Portable Professional Mic Preamp

Advanced 8-Channel Microphone Preamp

Octamic Overview:
After the QuadMic's successful introduction to the market, RME updates the feature list for the shortly to be released OctaMic, an extended and enhanced 8-channel version of the 4-channel QuadMic. Both units offer phantom power, low cut filter and phase reversal, all switchable per channel. A discrete Class-A front-end and the choice of the current reference level for the balanced line output guarantee highest sonic satisfaction. Furthermore both units can be operated with nearly any power supply available, including batteries.

The OctaMic will be available in two versions, both having 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs. Amplification can be set between 10 and 60 dB. LEDs for signal, clip, and activated phantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status. The OctaMic offers a special mode called Clip Hold. When activated, any detected clip-state will cause the corresponding LED to flash once per second. With this, the user gets a long term peak detection, and no longer needs to constantly watch the LEDs. At the same time momentary overloads are still displayed correctly.
 

Frontside switches include power and output level, for a choice of -10 dBV, +4 dBu or Hi Gain (+19 dBu) as reference level. This unusual feature offers two advantages. First, the reference level can be easily switched to match any of RME's current interface devices, from HDSP 9632 through Multiface up to the renowned ADI-8 series converters. Second, the Signal to Noise ratio is optimized, and the Clip-LED will exactly match the ones on the ADI-8 (2 dB below 0 dBFS).

The balanced line level output signal is available at the back of the unit via 8 stereo TRS jacks, and also via a 25-pin D-sub connector, for a direct and lockable connection to RME's 8-channel converters ADI-8 PRO and DS with just one cable.

The included professional switching power supply offers safe operation world wide, even when the power lines are weak or noisy.

Furthermore, the OctaMic is RME's first unit to come in a completely re-designed housing. A new front panel construction and design not only gives a much better look, but also higher stability. Detachable rack mount holders and soft edges all around the unit are some of the new and useful details.

Octamic D:
The OctaMic D includes the optional OctaMic ADC module, which can also be added to the OctaMic basic version later on. The ADC Module adds 8 channels of pristine 192 kHz AD-conversion, available as double ADAT output (S/MUX, up to 96 kHz), and simultaneously via DB-25 connector as 4 AES outputs (up to 192 kHz). The ADC can be clocked internally (master), and externally via word clock and AES sync. RME's outstanding SteadyClock (tm) ensures perfect AD-conversion, as jitter on the external sync-souces is nearly completely removed. All settings are done via DIP-switches on the back of the OctaMic D. Analog outputs and both digital outputs operate fully simultaneously. The choice of reference level affects the analog outputs only, the signal/clip indication and the AD-conversion will react only to the Gain-pots.

Expansion Boards for RME's PCI Card

RME's HDSP 9632, the world's most versatile PCI audio interface, can be enhanced by a great number of add-on boards. All newly designed ones, which will work only with the HDSP 9632, are now shipping.

	HDSP 9632 WCM: A word clock module, which adds a ground-free, transformer balanced word clock input with switchable termination and Lock indication, plus two word clock outputs in reference quality
	AI4S-192: 4 additional inputs, offering the same performance as the on-board stereo analog I/O of the HDSP 9632: up to 192 Khz, balanced via stereo TRS jacks, and 3 software-selectable reference levels. With this a maximum of 6 inputs outputs can be achieved.
	AO4S-192: 4 additional outputs, offering the same performance as the on-board stereo analog I/O of the HDSP 9632: up to 192 Khz, balanced via stereo TRS jacks, and 3 software-selectable reference levels. With this a maximum of 6 outputs can be achieved.
128 Channel 24 Bit/96 kHz I/O Card

RME's long awaited Hammerfall DSP MADI, a both inexpensive and outstanding PCI card with MADI interface, is now available in stores world wide. Hammerfall DSP MADI is based on the award-winning Hammerfall DSP technology and represents the top model of this world-wide successful card line.

MADI, the professionals' multi-channel audio interface, offers 64 channels of 24 bit audio at a sample rate of up to 48 kHz and 32 channels at up to 96 kHz. Transmission is done via a single line, either coaxial with BNC plugs or with fibre cable. In both cases more than 100 m cable length can be achieved. Hammerfall DSP is fully compatible to all devices with MADI interface. In combination with RME's ADI-648 an 8 x ADAT optical PC interface is realized, unbeatable in price and performance. Up to three cards can be used, for a total of 192 inputs and 192 outputs at 48 kHz, or 96 I/Os at 96 kHz.

Hammerfall DSP MADI offers full support for 56 and 64 channel modes and double and single wire technology (96k frame) for 96 kHz. Full 64 channel support can also be found in the hardware mixer TotalMix. All 64 inputs and 64 playback channels can be routed and mixed to all 64 physical outputs completely freely, which translates to a 8192 channel mixer. With that, Hammerfall DSP MADI offers the most powerful router/mixer ever implemented on a PCI card. The new TotalMix features, including copy/paste for routings, ganging and group-based fader operation, plus the advanced Matrix window, turn the HDSP MADI into a powerful and easy to use redistributor, patch-bay, router, coaxial/optical or vice versa converter and splitter. Furthermore, the hardware delivers RMS and peak level meters for full control over 192 audio channels at near zero CPU load.

As usual with RME, Hammerfall DSP MADI offers further sensible features. For instance an analog 24 bit 192 kHz line/headphone output with 110 dB dynamic range, for direct control of all input and output signals. While most MADI-based devices require an additional word clock or AES line, the Hammerfall DSP MADI (like the ADI-648) uses SteadyClock(tm) to extract the reference clock at lowest jitter directly from the MADI signal, making long-distance connections even more convenient.

The included expansion board carries word clock I/O (BNC) and MIDI I/O. The word clock input is galvanically isolated via transformer and operates on both single and double speed signals automatically. MIDI I/O offers 2 completely independent MIDI inputs and outputs via breakout cable (4 DIN sockets).

Settings Dialog:

Just click on the hammer symbol in the systray of the taskbar and the settings dialog of the HDSP MADI comes up. The clear structured, easy to understand window plus the unique informative status windows for input signal, clock mode and sample rate make your work with Hammerfall DSP to a real pleasure. When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary to know if these are properly locked, but also if they are totally synchronized. RME's exclusive SyncCheck checks all input signals and displays their actual state, and thanks to our new Intelligent Clock Control concept you have all clocks and states under control - with ease. Hammerfall DSP MADI debuts SteadyClock™, a newly developed clock technology, combining professional features like maximum jitter suppression at full varipitch capabilities and software controlled sample rates. Up to 3 HDSP MADI can be used simultaneously. With this up to 192 inputs and 192 outputs are available at 48 kHz, 96 inputs and 96 outputs at 96 kHz, and 48 inputs and 48 outputs at 192 kHz.

RME announces AES/ADAT converter ADI-4 DD

With the new ADI-4 DD, RME introduces a simplified and highly cost-efficient smaller version of RME's well-known ADI-8 DD. Built into a space-saving half-rack space enclosure, the ADI-4 DD includes all of the advanced technology of the ADI-8 DD, except for sample rate conversion and TDIF ports.

Conversion includes 4 AES-3 inputs to double ADAT ports, and double ADAT inputs to 4 AES-3 outputs, for full 96 kHz compatibility (S/MUX). With this, full 8 channels are supported from 32 kHz up to 96 kHz. The unit provides one XLR I/O directly. A DB-25 connector allows for a use of industry standard AES-3 I/O breakout cables. Setting an internal connector easily changes the DB-25 connector to meet the pinout of Tascam, Yamaha and Euphonix cables.

The actual states of incoming and outgoing signals and ongoing operations within the unit are displayed by LEDs in an easily overseeable way. SyncCheck, already found in other RME products, not only shows if an input signal is locked, but also if multiple inputs are in synchronicity. Furthermore RME's SyncAlign technology prevents accidental errors of ± 1 sample misalignment between the AES/EBU inputs. The AES output signal can be set to Professional or Consumer subcode. Channel 1/2 can optionally be received and output optically (TOSLINK).

RME's SteadyClock technology guarantees an excellent performance in all clock modes. Its highly efficient jitter suppression enables the ADI-4 DD to refresh and clean up any clock signal, and to provide the clock signal as reference clock at the word clock output. Additionally, the last sample rate detected as valid will be held in case of fault and loss of input signal. The device can be stacked without limit, all devices will be sample synchronous by using word clock. All settings are stored at power-off.

The ADI-4 DD shows an unsurpassed flexibility together with a sensational price point.
It is a perfect interface solution in all areas, from home user up to broadcast applications.

Application examples:

AES/EBU frontend for RME's digital I/O cards (ADAT optical I/O)
Serves as 8-channel AES and ADAT I/O for all digital mixing desks with ADAT or AES ports

Allows to operate up to 4 SPDIF or AES devices

Converts between AES-3, SPDIF and SPDIF optical

Removes jitter from AES-3 and ADAT signals

Conversion modes (selection):

8-channel AES to ADAT optical converter (96 kHz)

2-channel AES to 8-channel ADAT splitter (96 kHz)

8-channel ADAT to AES converter (96 kHz)

2-channel AES to 8-channel AES splitter (96 kHz)

4-channel AES Double Wire to AES Single Wire converter (96 kHz)

4-channel AES Single Wire to AES Double Wire converter (96 kHz)

RME Hammerfall DSP RPM  The mobile Phono / CD / MIC / MIDI Interface

With the DJ in mind RME has extended its renowned Hammerfall DSP series and created the RPM. The RPM allows for the connection of 2 turntables or 2 line-sources (CD, DVD, sampler etc.) and a microphone to a desktop or laptop computer. A total of 5 independent inputs are routed to 2 stereo outputs plus a separate headphone output, which lets you monitor any of the in- and outputs at any time via TotalMix, RME's unique DSP based mixer. External devices can be connected via MIDI I/O to communicate with any adequate audio software.

Inputs:
A Neutrik XLR/phono combo jack on the front panel gives access to a microphone preamp with the same discrete Class-A frontend found in the RME QuadMic. Its level control ranges from 10 to 60 dB to match any application and microphone.

2 low-noise turntable inputs (Cinch/RCA) with integrated RIAA frequency correction for moving magnet cartridges are located on the back panel. A simple mouse click in the settings dialog lets you change the hardware input sensitivity in three steps within a range of 6 dB. Align the output of your turntables with other equipment connected and optimize the input signal fed to the internal A/D converters.

To connect CD-players, tape decks, samplers or other line sources, the phono inputs can easily be switched to “line” with another mouse click. A 6 dB pad function can be engaged to prevent overload, and to optimize gain and level balance between different sources.

All five inputs are internally processed by high quality A/D converters with a S/N ratio of 100 dB. A super low jitter clock provides a superb 24 bit conversion at 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz.

Outputs:
Two individual stereo line signals can be output at the back panel’s Cinch/RCA connectors. The signals present at the MAIN outputs are also available at an additional pair of balanced stereo TRS jacks, with their levels increased by 6 dB. Possible applications would be e.g. simultaneous connection of a tape deck and a professional power amp, a monitor amp and a DI box on stage, and many more.

The stereo jack on the front panel can be used as an additional (third) independent stereo output, or as a headphone connector. The RPM comes with a built-in hardware mixer based on RME's TotalMix technology. Its capability to route and mix any of the inputs and outputs provides the RPM with 3 independent stereo submixes. TotalMix offers perfect monitoring and PFL functionality, removing the need for an additional external mixing desk in many cases.

The 6 outputs are internally fed by high quality D/A converters operating at 110 dB signal/noise ratio. The extremely low jitter on the internal clock results in a superb 24 bit conversion at 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz.

Stand-alone operation:
RME's exclusive Disconnect mode lets you adjust level, input selection and signal mix via your computer, and simply detach the RPM afterwards. If you do not need to record or playback audio with your computer the RPM still serves as a preset mixing preamp, a microphone preamp, headphone mixer or line-splitter with balanced signal output – whatever you need.

Bypass:
In case of power failure or with your computer disconnected, the phono inputs will be hard-patched to the line outputs. Even in an emergency the unit will still serve as a phono preamp and prevent a complete audio dropout.

Applications:

- Phono/CD/Mic interface. The computer only supplies the user interface and the level meters of the mixer (TotalMix)

- As above, with sound files playing at the same time

- As above, recording the complete session to the computer

- All audio is supplied by the computer. The RPM serves as mic preamp, line output and headphone amplifier

- The turntables do not play audio but time code to remote control dedicated DJ-software (DigiScratch, FinalScratch etc.)

- Scratch control via MIDI input (external MIDI controller)

- The MIDI output controls an external sample player (Groovebox etc.) via MIDI time code. The analog output of the player can be mixed with any other signal using the line input of the RPM and TotalMix

Performance:
RME’s outstanding Low Latency and Zero CPU technology, both not possible via USB, have made the products of the Hammerfall DSP series world-famous. The RPM follows this road by offering the best possible performance via PCI technology with PCI card or CardBus card as basic interface. RME's low latency drivers for PC and Mac offer excellent performance with any professional DJ-tool such as BPMStudio or Traktor, at latencies down to 1.5 ms and full ASIO 2.0, GSIF and MME (Wave) support.

Extras:
The RPM's driver provides 16 playback channels. These can be routed and mixed freely to the exisiting 6 hardware outputs using TotalMix. Since this technology allows for the simultaneous use of several software clients (multi-client mode), you can run up to 8 audio programs playing audio on separate playback channels.

RME's Hammerfall DSP series comes with DIGICheck – an unrivalled analyzing tool for your computer. It can run either stand-alone or in parallel to any application, displaying input and output signals in various ways and in real-time. DIGICheck comprises several professional level meters, a 30-band analyzer, a goniometer (vector scope), as well as various digital analysis tools. Any of these can be engaged at the same time and in multiple instances.

High Resolution Pix:

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On the 15th January 2004 At the NAMM show, Arturia introduces the Minimoog V, a faithful reproduction of the Minimoog. Offering all the features of the original, the Software version also brings polyphony, MIDI management, presets. And taking advantage of the possibilities of modern tools, beyond the control panel are hidden some additional functions: a modulation matrix, a LFO, an arpeggiator, a chorus and a delay. The Minimoog V offers an unchallenged quality of sound. Sharp filters, aliasing-free oscillators, soft-clipping limitation guarantee you have the best emulation on the market.
 With more than 400 presets, made by some of the most talented Minimoog users, the Minimoog V is certainly an instrument which is going to bring a lot to your musical palette.

The Arturia, Minimoog V will retail for $359.00 inc GST in Australia Stock will be available as of February 2003, Please call Steve, Julie or Rodney on 03-95400658 to place you advance order...

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Designs Audio LLC Announces New Release - The EQ-1
West Hills, CA - A Designs Audio LLC announces the newly released EQ-1 an all-tube
mono equalizer. The EQ-1 uses passive EQ circuits, top of the line components, and
the A Designs Audio legendary vacuum tube line amplifier. Included is a custom wound
output and Jensen input transformers. The circuitry includes custom built
capacitors, an EC99 tube and a custom spec transducer.

The Model EQ-1 Mono Vacuum Tube Equalizer

A Designs Audio LLC manufactures products for the professional audio industry. Some
products include: MP-1 all tube mono microphone preamplifier, MP-2 all tube stereo
microphone preamplifier, MP-2r all tube stereo microphone preamplifier with high
gain structure, ATTY passive stereo line attenuator, as well as a line of solderless
adaptors for the audio contractor.