Frankfurt Musikmesse 2018 (4.1 E09) sees the launch of no fewer than 3 new RME interfaces, the Digiface AVB, Digiface Dante and the ADI-2 Pro FS.
The Digiface range of interfaces started with the Digiface USB in 2017; the addition of the AVB and Dante versions to the family means RME now offers the most impressive range of compact, portable and lightweight network-based audio interfaces on the market.
RME Digiface AVB
The new RME Digiface AVB is based on the AVB standard (Audio Video Bridging) and enables the transmission of up to 256 network audio channels between a Windows computer and other AVB devices within an audio Gigabit network via a single USB 3.0 cable.
The USB bus-powered Digiface AVB operates using the open IEEE 802.1 protocol and enables synchronized and prioritized streaming of audio data over a gigabit network. The integrated USB 3.0 connection allows up to 128 audio channels to and from the AVB network with sampling rates of up to 192 kHz. Users can select between 2 and 32 channels as required to ensure maximum compatibility with AVB audio devices available on the market
In addition to the Gigabit Ethernet connection and USB 3.0 port, the RME Digiface AVB features word clock I/O and a headphone output for flexible, high-quality monitoring. As with all RME interfaces, the Digiface AVB includes the DSP-based TotalMix FX mixer with its comprehensive routing and monitoring options as well as an AVDECC controller. The controller enables detection of all AVB devices within a network and allows users to manage and monitor incoming and outgoing streams.
RME Digiface Dante
The new bus powered RME Digiface Dante enables the transmission of up to 64 Dante channels and 64 MADI channels via a single USB 3.0 connection.
The Dante Audio-over-IP protocol was developed by the Australian company Audinate and enables uncompressed transmission of digital audio signals with low latency over long distances. The RME Digiface Dante USB 3.0/Dante interface offers a compact and lightweight solution for mobile Dante users.
Dante & MADI
With the integration of RME’s renowned Mac and Windows MADI drivers, the Digiface Dante allows users to seamlessly run up to 64 MADI I/O channels via USB 3.0 in addition to the 64 Dante channels. For this purpose the BNC connectors, normally used for word clock, would be switched to MADI I/O. The full complement of 128 channels are fully controllable using the included Dante control software and the DSP-based RME TotalMix FX mixer with its comprehensive routing and monitoring options.
The Digiface Dante has two multifunctional banks of redundant network ports that can be used as inputs and outputs, as network switches and for redundant operation with primary and secondary networks in case of increased security requirements. The Digiface Dante can also be used as a mobile standalone 64-channel Dante/MADI converter.
In addition to the USB 3.0 port, Dante network ports, word clock I/O ports and power supply connector, the Digiface Dante has a high-quality headphone monitor output that can be used as a line output to transmit an optional analogue stereo mix.
RME ADI-2 Pro FS
Joining RME’s ground-breaking series of ADI-2 AD/DA converters is the RME ADI-2 Pro FS. This updated version of the ADI-2 Pro includes the new femtosecond clock technology and AutoDark mode first implemented in the highly acclaimed ADI-2 DAC, as well as all the comprehensive functionality from the original ADI-2 Pro.
Like the ADI-2 Pro, the ADI-2 Pro FS combines several devices in one: a high-end studio-quality AD/DA converter, a dual headphone amplifier, a multi-format converter (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) with monitoring features, a DSD recording and playback converter as well as an AD/DA frontend for audio measurements with up to 768 kHz sample frequency. With this range of functions, the new ADI-2 Pro FS presents itself as one of the most fully featured and flexible converters on the market.
Femtoseconds for clocking
The ADI-2 Pro FS features the latest SteadyClock FS clock and jitter rejection technology based on a femtosecond clock (a femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second). SteadyClock FS reduces the intrinsic jitter of the ADI-2 Pro FS to a new all-time low.
The much requested AutoDark mode allows users to deactivate all illuminated elements of the ADI-2 Pro FS, except of course, for the standby button. The lighting is reactivated by pressing any button or turning an encoder.
The ADI-2 Pro FS will be available from March 2018.