Introduction; Supplied Contents; Brief Description And Characteristics - RME Audio ADI-8 DS User Manual

1. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the ADI-8 DS. This hi-quality analog to digital and digital to
analog converter includes ADAT optical and TDIF-1 digital interfaces. It precisely converts ana-
log audio data into a digital data stream and into the format of your choice. Newest circuit tech-
nology combined with latest integrated circuits result in a unique and outstanding device, meet-
ing highest quality standards. The ADI-8 DS will excite you even after many years of operation.

2. Supplied Contents

Please ensure that all the following parts are included in ADI-8 DS' packaging box:
• ADI-8 DS
• Manual
• Power cord
• 2 x 2m optical cable (TOSLINK)

3. Brief Description and Characteristics

The ADI-8 DS is an 8-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter in a 19" rack-
mount enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit / 96 kHz converters offer 117 dBA dynamic ratio.
This value is not only printed in the brochure, thanks to our Low Jitter Design it is available with
every sold unit.
The servo balanced analog inputs and outputs are fitted with both D-sub (for optional XLR mul-
ticore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. The signal path from the jacks to the ADC is totally balanced. Both
signal paths A/D and D/A are internally DC-coupled, for highest phase accuracy at lowest roll-
off. The digital inputs and outputs are available as ADAT optical and TDIF-1 connectors.
To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level RME's ADI-8 DS includes
electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion
to the audio path. Two switches on the front panel let you control input and output level for a
perfect adaptation to the most often used standards -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each analog input
has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check.
The AD-converter can provide several internal clocks (44.1, 48, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz). The unique
Intelligent Clock Control technology (ICC) enables a flexible operation with internal clock, exter-
nal word clock or the digital input signal. These options, also available for the DA-conversion,
are easy to understand and easy to use. The current state of locking and clock synchronisation
is shown by blinking or constant lit LEDs.
The digital section of the ADI-8 DS includes three outstanding functions. Bit Split allows to split
one 24 bit signal to two 16 bit outputs. This technique allows for example to use two 8-channel
16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Using Bit Combine will put the
split signals back to one full 24 bit signal. The method of splitting/combining is compatible to
Yamaha's digital mixing desk 02R, so the ADI-8 DS can be used directly in 24 bit operation with
this desk! Recording to 16 bit devices without using Bit Split (avoiding the double number of
channels) can be done at highest sonic quality using the ADI-8 DS' Dither Option.
Furthermore the unique Copy Mode allows to use the device completely in digital domain. Copy
Mode routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate simultane-
ously with identical data the ADI-8 DS not only turns into a superior ADAT/TDIF converter but
also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to different devices.
In Copy Mode both Bit Split and Combine are also available, so the functionality is boosted
again. That's why we call our ADI-8 DS an Intelligent Audio Solution.
User's Guide ADI-8 DS © RME
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