User`s guide
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User’s Guide ADI-8 DS © RME 
1. Introduction 
RME's ADI-8 DS is an 8-channel high-end AD/DA converter with a truly unique feature set. The 
device combines excellent analog circuit design with the latest generation of outstanding low 
latency AD/DA converter chips. Along with its integrated SteadyClock, the ADI-8 DS offers AD 
and DA conversion of the highest quality. 
When developing the ADI-8 DS we used all our experience, and also the experience of our 
customers, to create a unique, excellent and high-quality unit. Although the ADI-8 DS is built to 
highest reference standards, it still offers the typical, outstanding price/performance ratio known 
from RME. ADI-8 DS features will excite you – but even more the performance and smartness 
that it shows in solving any given task. Have fun! 
2. Package Contents 
Please check that your ADI-8 DS package contains each of the following: 
• ADI-8 DS 
• Power cord 
• Manual 
•  1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m 
3. Brief Description and Characteristics 
The ADI-8 DS is an 8-channel hi-end AD and DA converter in reference quality. In a standard 
19" box with 1 unit height the device offers numerous extraordinary features like Intelligent 
Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck, SteadyClock, four hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, 
AES/EBU and ADAT I/O, 192 kHz sample rate, and a digital patch mode. 
•  8-channel AD converter, full symmetrical design, 119 dBA 
•  8-channel DA converter, double balanced output, 120 dBA 
•  Low latency conversion: less than 12 samples delay 
•  4 x AES/EBU I/O per D-sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz 
•  2 x ADAT I/O, 8 channels @ 96 kHz, 4 channels at 192 kHz 
•  Word clock input and output 
•  2 x 8-channel level metering 
•  Noise suppression on power-on and power-off at the analog outputs 
•  Comprehensive digital patch mode for full interconnectivity 










