User`s guide

User's Guide DIGI96/8 PAD © RME
7
8. Operation and Usage
8.1 External Connectors
The DIGI96/8 PAD has 3 external inputs and outputs. The current input is activated
through 'Settings', available by a click on the DIGI symbol in the Taskbar's system tray. The
card accepts all commonly used digital sources as well as SPDIF and AES/EBU. Channel sta-
tus and copy protection are ignored.
Use the supplied breakout cable to connect coaxial (SPDIF) or XLR (AES/EBU) devices. The
red phono socket of the breakout cable is the SPDIF output, the white one is the SPDIF input.
The ground-free design, with transformers for digital inputs and outputs, offers a problem-free
connection of all devices along with perfect hum rejection.
All outputs are driven in
parallel, therefore carry-
ing identical signals. In
the simplest situation,
connect 3 devices at the
outputs and use the
card as a splitter (distri-
bution 1 to 3).
Two ¼" TRS (stereo)
jacks are fitted to provide a 2-channel unbalanced analog input and output. The analog output
is directly driven from the digital output. A superior 24 bit DAC, followed by a low impedance
driver stage, allows the connection of stereo headphones. The settings dialog allows to change
the output level from 0 dB down to -78 dB. A special mute circuit reduces noise when switching
the computer on and off. The sensitivity of the analog input can be set per channel to +4 dBu or
-10 dBV by jumpers on the board. A sensitivity control by the driver or Settings dialog is not
available.
8.2 Internal Connectors
The DIGI96/8 PAD has one internal digital input and output, provided by 2-pin connec-
tors on the board. The internal input ST3, labelled CD IN / Sync In, can be connected to an
internal CD-ROM drive having a digital audio output (advantage: the built in CD-ROM drive is
sufficient for digital recording and the need for external cabling does not arise). Or it can be
connected with the internal output of another DIGI96 series card (synchronizing multiple cards),
or an AEB4/8-I. The latter is possible because the internal input accepts both SPDIF and ADAT
format.
The internal output ST4, labelled Sync Out, provides a copy of the current external output
signal, no matter if SPDIF or ADAT. Besides connecting a AEB4/8-O for an output of up to 8
analog channels, the internal loopback proves to be a useful application. Use the supplied two
pin cable to connect Sync In and Sync Out, set the card to Clock Mode 'Master' and selectal
'Internal' as input. Now the output signal shows up directly at the card's input. This allows you to
record the playback signal, or to display the playback signals with our DIGICheck software.
The two connectors ST6 and ST7 provide a connection to the optional Word Clock Module
WCM. ST7 is also needed when connecting a AEB4/8-I. See the manuals of these products for
more information.