RME Digiface AES - 30-Channel, 192 kHz USB Bus-Powered Interface with SRC

RME Digiface AES 

The RME Digiface AES is a 14-in, 16-out channel USB 2.0 audio interface. The Digiface AES features 2 Mic/Line universal analogue input channels and four analogue output channels (2 XLR, one TRS phones) complementing its digital I/O selection. With an excellent set of digital connectivity, SteadyClock FS, full stand-alone operation and built-in parametric EQ, the Digiface AES shines as the perfect all-in-one solution for recording and playback of digital and analog sources, as well as flexible playback/monitoring via TotalMix FX.

Buspower compatibility meets flexible Analog I/O Performance

For the main inputs RME uses the proven mic/line preamps in XLR combo configuration of the Babyface Pro FS. Two digitally controlled preamps provide individually switchable 48V phantom power. These circuits feature a gain range of 75 dB, adjustable in steps of 1 dB, including a relay-driven PAD, resulting in exceptional EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance as well as line overload protection, and enough gain for even the lowest level microphones.

On the back of the Digiface AES there are 2 balanced analog outputs via XLR male to drive power amps, active monitor speakers, or recordings. The headphone output allows additional and independent high quality monitoring, providing sufficient output power and volume on high and low impedance headphones.

Full Stand-alone Functionality

Convenient, direct access and control of all features and the device is available directly from the front panel. Four keys and the encoder, the high-resolution and clear color display, and a well thought-out menu structure allow for quick changes and configuration of the device.

Six different device setups can be stored into internal memory. With these the interface transforms into totally different devices by the simple click of a button, which is especially useful in stand-alone mode. Furthermore TotalMix FX can also be controlled externally via MIDI.

Powerful Applications for Mixing, Monitoring and Measurement included

The Digiface AES also includes the powerful digital real-time mixer TotalMix FX. It allows fully independent routing and mixing of input and playback channels to all physical outputs. Independent stereo submixes plus a comprehensive Control Room section offer unrivalled monitoring capabilities and unsurpassed routing flexibility.

TotalMix Remote, enhances the power of RME interfaces by enabling remote control via iOS, PC or Mac. With a straightforward set up process — simply enter the IP address of the computer you would like to control with TotalMix Remote and get going — users can quickly adjust any aspect of TotalMix FX on a host system while walking around the studio with their tablet, or from a control room located elsewhere in the facility.

Versatile Digital Input and Output Connectivity

The comprehensive set of digital I/Os, centered around an AES/EBU input and output via XLR, also includes SPDIF coax, SPDIF optical or 8-channel ADAT. All I/Os can be used simultaneously, turning the unit into a swiss army knife interface that receives and sends all common digital audio formats. An integrated SRC (Sample Rate Converter) can be switched to one of the three inputs to solve clocking issues and to adapt to other sample rates. This allows, for example, the device to be AES clock-synchronized from the main source and to listen to SPDIF independently at the same time. MIDI I/O via an included breakout cable completes the package.

Microphone/Line In 1-2, XLR

• Input: XLR, electronically balanced
• Input impedance balanced @ 1 kHz: 2 kOhm, PAD 5,3 kOhm
• Input impedance unbalanced @ 1 kHz: 1 kOhm, PAD 2,6 kOhm
• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +8 dBu, PAD +19 dBu
• Maximum input level, Gain 75 dB: -67 dBu, PAD -56 dBu
• Gain range: 75 dB
• EIN: -129 dBu A-weighted, 60 dB gain,150 Ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 113 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0,1 dB: 16 Hz – 20,4 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB: 7 Hz – 45,8 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz – 88 kHz
• Frequency response PAD @ 44.1 kHz, -0,1 dB: 5 Hz – 20,4 kHz
• Frequency response PAD @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB: 2,5 Hz – 45,8 kHz
• Frequency response PAD @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 2 Hz – 88 kHz
• THD: < -110 dB, < 0,0003 %
• THD+N: < -106 dB, < 0,0005 %
• Channel separation: > 110 dB

TRS In 1-2
As XLR, but:

• Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balanced
• Input impedance @ 1 kHz: 12 kOhm balanced, 6 kOhm unbalanced
• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +24 dBu
• Maximum input level, Gain 75 dB: -51 dBu
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0,1 dB: 2 Hz – 20,3 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB: 1,5 Hz – 44,3 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 1 Hz – 70 kHz

DA, Line Out 1-2

• Output: XLR, electronically balanced
• Output level switchable +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4 dBu
• Dynamic range (DR) @ +19 dBu: 120 dB (AES17), 123 dBA
• Dynamic range (DR) @ +13 dBu: 114 dB (AES17), 116,5 dBA
• Dynamic range (DR) @ +4 dBu: 114 dB (AES17), 116,5 dBA
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0,5 dB: 0 Hz – 20,7 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB: 0 Hz – 45 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 0 Hz – 90 kHz
• THD: < -110 dB, < 0,0003 %
• THD+N: -110 dB, 0,0003 %
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Output impedance: 300 Ohm

DA - Stereo Monitor Output Phones (7-8)
as DA, but:

• Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack,unbalanced
• Output level at 0 dBFS, High: +13 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS, Low: +7 dBu
• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ High: 120 dB (AES17), 122 dBA
• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ Low: 114 dB (AES17), 116,5 dBA
• Output impedance: 5 Ohm
• Max power per channel, 32 Ohm load, 0,1% THD: 160 mW
• THD+N @ 32 Ohm Last: -108 dB, 0,0004 %

MIDI

• 1 x MIDI I/O via breakout cable with 2 x 5-pin DIN jacks
• Galvanically isolated by optocoupled input
• Hi-speed mode: Jitter and response time typically below 1 ms
• Separate 128 byte FIFOs for input and output

Digital

• Clocks: Internal, AES, SPDIF, ADAT
• Jitter suppression of external clocks: > 50 dB (> 1 kHz)
• Effective clock jitter influence on AD and DA conversion: near zero
• Digital Bitclock PLL for trouble-free varispeed ADAT operation
• Supported sample rates: 28 kHz up to 200 kHz

Digital Inputs

AES/EBU

• 1 x XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
• High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp)
• SPDIF compatible (IEC 60958)
• Accepts Consumer and Professional format
• Lock range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz
• Jitter suppression: > 50 dB (> 1 kHz)

SPDIF coaxial

• 1 x RCA,according to IEC 60958
• High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp)
• Accepts Consumer and Professional format
• Lock range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz
• Jitter suppression: > 50 dB (> 1 kHz)

ADAT Optical

• 2 x TOSLINK, Format according to Alesis specification
• Standard: 8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
• Double Speed (S/MUX): 4 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
• Quad Speed (S/MUX4): 2 channels 24 bit 192 kHz
• Bitclock PLL ensures perfect synchronisation even in varispeed operation
• Lock Range: 31.5 kHz – 50 kHz
• Jitter suppression: > 50 dB (> 1 kHz)

SRC

• The inputs AES, SPDIF coaxial or SPDIF optical switchable
• 2 channels, 32 up to 192 kHz
• Max. conversion ratio. 1:7 and 7:1
• THD+N: -139 dB
• Dynamic range (DR): 139 dB (AES17), 142 dBA
• Latency: 109 Samples, 2,47 ms @ 44,1 kHz, 1,14 ms @ 96 kHz, 0,57 ms @ 192 kHz

Digital Outputs

AES/EBU

• XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
• Output impedance 5 Vss
• Format Professional according to AES3-1992 Amendment 4
• Single Wire Mode, Supported sample rates: 28 kHz up to 200 kHz

SPDIF coaxial

• 1 x Cinch, according to IEC 60958
• Output impedance 0,7 Vss
• Format Consumer (SPDIF) according to IEC 60958
• Single Wire Mode, Supported sample rates: 28 kHz up to 200 kHz

ADAT

• 1 x TOSLINK
• Standard: 8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
• Double Speed (S/MUX): 4 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
• Quad Speed (S/MUX4): 2 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

General

• Power supply: USB bus power or external power supply
• Typical power consumption: 3 Watt
• Current at 12 V external power: 250 mA (3 Watt)
• Dimensions (BxHxT): 215 x 44 x 130 mm (8.46" x 1.73" x 5.1")
• Weight: 880 g (1.94 lbs)
• Temperature range: +5° up to +50° Celsius (41° F up to 122°F)
• Relative humidity: < 75%, non condensing