RME Digiface AVB

Product overview

The RME Digiface AVB is a 256-channel 192 kHz USB audio interface for AVB networks: 128 channels of recording and 128 channels of playback between a Mac or Windows computer and an AVB network, in a lightweight, bus-powered box.

Developed by RME, the Digiface AVB uses AVB, an open protocol developed by the IEEE, to move audio between computer and network over one Gigabit Ethernet port. Channels are organised in up to 16 streams of configurable size, from 2 to 32 channels each, and the included AVDECC controller software discovers AVB devices on the network and manages incoming and outgoing streams. A word clock input and output, a high-quality headphone output, TotalMix FX routing and RME's USB 3 driver complete the package, all powered by a single USB cable.

Key features

• 128 record / 128 playback channels at 48 kHz; 64 at 96 kHz; 32 at 192 kHz (24 bit)
• AVB network I/O: 128 channels at 48 and 96 kHz, 64 channels at 192 kHz
• Up to 16 AVB streams of 2 to 32 channels each; AVDECC-based status and control
• Gigabit Ethernet on RJ45 (100 Mbit/s compatible), Auto MDI-X
• Included AVDECC controller to discover devices and manage stream connections
• Word clock I/O on BNC; clock from internal, AVB or word clock
• Headphone output (6.3 mm TRS), DC-coupled, with independent submix
• USB 3.0 bus-powered: one cable for audio and power; USB 2.0 compatible
• TotalMix FX routing with Control Room section, talkback and Mackie/OSC remote
• Outgoing network latency selectable in steps of 8 ns; TotalMix Remote over the network

Audio over AVB

The Digiface AVB sends up to 128 channels for recording and playback at 48 kHz, 64 channels at 96 kHz (with 128 channels of AVB I/O) or 32 channels at 192 kHz (64 channels of AVB I/O). Streams of configurable size from 2 to 32 channels enable connections to AVB audio devices on the network, and RME describes it as offering high compatibility with existing AVB devices.

AVDECC controller

The accompanying software includes an AVDECC controller that discovers all AVB devices in a network and manages connections of incoming and outgoing streams, with basic monitoring built in. TotalMix FX then handles the routing between USB playback, AVB streams and the headphone output.

TotalMix FX and TotalMix Remote

TotalMix FX allows practically unlimited mixing and routing of all inputs and playback channels to any output, with a dedicated Control Room section, talkback, Main/Phones switching, fader and mute groups, and remote control via Mackie or OSC protocol. TotalMix Remote controls the mixer from an iPad or another computer over the network.

Compact and bus-powered

Measuring 11.2 x 8.3 x 2.6 cm and weighing 300 g, the Digiface AVB runs from USB bus power alone, drawing 1.5 W typically. It uses RME's well-known USB driver for Windows and macOS, with buffer sizes from 32 to 8192 samples.

In the box

• RME Digiface AVB
• USB 3.0 cable, 1.8 m

Free RME software: TotalMix FX, TotalMix Remote, DIGICheck and AVDECC controller. Drivers for Windows and macOS.

RME Digiface AVB: frequently asked questions

How many channels does the Digiface AVB transfer?

256 at 48 kHz: 128 for recording and 128 for playback. At 96 kHz it records and plays 64 channels each way, at 192 kHz 32 channels each way.

Does it need a power supply?

No. It is powered by its USB connection, with a typical consumption of 1.5 W.

How are AVB connections made?

With the included AVDECC controller software, which discovers AVB devices on the network and connects incoming and outgoing streams of 2 to 32 channels.

Can it sync to house clock?

Yes. It clocks from internal, the AVB network or the BNC word clock input, and provides a word clock output.

Where can I buy the RME Digiface AVB in India?

The RME Digiface AVB is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Multitrack recording from an AVB network

Record up to 128 channels from AVB stage boxes, preamps or consoles on a laptop.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the RME driver and the AVDECC controller software.
2. Discover the AVB devices on the network with the AVDECC controller.
3. Connect the outgoing streams of your stage boxes to the Digiface AVB inputs.
4. Record up to 128 channels at 48 kHz in your recording software.

Tip: At 96 kHz, 64 channels each way are available over USB.

Workflow 2: Virtual soundcheck and playback

Play recorded tracks back into an AVB console for a soundcheck without the band.

Connections

Setup

1. Record the show as in workflow 1.
2. Connect the Digiface AVB output streams to the console's inputs with the AVDECC controller.
3. Route playback channels to the AVB outputs in TotalMix FX.
4. Play the session and tune the mix.

Workflow 3: Studio network audio

Connect a computer to AVB converters and preamps spread across several rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Select word clock or AVB as clock source.
2. Create streams of the required size (2 to 32 channels).
3. Route network channels in TotalMix FX.
4. Control TotalMix FX remotely with TotalMix Remote.

Workflow 4: Broadcast and installation playout

Feed multichannel playout from a computer into an AVB installation.

Connections

Setup

1. Sync to the house clock via word clock.
2. Connect output streams to the amplifier or DSP devices with the AVDECC controller.
3. Route playout channels in TotalMix FX.
4. Monitor any channel on headphones.

Workflow 5: Direct point-to-point AVB link

Connect a laptop straight to a single AVB device without a switch.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the AVB device directly with a standard network cable.
2. Open the AVDECC controller and connect the streams.
3. Set the sample rate on both devices.
4. Record or play back.

Workflow 6: Clock master for a small AVB system

Use the Digiface AVB as word clock source for other studio gear.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the Digiface AVB to internal clock (master).
2. Connect its word clock output to the other devices.
3. Set those devices to word clock slave.
4. Check sync in the Settings dialog.