RME ADI-648 [10/32] The madi to adat converter

User's Guide ADI-648 © RME

6. The MADI to ADAT Converter

6.1 General

This part of the ADI-648 converts MADI to ADAT optical. MADI offers 64 channels of 24 bit au-

dio at up to 48 kHz sample rate, 32 channels at up to 96 kHz, or 16 channels at up to 192 kHz.

Transmission happens over a single line, either coaxial (BNC) or fiber optic (network). In both

cases the cable length can be more than 100 meters.

The 64 MADI channels are transferred to 8 ADAT optical outputs (TOSLINK). Furthermore, the

ADI-648 contains an easy-configurable 8-channel 16x16 Matrix Router. Any of the outputs,

which are divided into 8-channel blocks, can be fed from any 8-channel input block, both on the

ADAT and the MADI side. With this, there is not only free routing within the MADI to ADAT con-

version, but also splitting and routing within the same format.

6.2 Inputs

Both MADI inputs are located on the rear of the ADI-648.

The BNC input's ground-free design is built according to AES10-1991. The input's impedance is

75 Ohm. It will operate error-free from about 180 mVpp.

The optical input uses a FDDI (ISO/IEC 9413-3) compatible optical module, according to

AES10-1991. More information can be found in chapter 12.2, MADI Basics.

The ADI-648 includes automatic input selection. In case the current input signal fails, the unit

switches to the other input immediately. This mode, called redundancy mode, offers improved

safety against errors on the transmission line. Switching the inputs is done in about one second.

The ADI-648 displays redundancy operation by a blinking LED of the original input, while the

input LED of the currently active input will be lit constantly.

6.3 Input State Display

The state of the MADI input is displayed by different LEDs. The ERROR LED is directly coupled

with the MADI-Receiver, and informs the user reliably about the quality of the input signal. The

LED will light up red, as soon as there is any error, be it a carrier voltage which is too low, inva-

lid data or any other error which prevents the receiver from accepting the input signal.

If a valid input signal is applied, SyncCheck is active automatically. If the MADI input is not cho-

sen as clock source, SyncCheck takes the chosen clock (Internal, External, ADAT) as reference

and compares it with the MADI input clock. In case no synchronous operation is detected the

SYNC LED will start blinking.

Audio data present in the input channels is signalled by an AUDIO LED. As the ADI-648 is

based on ADAT ports and therefore operates in 8-channel blocks, an AUDIO LED will show

audio data from 8 channels simultaneously. The green LED is lit as soon as one of the channels

of an 8-channel block contains audio data, means is no longer digital zero.