Specifications

The cost-effective solution: A flexible analog multichannel connection includes different components: Multicore cable - circuit connectors - breakout
box - stagebox - signal splitter. Such a system is usually very expensive. A RME MADI system for 64 audio channels in a simple setup includes two
19” devices (e.g. ADI-648) and a fibre glass connection cable - not more. The cost for such a MADI system includes extensive audio signal processing
options, like routing, splitting, merging, plus MIDI in MADI, remote control of all devices and redundancy.
Integrating RME MADI solutions into an audio network not only increases reliability. The setup and cabling is simplified too.
MADI . Made by RME saves time and therefore saves costs. In older buildings, expanding existing cable networks (for more or bigger multi-snakes) can
be a major cost factor, or even physically impossible. The low maintenance associated with a MADI installation, compared to analog solutions, saves
money and increases reliability.
RME MADI products provide optical and coaxial MADI connectors. The coaxial cable allows for transmission distances of up to 100 meters. The MADI
fibre cable connection even allows for transmission distances of up to 2000 meters. The cables used are standard in high-speed computer network
technology. There are many applications where long distance audio transmission is required: multi-room production facilities, outside broadcast
venues, live venues etc. The optical interface is much more interesting due to its complete galvanic separation. ‘MADI optical’: The cables have an
internal fibre of only 50 or 62.5 μm diameter and a coating of 125 μm. The plugs used are an industry standard, called SC. The cables are available as a
duplex variant (2 cables being glued together) or as a simplex variant (1 cable).
The transmission uses the multi-mode technique, which supports cable lengths
of up to almost 2000 meters. Due to the wave-length of the light being used
(1300 nm), the optical signal is invisible to the human eye. Road-proven MADI-
optical cables with cable drums are also available. Ask your Premium Line
Dealer for the special AudioAG/ALVA-Cableware program.
MIDI & RS232 integration in MADI networks. RME MADI products
not only transmit 64 audio channels with a single line, but also MIDI
signals (exception: MADI Bridge and MADI Converter). Be it remote
control or sequencer applications, MIDI data entering at the physical
MIDI input is carried along with the MADI data packages.
At the other end of the MADI line, the data can be collected at the MIDI
output for another RME MADI device. Technically, every single MADI
channel includes several additional bits, containing various information
(Channel Status). RME ensures full audio data compatibility by utilizing
the so often unused User Bit within the MADI stream to transmit the
MIDI data. The same way serial data is carried along with the MADI
data packages. Serial data transmission is supported by ADI-642, ADI-
6432 and DMC-842.
Remote Controlling via MIDI. All RME MADI devices can be remote
controlled via MIDI, using their own well documented protocol. All
units can be programmed with their own ID, providing a separated
remote control of multiple devices via a single MIDI channel. Via MIDI
the complete device status is read and set.
The HDSP TotalMix™ software for the HDSP/HDSPe cards includes
complete MIDI remote control by standard MIDI commands and the
widely-usded Mackie Protocol. More information is published in the
product manuals.
T
he RME product range includes converters and preamps for analog, the common digital formats
AES/EBU and ADAT, a MADI router, a MADI Bridge and PCI (Express) solutions for Windows and Mac
computers. The traditional MADI standard was usefully enhanced by RME with the included MIDI
and RS232 transmission. A special redundance mode (Safe Input Mode) guarantees a secure operation.
The RME MADI Premium Line products and the ADI series front-end devices combine different audio
standards such as AES/EBU, ADAT and TDIF into one MADI audio system. Any MADI installation will remain
an open system, easily expandable, using RME devices or products from any other major pro audio brand.
Please study our examples for simple and complex MADI application setups on the last pages of this
brochure.
4
PREMIUM LINE
MADI . Made by RME 5
MADI . Made by RME
MADI Cable Drum by ALVA
100/150/300 m professional 4-fibre
SC to SC optical multicore for MADI -
on stage, broadcast and TV.
Remote Control Software. RME provides a free Windows and Mac
softare to control all 19” MADI devices. MIDI Remote can use any
existing MIDI port within the system to perform remote control and
status requests of all devices. The software provides both a front-panel
like operation and an extended Matrix display. Most appealing is the
combination with a HDSP MADI card, offering a direct control of RME
Premium Line devices via MADI. The remote control software then uses
a virtual MIDI port of the card that directly sends and receives MIDI data
via MADI. Furthermore, the protocol is open and fully documented, to
allow for custom remote control software projects and applications.
Redundancy. RME MADI devices have the SM-I (Safe Mode-Input)
feature to switch automatically between the optical and coaxial port
if one of the cables or connections are disconnected by mistake, or are
even corrupted.
Worldwide Use. RME Premium Line uses internal switching power
supplies. This technology offers several advantages over standard
linear regulated power supplies, like worlwide operation with any
voltage between 100 and 240 Volts, 50 or 60 Hz. Additionally it is short-
circuit-proof, has an integrated line filter, is fully regulated against
voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference. The high
efficiency factor keeps the units cool. RME‘s high frequency design
eliminates mechanical hum and induced ground loops.
RME MADI Technologies
RME has developed innovative
technologies to make MADI
products even more useful
and attractive. RME brought
the MADI technology to
perfection and made it
affordable as well.
The final of the Soccer Champions’ League in May 2007 between Liverpool and Milan at
the former Olympic stadium in Athens was broadcast to an estimated 1.2 billion viewers
worldwide. A RME full duplex MADI configuration interconnected four broadcast points within
the stadium, covering a total distance of about 400 meters with optical MADI cables!
The project was a collaboration of the music services company “Logothetis Music” (also
RME’s exclusive dealer for Greece) and “Astarti TV Productions” on behalf of NOS (Netherlands
Broadcasting Corporation).The sound quality outcome was very pleasing for both collaborators
and the ease of setting up as well as the reliability of the system justified RME products and the
Logothetis Music crew for their choice. Let’s note, though, that the company is already using a
fully digitized MADI-DAW system for live and recording applications with great success.