8 Channel AES42 Interface for Digital Microphones 24-Bit/192kHz
In a standard 19″ box with 2 unit height the device offers numerous extraordinary features like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) , SyncCheck ®, SteadyClock, MultiMode, MIDI over MADI, and remote control via MADI and MIDI.
The technologies known from other RME products like SyncCheck® ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Also multiple units can be stacked and operated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is switched off.
The DMC-842 can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each DMC-842 can be given a separate ID, allowing separate remote controllability of various devices with only one MIDI channel.
RME’s SteadyClock(TM) guarantees excellent clock quality in any situation. Due to the highly efficient jitter reduction, the DMC-842’s DA-converters operate independently from the quality of the external clock signal, as if they are working with internal clock all the time – guaranteeing a pristine sound quality! Additionally Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.
AES42
The DMC-842 operates as power supply and control device for digital microphones, supporting the AES42 standard. The operating modes defined in AES42, Mode 1 and Mode2, are supported individually per input. Mode 1 defines an asynchronous operation. Working with several Mode 1 microphones requires the use of sample rate converters, which are included in the DMC-842. Mode 2 allows for a synchronized operation. In both modes control data can be sent to and status data can be received from the microphone. These can settings for gain, polar patterns, hi-pass filter and compression. Further functions are already specified in the AES42 standard, but availability depends on the individual microphone. All microphone parameters are directly accessible from the unit’s front panel.
As Digital Phantom Power can be switched on or off on individual channels, the DMC-842 can also handle ‘standard’ AES3 and AES/EBU signals at the same time. Using the built-in sample rate converters, these can even be asynchronous.
In many respects, the DMC-842 is an ideal companion to RME’s Micstasy. Using the same interface connections as found in the Micstasy (ADAT S/MUX and AES/EBU built-in, MADI optional) it ensures problem-free set-up of combined systems for both analog and digital microphones. The DMC-842 even includes analog line level outputs, so a mixed setup with purely analog devices (for example for monitoring purposes) poses no problems.
REMOTE SOFTWARE
The included Windows software DMC-Control can use any existing MIDI port within the system to perform remote control and status requests of any number of DMC-842s via a simple mouse click. The latest version of the program can be downloaded for free from the RME website. The program is self-explanatory and very easy to use. It manages up to 8 DMC-842 simultaneously. Names can be assigned to all channels and all devices. DMC-Control not only offers a remote-access to all front panel settings, but also a comfortable configuration of the Setup menu, and direct access to the AES42 features of the connected microphones.
