RME Audio ADI-648 MKI Instruction Manual
User's Guide
ADI-648
Multichannel Audio Digital Interface
SyncAlign®
SyncCheck®
Intelligent Clock Control
SteadyClockTM
Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 96 kHz
64 Channel MADI / ADAT Converter
16 x 16 Matrix Router
MIDI embedded in MADI
24 Bit Interface
MADI
TM
Firmware 1.5 or up
Contents
1 Introduction....................................................................................................3
2 Supplied Contents .........................................................................................3
3 Brief Description and Characteristics...........................................................3
4 Technical Specifications
4.1 Inputs..........................................................................................................4
4.2 Outputs .......................................................................................................5
5 First Usage
5.1 Quick Start..................................................................................................6
5.2 Firmware.....................................................................................................6
5.3 Operating the ADI-648.................................................................................7
6 The MADI to ADAT Converter
6.1 General.......................................................................................................8
6.2 Inputs..........................................................................................................8
6.3 Input State Display......................................................................................8
6.4 Outputs ADAT Optical.................................................................................9
7 The ADAT to MADI Converter
7.1 General.....................................................................................................10
7.2 Inputs........................................................................................................10
7.3 Input State Display....................................................................................10
7.4 Outputs MADI............................................................................................11
8 Clock Section
8.1 Clock Configuration...................................................................................11
8.2 Lock and SyncCheck .................................................................................12
8.3 Word Clock Input and Output....................................................................13
9 Word Clock
9.1 Operation and Technical Background........................................................14
9.2 Cabling and Termination ...........................................................................15
10 MIDI
10.1 Transmisson of MIDI ...............................................................................16
10.2 Remote Controlling the ADI-648 .............................................................16
10.3 Remote Control Software ........................................................................17
11 Special Modes
11.1 MADI to MADI Converter........................................................................18
11.2 ADAT Patchbay and Splitter ...................................................................18
11.3 MADInet .................................................................................................18
12 Technical Background
12.1 DS – Double Speed ................................................................................19
12.2 MADI Basics...........................................................................................20
12.3 SteadyClock ...........................................................................................21
13 Controls and Connectors ............................................................................22
14 Block Diagram..............................................................................................23
15 MIDI Implementation Chart
15.1 Basic SysEx Format ...............................................................................24
15.2 Message Types.......................................................................................24
15.3 MADI Input State – Redundancy Mode ...................................................24
16 Warranty .......................................................................................................26
17 Appendix ......................................................................................................26
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User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
1. Introduction
With the ADI-648 you have an incredibly versatile digital interface to your supply. What at first
looks like a simple MADI to ADAT format converter, turns out to be an extremely flexible problem solver at a closer look. From small project studios to broadcast and television, this Ad-
vanced Digital Interface is the perfect tool for many tasks.
As a consequent continuation of RME's world-wide successful ADI-8 series, the 648 also contains elaborate technology and the latest integrated circuits. In a few words: The ADI-648 is a
uniquely powerful and high-quality device, which will excite you even after many years of operation.
2. Package Contents
Please check that your ADI-648 package contains each of the following:
• ADI-648
• Manual
• Power chord
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The ADI-648 consists of two 64-channel digital format converters in reference quality, in a standard 19" box with 1 unit height. The compact device has numerous extraordinary features like
Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck®, SyncAlign®, Bitclock PLL, SteadyClock, active
jitter damping per D-PLL, patchbay functionality, and a 16x16 Matrix router.
All of the ADI-648 I/Os support 96 kHz/24 bit. As ADAT optical is restricted to 48kHz, in DS
mode (Double Speed) two channels are being used for the transmission of one channel's data.
The Sample Split algorithm used is compatible to S/MUX and Double Wire, and also implemented in RME's Hammerfall and Hammerfall DSP. Thus the ADI-648 also serves as an ideal
MADI frontend for these interface cards, on both Mac and PC.
The format conversion between MADI and ADAT operates in both directions at the same time.
LEDs of different colours show the present state of incoming and outgoing signals and of the
internal processing in a clear way.
The unique Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) allows for a flexible use with internal clock (44.1, 48,
88.2 and 96 kHz), external word clock or the digital input signals. These options are intelligently
coupled in a way typical for RME, and easy to apply thanks to a clear and easily understandable display of the Lock and Sync states.
Futhermore the unique 16 x 16 Matrix Router allows to use the ADI-648 as patchbay and splitter. All 128 input channels, MADI and ADAT, can be routed to all 128 outputs – even within the
same format.
User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
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4. Technical Specifications
• Power supply: Internal, 100-240 V AC, 10 Watts
• Dimensions: 483 x 44 x 205 mm
• Weight: 2 kg
4.1 Inputs
MADI
• Coaxial via BNC, 75 Ohm, according to AES10-1991
• High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.2 Vpp)
• Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector
• 62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible
• Accepts 56 channel and 64 channel mode, and 96k Frame
• Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz
• Double Wire: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
• Lock range: 28 kHz – 54 kHz
• Jitter when synced to input signal: < 3 ns
ADAT Optical
• 8 x TOSLINK, according to Alesis specification
• Standard: 64 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
• Sample Split (S/MUX): 8 x 4 channels 24 bit / 96 kHz
• Bitclock PLL ensures perfect synchronisation even in varispeed operation
• Lock range: 31 kHz – 56 kHz
• Jitter when synced to input signal: < 2 ns
Word Clock
• BNC, not terminated (10 kOhm)
• Automatic Double Speed detection and internal conversion to Single Speed
• PLL for low jitter synchronisation even in varispeed operation
• AC-coupling, not effected by DC-offsets within the network
• Signal Adaptation Circuit: signal refresh through auto-center and hysteresis
• Overvoltage protection
• Level range: 1.0 Vss – 5.6 Vpp
• Lock range: 27 kHz – 112 kHz
• Jitter when synced to input signal: < 3 ns
• Switch for internal termination 75 Ohm
MIDI
• 16 channels MIDI
• 5-pin DIN jack
• Optocoupled, ground-free input
• Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 56 (up to 48 kHz)
• Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 28 (96k Frame)
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User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
4.2 Outputs
MADI
• Coaxial via BNC, 75 Ohm, according to AES10-1991
• Output voltage 600 mVpp
• Output voltage 1 Vpp / 1.5 Vpp optional, via DIP switch
• Cable length: more than 100 m
• Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector
• 62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible
• Cable length: more than 500 m
• Generates 56 channel and 64 channel mode, and 96k Frame
• Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz
• Double Wire: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
ADAT Optical
• 8 x TOSLINK
• Standard: 64 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
• Copy Mode: up to 2 x 8 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz
• Sample Split (S/MUX): 8 x 4 channels 24 bit / 96 kHz
Word Clock
• BNC
• Max. output voltage: 5 Vpp
• Output voltage @ 75 Ohm: 4.0 Vpp
• Impedance: 10 Ohm
• Frequency range: 27 kHz – 56 kHz
MIDI
• 16 channels MIDI
• 5-pin DIN jack
4.2 Digital
• Clocks: Internal, ADAT In, MADI In, Word Clock In
• Low jitter design: < 1 ns in PLL mode, all inputs
• Internal clock: 800 ps jitter, random spread spectrum
• Jitter suppression of external clocks: about 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
• PLL ensures zero dropout, even at more than 100 ns jitter
• Additional Bitclock PLL for trouble-free varispeed ADAT operation
• Sample frequencies: 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 64 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
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5. First Usage
5.1 Quick Start
The user interface of the ADI-648 is characterized by a clearly structured architecture and an
unambiguous labelling of the front and rear sides. The device can thus be used easily without a
manual, because numerous LEDs show the state of the device and of all incoming and outgoing signals in a strictly logical way. However, we don't want to hold you back from reading this
manual, as it includes a lot of important and useful information.
The ADI-648 remembers all settings before switching off and sets them automatically when
switching on the next time.
When being switched on for the first time, the ADI-648 comes up in a default mode, which
should be appropriate for most applications. The device is in slave mode and gets its reference
clock directly out of the MADI input signal. The Matrix Router is deactivated.
A quick guide for operation and functionality of the ADI-648 can be found on the next page.
For transmission of the digital signals into a computer with PCI-bus, we recommend RME's
interface cards of the Hammerfall® and Hammerfall® DSP series, especially the Hammerfall
DSP MADI. These high quality digital audio cards are available with drivers for all common
operating systems, and have the highest reputation world-wide.
5.2 Firmware
The ADI-648's main part has been realized using programmable logic. By exchanging a little
component called EPROM, both function and behaviour of the unit can be changed at any
time.
At the time of writing this manual, the unit is shipped with firmware 1.8. The firmware version is
displayed by the AUDIO LEDs, when the MADI INPUT and 96K FRAME keys are pressed and
held simultaneously.
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User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
5.3 Operating the ADI-648
Join us for a small 'tour de ADI', starting on the left side at the MADI to ADAT Converter. Configuration starts with choosing the input, BNC or optical. The state of the input signal is displayed by 12 LEDs. Shown are active input, automatic input selection, receiver state, Sync and
audio data within 8-channel groups. The Sync LED shows the synchronicity between input signal and external/internal clock, or between the active inputs.
The ADAT to MADI Converter shows the Sync state for each of the 8 inputs via 8 LEDs. Again
8 LEDs display incoming audio data per 8-channel group.
By using the 96k FRAME key, the MADI output is switched into Double Speed mode. This
mode is active when the '96k Frame' LED is lit. In case the WCK LED is lit, the word clock output no longer provides 44.1/48 kHz, but 88.2/96 kHz. However many devices operate in Single
Speed only, and distribute – as known from Double Wire – 96 kHz data on two channels. In this
case the ADI-648 operates correctly even without changing to 96k Frame mode, because Double Wire will be converted 1:1 to ADAT (S/MUX).
RME's intelligent clock control (ICC) offers extensive and professional means. To start with, the
clock source can be set to Internal (crystal), External (BNC word clock) and Input, while Input
lets you select between ADAT and MADI. The INT(ernal) clock rates are 44.1 and 48kHz. Lock
state is displayed by the state of the input LEDs (flashing or constantly lit).
Normally all 64 MADI channels will be routed to the according ADAT outputs, and all ADAT
inputs to the 64-channel MADI output (optical and coaxial output operate in parallel).
The 16 x 16 Matrix Router can be acitvated via the STATE key, and allows to change this routing. First choose an output by pressing the Output Select key, then use the Input Select key to
select the desired input. An input can be assigned to as many outputs as present (splitting), but
an output can not be assigned to more than one input (digital mixing). Routing within the same
format is also allowed. This way ADAT inputs can be routed directly to ADAT outputs, without
the need of a MADI loopback cabling. So all attached devices can send signals to each other
without the need to rearrange the cabling between them.
When stepping through all inputs: the input is muted when no LED is lit.
To reset the Matrix Router to the factory default (routing as if de-activated), press the INPUT
and OUTPUT SELECT keys at the same time.
User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
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6. The MADI to ADAT Converter
6.1 General
This part of the ADI-648 converts MADI to ADAT optical. MADI offers 64 channels of 24 bit
audio at up to 48 kHz sample rate, and 32 channels at up to 96 kHz. Transmission happens
over a single line, either coaxial (BNC) or fiber optic (network). In both cases the cable length
can be more than 100 meters.
The 64 MADI channels are transferred to 8 ADAT optical outputs (TOSLINK). Furthermore, the
ADI-648 contains an easy-configurable 8-channel 16x16 Matrix Router. Any of the outputs,
which are divided into 8-channel blocks, can be fed from any 8-channel input block, both on the
ADAT and the MADI side. With this, there is not only free routing within the MADI to ADAT
conversion, but also splitting and routing within the same format.
6.2 Inputs
Both MADI inputs are located on the rear of the ADI-648.
The BNC input's ground-free design is built according to AES10-1991. The input's impedance is
75 Ohm. It will operate error-free from about 180 mVpp.
The optical input uses a FDDI (ISO/IEC 9413-3) compatible optical module, according to
AES10-1991. More information can be found in chapter 11.2, MADI Basics.
The ADI-648 includes automatic input selection. In case the current input signal fails, the unit
switches to the other input immediately. This mode, called redundancy mode, offers improved
safety against errors on the transmission line. Switching the inputs is done in about one second.
The ADI-648 displays redundancy operation by a blinking LED of the original input, while the
input LED of the currently active input will be lit constantly.
6.3 Input State Display
The state of the MADI input is displayed by different LEDs. The ERROR LED is directly coupled with the MADI-Receiver, and informs the user reliably about the quality of the input signal.
The LED will light up red, as soon as there is any error, be it a carrier voltage which is too low,
invalid data or any other error which prevents the receiver from accepting the input signal.
If a valid input signal is applied, SyncCheck is active automatically. If the MADI input is not
chosen as clock source, SyncCheck takes the chosen clock (Internal, External, ADAT) as reference and compares it with the MADI input clock. In case no synchronous operation is detected the SYNC LED will start blinking.
Audio data present in the input channels is signalled by an AUDIO LED. As the ADI-648 is
based on ADAT ports and therefore operates in 8-channel blocks, an AUDIO LED will show
audio data from 8 channels simultaneously. The green LED is lit as soon as one of the channels of an 8-channel block contains audio data, that is no longer digital zero.
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User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
6.4 Outputs ADAT Optical
The ADI-648 provides 8 outputs in ADAT optical format. They are fully compatible to all ADAT
optical inputs. A usual TOSLINK cable is sufficient for connection.
With the Matrix Router de-activated, all MADI channels are copied to the 8-channel ADAT format in a logical order:
MADI In 1-8 9-16 17-24 25-32 33-40 41-48 49-56 57-64
ADAT Out 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
If a MADI signal in Double Wire format (standard frame) is present at the input, technically no
special processing is activated, because the output signals will be in Sample Split format
(S/MUX) right away.
In 96K FRAME mode, the ADI-648 automatically converts Double Speed data to Sample Split
(S/MUX). The data of one MADI channel will be processed and routed to two ADAT channels
according to the following table:
MADI In 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
DS Signal
Port
MADI In 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
DS Signal
Port
MADI In 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
DS Signal
Port
MADI In 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
DS Signal
Port
As the device internally always operates in Sample Split mode, the Matrix won't change its
functionality in Double Wire (Sample Split = Single Speed) and 96K Frame (Double Speed). In
both cases the number of channels is reduced to 28 or 32. At the same time the Matrix Router
no longer operates in 8-channel, but 4-channel blocks.
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User's Guide ADI-648 © RME
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