RME Audio ADI-8 DS User Manual
User's Guide
ADI-8 DS
A true Industry Standard
SyncAlign®
SyncCheck
Intelligent Clock Control
Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 96 kHz
8 Channel AD / DA-Converter
ADAT
®
optical / TDIF®-1 Interface
Digital 24 Bit Interface / Format Converter
®
TM
TDIF-1
24 Bit Interface
Important Safety Instructions
ATTENTION! Do not open chassis – risk of electric shock
The unit has unisolated 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 DS © RME
Contents
1 Introduction...............................................................4
2 Supplied Contents....................................................4
3 Brief Description and Characteristics ....................4
4 Technical Specifications..........................................5
4.1 Analog Specs.........................................................5
4.2 Digital Specs..........................................................5
5 First Usage - Quick Start..........................................6
6 Inputs and Outputs
6.1 Analog Inputs.........................................................7
6.2 Analog Outputs......................................................8
6.3 Digital Inputs..........................................................9
6.4 Digital Outputs .....................................................10
6.5 Word Clock Input and Output ..............................11
7 Clock Section ..........................................................12
8 Word Clock
8.1 Operation and Technical Background.................13
8.2 Cabling and Termination......................................13
9 Special Functions
9.1 Bit Split.................................................................15
9.2 Combine...............................................................15
9.3 Copy Mode...........................................................16
9.4 Dither ...................................................................17
9.5 DS - Double Speed..............................................18
9.6 Noise level in DS mode .......................................18
10 Controls and Connectors.......................................19
11 Connector Pinouts..................................................20
12 Block Diagram.........................................................21
13 Warranty...................................................................22
14 Appendix..................................................................22
User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a ADI-8 DS. This hi-quality analog to digital and digital to
analog converter includes ADAT optical and TDIF-1 digital interfaces. It precisely converts analog audio data into a digital data stream and into the format of your choice. Newest circuit technology combined with latest integrated circuits result in a unique and outstanding device, meeting highest quality standards. The ADI-8 DS will excite you even after many years of operation.
2. Supplied Contents
Please ensure that all the following parts are included in ADI-8 DS' packaging box:
• ADI-8 DS
• Manual
• Power cord
• 2 x 2m optical cable (TOSLINK)
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The ADI-8 DS is an 8-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter in a 19" rackmount enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit / 96 kHz converters offer 117 dBA dynamic ratio.
This value is not only printed in the brochure, thanks to our Low Jitter Design it is available with
every sold unit.
The servo balanced analog inputs and outputs are fitted with both D-sub (for optional XLR multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. The signal path from the jacks to the ADC is totally balanced. Both
signal paths A/D and D/A are internally DC-coupled, for highest phase accuracy at lowest rolloff. The digital inputs and outputs are available as ADAT optical and TDIF-1 connectors.
To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level RME's ADI-8 DS includes
electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion
to the audio path. Two switches on the front panel let you control input and output level for a
perfect adaptation to the most often used standards -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each analog input
has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check.
The AD-converter can provide several internal clocks (44.1, 48, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz). The unique
Intelligent Clock Control technology (ICC) enables a flexible operation with internal clock, external word clock or the digital input signal. These options, also available for the DA-conversion,
are easy to understand and easy to use. The current state of locking and clock synchronisation
is shown by blinking or constant lit LEDs.
The digital section of the ADI-8 DS includes three outstanding functions. Bit Split allows to split
one 24 bit signal to two 16 bit outputs. This technique allows for example to use two 8-channel
16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Using Bit Combine will put the
splitted signals back to one full 24 bit signal. The method of splitting/combining is compatible to
Yamaha’s digital mixing desk 02R, so the ADI-8 DS can be used directly in 24 bit operation with
this desk! Recording to 16 bit devices without using Bit Split (avoiding the double number of
channels) can be done at highest sonic quality using the ADI-8 DS' Dither Option.
Furthermore the unique Copy Mode allows to use the device completely in digital domain. Copy
Mode routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate simultaneously with identical data the ADI-8 DS not only turns into a superiour ADAT/TDIF converter but
also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to different devices.
In Copy Mode both Bit Split and Combine are also available, so the functionality is boosted
again. That's why we call our ADI-8 DS an Intelligent Audio Solution.
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User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
4. Technical Specifications
• Power supply: Internal, 100-240 V AC, 30 Watts
• Typical power consumption: 12 Watts
• Dimensions including rack ears (WxHxD): 483 x 44 x 242 mm (19" x 1.73" x 9.5")
• Dimensions without rack ears/handles (WxHxD): 436 x 44 x 235 mm (17.2" x 1.73" x 9.3")
• Weight: 2 kg ( 4.4 lbs)
• Temperature range: +5° up to +50° Celsius (41° F up to 122°F)
• Relative humidity: < 75%, non condensing
4.1 Analog Specs
AD
• Resolution AD: 24 bit
• Signal to Noise ratio: 113 dB RMS unweighted, 117 dBA
• THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %
• THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
• Crosstalk: > 130 dB
• Maximum input level AD: +19 dBu
• Frequency response AD, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz – 21.5 kHz
• Input Line: 1/4" TRS and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced
• Input impedance Line: 10 kOhm
• Input sensitivity switchable: +4 dBu, -10 dBV, Lo Gain
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV
DA
• Resolution DA: 24 Bit
• Dynamic Range: 112 dBA (unmuted)
• THD: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
• THD+N: < -102 dB, < 0.0008 %
• Crosstalk: > 110 dB
• Maximum output level DA: +19 dBu
• Frequency response DA, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz - 21,6 kHz
• Output Line: 1/4" TRS and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced
• Output impedance Line: 47 Ohm
• Output level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV
4.2 Digital Specs
• Super Low Jitter Design: < 4 ns word clock PLL, < 1 ns ADAT PLL, < 1 ns internal
• Internal sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
• Word clock In range: 27 kHz - 57 kHz
• Internal resolution: 24 bit
• Outputs: ADAT optical (24 bit), TDIF-1 (24 bit), word clock
• Inputs: ADAT optical (24 bit), TDIF-1 (24 bit), word clock
• ADAT In clock range: 33 kHz - 57 kHz
• Bit Split: 24 bit to 1 channel 16 bit and 1 channel 8 bit
• Sample Split: 96 kHz to 2 channels of 48 kHz
• Copy Mode: Direct 24 bit copying from ADAT to ADAT/TDIF and vice versa
• Dither: 1 LSB TPDF switchable
User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
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5. First Usage - Quick Start
The clearly structured front panel design ensures an easy start when working with the device for
the first time. Nevertheless we recommend to study at least the chapters 'Clock Section' and
'Copy Mode', as the extensive usage of format converter and clock options may result in some
behaviour that may require further explanation. We therefore recommend to carefully study
chapter 7 (Clock section) and 8.3 (Copy Mode).
Connect the TRS-jacks (or the D-sub connector) with the analog signal source. Change the
input sensitivity by pressing INPUT LEVEL 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 Over 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 ADI-8 DS can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. They are
fitted with both 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 monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it
automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB.
When switched on for the first time the ADI-8 DS starts in a default mode which should be suitable for most applications:
• AD-converter in master mode (CLOCK INTERNAL)
• DA-converter in slave mode (CLOCK INPUT)
• Sample rate 44.1 kHz
• Input ADAT optical
On the DA-side you just have to choose the desired digital input by pressing DIGITAL INPUT. A
coarse correction of the analog output level can be done by pressing OUTPUT LEVEL.
The ADI-8 DS stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is
turned on.
Transferring digital data into a computer is best done using RME's interface systems, like the
Hammerfall
come with drivers for all popular operating systems. They have a world wide reputation as ultimate solution for master and multitrack tasks.
®
DSP and Fireface series. These hi-quality interfaces for PCI, PCIe and FireWire
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User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
6. Inputs and Outputs
6.1 Analog Inputs
The ADI-8 DS back provides 8 (stereo) 1/4" TRS jacks and a 25 pin D-sub jack. Both are internally connected, so not operational at the same time. The electronic input stage is built in a
servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB.
When using unbalanced cables with XLR jacks pin 3 of the cable's jack should be connected
to pin 1 (ground). Otherwise noise may occur, caused by the unconnected negative input of
the ADI's balanced input.
The 25-pin D-sub connector follows the pinout known from devices manufactured by Tascam.
Refer to chapter 10 for a pinout listing. We do not recommend to make such a cable by yourself, as it is extremely difficult to integrate 8 balanced lines into a small D-sub housing without
shorts. Your dealer will be glad to provide you with a professional Tascam multicore, D-sub to
XLR, made in the length of your choice.
One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic
range within the best operating level. Because of this RME's ADI-8 DS includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio
path. The key INPUT LEVEL allows a perfect adaptation for all 8 channels to the most often
used levels -10 dBV and +4 dBu.
Each analog input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload of each channel
are easy to check. The green LED begins to light at -40 dBFS in an analog fashion (more bright
at higher levels). When this LED lights up only seldom or never, the input level is too low, causing a noisy and distorted recording. The red LED lights up 2 dB before reaching maximum level
(-2 dBFS), to securely prevent overload of the analog input.
The 'standardized' studio levels do not result in a (often desired) full scale level, but take some
additional digital headroom into consideration. The amount of headroom is different in different
standards and again differently implemented by different manufacturers. Because of this we
decided to define the levels of the ADI-8 DS in a most compatible way. The headroom of the
ADI-8 DS is defined according to the chosen reference level.
Reference 0 dBFS @ Headroom
Lo Gain +19 dBu 15 dB
+4 dBu +13 dBu 9 dB
-10 dBV +2 dBV 12 dB
At +4 dBu a headroom of 9 dB offers a problem-free operation with most devices, and meets
the latest EBU recommendations for Broadcast usage. At -10 dBV 12 to 15 dB headroom are
common practice, each mixing desk operating at -10 dBV is able to send and receive much
higher levels. Lo Gain allows to work with high levels, best suited for professional users who
prefer to work balanced and at highest levels.
User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
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