Description

RME’s ADI-8 QS is an 8-Channel hi-end AD/DA converter with an unrivaled bunch of features. The device combines excellent analog circuit design with outstanding low latency AD/DA converter chips of the latest generation. Along with the integrated SteadyClock, the QS offers an AD- and DA-conversion of the highest quality.

Analog and digital limiters, 4 hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, AES/EBU and ADAT I/O (optional MADI I/O) at up to 192 kHz, remote control via MIDI, digital input and output trimming for full level calibration, volume control for all 8 analog outputs, either separately or globally, digital thru-mode, operation over a wide voltage range and many more features make the QS truly unique.

The ADI-8 QS is RME’s reference – highest performance in every detail, at an unbeaten price/performance ratio!

Highlights

8-Channel AD converter, fully symmetrical design, 117 dBA
8-Channel DA converter, DC-coupled signal path, double balanced output, 120 dBA
Low latency conversion: only 8 samples of delay!
4 x AES/EBU I/O via D-Sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
2 x ADAT I/O, 8 channels @ 96 kHz
Digital input/output trim, range 6 dB per I/O
Analog and digital limiter for AD-conversion
16 LED level meters with 7 LEDs each
SyncCheck, unique technology to check clock synchronization
All settings are stored permanently
Fully remote controllable

Features

The 1 U height device offers an outstanding AD/DA conversion from/to AES/EBU and ADAT (MADI optional), at up to 192 kHz. The balanced inputs and outputs use RMEs circuit design, therefore guarantee outstanding noise and distortion values. Four different input and output levels each are available, offering a perfect adaptation to the analog domain. The latest generation AD/DA converters provide sample rates up to 192 kHz with an SNR of 120 dBA.

Due to its efficient jitter reduction, SteadyClock(TM) guarantees pristine sound quality independently from the quality of the external clock signal. Additionally, Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.

The technologies are known from other RME products like SyncCheck ® to ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Multiple units can be stacked and operated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is switched off.

The QS can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each QS can be given a separate ID, allowing separate remote controllability of various devices with only one MIDI channel.

LOW LATENCY

In the QS RME uses a high-class AD converter from Cirrus Logic, offering exceptional Signal to Noise and distortion figures. But the biggest difference to all other ADCs out there is its innovative digital filter, achieving for the first time a delay of only 12 samples in Single Speed (0.25 ms), 9 samples in Double Speed (0.09 ms), and 5 (!) samples in Quad Speed (0.026 ms).

These values are less than a quarter of those available from even much more expensive devices. They represent an important step in further reducing the latency in the computer-based recording studio. At DS and QS the added latency can simply be ignored. The DA-converter offers similar conversion in the range of 5 to 10 samples, turning analog digital monitoring into real analog-style monitoring!

Accessories

OPTIONAL: MADI I/O (I 64 MADI CARD)

The I64 MADI Card provides the Micstasy with a 64-Channel MADI input and output. Coaxial 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.

With an installed I64 MADI Card the Micstasy can be remotely controlled via MADI. At the same time, MIDI data are transmitted via MADI.

When multiple devices are connected serially, the MADI I/O of each Micstasy causes a delay of 3 samples. Therefore at the MADI output of the last device, the data of all upstreamed devices are delayed. The problem of this offset is solved by the function of Delay Compensation.

Using the I64 MADI Card provides the ability of 8 channels being used as the digital return path, sending audio via MADI to the Micstasy’s ADAT and AES outputs. For example, stage and studio monitors can be fed digitally from the Micstasy. On stage the use of an additional D/A-converter (e.g. ADI-8 DS might be necessary. The MADI output continues to carry the analog input signals and the feed-through input data.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input AD: 1/4″ TRS jack and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced, completely symmetrical audio path
Output AD: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical, optional MADI
Input DA: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical, optional MADI
Output DA:1/4″ TRS jack servo balanced, up to +21 dBu. 25 pin D-sub, balanced, up to +24 dBu. DC-coupled audio path
Dynamic Range AD: 117 dBA
THD AD: < -110 dB (< 0.00032 %)
THD+N AD: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
Crosstalk AD: > 130 dB
Dynamic Range DA: 120 dBA unmuted
THD DA: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
THD+N DA: < -102 dB (< 0.0008 %)
Crosstalk DA: > 110 dB
Input level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu, each adjustable by 6 dB in steps of 0.5 dB via Digital Input Trim
Output level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu, each adjustable by +/- 6 dB in steps of 0.5 dB
Output level global: 0 down to -96 dB in 48 steps
Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (sync/word)
Frequency response AD/DA, -0.1 dB: 10 Hz – 23.2 kHz (sf 48 kHz)
Frequency response AD/DA, -0.5 dB: < 5 Hz – 44.6 kHz (sf 96 kHz)
Frequency response AD/DA, -1 dB: < 5 Hz – 63.4 kHz (sf 192 kHz)
Power supply: Internal switching mode ps, 100 V-240 V AC
Dimensions (WxHxD) 483 x 44 x 200 mm
Warranty: 2 years