The RME M-16 AD - 16-Channel Analog to MADI Converterfrom RME M-16 AD - 16-Channel Analog to MADI Converteris an extremely high-quality 16-channel A/D converter. It utilizes MADI (Multi-channel Audio Digital Interface) technology, which allows up to 64 channels of audio to flow freely without the shortcomings of multi-core cable-based digital audio technology. Not only does the M-16 AD provide pristine audio circuitry, the great converters, and RME's famous SteadyClock technology, but the MADI protocol also enables incredibly long cable runs of over 1 mile (2000 meters)!

In order to put the M-16 AD to use, you need to have a computer with either an internal RME MADI card (such as the HDSP MADI), or an external RME MADI interface (like the HDSPe MADIface). If you're setting up a system where you'll need MADI D/A conversion on the other end, you can use the 16-channel M-16 DA or the 32-channel M-32 DA.

The additional MADI port on the rear of the M-16 AD facilitates stacking multiple units together, which makes it possible to take advantage of the full 64-channels that this system is capable of delivering. With that magnitude of power, combined with the ability to send these signals great distances, makes this system a powerful tool for a wide range of professional applications. Live location recording, recording studio facilities, and installed systems in stadiums and theaters can all benefit from the excellent caliber of sound quality that RME is known for and that the M-16 AD will provide.

Capable of Extremely Long Cable Runs    Excellent Converters, Circuitry, & Clock    Easy Operation with Extensive Features    MADI Technology Capable of 64 Channels    16 LED Meters, 6-Segments Each    Made in Germany

16-channel A/D converter, symmetrically designed in a 2 rack-space enclosure

Utilizes MADI (Multi-channel Audio Digital Interface) technology which allows up to 64 channels of audio to flow freely without the shortcomings of multi-core cable-based digital audio technology

Digital audio protocol enables cable runs of up 1.25 miles (2000 meters)

Fully MIDI controllable by sending MIDI messages over the MADI connection

During power on and power off, all noise is suppressed in the analog section

Zero delay compensation is necessary when stacking multiple units

16 6-segment LED meters

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this be hooked up to my RME UFX Plus to add 16 more input channels at 96Khz?

A: Yes it can.

Q: 2. Will this model play back FLAC files?

A: No, the RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE Reference AD/DA Converter with Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers and Remote does not have the ability play back FLAC files directly.

Q: 3. Would this permit me to plug a microphone into one of the XLR ports or do I need a seperate mic pre?

A: No, the RME ADI-2 Pro FSR does not have any mic preamps built-in so it is not intended for connecting microphones. You would need to use a separate mic preamp. As another option, you may like the RME Babyface Pro FS 24-Channel 192 kHz Bus-Powered USB 2.0 Audio Interface (B&H #RMBABYFACEPF) which has two analog XLR inputs with mic preamps.

Q: 4. What is the DSD sampling rate?

A: The RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2-AD/4-DA 768 kHz, High-Performance Converter supports sample rates between 44.1 kHz and 768 kHz and DSD will not become active at sample rates below 176.4 kHz. The DSD rate changes with the chosen sample rate. Sample rates higher than 192 kHz and DSD128/256 are only available in 2-channel mode. At a sample rate of 768 kHz, which is the highest available sample rate, the DSD rate is 256.

Q: 5. What are the XLR inputs for? Microphone?

A: The XLR inputs on the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE are analog line inputs, not mic inputs -- so you can connect a device that outputs line level directly into it, like a mixer for example.

Q: 6. Can this convert 16 channel analog input as well as 16 channel ADAT input at the same time to Dante?

A: The high-density converter provides 16 x 16 balanced analoge TRS-I/Os and can handle pro studio levels up to +20dBu – adjustable in 1 dB steps. Optional +24 dBU I/Os and/or CV outputs are available. Combined with a temperature-compensated high-precision clock and an active jitter reduction hardware design, the 354-channel DX delivers an exceptional detailed sound. On the digital side, the multi-format device provides an optical MADI I/O with 64 I/Os. 2 x 4 ADAT ports can convert all 16 analog I/Os – even with up to 96 kHz. On top of it, the DX adds 64 x 64 channels (bi-directional transmission and port redundancy) of Dante/AES67 to an already impressive array of various I/Os – unique in this size and price range. The Pulse16DX incorporates a Word Clock I/O and a MIDI I/O for embedding signals and remote control of the unit. Many popular features from the flagship A32 have been added as well: Preset Management, Panel Lock and the sophisticated routing matrix. The PULSE16 DX provides a sophisticated internal matrix for the free routing and splitting of all 176 Ins to all 176 Outs in blocks of 8 channels. The headphone output on the front allows it to monitor every mono or stereo I/O directly on the unit.

Q: 7. What are the differences between the pro and the non-pro version?

A: New Shark chipset, Black Face, extended remote better audio specs that match the ADI2 DAC FS.

Q: 8. Is the DSD in this model a Quad-DSD (DSD256)?

A: This device can handle DSD256 playback.

Q: 9. How to get the front panel display out to a larger video display?

A: There is no way to connect the front panel display from the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE High-Performance Converter to a larger video display, but you can run the free RME Digicheck app on a Mac or Windows computer to be able to view the same metering from the spectral analyzer, as well as more options, on a large monitor connected to the computer. Additionally, an ADI 2 Remote app will be available soon that will enable full control from a computer.

Q: 10. Is it possible to route an input to two inputs? (e.g. analog 1-8 to MADI 1-8 as well as Dante 1-8 at the same time)

A: According to Ferrofish, the internal matrix allows the free routing and splitting of all 176 Inputs to all 176 Outputs in blocks of 8 channels, so you would be able to split out analog inputs to MADI and Dante.