Specifications

2
PREMIUM LINE
What is MADI 3
One cable for all channels. MADI provides a convenient
method of transmitting multiple audio channels more
efficiently. MADI signals can be transmitted by two cable
types:
- Coaxial, max. 100 m (75 Ohms, BNC)
- Optical fibre glass, max. 2000 m
(62.5/125 µ, standard network technology)
Traditional multi-pair snakes for different applications in live,
studio and installation have been an audio-standard for years
and still are. The more channels are needed the more a snake
becomes invaluable. The use of a snake, especially in mobile
applications or on the road, does not become more reliable as
the time goes by. It will get hoisted, coiled and often stomped
on by the crowd. Under stress conditions there often might not
be any time to analyze a fault and fix it. In most cases a faulty
snake becomes obsolete and has to be replaced completely.
Even if money does not matter – problems occurring on a 64-
channel snake can hardly be controlled.
Practice. Integrating MADI solutions into an audio network
not only increases more than just reliability. The setup and
cabling is simple, too. Routings are remote controllable
without any physical switching or swapping of connections.
Patchbays become more and more obsolete in the overall
system. Especially when dealing with different acts,
performances or shows, MADI simplifies and speeds up any
configuration changes. MADI saves time and therefore costs.
In modern production systems - from manageable home
studio setups to complex concert hall installations - MADI
is used as the multi-channel link between mixing consoles,
DAWs, multi-track recorders and other digital outboard gear
in large scale digital audio routing systems, or to transmit
digitised microphone and line signals from a stage box to a
theatre or studio mixing console.
The MADI standard is supported by many pro audio
manufacturers: Euphonix, Merging, Lawo, YAMAHA, Stagetec,
Studer, DiGiCo/Soundtracs, Fairlight, GENEX, Innovason,
Otari, Publison, Soundscape, Jünger, Sony, Cadac, Axon, AMS/
Neve and others.
What is MADI?
optical cables
2 x 64 channels . up to 2000 m
MADI - Multichannel Audio Digital Interface - is the Pro Audio Industry
standard for multichannel audio. MADI is the perfect solution for the
transmission of multiple digital audio channels, avoiding the technical
problems of the standard multicore cables: too short, aging, high weight,
stray pick-up, cable loss, cumbersome handling.
On the contrary MADI: All signals within one optical or coaxial cable. Only
two MADI cables will interface a full 64-channel application, a stage, a
theatre, or a conference hall.
MADI users can benefit from cost savings and lower maintenance on the
overall installation. MADI solutions combine the same basic functionality
with improved flexibility over a much smaller cable as a conventional
multi-core snake.
Example . Digital Multicore
MADI is the solution for the
special pro audio requirements.
A thin cable transmits
up to 64 audio channels
- lossless - over distances of
up to 2000 meters!
MADI today. The MADI standard was defined by the AES (Audio Engineering
Society). Many factors have influenced the increasing importance of
MADI in professional audio production systems. These include an overall
growth in the use of digital audio equipment, and the ever increasing
demand for greater numbers of audio channels in large productions.
Modern surround sound production has also raised the requirements of
multi-channel applications. Today MADI is an attractive and convenient
interface technology, as it provides the simplest method of transmitting
audio channels sample-accurate over long distances. The balance
between operating distances, installation costs and overall maintenance
is exemplary.
Theory. Technically, MADI keeps AES/EBU 24-bit signals
in serial. Time Division Multiplexing is used to fit all audio
channels into a single cable. MADI is unidirectional,
providing a ‘point-to-point’ interface between a source
and a destination. The MADI format is capable of
transmitting up to 64 audio channels at standard sample
rates of 44.1 or 48 kHz on a standard 75 Ohms coaxial
cable or an optical fibre cable. MADI can also be used to
transmit high sample rate audio signals. The 64-channel
mode allows for a maximum sample rate of 48 kHz,
corresponding to 32/16 channels at 96 kHz/192 kHz.
RME Micstasy . High-End Mic/Line Preamp
and AD converter with MADI I/O
ADI-6432
64-Channel bidirectional
AES/EBU frontend
HDSPe MADI
128-Channel PCI Express Card
with optical and coaxial MADI I/O