User`s guide
32 
User’s Guide ADI-8 QS © RME 
12.3 I64 MADI Card 
The I64 MADI Card provides the ADI-8 QS with a 64-channel MADI input and output. Coaxial 
and and optical output operate simultaneously and deliver the same data. The ID determines 
which MADI channels the ADI-8 QS will use (see chapter 9.5, ID). The MADI outputs operate in 
parallel to the AES/EBU and ADAT outputs, provide the same audio data, and are configured 
with the same front panel controls. 
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 
through input. Since each ADI-8 QS uses only 8 channels, up to 56 channels can be passed 
through. 
This technique is used to serially cascade several ADI-8 QSs. Incoming MADI data is passed 
through unchanged, only one block of eight channels is replaced, according to the ADI-8 QS's 
ID. This allows up to 8 devices to be connected serially. All 64 combined channels are available 
at the last device's output. The ID determining the block of eight channels used by an individual 
device is determined automatically (Auto ID) or manually in the setup menu (ID): 
ID 01: Channels 1-8  ID 02: Channels 9-16  ID 03: Channels 17-24 
ID 04: Channels 25-32  ID 05: Channels 33-40  ID 06: Channels 41-48 
ID 07: Channels 49-56  ID 08: Channels 57-64 
The I64 MADI Card defaults to the 56-channel format at its outputs. As soon as a 64-channel 
format is detected at the inputs, or the ID 08 is used, the output switches to 64-channel format. 
Note
: The 96k frame mode is activated at the outputs automatically when the MADI input signal 
is 96k frame. A manual selection of the output format, and with this a converter functionality 
48k/96k, is not available. 
With an installed I64 MADI Card the ADI-8 QS can be remote controlled via MADI. At the same 
time MIDI data are transmitted via MADI, see chapter 10.3. 
When multiple devices are connected serially, the MADI I/O of each ADI-8 QS causes a delay 
of 3 samples. Therefore at the MADI output of the last device, the data of all upstreamed de-
vices are delayed. At Double Speed the delay rises to 6 samples per unit, at Quad Speed to 12 
samples. 
The problem of this offset is solved by the function Delay Compensation, see chapter 9.8. It 
delays the signals in a way that they are sample-synchronous in multi-device operation. The 
diagram on the next page shows a serial setup with HDSP MADI card, three ADI-8 QS and 
activated Delay Compensation. 
Delay Compensation has to be manually activated in each unit! 










