RMEs HDSPe ExpressCard MADI is a true PCI Express solution, which consequently takes full advantage of the new format, achieving significant performance gains in multi-track audio. The ExpressCard is built according to PCI Express Base Specification v 1.1. The connection between ExpressCard MADI and breakout box is established using ordinary firewire cable (IEEE 1394, 6-pin). However, the data transfer does not use FireWire protocol. The supplied cable is 1 m (3 ft.) long. The ExpressCard MADI serves as power supply for the breakout box, freeing you from the hassle of additional wall warts.

The MADIface 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 64 physical outputs completely freely, which translates to an 8192 channel mixer. With that, RME's MADI interfaces offer the most powerful router/mixer ever implemented on a PCIe card, and allow much more than a usage as pure computer I/O unit:

• MADI optical patchbay and router
• MADI coaxial/optical or vice versa converter and splitter
• MADI redistributor, patchbay and router

TotalMix can be completely remote controlled via MIDI. Furthermore, the hardware delivers RMS and peak level meters for full control over 192 audio channels at minimal CPU load.

RME uses a configuration memory for the most important settings of the card. Instead of operating in a default mode on computer power-up until loading the driver, MADIface activates the last used sample rate, master/slave configuration and MADI format immediately when switched on. This eliminates disturbing noises and clock network problems during power-up or re-boot of the computer.

* While many MADI-based devices require an additional word clock or AES line, the MADIface (like all RME devices) uses SteadyClock(TM) to extract the reference clock at lowest jitter directly from the MADI signal, making long-distance connections even more convenient. Although not available at the MADIface itself, word clock input and output are available when using another RME MADI device.

** MADIface offers a virtual MIDI port within the driver. Mainly intended for remote controlling further RME devices, it can also be used to send and receive usual MIDI data. The MIDI data are invisibly inserted into and transmitted by the MADI signal. Therefore a physical access is given at the RME interface connected to the MADIface.

Included software:

DIGICheck for Windows: Spectral Analyser, professional level meter for 2, 8, or 64 channels, Vector Audio Scope, Global record, various other audio analysis tools. Drivers: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/64 (full ASIO multi-client operation of WDM, GSIF 2.0 and ASIO 2.0), Mac OS X Intel (Core Audio and Core MIDI).

Just click on the hammer symbol in the systray of the taskbar and the settings dialog of the MADIface 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 the card to a real pleasure.

RME's exclusive SyncCheck checks the synchronous operation of the input signal to the internal clock. This technology helps to find errors immediately. The actual state of the input is displayed in the settings dialog.

MADIface is equipped with SteadyClock(TM), RME's unique sync and clock technology, turning the device into a sync reference for the whole studio. SteadyClock refreshes clock signals, removes jitter, and takes care of optimal AD/DA conversion quality, thus guarantees a sensational sound quality, completely independent from the reference clock's quality.

SteadyClock allows the MADIface to control the sample rate freely on its own. The DDS dialog includes a direct choice of the video and audio world's most often used sample rates. Additionally, two faders can be used to set the sample rate freely and in real-time, within the range of +/- 4% and +/- 0.4%.

Up to 3 MADIfaces and HDSPe Multiface/Digiface can be used simultaneously, in every possible combination. With this up to 192 inputs and 192 outputs are available at 48 kHz, 96 inputs and 96 outputs at 96 kHz. Please note that most laptops have only one PCI Express slot.

ExpressCard, 34 mm standard

1-Lane PCI Express Endpoint device (no PCI Express to PCI Bridge), revision 1.1

250 MB/s transfer rate per direction

Secure BIOS Technology: card stays fully functional even when the flash process fails

Output: IEEE 1394 connector, not compatible to FireWire

All settings changeable in realtime

Clock modes slave and master

Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control

Sync sources: MADI coaxial, MADI optical, word clock, internal

Varipitch: by input signal or word clock

Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (Sync/DDS)

Jitter: < 1 ns, internal and all inputs

Jitter sensitivity: PLL operates even at 100 ns Jitter without problems

Comes with DIGICheck: the ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool

Package contents: ExpressCard MADI, breakout box, cable 1 meter (3 ft) IEEE 1394a, driver CD

Connections Breakout Box

Input MADI optical, MADI coaxial (BNC)

Output MADI optical, MADI coaxial (BNC)

MIDI input and output: via virtual MIDI port and MADI transmission