RME M-16DA, M-32DA User manual
User’s Guide
M-32 DA
M-16 DA
The Professional’s Converter Solution
TotalRemote
ADAT
™
I/O
™
SteadyClock
MADI I/O
™
SyncCheck®
Professional 32/16-Channel D/A Converter
Double Balanced Output Stages
32/16-Channel Analog to MADI / ADAT Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
MIDI Remote Control
24 Bit Interface
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 Analog Output......................................................14
8.2 MADI Out .............................................................14
8.3 MADI Input...........................................................14
8.4 MADI Output ........................................................14
8.5 ADAT Sync...........................................................15
8.6 Clock Section.......................................................15
8.7 Meter....................................................................17
8.8 Remote.................................................................17
8.9 Lock Keys.............................................................17
9 Remote Control
9.1 MIDI..........................................................................18
9.2 MIDI over MADI........................................................18
9.3 Remote Control Software.........................................19
Inputs and Outputs
10 Analog Outputs .......................................................22
11 Digital Inputs / Outputs
11.1 ADAT Optical .......................................................23
11.2 MADI Input...........................................................23
11.3 MADI Output ........................................................24
12 Word Clock
12.1 Word Clock Input and Output...............................25
12.2 Technical Description and Background...............26
12.3 Cables and Termination.......................................27
14 MIDI...........................................................................27
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
Technical Reference
15 Technical Specifications
15.1 Analog..................................................................30
15.2 Digital Inputs........................................................30
15.3 Digital Outputs .....................................................31
15.4 Digital...................................................................31
15.5 MIDI .....................................................................32
15.6 General................................................................32
15.7 Firmware..............................................................32
15.8 MADI User Bit Chart ............................................32
15.9 Connector Pinouts...............................................33
16 Technical Background
16.1 Terminology.........................................................34
16.2 Lock and SyncCheck...........................................35
16.3 Latency and Monitoring .......................................36
16.4 DS – Double Speed.............................................37
16.5 QS – Quad Speed ...............................................37
16.6 MADI Basics ........................................................38
16.7 SteadyClock.........................................................39
17 Block Diagram M-32 DA .........................................40
18 Block Diagram M-16 DA .........................................41
19 MIDI Implementation M-Series
19.1 Basic SysEx Format ............................................42
19.2 Message Types ...................................................42
19.3 Table....................................................................43
Application Examples
20.1 Formats and Number of Channels ......................48
20.2 Multichannel Playback.........................................49
20.3 Multichannel Recording.......................................51
20.4 Multichannel Recording and Playback ................53
20.5 Digital Multicore ...................................................56
20.6 Multiple Playbacks...............................................57
User’s Guide M-32 DA © 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.
4
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
User’s Guide
M-32 DA
M-16 DA
General
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
5
1. Introduction
RME’s M-32 DA and M-16 DA are DA-converters with a truly unique feature set. They combine
excellent analog circuit design with the latest generation of outstanding DA converter chips.
Along with the integrated SteadyClock, they offer DA-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 DA / M-16 DA are
built to highest reference standards, they still offer the typical, outstanding price/performance
ratio known from RME.
M-32 DA and M-16 DA 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 DA only.
2. Package Contents
Please check that the package contains each of the following:
• M-32 DA or M-16 DA
• Power cord
• Manual
• RME Driver CD
• 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft)
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The M-32 DA is a 32-channel hi-end DA-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
to +24 dBu, MADI I/O and ADAT In, 192 kHz sample rate, MIDI remote control via MIDI and
MADI, and a digital thru-mode for simplified cascading.
• 32-channel DA-converter
• Double balanced output stages
• 3 hardware-based reference levels
• Signal to Noise Ratio 118 dBA on all 32 channels
• 4 x ADAT In, 16 channels @ 96 kHz
• MADI I/O with thru-mode for all channels
• Word clock input and output
• MIDI I/O
• 32-channel level meter with 6 LEDs per channel
• Fully remote controllable via MIDI and MADI
• Overdimensioned power supply
• Temperature controlled low noise fan
®
, SteadyClock, three hardware reference levels up
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
4. First Usage – Quick Start
4.1 Controls - Connectors - Displays
The front of the M-32 DA features 32 LED level meters, eleven select keys, and 32 LEDs providing a detailed status display.
The analog output level can be changed by pushing the ANALOG OUTPUT key.
M-32 DA: The key MADI IN routes the channels 1 to 32 or 33 to 64 of the MADI input to the
analog converters.
M-16 DA: The key MADI OUT routes the channels 1 to 16, 17 to 32, 33 to 48 or 49 to 64 of the
MADI input to the analog converters.
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.
The key ADAT SYNC determines the signal source of the AD-converters: ADAT and MADI.
The 32 level meter of the DIGITAL INPUT LEVEL
DISPLAY show the input level per channel as digital
value (dBFS).
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 DA is secured against accidental operat-
ing errors.
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
7
The rear panel of the M-32 DA has 32 analog inputs, mains power, MIDI I/O, word clock I/O,
MADI I/O and ADAT I/O.
ANALOG OUTPUTS: 32 balanced line outputs via 1/4" TRS jacks 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 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 DA, 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.
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
4.2 Quick Start
After connection of all cables and power-on of the device, the configuration of the M-32 DA
starts in the CLOCK section. Choose a clock source and a sample rate.
Connect the TRS-jacks or the D-sub connectors with the analog signal receiver used for monitoring. Change the output level by pressing ANALOG OUPUT until the output level is sufficient
to avoid noisy operation.
The analog line outputs of the M-32 DA can be accessed by using D-sub (with an optional XLR
multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. They have their own output drivers respectively and can therefore be used simultaneously.
The electronic output stage of the TRS jacks is built in a servo-balanced design which handles
unbalanced (mono plugs) and balanced (stereo plugs) correctly, automatically adjusting the
level reference.
The electronic output stage of the D-sub connector does not operate servo-balanced! When
connecting unbalanced equipment, make sure pin 3 of the XLR output is not connected. A connection to ground can cause a higher THD value (higher distortion)!
The M-32 DA stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is
turned on.
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
9
5. Accessories
RME offers several optional components for the M-32 DA:
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)
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)
MADI Optical Cable:
ONK0100 MADI Optical Network Cable, 1 m (3.3 ft)
ONKD0300 MADI Optical Network Cable, 3 m (9.9 ft)
ONKD0600 MADI Optical Network Cable, 6 m (19.8 ft)
ONKD1000 MADI Optical Network Cable, 10 m (32.8 ft)
ONKD2000 MADI Optical Network Cable, 20 m (65.6 ft)
ONKD5000 MADI Optical Network Cable, 50 m (164 ft)
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
6. Warranty
Each individual M-32 DA / M-16 DA undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete
test at IMM before shipping. The usage of high grade components allows us to offer a full two
year warranty. We accept a copy of the sales receipt as valid warranty legitimation.
If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer. The 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.
Audio AG does not accept claims for damages of any kind, especially consequential damage.
Liability is limited to the value of the Fireface UC. 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:
IMM Elektronik 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. SteadyClock,
SyncAlign, SyncCheck, ZLM, M-32 DA and M-16 DA 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 are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Copyright © Matthias Carstens, 04/2010. Version 1.2
All entries in this User’s Guide have been thoroughly checked, however no guarantee for cor-
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.
User’s Guide M-32 DA © 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 RL2004/108/EG, and European Low Voltage Directive RL2006/95/EG.
FCC
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.
ISO 9001
This product has been manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management. The manufacturer,
IMM Elektronik GmbH, is also certified for ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 13485 (medical
devices).
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 Elektronik GmbH, the manufacturer of the M-32 DA / M-16
DA.
For this the device has to be sent free to the door to:
IMM Elektronik GmbH
Leipziger Straße 32
D-09648 Mittweida
Germany
Shipments not prepaid will be rejected and returned on the original sender's costs.
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
User’s Guide
M-32 DA
M-16 DA
Usage and Operation
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
13
8. Front Panel Controls
8.1 Analog Input
In the OUPUT 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: +13 dBu, +19
dBu and +24 dBu.
As the adaptation is performed in the analog domain, the M-32
DA achieves the highest possible values for Signal to Noise
ratio and distortion in any setting.
8.2 MADI In
M-32 DA: The key MADI IN routes the channels 1 to 32 or 33 to 64 of
the MADI input to the analog converters.
M-16 DA: The key MADI OUT routes the channels 1 to 16, 17 to 32,
33 to 48 or 49 to 64 of the MADI input to the analog converters.
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).
FORMAT: 56-channel or 64-channel format.
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
8.5 ADAT Sync
The key ADAT SYNC determines the signal source of the AD-converters:
ADAT and MADI.
In case MADI has been selected the 4 ADAT SYNC LEDs are turned off.
Each ADAT 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.
ADAT 1 is always clock reference.
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 DA
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.
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
15
In internal clock mode it is mandatory that the clock rate of the source is synchronous to the
M-32 DA. Therefore the external device has to be synchronized by the M-32 DA’s word
clock output or ADAT/MADI output.
The M-32 DA 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 DA’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 DA, 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 DA 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.
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
Word Clock Out
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 DA is secured
against accidental operating errors.
User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
17
9. Remote Control
9.1 MIDI
The M-32 DA 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 DA 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 DAs. 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 DA is no bi-directional MIDI to MADI
converter for external signals, because only one direction is available for the transmission.
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User’s Guide M-32 DA © RME
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