RME ADI-648 [5/32] Introduction

User's Guide ADI-648 © RME

1. Introduction

With the ADI-648 you have an incredibly versatile digital interface to your supply. What at first

looks like a simple MADI to ADAT format converter, turns out to be an extremely flexible prob-

lem solver at a closer look. From small project studios to broadcast and television, this Ad-

vanced Digital Interface is the perfect tool for many tasks.

As a consequent continuation of RME's world-wide successful ADI-8 series, the 648 also con-

tains elaborate technology and the latest integrated circuits. In a few words: The ADI-648 is a

uniquely powerful and high-quality device, which will excite you even after many years of opera-

tion.

2. Package Contents

Please check that your ADI-648 package contains each of the following:

• ADI-648

• Manual

• Power chord

3. Brief Description and Characteristics

The ADI-648 consists of two 64-channel digital format converters in reference quality, in a stan-

dard 19" box with 1 unit height. The compact device has numerous extraordinary features like

Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck

, SyncAlign

, Bitclock PLL, SteadyClock, patchbay

functionality, and a 16x16 Matrix router.

All of the ADI-648 I/Os support 192 kHz/24 bit. As ADAT optical is restricted to 48kHz, in DS

mode (Double Speed) two channels are being used for the transmission of one channel's data.

The Sample Split algorithm used is compatible to S/MUX and Double Wire, and also imple-

mented in RME's Hammerfall DSP and FireWire devices. Thus the ADI-648 also serves as an

ideal MADI frontend for these interfaces, on both Mac and PC.

The format conversion between MADI and ADAT operates in both directions at the same time.

LEDs of different colours show the present state of incoming and outgoing signals and of the

internal processing in a clear way.

The unique Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) allows for a flexible use with internal clock (44.1, 48,

88.2 and 96 kHz), external word clock or the digital input signals. These options are intelligently

coupled in a way typical for RME, and easy to apply thanks to a clear and easily understand-

able display of the Lock and Sync states.

Futhermore the unique 16 x 16 Matrix Router allows to use the ADI-648 as patchbay and split-

ter. All 128 input channels, MADI and ADAT, can be routed to all 128 outputs – even within the

same format.