Playback - RME Audio MULTIFACE User Manual

8.2 Playback

The HDSP system can play back audio data only in supported formats (sample rate, bit
resolution). Otherwise an error message appears (for example at 22 kHz and 8 bit).
In the audio application being used, HDSP must be selected as output device. This can often
be found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus under Playback Device, Audio Devices,
Audio etc. We recommend using 24-bit resolution for playback, to make full use of the HDSP's
potential.
We strongly recommend switching all system sounds off (via >Control Panel /Sounds<). Also
HDSP should not be the Preferred Device for playback, as this could cause loss of
synchronization and unwanted noises. If you feel you cannot do without system sounds, you
should consider buying a cheap Blaster clone and select this as Preferred Device in >Control
Panel /Multimedia /Audio<.
The RME Driver CD includes step by step instructions for configuring many popular audio
applications, found in the directory \rmeaudio.web\english\techinfo\conf.
The screenshot to the
right shows a typical
configuration dialog as
displayed by a (stereo)
wave editor. Audio data
is sent to either an
analog or digital port,
depending on which
has been selected as
playback device.
Increasing the number
and/or size of audio
buffers may prevent the
audio signal from
breaking up, but also
increases latency i.e.
output is delayed.
For synchronized
playback of audio and MIDI (or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox 'Get position from
audio driver'. Even at higher buffer settings in a mixed Audio/MIDI environment, sync problems
will not arise because the Hammerfall DSP always reports the current play position correctly
(even while recording - essential for chase lock synchronization).
The HDSP system's ADAT optical interface allows sample rates of up to 96 kHz using a
standard ADAT recorder. Single-channel data at this frequency requires two ADAT channels,
achieved using the 'Sample Split' technique. This reduces the number of available ADAT
channels from 8 to 4. Under Windows MME, channels are routed to ADAT devices in double-
speed mode as follows:
Only stereo pairs (1+2) and (3+4) of the ADAT port are available
Channel 1 is routed to channels 1 and 2, channel 2 is routed to 3 and 4 etc.
Please refer to the diagram 'ADAT Track Routing, MME 96 kHz', section 23. Routing for record
and playback is identical.
User's Guide HDSP System Multiface © RME
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