RME Digiface AES 192 kHz Digital USB Interface

The latest Digiface AES is a professional, bus powered 14 input and 16 output channel USB 2.0 interface with 2 Mic/Line universal analog input channels and 4 analog output channels (2 XLR, one TRS phones) complementing its digital I/O section. With an excellent set of digital connectivity, SteadyClock FS, full stand-alone operation and built-in parametric EQ, the Digiface AES shines as the perfect all-in-one solution for recording and playback of digital and analog sources, as well as flexible playback/monitoring via TotalMix FX.

Buspower compatibility meets flexible Analog I/O Performance
For the main inputs RME uses the proven mic/line preamps in XLR combo configuration of the Babyface Pro FS. Two digitally controlled preamps provide individually switchable 48V phantom power. These circuits feature a gain range of 75 dB, adjustable in steps of 1 dB, including a relay-driven PAD, resulting in exceptional EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance as well as line overload protection, and enough gain for even the lowest level microphones.

On the back of the Digiface AES there are 2 balanced analog outputs via XLR male to drive power amps, active monitor speakers, or recordings. The headphone output allows additional and independent high-quality monitoring, providing sufficient output power and volume on high and low impedance headphones.

Versatile Digital Input and Output Connectivity
The comprehensive set of digital I/Os, centered around an AES/EBU input and output via XLR, also includes SPDIF coax, SPDIF optical or 8-channel ADAT. All I/Os can be used simultaneously, turning the unit into a swiss army knife interface that receives and sends all common digital audio formats. An integrated SRC (Sample Rate Converter) can be switched to one of the three inputs to solve clocking issues and to adapt to other sample rates. This allows, for example, the device to be AES clock-synchronized from the main source and to listen to SPDIF independently at the same time. MIDI I/O via an included breakout cable completes the package.

Full Stand-alone Functionality
Convenient, direct access and control of all features and the device is available directly from the front panel. Four keys and the encoder, the high-resolution and clear color display, and a well-thought-out menu structure allow for quick changes and configuration of the device.

Six different device setups can be stored into internal memory. With these the interface transforms into totally different devices by the simple click of a button, which is especially useful in stand-alone mode. Furthermore, TotalMix FX can also be controlled externally via MIDI.

Powerful Applications for Mixing, Monitoring and Measurement included
The Digiface AES also includes the powerful digital real-time mixer TotalMix FX. It allows fully independent routing and mixing of input and playback channels to all physical outputs. Independent stereo submixes plus a comprehensive Control Room section offer unrivalled monitoring capabilities and unsurpassed routing flexibility.

SteadyClock FS - Reference class Digital Clocking
Excellent performance in all clock modes and High-Quality Analog Conversion to hear your mix as it is, with lowest jitter and highest jitter immunity.

TotalMix FX - Mixing/Routing with superior features for Studio and Live Work
Since 2001 TotalMix added unlimited routing and mixing to RMEs audio interfaces. Its unique capability to create as many independent submixes as output channels available turned it into the most flexible and powerful mixer of its kind.

DigiCheck - The Secret Weapon of High-Resolution Audio Measurements
RME Audio interfaces not only provide you with a professional digital audio interface, but also with a free available software tool: DigiCheck, for metering, testing, measuring and analyzing digital audio streams.

RME USB - Transport audio with lowest latency and industry leading stability
Use your RME audio interface on Mac and PC with reliable, stable, and regularly updated drivers for our products. RME Audio develops its own interface core, It's not dependent on 3rd parties for upgrades, modifications or bug fixes, so customers can use latest operating systems without interruption or delay.

Key Features

• 2 x Mic/Line Input
• 2 x XLR Out
• 1 x Phones Output
• 1 x AES I/O via XLR
• 1 x SPDIF I/O Coax
• 1 x SPDIF I/O
• 1 x ADAT I/O
• 1 x MIDI I/O
• Sample Rate Converter
• SteadyClock FS
• TotalMix FX
• USB bus-powered
• ARC USB
• Class Compliant Mode

Technical Specifications

Microphone/Line In 1-2, XLR
Input
XLR, electronically balanced
Input impedance balanced @ 1 kHz
2 kOhm, PAD 5,3 kOhm
Input impedance unbalanced @ 1 kHz
1 kOhm, PAD 2,6 kOhm
Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB
+8 dBu
Maximum input level, Gain 65 dB
-57 dBu
Gain range
65 dB
EIN
-129 dBu A-weighted, 60 dB gain,150 Ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR)
113 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0,1 dB
16 Hz - 20,4 kHz
Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB
7 Hz - 45,8 kHz
Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB
5 Hz - 88 kHz
Frequency response PAD @ 44.1 kHz, -0,1 dB
5 Hz - 20,4 kHz
Frequency response PAD @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB
2,5 Hz - 45,8 kHz
Frequency response PAD @ 192 kHz, -1 dB
2 Hz - 88 kHz
THD
< -110 dB, < 0,0003 %
THD+N
< -106 dB, < 0,0005 %
Channel separation
> 110 dB
TRS In 1-2
As XLR, but
Input
6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balanced
Input impedance @ 1 kHz
12 kOhm balanced, 6 kOhm unbalanced
Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB
+24 dBu
Maximum input level, Gain 65 dB
-41 dBu
Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0,1 dB
2 Hz - 20,3 kHz
Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB
1,5 Hz - 44,3 kHz
Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB
1 Hz - 70 kHz
DA, Line Out 1-2
Output
XLR, electronically balanced
Output level switchable
+19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4 dBu
Dynamic range (DR) @ +19 dBu
120 dB (AES17), 123 dBA
Dynamic range (DR) @ +13 dBu
114 dB (AES17), 116,5 dBA
Dynamic range (DR) @ +4 dBu
114 dB (AES17), 116,5 dBA
Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0,5 dB
0 Hz - 20,7 kHz
Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0,5 dB
0 Hz - 45 kHz
Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB
0 Hz - 90,8 kHz
THD
< -110 dB, < 0,0003 %
THD+N
-110 dB, 0,0003 %
Channel separation
> 110 dB
Output impedance
300 Ohm
DA - Stereo Monitor Output Phones (7-8)
as DA, but
Output
6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
Output level at 0 dBFS, High
+13 dBu
Output level at 0 dBFS, Low
+7 dBu
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ High
120 dB (AES17), 122 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ Low
114 dB (AES17), 116,5 dBA
Output impedance
5 Ohm
Max power per channel, 32 Ohm load, 0,1% THD
80 mW
THD+N @ 32 Ohm load
-105 dB, 0,0005 %
MIDI
1 x MIDI I/O via breakout cable with 2 x 5-pin DIN jacks
Galvanically isolated by optocoupled input
Hi-speed mode
Jitter and response time typically below 1 ms
Separate 128-byte FIFOs for input and output
Digital
Clocks
Internal, AES, SPDIF, ADAT
Jitter suppression of external clocks
> 50 dB (2.4 kHz)
Effective clock jitter influence on AD and DA conversion
near zero
Digital Bitclock PLL for trouble-free varispeed ADAT operation
Supported sample rates
28 kHz up to 200 kHz
Digital Inputs
AES/EBU
1 x XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp)
SPDIF compatible (IEC 60958)
Accepts Consumer and Professional format
Lock range
27 kHz - 200 kHz
Jitter suppression
> 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
SPDIF coaxial
1 x RCA, according to IEC 60958
High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp)
Accepts Consumer and Professional format
Lock range
27 kHz - 200 kHz
Jitter suppression
> 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
ADAT Optical
2 x TOSLINK, Format according to Alesis specification
Standard
8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
Double Speed (S/MUX)
4 channels 24-bit 96 kHz
Quad Speed (S/MUX4)
2 channels 24-bit 192 kHz
Bitclock PLL ensures perfect synchronization even in varispeed operation
Lock Range
31.5 kHz - 50 kHz
Jitter suppression
> 50 dB (2.4 kHz)
SRC
The inputs AES, SPDIF coaxial or SPDIF optical switchable
2 channels, 32 up to 192 kHz
Max. conversion ratio. 1:7 and 7:1
THD+N
-139 dB
Dynamic range (DR)
139 dB (AES17), 142 dBA
Latency
109 Samples, 2,47 ms @ 44,1 kHz, 1,14 ms @ 96 kHz, 0,57 ms @ 192 kHz
Digital Outputs
AES/EBU
XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
Output impedance 5 Vss
Format Professional according to AES3-1992 Amendment 4
Single Wire Mode, Supported sample rates
28 kHz up to 200 kHz
SPDIF coaxial
1 x Cinch, according to IEC 60958
Output impedance
0,7 Vss
Format Consumer (SPDIF) according to IEC 60958
Single Wire Mode, Supported sample rates
28 kHz up to 200 kHz
ADAT
1 x TOSLINK
Standard
8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
Double Speed (S/MUX)
4 channels 24-bit 96 kHz
Quad Speed (S/MUX4)
2 channels 24-bit 192 kHz
General
Power supply
USB bus power or external power supply
Typical power consumption
3 Watt
Current at 12 V external power
250 mA (3 Watt)
Dimensions (BxHxT)
215 x 44 x 130 mm (8.46” x 1.73” x 5.1”)
Weight
880 g (1.94 lbs)
Temperature range
+5 Degrees up to +50 Degrees Celsius (41 Degrees F up to 122 Degrees F)
Relative humidity
< 75%, non-condensing