RME OctaMic XTC (Discontinued)

Overview

RME proudly presents a new generation of microphone, line and instrument preamp, A/D converter, digital patchbay and format converter, monitoring device and even a flexible frontend for the iPad® - the OctaMic XTC!

With the OctaMic XTC eight microphone and line inputs, 4 switchable to Hi-Z mode, meet an unrivalled variety of digital connection protocols - from common ADAT and AES/EBU to sophisticated 64-channel MADI optical.

Analogue signals are converted with RME's newest converter technology. Maintaining the excellent sound and frequency response that RME converters are known for, this preamp excels in extremely low latencies and stunning EIN and signal to noise ratios.

With the help of the full colour TFT display, the quickly accessible setup options reveal another truly unique feature: all analogue and digital inputs, including up to 64 MADI channels and 8 AES/EBU audio channels, can be freely patched to any output - including the 24 channels of the Class Compliant USB 2.0 audio interface format.

When attached by MIDI (DIN, MIDI over MADI, or USB) to an RME audio interface running TotalMix FX, the Octamic XTC can be remote controlled directly within the input channel strips of TotalMix. An example is the combination of the renowned Fireface UFX with an XTC on top, connected via ADAT, adding 8 analogue inputs and 4 analogue outputs to RME's flagship interface.

Full remote control support allows the unit to be as close to the analogue signal source as possible while important settings and configurations can be modified, as well as stored and recalled, not only on the unit itself, but also from a larger distance.

With 24 channels I/O in Class Compliant mode the XTC is also the most flexible and advanced interface ever built to work with the iPad (with Apple Camera Connection Kit).

RME Octamic XTC Front Panel - Click To Enlarge

In More Detail

The OctaMic XTC offers 8-channel 192 kHz / 24-bit AD conversion with eight high class microphone and line/ instrument pre-amplification inputs in excellent RME quality. Lowest distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and perfect linear frequency response allow for unchanged transmission and amplification of the microphone signals.

OctaMic XTC provides 4 balanced XLR mic/line inputs and 4 balanced XLR mic/instrument inputs via Neutrik XLRs/TRS combo jacks. Frontside keys give quick and direct access to the most often used functions, perfectly visualised on an easy to read TFT-display.

The 8-channel AD- and 4 channel DA-conversion of the OctaMic XTC operates at up to 192 kHz. The digitised signal is available simultaneously at the double ADAT output (S/MUX), a D-sub 25 connector (4 AES/EBU outputs) and MADI optical. Using Mac OS X, or an iPad(TM) up to 24 I/Os can also be used via USB.

RME's outstanding SteadyClock™ ensures perfect AD/DA conversion, as jitter on the external sync sources is nearly completely removed. The digital inputs and outputs can be used simultaneously to the AD/DA conversion. Sophisticated routing options turn the OctaMic XTC into an AD/DA-converter with multiple digital outputs of different formats, as well as a digital format converter between ADAT, AES and MADI, and also a signal inserter/extractor for serialised MADI setups.

Equipped with the latest professional AD-converters, the OctaMic XTC excels with super low noise, super low THD, and super low latency conversion (< 0.26 ms).

Quick Control
Each input channel pair features a direct select button for quick access of the input gains, which can then be set immediately with the encoder knobs 1 and 2.

Clear State
Dedicated LEDs for present signal, overload, phantom power and PAD/instrument mode for every input channel are accompanied by detailed metering on the colour display.

Monitoring
Two high power TRS stereo line/phones outputs provide high volume operating with high and low impedance headphones. The source of these analogue outputs can be chosen between all signals handled by the XTC.

MIDI remote control is available via 2 standard MIDI DIN jacks, MIDI over MADI and USB.

Digital synchronisation is achieved through all digital inputs and Word Clock.

RME Octamic XTC Rear Panel - Click To Enlarge

Digital I/O
The XTC has all common digital formats on board: AES/EBU, ADAT optical and MADI optical, for inputs and outputs. The USB-port also serves as firmware updater tool under Windows and Mac. On Mac OS X and with the iPad it turns the XTC into a 24-channel audio interface.

Analogue Inputs
The XTC has eight high end, digitally controlled microphone preamps. Four of them feature PAD for input levels up to +32 dBu. The other four can be switched to Hi-Z mode to directly connect instruments. All TRS connections are phantom power-free. The outstanding design of the input circuits provides a stunning gain range of 85 dB, making the XTC compatible to whatever source is attached to its inputs.

Converters

• SNR AD: 113 dB RMS unweighted, 117 dBA

• THD: < 0.0003 %, < -110 dB

• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 8 Hz - 94 kHz

• SNR DA: 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA

• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 8 Hz - 75 kHz

• Supported sample rates: 28 kHz - 200 kHz

• Sync Sources: AES/EBU, Word Clock, MADI, ADAT, internal

• SteadyClock™ ensures best sound quality even when synched to jittery external clocks.

Analogue

Microphone 1-8

• Input: XLR, electronically balanced

• Input impedance: 2.4 kOhm, PAD 3.5 kOhm

• Gainrange:0,+10dBupto+65dBinstepsof1dB

• PAD: -20 dB

• THD@30dBGain:<-110dB,<0.0003%

• THD+N@30dBGain:<-100dB,<0.001%

• CMRR50Hz:>60dB

• CMRR200Hz–20kHz:>70dB

• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +12 dBu

• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB with PAD: +32 dBu

• Maximum input level, Gain 65 dB: -53 dBu

• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ Gain 10 dB: 113 dB RMS unweighted, 117 dBA

Line TRS In 1-4

• Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balanced

• Input impedance: 3.3 kOhm unbalanced, 6.6 kOhm balanced

• Input impedance with PAD: 3.8 kOhm unbalanced, 7.7 kOhm balanced

• Gainrange:0,+10dBupto+65dBinstepsof1dB

• PAD: -18 dB

• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +21 dBu

• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB with PAD: +39 dBu

• Maximum input level, Gain 65 dB: -44 dBu

• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ Gain 10 dB: 113 dB RMS unweighted, 117 dBA

Inst TRS In 5-8

• Input: 6.3 mm TS jack, unbalanced

• Input impedance: 800 kOhm (Hi-Z)

• Gain range: +10 dB up to +65 dB in steps of 1 dB

• Maximum input level, Gain 10 dB: +21 dBu

• Maximum input level, Gain 65 dB: -34 dBu

• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ Gain 10 dB: 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA

Line/Phones Out 1-4

• Resolution: 24 Bit

• Noise (DR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA

• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 9 Hz – 22 kHz

• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 9 Hz – 45 kHz

• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 8 Hz - 75 kHz

• THD+N: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %

• Channel separation: > 110 dB

• Output: 6.3 mm TRS stereo jack, unbalanced

• Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, High: +17 dBu

• Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, Low: +2 dBV

• Output impedance: 30 Ohm

AD-Conversion General

• Resolution: 24 Bit

AD-Conversion Mic XLR

• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 12 Hz – 20.8 kHz

• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 12 Hz – 45.3 kHz

• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 8 Hz - 94 kHz

• THD+N: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %

• Channel separation: > 110 dB

• Signal to Noise ratio depends on current gain setting

AD-Conversion Line/Inst TRS

• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 10 Hz – 20.8 kHz

• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 10 Hz – 45.3 kHz

• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz - 90 kHz

Digital Inputs

AES/EBU

• 1 x 25-pin D-sub, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992

• High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp)

• SPDIF compatible (IEC 60958)

• Accepts Consumer and Professional format

• Lock Range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz

• Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns

• Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)

ADAT

• 2 x TOSLINK

• Standard: 8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz

• S/MUX: 16 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz, equalling 8 channels 24 bit 96 kHz

• S/MUX4: 16 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz, equalling 4 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

Word Clock

• BNC, not terminated (10 kOhm)

• Optional internal termination 75 Ohm

• Automatic Double/Quad Speed detection and internal conversion to Single Speed

• SteadyClock guarantees super low jitter synchronization even in varispeed operation

• Not affected by DC-offsets within the network

• Signal Adaptation Circuit: signal refresh through auto-center and hysteresis

• Overvoltage protection

• Level range: 1.0 Vpp – 5.6 Vpp

• Lock Range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz

• Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns

• Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)

MADI

• Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector

• 62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible

• Accepts 56 channel and 64 channel mode, and 96k frame

• Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz

• Double Wire / 96k frame: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz

• Quad Wire: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

• Lock range: 28 kHz – 54 kHz

• Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns

• Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)

Digital Outputs

AES/EBU

• 4 x, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992

• Output voltage Professional 4.0 Vpp

• Format Professional according to AES3-1992 Amendment 4

• Single Wire: 4 x 2 channels 24 bit, up to 192 kHz

ADAT

• 2 x TOSLINK

• Standard: 8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz

• S/MUX: 16 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz, equalling 8 channels 24 bit 96 kHz

• S/MUX4: 16 channels 24 bit / 48 kHz, equalling 4 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

Word Clock

• BNC

• Max. output voltage: 5 Vpp

• Output voltage @ 75 Ohm: 4.0 Vpp

• Impedance: 10 Ohms

• Frequency range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz

MADI

• Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector

• 62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible

• Cable length optical up to 2000 m

• Generates 56 channel and 64 channel mode, and 96k frame

• Single Wire: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz

• Double Wire / 96k frame: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz

• Quad Wire: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

Digital

• Clocks: Internal, AES In, ADAT In, word clock In, MADI In

• Low Jitter Design: < 1 ns in PLL mode, all inputs

• Internal clock: 800 ps Jitter, Random Spread Spectrum

• Jitter suppression of external clocks: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)

• Effective clock jitter influence on AD-conversion: near zero

• PLL ensures zero dropout, even at more than 100 ns jitter

• Supported sample rates: 28 kHz up to 200 kHz

MIDI

• 16 channels MIDI

• 5-pin DIN jacks

• Optocoupled, ground-free input

MIDI over MADI

• Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 56 (48k frame)