User`s guide

User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME

11. Analog Inputs / Outputs

11.1 Line In

The ADI-8 QS rear has 8 balanced Line inputs, provided by 1/4"

TRS and a 25-pin D-sub connector. Both are internally connected,

so can not be used at the same time. The electronic input stage is

built in a servo balanced design which handles unbalanced (mono

jacks) and balanced (XLR, stereo jacks) signals correctly, auto-

matically adjusting the level reference.

When using unbalanced cables with XLR or TRS connectors be

sure to connect pin 3 (- or ring) to 1 (ground). Otherwise noise may

occur, caused by the unconnected negative input of the balanced

input.

The 25-pin D-sub connector follows the pinout known from devices

manufactured by Tascam (pinout see chapter 16.9). Your local

dealer will supply analog breakout multicores D-sub to XLR in Tas-

cam pinout in different lengths.

The ADI-8 QS uses a completely symmetrical signal path (including limiter) that guarantees an

exceptional sound quality, outstanding low distortion and highest Signal to Noise ratio in all level

settings.

One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic

range within the best operating level. Therefore the ADI-8 QS internally uses hi-quality elec-

tronic switches, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path. The key

INPUT allows for a perfect adaptation of all 8 channels to the most often used studio levels.

Each analog input has its own 7-segment level meter, so every channel can be checked for

input signal and overloads easily. The level data incorporate the current Input Trim setting and

the digital limiter. The red LED OVR lights up 0.2 dB before full scale level (-0.2 dBFS).

The ADI-8 QS uses the following level references:

Reference 0 dBFS @ Headroom @ +4 dBu Other RME devices

+24 +24 dBu 20 dB -

+19 +19 dBu 15 dB LoGain

+13 +13 dBu 9 dB +4 dBu

+4.2 +4.2 dBu 12 dB at -10 dBV -10 dBV

The setting +4.2 dBu equals -10 dBV with 12 to 15 dB headroom. Set to +24 dBu the ADI-8 QS

is compatible to SMPTE (+24 dBu @ 0 dBFS, +4 dBu with 20 dB of headroom).