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.
RME’s M-32 AD and M-16 AD are AD-converters with a truly unique feature set. They combine
excellent analog circuit design with the latest generation of outstanding low latency AD converter chips. Along with the integrated SteadyClock, they offer AD-conversion of the highest
quality.
When developing these units we used all our experience, and also the experience of our customers, to create a unique, excellent and high-quality unit. Although the M-32 AD / M-16 AD are
built to highest reference standards, they still offer the typical, outstanding price/performance
ratio known from RME.
M-32 AD and M-16 AD are nearly identical. The M-16 has only 16 channels (M-32 = 32 channels) and therefore needs no fan. For reasons of simpler reading this manual will mostly be
referenced to the M-32 AD only.
2. Package Contents
Please check that the package contains each of the following:
• M-32 AD or M-16 AD
• Power cord
• Manual
• RME Driver CD
• 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft)
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The M-32 AD is a 32-channel hi-end AD-converter in reference quality, fully remote controllable.
In a standard 19" box with 2 unit height the device offers numerous extraordinary features like
Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck
erence levels up to +24 dBu, MADI and ADAT I/O, 192 kHz sample rate, MIDI remote control
via MIDI and MADI, and a digital thru-mode for simplified cascading.
The front of the M-32 AD features 32 LED level meters, eleven select keys, and 29 LEDs providing a detailed status display.
The analog input sensitivity can be changed in the area ANALOG INPUT by the select key.
M-32 AD: The key MADI OUT routes the converted input signal to channels 1 to 32 or 33 to 64
of the MADI output signal.
M-16 AD: The key MADI OUT routes the converted input signal to channels 1 to 16, 17 to 32,
33 to 48 or 49 to 64 of the MADI output signal.
The MADI input signal for pass-through and cascading units can be optical or coaxial. The key
INPUT switches the source. STATE displays the current status of the input signal (Lock / Sync,
56- / 64-channel mode, 48K Frame / 96K Frame format).
The MADI output signal is configured in the MADI OUTPUT section. The key FRAME changes
between 48K and 96K Frame, the key FORMAT between 56-channel and 64-channel mode.
When activated the 32-channel analog LIMITER prevents input overloads and also audible
distortion.
The 32 level meter of the ANALOG INPUT LEVEL DISPLAY show the input level per channel as digital
value (dBFS). When the Limiter has been activated, its
interaction is signalled by a blue LED per channel.
In the CLOCK SECTION the current clock reference and
frequency multiplier is chosen.
METER PH provides a Peak Hold function, either permanently (ON) or switched off by Auto Reset (AR) after 3
seconds.
REMOTE defines the source for MIDI remote control operation: MADI or 5-pin DIN jack.
MIDI INPUT indicates received MIDI data from the 5-pin DIN input or the MADI input.
LOCK KEYS deactivates all keys. This way the M-32 AD is secured against accidental operat-
The rear panel of the M-32 AD has 32 analog inputs, mains power, MIDI I/O, word clock I/O,
MADI I/O and ADAT I/O.
ANALOG INPUTS: 32 balanced line inputs via 1/4" TRS inputs and four 25-pin D-sub connectors.
WORD IN (BNC): A push switch allows for an internal termination to be activated (75 Ohms).
WORD OUT (BNC): Standard word clock output.
ADAT SYNC IN (TOSLINK): Standard ADAT optical port for clock synchronization.
ADAT OUTPUTS 1 to 4 (TOSLINK): Standard ADAT optical ports.
MADI I/O optical: Standard MADI ports.
MADI I/O coaxial (BNC): Standard MADI ports.
MIDI I/O (5-pin DIN): MIDI input and output via 5-pin DIN jacks. Used to remote control the M-
32 AD, and to transmit MIDI data via MADI.
IEC receptacle for power connection. The specially developed, internal hi-performance switch
mode power supply lets the M-series 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.
After connection of all cables and power-on of the device, the configuration of the M-32 AD
starts 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 ANALOG 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 OVR LEDs 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 M-32 AD can be accessed by using D-sub (with 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 M-32 AD starts in a default mode which should be suitable for most applications:
• AD conversion in master mode (CLOCK INTERNAL)
• Sample rate 44.1 kHz
• Level reference +19 dBu
The M-32 AD stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is
turned on.
Each individual M-Series converter 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 M-32/M-16 AD. 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 / 918-70
Manufacturer:
All trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners. RME, Hammerfall
and DIGICheck are registered trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. SteadyClock,
SyncAlign, SyncCheck, ZLM, M-32 AD and M-16 AD 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. Microsoft, Windows, 2000/XP/Vista/7/10 are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
rectness can be given. RME cannot be held responsible for any misleading or incorrect information provided throughout this manual. Lending or copying any part or the complete manual or its
contents as well as the software belonging to it is only possible with the written permission from
RME. RME reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
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 RL2004/108/EG, and European Low Voltage Directive RL2006/95/EG.
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: M-32 AD, M-16 AD
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B 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 M32/M-16 AD.
For this the device has to be sent free to the door to:
IMM electronics GmbH
Leipziger Straße 32
D-09648 Mittweida
Germany
Shipments not prepaid will be rejected and returned on the original sender's costs.
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 AD-converters. The choices are: +13 dBu, +19 dBu and +24 dBu.
As the adaptation is performed in the analog domain, the M-32
AD achieves the highest possible values for Signal to Noise
ratio and distortion in any setting.
8.2 MADI Out
M-32 AD: The key MADI OUT routes the converted input signal to
channels 1 to 32 or 33 to 64 of the MADI output signal.
M-16 AD: The key MADI OUT routes the converted input signal to
channels 1 to 16, 17 to 32, 33 to 48 or 49 to 64 of the MADI output
signal.
8.3 MADI Input
The key INPUT sets the input to optical or coaxial.
The STATE display helps to avoid errors, and makes handling
the digital MADI format easier.
The SYNC LED lights up as soon as a valid signal is present at
the input. An un-synchronous input signal will be signalled by
flashing of the SYNC LED.
64-channel and 96k frame format are displayed by one LED
each. With those LEDs off, the input signal is 56-channel and
48k frame format.
8.4 MADI Output
The keys FRAME and FORMAT configure the MADI output
signal as follows:
FRAME: 48k or 96k frame. 48k frame can be used with
Single, Double and Quad Speed. 96k frame is limited to the
range 64 kHz to 96 kHz (Double Speed).
For the reference converter ADI-8 QS, RME developed a new fully symmetrical circuit design
with digitally controlled release time. The same circuit has been added to the M-32 AD. 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.
8.6 Clock Section
The source and frequency of the unit's clock is configured in the CLOCK SECTION. The key
CLOCK lets you step through the options external clock (Word, MADI, ADAT) and internal clock
(44.1 kHz or 48 kHz). The button STATE sets internal, but also the external sample rate to double or quadruple of the basic sample rate.
WCK, MADI, ADAT (Slave Mode)
Sets the corresponding input to work as clock
reference. A missing or invalid clock source signal
is indicated by flashing of the corresponding LED.
44.1, 48 (Master Mode)
Activates the internal clock with a sample rate of
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 M-32 AD
should operate at 192 kHz, but receives a synchronous word clock of 48 kHz, the button STATE
activates 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.
In internal clock mode it is mandatory that the clock rate of the source is synchronous to the
M-32 AD. Therefore the external device has to be synchronized by the M-32 AD’s word
!
clock output or ADAT/MADI output.
The M-32 AD thus has to be master, all devices connected to it have to be in slave mode. 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 M-32 AD’s internal clock. The SYNC
state is indicated by a flashing (error) or constantly lit (OK) LED.
The key STATE is used to configure the M-32 AD, and with this all of its outputs, to the frequency ranges Single Speed, Double Speed or Quad Speed.
No LED (Single Speed)
All outputs carry a signal in the range of 32 kHz up to 48 kHz.
DS (Double Speed)
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. Therefore ADAT is limited to 16 channels (4 per optical output) in this
mode. In case MADI OUTPUT has been set to 96k frame, the MADI output also uses 96 kHz,
but is still limited to 32 channels.
QS (Quad Speed)
176.4 kHz up to 192 kHz. MADI stays at no higher than 48 kHz, with the data transmitted in the
S/MUX4 format. Therefore ADAT is limited to 8 channels (2 per optical output) in this mode.
MADI is limited to 16 channels.
Follow Clock
Follow Clock automatically configures the Clock State, setting the unit into Single Speed, Double Speed or Quad Speed operation.
Activation: during display of the firmware version press the CLOCK STATE button. Both LEDs
DS/QS light up. Deactivation: same, both LEDs stay dark.
Word: In Follow Clock mode the M-32 AD follows the word input clock automatically over all
three ranges. So at 96 kHz the DS LED automatically lights up, at 192 kHz the QS LED. A
manual configuration via the STATE button is not required.
MADI: The format 48 kHz Frame does not allow for a detection of the current sample rate range, therefore an activated Follow Clock will have no effect. A change to Double Speed is performed when MADI is present in 96 kHz Frame format, then a manual configuration via the
STATE button is not required. Additionally the unit remembers the MADI OUTPUT FRAME 96K
setting, and activates it again when 96k Frame is found at the input.
ADAT: A change to Double Speed is performed when the ADAT Signal includes the Double
Speed flag. Then a manual configuration via the STATE button is not required. A Quad Speed
flag does not exist, so no change will be performed automatically. In case the clock source
sends the DS flag even at Single Speed, Follow Clock has to be deactivated.
The word clock output can follow the current sample rate up to 192 kHz (Follow Sample Rate),
or stay in the Single Speed range (Always Single Speed). The latter is default. These options
can only be changed by MIDI Remote, they can not be set directly at the unit.
Note
: A reliable sample-accurate synchronicity between multiple devices having digital interfaces in S/MUX technology (ADAT and MADI) at sample rates in the Double Speed and Quad
Speed range is only possible when all units are synced by Single Speed word clock. Because of
the S/MUX method the device else can not know which of the incoming 2 (DS) or 4 (QS) word
clock edges is the right one.
8.7 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.
8.8 Remote
REMOTE defines the source of MIDI remote control commands. Choices
are the MIDI DIN jack and the MADI input.
Note
: Via MIDI remote control, all front panel controls can be locked
(Lock Keys). An exception is the LOCK KEYS key itself. Therefore a
locking of all the controls can be revoked directly at the unit at any time.
8.9 Lock Keys
LOCK KEYS deactivates all keys. This way the M-32 AD is secured
The M-32 AD can be completely remote controlled via MIDI. It reacts on special SysEx commands. Furthermore, upon request it will report the complete device status, including all controls and LEDs on the front plate. Each M-32 AD can be programmed with its own ID, providing
a separated remote control of multiple devices via a single MIDI channel. A description of the
MIDI implementation is found in chapter 19.
The key REMOTE is used to select the source of the MIDI remote control commands: MIDI
port, MADI port and Off. The latter is a safety function to prevent any setup-change by any MIDI
signal.
The diagram shows the signal flow
of the MIDI data with all I/Os. The
MIDI input signal reaches both the
internal Remote Command
Processor and the MIDI outputs.
This MIDI Through function
provides the base for a simplified
serial MIDI cabling when using
multiple M-32 ADs. The same is
true for remote control via MADI,
where MIDI is passed through from
device to device automatically via
the serial MADI cabling.
9.2 MIDI over MADI
MADI allows for a transmission of 64 audio channels over long distances with a single line –
perfect. So what about MIDI? Be it remote control commands or sequencer data, in practice
only a single MADI line will not suffice. Therefore RME developed a MIDI over MADI technology. The data at the MIDI input are being included into the MADI signal invisibly, and can be
collected at the MIDI output of another M-series converter, ADI-8 QS, ADI-6432, ADI-642, ADI648, Micstasy or a HDSP MADI, at the other end of the MADI line.
Technically every single MADI channel includes several additional bits containing various information (Channel Status). RME uses the usually unused User bit of channel 56 (channel 28 in
96k frame mode) to transmit MIDI data invisibly within MADI, ensuring full compatibility.
Unlike other MADI-based devices from RME, the M-32 AD is no bi-directional MIDI to MADI
converter for external signals, because only one direction is available for the transmission.