User`s guide

User’s Guide Micstasy © RME

8.4 Remote

REMOTE defines the source of MIDI remote control commands. Choices are the MIDI DIN jack

and the MADI input of the I64 MADI Card (Option Slot).

Note

: Via MIDI remote control, all front panel controls can be locked (Lock Keys). An exception

is the REMOTE key. In Off-state Lock Keys is deactivated. Therefore a locking of all the

controls can be revoked directly at the unit at any time.

9. The Input Channel in Detail

9.1 General

Each channel has a dedicated configuration area on the front plate. The display GAIN shows

the currently set amount of amplification. The 13-segment LEVEL meter with switchable Peak

Hold function shows the AD-converter's input level. The SELECT button is used to select a

channel, but also to activate/deactivate the different functions (Phase, Lo Cut etc).

9.2 Gain

The Micstasy GAIN can be set in steps of 0.5 dB per channel. Setting the amount of amplifica-

tion is done digitally, therefore being very accurate and 100% reproducable. The gain change

itself is performed within the analog domain.

Using the rear full range XLR input, the gain can be set over a range of 85.5 dB. The AD-

converter in the Micstasy reaches full scale already at an input level of –56.5 dBu (GAIN display

76.5), but also at +30 dBu (GAIN display -09). Therefore the rear input is both a sophisticated

microphone and line input. Using it as line input, its impedance of 2 kOhm, optimized for micro-

phones, should be noted. In practise, using modern devices, this should not cause any problem.

Devices with high-impedance outputs will show a small loss of level, which can be compen-

sated easily with the Gain control – if necessary at all.

Sources with higher output impedances (e.g. consumer CD-player) are better served using the

front TRS input, as this one has an impedance of 5.6 kOhm, with Hi-Z on even 470 kOhm.

At the front input, gain can be set over a range of 50 dB. The upper level limit is +21 dBu, there-

fore the GAIN display starts at 00 and ends at 50. Changing from the rear to the front input, the

gain setting changes automatically in case the current value had been outside the range avail-

able on the front.

9.3 Phantom Power

The LED +48V indicates activated phantom power for the XLR input. Phantom power should

only be activated when using condenser microphones which require such a power supply.

Connecting and disconnecting microphones while phantom power is active causes a high

voltage surge, which can destroy the microphone input stage! Switch phantom power off

before connecting/disconnecting any external device.

The Micstasy turns on the phantom power smoothly during one second, from 0 to 48 Volts. This

technique is advantageous for the connected microphone as well as the Micstasy.

The phantom power of the Micstasy is short-circuit proof. With a maximum load on all eight

channels the internal voltage from the power supply does not drop below 47 Volts.