An introduction to the RME MADIface XT

An introduction to the RME MADIface XT

RME MADIface XT is a unique audio system that can send digital audio data from any device having a MADI interface right into a computer. A stereo analog input may be used to link analog sources, and two stereo analog outputs provide full monitoring capability. Installation is straightforward even unskilled users can use the newest Plug & Play technology. The MADIface XT is at the pinnacle of digital audio interfaces. It has various unique features and outstanding settings dialogues.

The MADIface XT is apparently the world's smallest portable interface, also being the world’s first USB3 audio interface. The XT can also be utilized with USB 2.0 for maximum use and communication (computer I/O restricted to 70 channels). Its one-of-a-kind PCI Express connector interfaces to external PCI Express cards and Thunderbolt adapters combine all of the quickest interfacing technologies for the greatest channel count and lowest latency in a single device. RME's Advanced Remote Control may be linked to the desktop for the easiest usage.

Characteristics of MADIface XT Audio Interface

• The settings are changeable in no time.

• There are eight latencies like 0.7/1.5/3/6/12/23/46/93ms

• The channels are 100/120, and the recording and playback is 96 kHz/24 bit

• When the channels have 52/54, it uses 192 kHz/24-bit record/playback

• The mastering can be done automatically, and there is slave clock control

• The input and output is measured in World clock

• TotalMix for excellent ASIO Direct Monitoring and without lagging mixing can be done

• SyncAlign ensures that samples are always aligned and that channels are never swapped.

• SyncCheck is a program that checks and reports on the sync of input signals.

• 1 MIDI I/O, 16 high-speed MIDI channels

• DIGICheck DSP: Hardware level meter, peak- and RMS calculation

• TotalMix is a 4096-channel mixer with an internal resolution of 46 bits.

• TotalMix FX: 3-band EQ, Low Cut, Reverb, Echo, Compressor, Expander, Auto Level

• SteadyClock is a super-stable, jitter-free digital clock.

• Quick Boot technology allows you to load the hardware settings right away.

Controls of the Front Panel

As the level meter overview gets displayed, the output level of the present Main output and Phones may be modified using MIDI remote control and encoder 1 and 2. To access the appropriate screen, turn the encoder 1 or 2. The CHANNEL menu contains more settings, such as balance, phase, mute, and stereo/mono. The four menu keys provide easy access to a straightforward menu system. You can press any keys to return to the level meter.

• The gain should be set to Inputs 1 and 2 and encoders 1 and 2.

• In the meters, the Mix screen appears. When the unit is linked to the computer, it is impossible to modify the current mix state. When the unit is in stand-alone, these parameters are accessible to modify a routing/mixing.

• The Channel offers you access to all of the MADIface XT's inputs and outputs. Encoder 1 configures the input first, then the output. Settings, Low Cut, Parametric EQ Compressor/Expander, and Auto Level are the functions that may be changed by Encoder 2.

• In the Set/Rev section, you find theSetups, Options, and Reverb/Echo that will be selected by Encoder 1. Clock, MADI Settings, Hardware/Diagnosis, and Control Room are the subpages of the Options page. The subpages Reverb and Echo are found under Reverb/Echo. The encoder is used to choose the subpages.

• The encoders can be rotated indefinitely to give a key function. The display clearly shows their present operation. Turning it either updates the present parameter or advances the selection/cursor to the next page horizontally. The selection/cursor can be moved vertically as you press the encoders, up with 1 and down with 2. The AutoSet function is activated by pressing encoders 1 and 2 on the Mic Gain page brought up by the MIC/GAIN key. The display's AS label goes from pale grey to solid black.

• All channels have the following entries in Settings:

• A channel can be muted by pressing Mute

• You have both Mono and Stereo.

• The Phase Invert reverses the polarity of the signal (180°). You can use this tool to correct incorrectly soldered wires or erase sound and phase issues.

• The additional entries are M/S-Proc which works in the stereo channel, and FX Send controls the signal level for the FX bus and supplies the Echo and Reverb effects.

The Additional Entries in the Mic

• Pre Amp GainThe current gain/amplification is set. 0 dB, +9 up to +60 dB in 3 dB increments are the options.

• +48V-Phantom power should only be utilized when you use condenser microphones. Ensure that the microphone is connected in before turning on the phantom power. The MADIface gently switches on the phantom power. When microphones are connected and disconnected, and the phantom power is on, a large voltage surge occurs, damaging the delicate microphone input stage. The inner TRS connections do not transmit any voltage therefore, phantom power is solely provided to the XLR socket.

AutoSet Gain

In the event of an overload, automatic overload protection is provided via a gain decrease. AutoSet aims to preserve a 6 dB headroom. The gain will be permanently reduced at levels greater than -6 dBFS. Set the channels to a high gain and use an input signal to test. The displayed gain will rapidly reduce to an acceptable gain. While AutoSet in the XT is not identical to that in the RME Micstasy distortion will occur for a fraction of a second before the level is set appropriately with high overloads, it performs well in real-world situations and dependably prevents distorted recordings.

AutoSet can be activated in CHANNEL as well as on the Mic Gain screen: a push on encoders 1 and 2 activates AutoSet. The label AS in the display changes from light grey to black. To avoid shifts in panorama, AutoSet should work in stereo mode (ganged) so that gain changes of one Channel are also applied to the other one. This function is activated by setting Channel Type to Stereo. Other than all other channels mic will still have two entries. But TotalMix FX changes to a stereo channel, and AutoSet is linked between both channels. As soon as AutoSet reduces the gain, the label AS shown in the Mic Gain screen changes its color from black to blue.

The additional entries of the output channels are

• The Volume is set between -64 dB up to +6 dB, in steps of 1 dB. The balance can be adjusted from-1,0 and +1.

• The FX Return gives you the effect of Reverb/Echo.

• The SETUP provides several configuration choices for the device. Encoder 1 switches back and forth between Options and Setup. With encoder 2, you can access the sub-menus under Options, General Settings, Digital Routing, Clock, and MIDI Sources.

Options Menu

The entries of the page Clock are

• Clock You can adjust in stand-alone. Choices are INT (Internal, Master), WCK (word clock), AES, MADI 1 to 3.

• Sample RateThe options that are given are 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 128, 176.4, and 192 kHz. When it is in the slave mode, one should keep in mind choosing and inserting the correct sample. AES helps you to choose the right sample rate. As you use the MADI, you must mention what type of input signal is fed, whether it is single, double, or quad speed.

• WCK Alw. The speed of a single-word clock is always the same. There are two options: On or Off.

• WCK termination terminates the word clock input.

The hardware page shows some entries like this:

• StandaloneYou can choose On or Off standalone mode

• Interface Mode are Auto, PCIe, USB 3, USB 2

• You can adjust the display using LCD Contrast

• SW Version The internal DSP software's current version number and date are shown.