MADIface XT

394-Channel Triple MADI USB 3.0 Audio Interface

USB 3 / USB 2.0 / PCI Express Digital I/O System
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
192 Channels Triple MADI Interface AES/EBU I/O
2 + 4 Channels Analog I/O
196 x 198 Matrix Router
1 x MIDI I/O
3 x MIDI embedded in MADI

Request For Quote

Description
More information

The world’s first USB3 audio interface – and the world’s smallest portable interface that provides access to hundreds of audio channels in such a small package.

USB 3.0 for Maximum Channel Count

For highest usability and connectivity the XT can also be used with USB 2.0 (computer I/O limited to 70 channels). Its unique PCI Express port connects to External PCI Express cards as well as adapters to Thunderbolt, providing all the fastest interfacing technologies available for maximum channel count and lowest latency in one unit.

To bring together the most complete I/O set for live or studio usage, two digitally controlled high end mic/line preamps, two balanced line outputs and one stereo phones output are included. Full stand-alone operation with remote control over MADI plus TotalMix FX for unlimited mixing, routing and processing open an endless world of possible applications.

download now

Features

The RME MADIface XT is capable of transferring digital audio data directly into a computer, from any device equipped with a MADI interface. Analog sources can be connected to a stereo analog input, and 2 stereo analog outputs add full monitoring connectivity. Installation is simple, even for the inexperienced user, thanks to the latest Plug and Play technology. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialogs put the MADIface XT at the very top of the range of digital audio interfaces.

The front of the MADIface XT has 2 XLR/TRS line and microphone inputs, a stereo line/headphone output, two rotary encoders with push functionality, four menu keys, a graphical colour display, and six status LEDs.

MIC/LINE INPUTS

The Neutrik combo sockets of the two Mic/Line inputs provide XLR and 6.3 mm / 1/4″ TRS connection. They have LEDs for Signal (SIG), Overload (Clip) and phantom power (48V).

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

Channels 3/4 feed the headphone output, which also operates as high-quality unbalanced line output.

DISPLAY

The display main screen (Global Level Meters) shows the current state of interface mode (PCIe orange, USB 2 yellow, USB 3 blue), the sync state of MADI and AES inputs, and incoming and outgoing MIDI data.

The four keys, the two encoders 1 and 2, the high-resolution and clear colour display, and a well thought-out menu structure enable the user to quickly change and configure the device’s settings completely without a computer. Help notes and clear markers in the display guide the user through all functions. The rotary encoder 1 and 2 set the monitoring volume of the rear and front output directly at the device.

The rear panel of the MADIface XT has two balanced analog outputs, word clock I/O, MADI coaxial I/O, two MADI optical I/O, USB 3 port (compatible to USB 2), PCI Express connector, MIDI/AES I/O, the power socket and a power switch.

Balanced Line Level Outputs. 2 balanced analog outputs via XLR.

Word Clock I/O. BNC. In menu Options – Clock the input can be set to be terminated with 75 Ohms.

MADI I/O coaxial: Standard coaxial MADI ports.

MADI I/O optical: 2 x standard optical MADI ports.

Remote. Mini-DIN. Connector for the optional remote controls with Volume, Store, Dim and Recall functions.

MIDI I/O and AES/EBU I/O. D-sub connector for the included breakout cable with XLR for AES I/O and 5-pin DIN for MIDI I/O.

USB 3.0. USB socket for connection to the computer. USB bus power is not supported. Compatible to USB 2.0.

PCI Express. External PCI Express connector for Molex E-PCIe standard cables.

POWER (switch): Turns the MADIface XT on and off.

Socket for power connection. The locking type jack fits the locking type DC connector on the included power supply. After inserting the connector carefully turn it so that it locks.

The included hi-performance switch mode power supply operates in the range of 100V to 240V AC. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.

TotalMix FX

An unique capability to create as many independent submixes as output channels available turned it into the most flexible and powerful mixer of its kind.

TotalMix FX includes a complete effects system, which not only adds flexibility to the recording chain, but also makes latency saddled software solutions obsolete.

It can completely replace an external mixer, enabling the creation of multiple latency-free monitor mixes with EQ, Dynamics, Reverb and Delay for any outputs incl. main monitors and headphone mixes for musicians.

Learn more

SteadyClock FS

Excellent Performance, Redefined.

The SteadyClock technology of RME's latest products guarantees an excellent performance in all clock modes. Its highly efficient jitter suppression refreshes and cleans up any clock signal.

A few small improvements in the latest FS version, like even more efficient filtering, and a design based on a super low jitter reference clock.

Find Out More

Features

- Interface for External PCI Express, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
- Sample rates: 32 kHz up to 192 kHz, variable (Sync/word clock)
- Analog input gain range: 60 dB
- SNR input: 108 dB RMS unweighted, 111 dBA
- SNR output: 112 dB RMS unweigthed, 115 dBA
- 3 virtual MIDI over MADI I/Os, one external MIDI I/O
- TotalMix: 4096-channel mixer with 46-bit internal resolution
- SteadyClock™: super-stable digital clock, highest jitter suppression
- Full stand-alone operation, including MIDI remote control
- Comes with DIGICheck, RME’s ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool
- Please note: MADIface XT is not compatible with RME Rackmount ‘RM-19’

Notes on USB 3.0 Operation

The special features and possible problems of using USB 3 are described in more detail in the manual.

Current Compatibility Information:

- Fully compatible to Intel’s USB 3 implementation, which – on current Windows and Mac computers – is part of the chipset. USB 3 sockets that are connected via an internal cable (not directly soldered onto the motherboard) can cause transmission errors. These are shown in the Settings dialog.
- Fully compatible to AMD’s USB 3 implementation. USB 3 sockets that are connected via an internal cable (not directly soldered onto the motherboard) can cause transmission errors. These are shown in the Settings dialog.
- Fully compatible to Fresco USB 3. This rarely used chip can be found for example on the Sonnet Tango 3.0 PCIe card.
- Compatible to NEC / Renesas USB 3. Real-world performance and error-free operation depend on the firmware version, driver version and the PCB layout of the respective extension card/motherboard.
- ASMedia – not compatible.
- Etron EJ168A – not compatible.
- Texas TUSB7340 – not compatible.
- Via VL800/805 – not compatible.

Input: XLR, electronically balanced
Input impedance: 2 kOhm
Resolution: 24 bit
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 108 dB RMS unweighted, 111 dBA
Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 12 Hz – 20.9 kHz
Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 12 Hz – 45.3 kHz
Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 8 Hz - 90 kHz
THD: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %
THD+N: < -98 dB, < 0.0012 %
Channel separation: > 110 dB
Gain range: 0 dB, +9 up to +60 dB
Maximum input level XLR, Gain 0 dB: +12 dBu
Maximum input level XLR, Gain 60 dB: -48 dBu
CLIP LED: 0 dBFS
SIG LED: -52 dBFS

AD, TRS

As Microphone/Line 1-2, but:

Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
Input impedance: 5 kOhm
Maximum input level TRS, Gain 0 dB: +24 dBu
Maximum input level TRS, Gain 60 dB: -36 dBu

DA, Line Out 1-2

Resolution: 24 bit
Dynamic range (DR): 112 dB, 115 dBA @ 44.1 kHz (unmuted)
Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 10 Hz - 22 kHz
Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 10 Hz – 45 kHz
Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz - 80 kHz
THD: - 104 dB, 0.00063 %
THD+N: -100 dB, 0.001 %
Channel separation: > 110 dB
Output: XLR balanced
Output impedance: 150 Ohm
Output level balanced at 0 dBFS: +15 dBu
Output level unbalanced at 0 dBFS: +9 dBu

DA, Phones 3/4 As DA Line Out, but:

Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
Output impedance: 30 Ohm
Output level at 0 dBFS: +7 dBu

Digital Inputs MADI

Coaxial via BNC, 75 Ohm, according to AES10-1991
High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.2 Vpp)
Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector
62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible
Accepts 56 channel and 64 channel mode, plus 96k Frame
Standard: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz
S/MUX: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
S/MUX4: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz
Lock range: 25 kHz – 54 kHz
Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns

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 when synced to input signal: < 1 ns
Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)

Word Clock

BNC, not terminated (10 kOhm)
Switchable internal termination 75 Ohm
Automatic Double/Quad Speed detection and conversion to Single Speed
SteadyClock guarantees super low jitter synchronization even in varispeed operation
Not effected by DC-offsets within the network
Signal Adaptation Circuit: signal refresh through auto-center and hysteresis
Overvoltage protection
Level range: 1.0 Vss – 5.6 Vpp
Lock range: 28 kHz – 200 kHz
Jitter when synced to input signal: < 1 ns
Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)

Digital Outputs MADI

Coaxial via BNC, 75 Ohm, according to AES10-1991
Output voltage 600 mVpp
Cable length: up to 100 m
Optical via FDDI duplex SC connector
62.5/125 and 50/125 compatible
Cable length: up to 2000 m
Generates 56 channel and 64 channel mode, plus 96k Frame
Standard: up to 64 channels 24 bit 48 kHz
S/MUX / 96k Frame: up to 32 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
S/MUX4: up to 16 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

AES/EBU

XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
Output level Professional 4.5 Vpp, Consumer 2.6 Vpp
Format Professional according to AES3-1992 Amendment 4
Format Consumer (SPDIF) according to IEC 60958
Single Wire mode, sample rate 28 kHz up to 200 kHz

Word Clock

BNC
Max. output voltage: 5 Vpp
Output voltage @ 75 Ohm termination: 4.0 Vpp
Output impedance: 10 Ohm
Frequency range: 28 kHz – 200 kHz

Digital

Clocks: Internal, MADI In, Word Clock In, AES In
Low jitter design: < 1 ns in PLL mode, all inputs
Internal clock: 800 ps jitter, random spread spectrum
Jitter suppression of external clocks: about 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
Effective clock jitter influence on DA conversion: near zero
Provides nearly jitter-free word clock directly from the MADI input signal
Input PLL ensures zero dropout, even at more than 100 ns jitter
Supported sample rates: 28 kHz up to 200 kHz
Compliant with PCI Express Base Specification v1.1
1-Lane PCI Express Endpoint device
2.5 Gbps line speed
Packet-based full-duplex communication (up to 500 MB/s transfer rate)

MIDI

1 x MIDI I/O via breakout cable
3 x MIDI I/O via MADI
PCIe bus based hi-speed operation
Separate 128 byte FIFO for input and output
MIDI state machine in hardware for reduced interrupt request load
Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 56 (up to 48 kHz)
Invisible transmission via User bit of channel 28 (up to 96 kHz)

General

Power supply: external power supply
Typical power consumption: 10 Watts
Current at 12 Volt operating voltage, idle: 720 mA (8.6 Watts)
Dimensions incl. rack ears, full depth (WxHxD): 265 x 44 x 159 mm (10.5" x 1.73" x 6.26")
Dimensions without rack ears, body depth (WxHxD): 215 x 44 x 130 mm (8.5" x 1.73" x 5.1")
Weight: 1.0 kg ( 2.2 lbs)
Temperature range: +5° up to +50° Celsius (41° F up to 122°F)
Relative humidity: < 75%, non condensing
Included power supply: Internal switching PSU, 100 - 240 V AC, 2 A, 24 Watts

MADIface XT

394-Channel Triple MADI USB 3.0 Audio Interface

The world’s first USB3 audio interface – and the world’s smallest portable interface that provides access to hundreds of audio channels in such a small package.

USB 3.0 for Maximum Channel Count