User`s guide

User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME

1. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a ADI-8 DS. This hi-quality analog to digital and digi-

tal to analog converter includes ADAT optical and TDIF-1 digital interfaces. It precisely con-

verts analog audio data into a digital data stream and into the format of your choice. Newest

circuit technology combined with latest integrated circuits result in a unique and outstanding

device, meeting highest quality standards. The ADI-8 DS will excite you even after many

years of operation.

2. Supplied Contents

Please ensure that all the following parts are included in ADI-8 DS' packaging box:

• ADI-8 DS

• Manual

• Power cord

• 2 x 2m optical cable (TOSLINK)

3. Brief Description and Characteristics

The ADI-8 DS is an 8-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter in a 19"

rackmount enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit / 96 kHz converters offer 117 dBA dynamic

ratio. This value is not only printed in the brochure, thanks to our Low Jitter Design it is avail-

able with every sold unit.

The servo balanced analog inputs and outputs are fitted with both D-sub (for optional XLR mul-

ticore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. The signal path from the jacks to the ADC is totally balanced. Both

signal paths A/D and D/A are internally DC-coupled, for highest phase accuracy at lowest roll-

off. The digital inputs and outputs are available as ADAT optical and TDIF-1 connectors.

To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level RME's ADI-8 DS in-

cludes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or

distortion to the audio path. Two switches on the front panel let you control input and output

level for a perfect adaptation to the most often used standards -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each ana-

log input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check.

The AD-converter can provide several internal clocks (44.1, 48, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz). The unique

Intelligent Clock Control technology (ICC) enables a flexible operation with internal clock, ex-

ternal word clock or the digital input signal. These options, also available for the DA-

conversion, are easy to understand and easy to use. The current state of locking and clock

synchronisation is shown by blinking or constant lit LEDs.

The digital section of the ADI-8 DS includes three outstanding functions. Bit Split allows to

split one 24 bit signal to two 16 bit outputs. This technique allows for example to use two 8-

channel 16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Using Bit Combine will

put the splitted signals back to one full 24 bit signal. The method of splitting/combining is com-

patible to Yamaha’s digital mixing desk 02R, so the ADI-8 DS can be used directly in 24 bit

operation with this desk! Recording to 16 bit devices without using Bit Split (avoiding the double

number of channels) can be done at highest sonic quality using the ADI-8 DS' Dither Op-

tion.

Furthermore the unique Copy Mode allows to use the device completely in digital domain.

Copy Mode routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate

simultaneously with identical data the ADI-8 DS not only turns into a superiour ADAT/TDIF

converter but also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to

different devices. In Copy Mode both Bit Split and Combine are also available, so the function-

ality is boosted again. That's why we call our ADI-8 DS an Intelligent Audio Solution.