The ADI-8 DS' astonishing capabilities are easy to explore thanks to a simple and easy to understand user interface. Let's have a short walk over the front panel from left to right. Setting up the ADI-8 DS starts with an input sensitivity that perfectly suits your needs and maintains the excellent dynamic range of the AD-Converters. INPUT LEVEL lets you choose between Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV.

Each analog input has its own 'Signal Present' and 'Clip' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check. The key PROCESS activates Bit Split (spread the 24 bit signal on two outputs), Double Speed mode (DS) and Dither (Dith). Bit Split allows two 8-channel 16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Bit Split works with both TDIF and ADAT.

RME's intelligent clock control (ICC) provides professional features you won't find anywhere else. First set the clock of the AD-Converter, choose between INTERNAL, EXTERNAL (BNC word clock) or INPUT (the digital input signal ADAT or TDIF). The internal clock can be 44.1/48 or - when DS is active - 88.2 or 96 kHz. The DA-Converter has the same settings available. The current state of locking and clock synchronisation is shown by blinking or constantly lit LEDs. The next key DIGITAL INPUT determines the used digital input, and the clock source in case INPUT was activated.

DIGITAL INPUT is already part of the DA-Converter section. Next is COMBINE which activates both the re-combination of split signals back to a full 24 bit signal and Double Speed mode. The key COPY MODE routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate simultaneously sending identical data the ADI-8 DS not only turns into a superiour ADAT/TDIF converter, but also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to different devices. For example an ADAT signal can be distributed to 2 ADAT plus 2 TDIF outputs simultaneously. In Copy Mode also both Bit Split and COMBINE are available, so it's possible to recombine a split signal while copying, or split a not split signal, or recombine and split again into another format. With this the ADI-8 DS turns into an extremely powerful TDIF/ADAT interface.

Each analog output has its own 'Signal Present' LED which works in an analog fashion (brighter at higher levels). A push on OUTPUT LEVEL sets Hi Gain, +4 dBu or -10 dBV as analog output level.

ADI-8 DS's back shows an impressive number of connectors of all kinds which result in an unbeaten flexibility and compatibility. Whatever it is - simply get connected and enjoy the sonic clarity you've been missing when doing multitrack recording for so long.