Introduction; Package Contents; Brief Description And Characteristics - RME Audio ADI-642 User Manual

1. Introduction

With the ADI-642 you have an incredibly versatile digital interface to your supply. What at first
looks like a simple MADI/AES format converter, turns out to be a very flexible tool at a closer
look. From small project studios to broadcast and television, this Advanced Digital Interface is
the perfect solution for many tasks.
As a consequent continuation of RME's world-wide successful ADI series, the 642 also contains
elaborate technology and the latest integrated circuits. In a few words: The ADI-642 is a
uniquely powerful and high-quality device, which will excite you even after many years of opera-
tion.

2. Package Contents

Please check that your ADI-642 package contains each of the following:
• ADI-642
• Manual
• Power cord

3. Brief Description and Characteristics

The ADI-642 consists of two digital format converters in reference quality, in a standard 19" box
with 1 unit height. The compact device has numerous extraordinary features like Intelligent
Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck, SyncAlign, SteadyClock, Auto Delay Compensation and
patchbay functionality with 72x74 channel matrix router.
All of the ADI-642 I/Os support 192 kHz/24 bit. The format conversion between MADI and
AES/EBU operates in both directions at the same time. LEDs of different colours show the pre-
sent state of incoming and outgoing signals and of the internal processing in a clear way.
The unique Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) allows for a flexible use with internal clock (44.1 up to
192 kHz), external word clock or the digital input signals. These options are intelligently coupled
in a way typical for RME, and easy to apply thanks to a clear and easily understandable display
of the Lock and Sync states.
Furthermore the unique 72 x 74 Matrix Router allows to use the ADI-642 as digital patchbay,
merger and splitter. All 72 input channels, MADI and AES, can be routed to all 74 outputs –
even within the same format.
A special Auto Delay Compensation mode realizes a sample-accurate input and output signal of
all AES/EBU I/Os, even when using multiple ADI-642s. The Auto Channel Assignment mode
lets you configure the matrix of up to eight units with a single key stroke.
The ADI-642 transmits both MIDI and RS232 invisibly within the MADI data stream, maintaining
full compatibility. The unit can also be remote controlled via MIDI.
6 User's Guide ADI-642 © RME