RME Micstasy Specifications
Micstasy
24-Bit/192kHz 8-channel Full Range
Preamp AD converter
Overview
Micstasy is an 8-channel hi-end mic/line preamp and AD-converter combining typical RME features with a number
of previously unseen features. It can be used analog (Mic/Line In to Line Out) and digital (Mic/Line In to Digital Out),
with both signal paths operating simultaneously. Special highlight: the device is fully remote-controllable via MIDI
(also MIDI over MADI).
The Micstasy’s innovative concept allows for amplication and digitization of ALL analog signal sources. Be it highlevel stage signals, typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser or
ribbon microphones: Micstasy understands them all - in a way that is simply thrilling.
The signals amplied by the Micstasy are available at the analog outputs for passing them on, making an expensive
splitter box on stage obsolete. All functions can be remote controlled via MIDI and MIDI over MADI, allowing the
device to be placed near the microphones, ensuring highest sound quality. Adding the optional MADI Card results in
even more options. The I64 MADI Card provides serial pass-through capability from one Micstasy to the next (up to
8). All up to 64 audio signals are then available at the last device on one single line. Such a way of cascading is also
possible between Micstasy and ADI-8 QS.
Overview of the Micstasy’s most important features:
- 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs with 85 dB gain range
- Analog input level from -56.5 dBu up to +30 dBu
- High-end circuitry with 4 relays per channel, super low-noise microphone front-end
- Near click-free gain changes in steps of 0.5 dB
- Large frequency range (200 kHz) with special EMI input ltering
- 8 balanced TRS line / instrument inputs with Hi-Z option
- 8 balanced XLR line outputs, maximum level +27 dBu
- 4 x AES/EBU Out via D-sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
- 2 x ADAT Out, 8 channels @ 96 kHz
- Optional MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card) with serial cascading and digital return path
- Symmetrical hi-pass (Lo Cut) with super-low THD, 18 dB/oct
- LED level meter with 13 LEDs per channel
- M/S de-/encoding for the digital output
- AutoSet: Automatic gain reduction with multiple linking
- Current state can be stored to 8 user presets
- Fully remote controllable
Connectivity
8 x Analog Input Preamps (XLR/Line)
8 x Analog Output (XLR)
4 x AES/EBU Out (8 channels @ 192 kHz)
2 x ADAT Out (8 channels @ 96 kHz)
MIDI I/O
Word Clock I/O
optional: MADI I/O (I 64 MADI Card)
Features
Remote over MIDI
Remote over MADI
MIDI over MADI
Intelligent Clock Control
Autoset
I64 Option Slot
SteadyClock
SyncCheck
SyncAlign
TotalGain
cascadable
TM
TM
TM
TM
TM
Engineered and Made in Germany
PREMIUM LINE
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Features
In a standard 19” box with 2 unit height the device oers numerous extraordinary features like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck®, SteadyClock, TotalGain, AutoSet, MIDI over
MADI, and remote control via MADI and MIDI.
The technologies known from other RME products like SyncCheck® 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 o.
The Micstasy can be fully remote controlled and congured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each Micstasy can be given a separate ID, allowing separate
remote controllability of various devices with only one MIDI channel. The MIDI remote is also compatible to Digidesign’s Pro Tools system, Yamaha’s M7C and PM5D. The manual further
shows how to remote control the Micstasy from the DM-1000 and DM-2000.
RME’s SteadyClock(TM) guarantees excellent clock quality in any situation. Due to the highly ecient jitter reduction, the Micstasy’s AD-converters operate independently from the
quality of the external clock signal, as if they are working with internal clock all the time - guaranteeing a prestine sound quality! Additionally Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain
the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.
Autoset
Some preamps include limiters in order to prevent clipping, especially of the A/D converter stage. Such a circuitry is not feasible for the Micstasy, because it would spoil the mic
preamp’s excellent technical specications.
But as the Micstasy’s gain is controlled completely digitally, the device can set it automatically, thus providing perfect protection from overload with no degradation of the audio signal,
which does not have to pass any additional electronic circuitry.
In the Setup menu, the threshold level beyond which the gain will be reduced can be adjusted in four steps (-1, -3, -6, -12 dBFS). Any change of gain will be shown immediately on
the GAIN displays. And with AutoSet activated, the gain can still be changed manually.
Optional: I64 MADI Card
The I64 MADI Card provides the Micstasy with a 64-channel MADI input and output. Coaxial and and optical output operate in parallel to the AES/EBU and ADAT output, therefore
deliver the same data. The I64 MADI Card features an optical as well as a coaxial MADI input. The input is switched automatically, according to where a valid input signal is detected.
Full redundancy is ensured by the automatic input switching, immediately changing to the other input in case of loss of the input signal.
The MADI input will operate as an optional clock source (Clock section, OPTN) as well as a thru-input. Since each Micstasy uses only 8 channels, up to 56 channels can be passed
through. This technique is used to serially cascade several Micstasys. Incoming MADI data is passed through unchanged, only one block of eight channels is replaced. This allows up to
8 devices to be connected serially. All 64 combined channels are available at the last device’s MADI output.
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