions ..................................4
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................6
2 Package Contents .....................................................6
3 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6
4 First Usage – Quick Start
4.1 Controls - Connectors - Displays ............................7
4.2 Quick Start ..............................................................9
5 Accessories .............................................................10
6 Warranty...................................................................11
7 Appendix ..................................................................11
Usage and Operation
8 Front Panel Controls
8.1 Input .....................................................................14
8.2 Limiter...................................................................14
8.3 Input State............................................................15
8.4 Meter ....................................................................15
8.5 Remote.................................................................15
8.6 Clock Section .......................................................15
8.7 Digital Input ..........................................................16
8.8 Output State .........................................................16
8.9 Set (Rotary Encoder) ...........................................16
8.10 Output...................................................................17
9 The Setup Menu
9.1 Exit .......................................................................17
9.2 Global Output Level .............................................17
9.3 Input Trim .............................................................18
9.4 Output Trim ..........................................................18
9.5 ID (Id) ...................................................................18
9.6 Bank (bA) .............................................................19
9.7 Auto ID (Au) .........................................................19
9.8 Delay Compensation (dC)....................................19
9.9 Follow Clock (FC).................................................20
9.10 Word Clock Out (Co)............................................20
9.11 Trim Enable (TE) ..................................................21
9.12 Global Output Level Enable (GE) ........................21
9.13 Direct Level (dL) ...................................................21
9.14 Effects (FX) ..........................................................21
9.15 Digital to Digital (dd) .............................................22
9.16 Digital Patch Mode ...............................................23
9.17 Dark and Lock Keys .............................................24
10 Remote Control
10.1 Hardware Remote ................................................25
10.2 MIDI ......................................................................25
10.3 MIDI over MADI....................................................25
10.4 Remote Control Software.....................................26
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
Inputs and Outputs
11 Analog Inputs / Outputs
11.1 Line In ..................................................................30
11.2 Line Out ............................................................... 31
12 Digital Inputs / Outputs
12.1 AES / EBU ........................................................... 32
12.2 ADAT Optical .......................................................33
12.3 I64 MADI Card .....................................................34
12.4 Differences I64 MADI Card / ADI-642 ................. 35
13 Word Clock
13.1 Word Clock Input and Output .............................. 36
13.2 Technical Description and Background ............... 37
13.3 Cables and Termination....................................... 38
14 MIDI........................................................................... 39
15 Remote ..................................................................... 39
Technical Reference
16 Technical Specifications
16.1 Analog .................................................................. 42
16.2 Digital Inputs ........................................................43
16.3 Digital Outputs ..................................................... 44
16.4 Digital ................................................................... 44
16.5 MIDI ..................................................................... 44
16.6 General ................................................................45
16.7 Firmware .............................................................. 45
16.8 MADI User Bit Chart ............................................45
16.9 Connector Pinouts ...............................................46
17 Technical Background
17.1 Terminology .........................................................48
17.2 Lock and SyncCheck ........................................... 49
17.3 Latency and Monitoring .......................................50
17.4 DS – Double Speed ............................................. 51
17.5 QS – Quad Speed ...............................................51
17.6 AES/EBU – SPDIF............................................... 52
17.7 Signal to Noise ratio in DS / QS Operation.......... 53
17.8 MADI Basics ........................................................54
17.9 SteadyClock......................................................... 55
18 Block Diagram......................................................... 56
19 MIDI Implementation ADI-8 QS
19.1 Basic SysEx Format ............................................57
19.2 Message Types ................................................... 57
19.3 Table .................................................................... 58
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
3
Important Safety Instructions
ATTENTION! Do not open chassis – risk of electric shock
The unit has non-isolated live parts inside. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer service to qualified service personnel.
Mains
• The device must be earthed – never use it without proper grounding
• Do not use defective power cords
• Operation of the device is limited to the manual
• Use same type of fuse only
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this device to rain or
moisture. Prevent moisture and water from entering the device. Never leave
a pot with liquid on top of the device. Do not use this product near water, i. e.
swimming pool, bathtub or wet basement. Danger of condensation inside –
don't turn on before the device has reached room temperature.
Installation
Surface may become hot during operation – ensure sufficient ventilation.
Avoid direct sun light and do not place it near other sources of heat, like radiators or stoves. When mounting in a rack, leave some space between this
device and others for ventilation.
Unauthorized servicing/repair voids warranty. Only use accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
Read the manual completely. It includes all information necessary
to use and operate this device.
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
User’s Guide
ADI-8 QS
General
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
5
1. Introduction
RME's ADI-8 QS is an 8-channel high-end AD/DA converter with a truly unique feature set. The
device combines excellent analog circuit design with the latest generation of outstanding low
latency AD/DA converter chips. Along with its integrated SteadyClock, the ADI-8 QS offers AD
and DA conversion of the highest quality.
When developing the ADI-8 QS we used all our experience, and also the experience of our
customers, to create a unique, excellent and high-quality unit. Although the ADI-8 QS is built to
highest reference standards, it still offers the typical, outstanding price/performance ratio known
from RME. ADI-8 QS features will excite you – but even more the performance and smartness
that it shows in solving any given task. Have fun!
2. Package Contents
Please check that your ADI-8 QS package contains each of the following:
• ADI-8 QS
• Power cord
• Manual
• RME Driver CD
• 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m
• Desktop remote control
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The ADI-8 QS is an 8-channel hi-end AD and DA converter in reference quality, fully remote
controllable. In a standard 19" box with 1 unit height the device offers numerous extraordinary
features like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck
iter, four hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, AES/EBU and ADAT I/O, optional MADI I/O,
192 kHz sample rate, MIDI remote control, digital input and output trimming for full level calibration, calibration, volume control for all 8 analog outputs, either separately or globally, and a digital thru-mode.
• 8-channel AD converter, full symmetrical design, 117 dBA
• 8-channel DA converter, DC coupled design, 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
• Optional MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card)
• Word clock input and output
• MIDI I/O
• Digital input/output trim over a range of 6 dB per I/O
• AD-conversion includes switchable analog and digital Limiter
• 2 x 8-channel level meter with 7 LEDs per channel
• Noise suppression on power-on and power-off at the analog outputs
• Included Hardware remote for store/recall, volume and DIM
• Fully remote controllable via MIDI and MADI
®
, SteadyClock, analog and digital Lim-
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
4. First Usage – Quick Start
4.1 Controls - Connectors - Displays
The front of the ADI-8 QS features 16 LED level meters, nine select keys, one rotary encoder,
and 30 LEDs providing a detailed status display.
The analog input sensitivity can be changed in the area INPUT. Choosing DIG with the select
key, the digital input signal is routed to the digital outputs, with the AD-conversion being deactivated.
The 8-channel LIMITER is available as analog (MODE ANA), digital (MODE DIG) or combined
(both LEDs lit) function.
The 8 level meter of the INPUT STATE
show the digital value (dBFS) of the
input level per channel. With activated
METER GR AUTO the amount of Gain
Reduction is shown in dB as soon as
the Limiter becomes active. METER PH
provides a Peak Hold function, either
permanently (ON) or switched off by
Auto Reset (AR) after 3 seconds.
When the Setup menu is active, the according parameter values are displayed in this level meter window.
REMOTE defines the source for MIDI remote control operation (Option Slot/MADI or DIN jack).
In the CLOCK SECTION the current clock reference and frequency multiplier is chosen.
The digital input signal of the DA-converters is chosen by pushing the DIGITAL INPUT button.
The 8 level meter of the OUTPUT STATE show
the digital input level per channel as digital value
(dBFS). METER PH provides a Peak Hold
function, either permanently (ON) or switched off
by Auto Reset (AR) after 3 seconds.
When the Setup menu is active, all available
options are displayed in this level meter window.
Pushing the knob SET activates the Setup
Menu. The rotary encoder is a highly intuitive
multifunctional device. It is used to set the trim values, the volume, and various options in the
Setup menu.
The key ANALOG OUT defines the analog reference level at the analog outputs. This level is
reached at full scale of the AD-converters, thus matching the front panel level meter's level indication.
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
7
The rear panel of the ADI-8 QS has eight analog inputs, eight analog outputs, mains power, a
connector for the included Hardware Remote, MIDI I/O, word clock I/O, the I64 Option Slot, and
all digital inputs and outputs (AES/ADAT).
ANALOG INPUTS: Eight balanced Line inputs, 1/4" TRS inputs and D-sub.
ANALOG OUTPUTS: Eight balanced Line outputs, 1/4" TRS outputs and D-sub.
AES I/O (25-pin D-sub): The D-sub connector provides four AES/EBU outputs (AD signals) and
four AES/EBU inputs (DA signals). The 25 pin D-sub connector is wired according to the widely
spread Tascam standard (pinout see chapter 16.9). The AES I/Os are transformer-coupled. The
high sensitivity type input accepts all common digital sources, even SPDIF.
ADAT I/O MAIN (TOSLINK): Standard ADAT optical port.
ADAT I/O AUX (TOSLINK): Transmits further channels at activated sample multiplexing.
WORD IN (BNC): A push switch allows to activate internal termination (75 Ohms).
WORD OUT (BNC): Standard word clock output.
MIDI I/O (5-pin DIN): MIDI input and output via 5-pin DIN jacks. Used to remote control the ADI-
8 QS, and – with installed MADI Card - to transmit MIDI data via MADI.
REMOTE (Mini DIN): Jack to connect the included Hardware Remote.
IEC receptacle for power connection. The specially developed, internal hi-performance switch
mode power supply lets the ADI-8 QS operate in the range of 100V to 240V AC. It is shortcircuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.
With installed I64 MADI Card:
MADI I/O optical: Standard MADI ports.
MADI I/O coaxial (BNC): Standard MADI ports.
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
4.2 Quick Start
After connection of all cables and power-on of the device, the configuration of the ADI-8 QS
begins in the CLOCK section. Choose a clock source and a sample rate.
Connect the TRS-jacks or the D-sub connector with the analog signal source. Change the input
sensitivity by pressing INPUT until the input level is sufficient to avoid noisy operation. Try to
achieve an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the source’s output level
until the red Over LED flashes 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 QS can be accessed by using 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 unbalanced
(mono TS) and balanced (XLR, stereo TRS jacks) correctly, automatically adjusting the level
reference.
When switched on for the first time the ADI-8 DS starts in a default mode which should be suitable for most applications:
• AD/DA conversion in master mode (CLOCK INTERNAL)
• Sample rate 48 kHz
• Input ADAT optical
• Level reference +19 dBu
On the DA-side just choose the desired digital input by pressing DIGITAL INPUT. A coarse
correction of the analog output level can be done by pressing the OUTPUT button.
The ADI-8 QS stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is
turned on.
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
9
5. Accessories
RME offers several optional components for the ADI-8 QS:
Part Number Description
OK0050 Optical cable, Toslink, 0.5 m (1.7 ft)
OK0100 Optical cable, Toslink, 1 m (3.3 ft)
OK0200 Optical cable, Toslink, 2 m (6.6 ft)
OK0300 Optical cable, Toslink, 3 m (9.9 ft)
OK0500 Optical cable, Toslink, 5 m 16.4 ft)
OK1000 Optical cable, Toslink, 10 m (32.8 ft)
BO25MXLR4M4F1PRO Digital Breakout Cable Pro, AES/EBU
25-pin D-sub to 4 x XLR male + 4 x XLR female, 1m (3.3 ft)
BO25MXLR4M4F3PRO same, 3 m (9.9 ft)
BO25MXLR4M4F6PRO same, 6 m (19.8 ft)
BO25M25M1PRO Digital D-sub Cable Pro, AES/EBU,
25-pin D-sub to 25-pin D-sub, 1m (3.3 ft)
BO25M25M3PRO same, 3m (9.9 ft)
BO25M25M6PRO same, 6m (19.8 ft)
BO25MXLR8M3 Analog Breakout Cable, 25-pin D-sub to 8 x XLR male, 3 m (9.9 ft)
BO25MXLR8M6 same, 6 m (19.8 ft)
BO25MXLR8M10 same, 10 m (33 ft)
BO25MXLR8F3 Analog Breakout Cable 25-pin D-sub to 8 x XLR female, 3 m (9.9 ft)
BO25MXLR8F6 same, 6 m (19.8 ft)
BO25MXLR8F10 same, 10 m (33 ft)
I64 MADI Card MADI module featuring thru-input, Delay Compensation, Auto ID, MIDI
over MADI, remote via MADI
BOB32 BOB-32, Universal breakout box, 19" 1 Unit height. The professional
digital AES/EBU breakout solution
10
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
6. Warranty
Each individual ADI-8 QS undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete test at IMM
before shipping. The usage of high grade components should guarantee a long and trouble-free
operation of the unit.
If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer.
Audio AG grants a limited manufacturer warranty of 6 months from the day of invoice showing
the date of sale. The length of the warranty period is different per country. Please contact your
local distributor for extended warranty information and service. Note that each country may
have regional specific warranty implications.
In any case warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation or maltreatment replacement or repair in such cases can only be carried out at the owner's expense.
No warranty service is provided when the product is not returned to the local distributor in the
region where the product had been originally shipped.
Audio AG does not accept claims for damages of any kind, especially consequential damage.
Liability is limited to the value of the ADI-8 QS. The general terms of business drawn up by Audio AG apply at all times.
7. Appendix
RME news and further information can be found on our website:
http://www.rme-audio.com
Distributor: Audio AG, Am Pfanderling 60, D-85778 Haimhausen, Tel.: (49) 08133 / 918170
Manufacturer:
IMM electronics GmbH, Leipziger Strasse 32, D-09648 Mittweida
Trademarks
All trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners. RME, Hammerfall
and DIGICheck are registered trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. SyncAlign, TotalGain, SyncCheck, ZLM, SteadyClock, ADI-8 QS, I64 Option Slot, I64 MADI Card and Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) are trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. Alesis and ADAT
are registered trademarks of Alesis Corp. ADAT optical is a trademark of Alesis Corp. S/MUX is
copyright Sonorus. Digidesign and Pro Tools are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid
Technology, Inc.
Copyright © Matthias Carstens, 02/2017. Version 1.5
Although the contents of this User’s Guide have been thoroughly checked for errors, RME can
not guarantee that it is correct throughout. RME does not accept responsibility for any misleading or incorrect information within this guide. Lending or copying any part of the guide or the
RME Driver CD, or any commercial exploitation of these media without express written permission from RME Intelligent Audio Solutions is prohibited. RME reserves the right to change
specifications at any time without notice.
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
11
CE / FCC Compliance
CE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility according to RL89/336/EWG and RL73/23/EWG.
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Responsible Party in USA:
Synthax United States, 6600 NW 16th Street, Suite 10, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33313
T.:754.206.4220
Trade Name: RME, Model Number: ADI-8 QS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RoHS
This product has been soldered lead-free and fulfils the requirements of the RoHS directive.
Note on Disposal
According to the guide line RL2002/96/EG (WEEE – Directive on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment), valid for all european countries, this
product has to be recycled at the end of its lifetime.
In case a disposal of electronic waste is not possible, the recycling can also
be done by IMM electronics GmbH, the manufacturer of the ADI-8 QS. For
this the device has to be sent free to the door to:
IMM electronics GmbH
Leipziger Straße 32
D-09648 Mittweida
Germany
The included hardware remote is a product of RME Trading Ltd., Hong Kong. In case a disposal
of electronic waste is not possible, the recycling can be done by Audio AG. For this the device
has to be sent free to the door to:
Audio AG
Am Pfanderling 60
D-85778 Haimhausen
Germany
Shipments not prepaid will be rejected and returned on the original sender's costs.
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
User’s Guide
ADI-8 QS
Usage and Operation
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
13
8. Front Panel Controls
8.1 Input
In the INPUT area, the select key causes a change of the analog input
sensitivity, referenced to digital full scale level (0 dBFS) of the ADconverters. The choices are: +4.2 dBu (-10 dBV compatible), +13 dBu,
+19 dBu and +24 dBu. As the adaptation is performed in the analog domain, the ADI-8 QS achieves the highest possible values for Signal to
Noise ratio and distortion in any setting.
After selecting DIG, the digital input signal is routed to the digital outputs, with the AD-
conversion being deactivated. The level meters now show the level of the digital input signal.
8.2 Limiter
The LIMITER is available as analog function (MODE ANA), digital function (MODE DIG), or
combined (both LEDs lit).
Analog Limiter
For the ADI-8 QS, RME developed a new fully symmetrical circuit design with
digitally controlled release time. While the analog limiter is constantly within
the signal path, it operates fully transparent as long as there is no control signal generated, so does not cause noise or distortion. This special feature
made it possible to define a threshold of +3 dB in deactivated mode, preventing an overload of more than 3 dB of the AD-converters. This avoids not only
extreme overload effects, but also prevents the AD-converters from being
damaged.
Both the fully symmetrical design and the digitally controlled release time contribute to the reduction of the unavoidable distortion of a peak limiter (linearity errors of the control elements,
generation of the control voltage). The distortion value of about 0.3% stays the same at any
level and any frequency.
Another exceptional feature is the ability to handle extremely high levels. At the level references
+24 dBu, +19 dBu and +13 dBu up to +30 dBu can be fed, the signal is still limited correctly (-3
dBFS), THD is still 0.3%. At the setting +4.2 dBu the maximum unclipped input level is +24 dBu.
So there is more than 20 dB overload possible!
Note
: As with all such basic designs, increasing dynamic ratio and gain reduction causes audi-
ble pumping effects.
Digital Limiter
The digital limiter is a non linear compressor. The input signal is processed with a special amplitude function. The resulting third order harmonics are widely masked by the original signal.
The digital limiter allows for additional headroom of up to 5 dB without audible clipping (clipping:
brickwall limiting leading to high distortion). It also allows for an increase of the loudness without
increasing the maximum peak level, similar to the effect known as Maximizer. Unlike the analog
limiter there is no attack and release time and therefore no pumping effects.
The strength of the limiter effect can be adjusted in the Setup menu in steps of 1.5, 3, 4 and 5
dB, indicating the maximum level or loudness gain (chapter 9.14).
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
8.3 Input State
The 8 level meter of the INPUT STATE show the digital value (dBFS) of the input level per
channel. The level data incorporate Input Trim and Digital Limiter. The red LED OVR is lit 0.2
dB before full scale level (-0.2 dBFS).
With activated METER GR AUTO the amount of Gain Reduction is shown in dB as bar from top
to bottom, as soon as the Limiter becomes active. In case of overload a display is even performed when the Limiter has not been activated, because the Limiter is indeed always active,
operating at a threshold of +3 dB.
When the Setup menu is active, the according parameter values are displayed in this level meter window.
8.4 Meter
METER PH provides a Peak Hold function for all level meters, either
permanently (ON) or switched off by Auto Reset (AR) after 3 seconds.
In mode ON, a reset (erasing the current peak values) is issued by a
single push of the PH button. The function itself is not changed.
8.5 Remote
REMOTE defines the source of MIDI remote control commands. Choices are
the MIDI DIN jack, AES1 and the MADI input of the I64 MADI Card (Option Slot).
Note
: Via MIDI remote control, all front panel controls can be locked (Lock
Keys). An exception is the REMOTE key. In the Off state (no LED lit) Lock Keys
is deactivated. Therefore a locking of all the controls can be revoked directly at
the unit at any time.
8.6 Clock Section
The source and frequency of the unit's clock is configured in the CLOCK SECTION. The button
CLOCK lets you step through the options external clock (Word, ADAT, AES, Option = MADI)
and internal clock, and sets the sample rate for both an external and the internal clock.
WCK, AES, OPTN (Slave Mode)
Defines the corresponding input as clock reference. A missing or invalid clock source signal is
indicated by flashing of the corresponding LED.
INT (Master Mode)
Activates the internal clock.
With a setting of INT (internal clock) it is mandatory that the clock rate of the sources is
synchronous to the ADI-8 QS. Therefore the external device has to be synchronized to the
ADI-8 QS word clock output or AES/ADAT/MADI output.
The ADI-8 QS thus has to be master, all devices connected to it must be slave. In order to avoid
clicks and drop outs due to faulty or missing synchronicity, a special process called SyncCheck
compares the incoming data and the ADI-8 QS internal clock. The SYNC state is indicated by a
flashing (error) or turned off (OK) LED.
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
15
44.1, 48
Activates the internal clock at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.
DS, QS
With the DS LED additionally lit, the sample rate will be 88.2 or 96 kHz, with QS lit it will be
176.4 or 192 kHz.
A selection of DS and QS is also possible when using
external clock (Slave). If the ADI-8 QS should operate
at 192 kHz, but receives a synchronous word clock of
48 kHz, the button STATE allows to activate DS or QS
mode. This way, AD-conversion and digital outputs are
configured to operate in the frequency ranges Single
Speed, Double Speed or Quad Speed.
Single Speed
All outputs carry a signal in the range of 32 kHz up to 48 kHz.
DS (Double Speed)
The AES outputs 1-8 carry a signal in the range of 64 kHz up to 96 kHz. ADAT and MADI stay
at no higher than 48 kHz, with the data transmitted in the S/MUX format.
QS (Quad Speed)
The AES outputs 1-8 carry a signal in the range of 176.4 kHz up to 192 kHz. ADAT and MADI
stay at no higher than 48 kHz, with the data transmitted in the S/MUX4 format. Therefore ADAT
is limited to 4 channels (2 per optical output) in this mode.
8.7 Digital Input
The key DIGITAL INPUT defines the signal source of the DA-
converters. This is also true for the mode Digital to Digital, where the
chosen digital input signal is sent directly to the digital outputs.
Each input has its own SYNC LED. If a valid input signal is applied,
SyncCheck is active automatically. SyncCheck takes the chosen clock
(internal, external, etc.) as reference and compares it with the input
clocks. Inputs which are not synchronous will be signalled by flashing of
the corresponding SYNC LED.
8.8 Output State
The 8 level meter of the OUTPUT STATE show the digital input level per channel as digital
value (dBFS). The display incorporates the settings of Global Output Level and Output Trim.
Therefore overloads of the DA-converters will always be displayed.
When the Setup menu is active, all available options are displayed in this level meter window.
8.9 Set (Rotary Encoder)
The rotary encoder is a highly intuitive multifunctional device. It is used to set
the trim values, the volume, and various options in the Setup menu.
Pushing the knob SET activates the Setup menu. Within the Setup menu a
push on SET changes between left and right window.
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
8.10 Output
In the OUTPUT area, the select key causes a change of the analog output
level, referenced to digital full scale level (0 dBFS) of the DA-converters.
The choices are: +4.2 dBu (-10 dBV compatible), +13 dBu, +19 dBu and
+24 dBu. As the adaptation is performed in the analog domain, the ADI-8
QS achieves the highest possible values for Signal to Noise ratio and distortion ratio in any setting.
9. The Setup Menu
Some options and settings are seldom accessed and changed. These have been collected in
the Setup menu. The Setup menu is entered by pushing the rotary encoder (SET) in both level
meter windows. The right window shows all the options, the left window is used to configure
them. In the currently active window all red LEDs are lit, similar to a cursor function.
The setup procedure is run as follows:
• Push SET one time. The level display vanishes, the cursor marks the right window.
• Turn SET left or right until the desired option shows up, for example Digital to Digital, shown
as the letters d d.
• Push SET one time. The cursor jumps to the left window.
• Turn SET left or right until the desired parameter value shows up. In this example, d d can
be activated (check symbol) or deactivated (no check symbol).
• Push SET one time to return to the options in the right window, or simply wait for 6 seconds.
The last setting stays valid, the setup menu is left, and the level meters work again.
9.1 Exit
The Setup menu is exit automatically when no entries are received for
about 6 seconds. A quicker is to use the option Exit. Selecting the
arrow in the left window will exit the Setup menu immediately. All settings performed before are stored and stay valid.
9.2 Global Output Level
Ganged setting of all 8 analog output levels simultaneously. This
function provides a global volume control, which is indispensable
when doing surround monitoring. The included remote control box
directly uses this function.
The level attenuation is calculated and performed in the digital domain. When using higher attenuation settings most of the time, the hardware output level (OUTPUT) should be changed to
a lower setting to utilize the whole dynamic range of the DA-converters as much as possible.
There are 48 steps from 0 dB (no attenuation) down to -96 dB available. Each step is shown as
one LED in the left window. The more LEDs light up, the higher is the output level. At 0 dB attenuation all 48 LEDs are lit. In the range of 0 db down to –20 dB the attenuation takes place in
steps of 1 dB.
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
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When all LEDs of a column are turned off, the corresponding attenuation is:
Channel 8 -6 dB Channel 5 -28 dB Channel 2 -78 dB
Channel 7 -12 dB Channel 4 -40 dB No LED Mute
Channel 6 -18 dB Channel 3 -54 dB
When changing the Global Output Level the individual settings of Output Trim are maintained.
So the gain of all channels can be increased or decreased without them loosing their level relations.
9.3 Input Trim
Default: 0 dB
Available settings: 0 up to +6 dB in steps of 0.5 dB
Additionally to the four hardware-based reference levels a digital amplification of up to +6 dB
can be applied to any input channel. This allows for an individual and separate level calibration
of the AD-conversion. At the same time the ADI-8 QS is provided with a near stepless input
sensitivity from +7 dBu up to +24 dBu, adjustable in steps of 0.5 dB.
Naturally the digital amplification reduces the signal to noise ratio according to the current gain.
At +6 dB the maximum SNR of 114 dB is reduced to 108 dB.
9.4 Output Trim
Default: 0 dB
Available settings: -6 dB up to +6 dB, in steps of 0.5 dB
Additionally to the four hardware-based reference levels a digital gain change of +/- 6 dB can be
applied to any output channel. This allows for an individual and separate level calibration of the
DA-converter outputs, as required in a surround monitoring setup.
With a full scale signal (0 dBFS) positive values cause an overload of the DA-converter, but this
is clearly shown on the output level meter. Using the ADI-8 QS as converter for surround monitoring, overloads are usually no issue. The typical operation range of the volume control is
about -6 and -12 dB. With this there is enough headroom available for an amplification of up to
6 dB.
9.5 ID (Id)
Default: 1
Available settings: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
To remote control more than one ADI-8 QS each device can have its own ID, providing a separated remote control of multiple devices via a single MIDI channel.
I64 MADI Card: The ID defines the 8-channel group within the MADI signal that is used to insert
the device's audio data:
ID 1: channels 1-8 ID 4: channels 25-32 ID 7: channels 49-56
ID 2: channels 9-16 ID 5: channels 33-40 ID 8: channels 57-64
ID 3: channels 17-24 ID 6: channels 41-48
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User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME
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