RME ADI-648 MADI-ADAT Converter

This Multichannel Audio Digital Interface offers format conversion from MADI to ADAT and vice-versa. The RME ADI-648 thus combines the world's most successful multi-channel interface with the professionals' exclusive high-end interface. MADI offers 64 channels of 24 bit audio at up to 48 kHz sample rate, and 32 channels at up to 96 kHz. Transmission happens over a single line, either coaxial (BNC) or fiber optic (network). In both cases the cable length can be more than 100 meters.

The MADI channels are transferred from and to 8 ADAT optical inputs and 8 outputs via TOSLINK. Furthermore, the ADI-648 contains an easy-configurable 8-channel 16x16 Matrix Router. Any of the outputs, which are divided into 8-channel blocks, can be fed from any 8-channel input block, both on the ADAT and the MADI side. With this, there is not only free routing within the M-A and the A-M conversion, but also splitting and routing within the same format. An 8-channel input block can be routed to any number of output blocks in parallel. Some application examples:

• Managing long distances with a single cable
• ADAT breakout box for devices with MADI interface
• Connecting MADI-based equipment to RME's Hammerfall series
• ADAT optical patchbay and router
• MADI coaxial / optical or vice-versa converter and splitter
• MADI redistributor, patchbay and router

The ADI-648 is compatible to all forms of increasing the sample rate (Double Speed). It supplies word clock in single or double speed, distributes 96 kHz signals in Double Wire mode into the MADI data stream, or per Sample Split (S/MUX) to the ADAT ports, but is also capable of double MADI rate (96k Frame). The ADI-648 thus also represents an ideal MADI front-end for the Hammerfall and Hammerfall DSP series.

SyncAlign® and SyncCheck®, technologies known from and proven by other RME products, allow for perfect sync between all channels and easy notification of error states. And of course multiple devices can be cascaded and synchronized sample-accurate using word clock. The ADI-648 accepts 56 channels, 64 channels and 96k frame at its input, and can be set to generate those formats at its output. This way the ADI-648 even serves as perfect interface between otherwise incompatible MADI devices!

The compact device with 19" width and 1HU has numerous further outstanding features, like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) and storing of the settings. It's even possible to transmit 16 MIDI channels in parallel to all 64 audio channels. A fully automatic input selection between optical and coaxial input offers a useful redundancy mode for critical applications. Extensive status displays give information about Lock and Sync states, audio content and the physical quality of the incoming signal. A digital PLL, designed especially for the ADI-648, allows for operation without an additional word clock line. The reference clock is then extracted from the MADI signal itself.