RME DMC-842

Product overview

The RME DMC-842 is an 8-channel AES42 interface and remote controller for digital microphones, converting their signals to ADAT, AES/EBU, analogue and optional MADI in a 2-unit 19-inch chassis.

It connects and controls up to eight digital microphones, supplies digital phantom power per input and supports both Mode 1 and Mode 2. Eight switchable hi-end sample rate converters give flexible clocking. RME developed the unit in close co-operation with microphone manufacturers for maximum compatibility. Eight balanced line outputs, four AES/EBU outputs on D-sub, two ADAT outputs, word clock and MIDI are built in, and the optional I64 MADI Card adds MADI I/O with serial cascading.

Key features

• 8 XLR AES/EBU inputs, fully compatible with AES42
• Digital phantom power switchable per input
• Mode 1 and Mode 2 supported; gain per channel even in asynchronous Mode 1
• 8-channel 24-bit sample rate conversion
• 8 balanced XLR line outputs up to +27 dBu
• 4 x AES/EBU out on D-sub (8 channels at 192 kHz), 2 x ADAT out (8 channels at 96 kHz)
• M/S decoding / encoding, stereo or mono per input pair
• 13-LED level meter per channel
• SyncAlign, SyncCheck and SteadyClock; word clock in / out
• Fully remote controllable via MIDI, AES and MADI; DMC-Control software
• Optional I64 MADI Card with serial cascading of several units
• Future-proof through flash updates

Mode 1 and Mode 2 with built-in sample rate converters

In Mode 1 the microphone is the clock master; with more than one microphone the DMC-842's SRCs decouple the clocks. In Mode 2 the microphone follows the DMC-842's control signal and no conversion is needed. The input switches automatically to the mode the microphone signals. The SRCs convert in full 24-bit resolution at ratios up to 1:7 or 7:1 and also act as jitter killers.

Full control of the microphones

Gain from 0 to +63 dB per channel, and, as far as the microphone supports them, low cut, directivity pattern, pre-attenuation, mute, peak limiter and more: from the front panel's Parameter menu or from the free RME DMC-Control software over MIDI or MIDI over MADI.

Analogue and digital outputs at once

The microphone signals are available at eight balanced analogue line outputs with selectable reference level (+13, +19 or +24 dBu), at four AES/EBU outputs and at two ADAT outputs. With the I64 MADI Card up to eight units can be cascaded on one MADI line with Delay Compensation.

In the box

• RME DMC-842
• Power cord
• Manual
• RME driver CD
• Optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m

RME DMC-842: frequently asked questions

What is AES42?

AES42 is the standard for digital microphones: the microphone sends AES3 digital audio and receives digital phantom power, sync and control over a standard XLR cable. The DMC-842 provides all of this for eight microphones.

Can I connect normal AES/EBU sources?

Yes. The inputs are compatible with AES3 and AES/EBU. Switch digital phantom power off for such sources.

How is the DMC-842 controlled from a computer?

With the free RME DMC-Control software via MIDI, or via MIDI over MADI with the I64 MADI Card.

Where can I buy the RME DMC-842 in India?

The RME DMC-842 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Digital microphones into a studio interface

Record up to eight AES42 microphones into an interface over ADAT or AES/EBU.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the clock source and sample rate in the CLOCK section.
2. Switch on DPP for each digital microphone.
3. In Mode 1 activate the SRCs when more than one microphone is connected.
4. Set gain per channel and record.

Tip: Mode 2 microphones follow the DMC-842's clock: no SRC needed.

Workflow 2: Broadcast and live recording with digital microphones

Use AES42 microphones on stage with analogue and digital outputs at once.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the analogue output reference level to match the console.
2. Connect the AES/EBU outputs to the recorder.
3. Set gains from the front panel or DMC-Control.
4. Monitor levels on the 13-LED meters.

Tip: SyncAlign keeps channels sample-aligned and never swapping.

Workflow 3: Remote microphone control from a computer

Adjust microphone settings from the control room.

Connections

Setup

1. Install DMC-Control and connect a MIDI port.
2. Name channels and devices.
3. Set gain, pattern, low cut and pre-attenuation per microphone.
4. Save and recall the settings.

Tip: Microphone features are available as far as the microphone supports them.

Workflow 4: MADI system with several units

Combine several DMC-842 on one MADI line.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the I64 MADI Card in each unit.
2. Connect the units in series and set the IDs.
3. Activate Delay Compensation in each unit.
4. Receive all channels at the last unit.

Tip: MIDI over MADI controls all units through the same line.

Workflow 5: M/S recording with digital microphones

Decode mid/side recordings in the unit.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the M and S microphones.
2. Activate M/S on the channel pair.
3. Record the stereo result.
4. Adjust the side level for stereo width.

Tip: The odd channel is always M, the even channel S.

Workflow 6: Sample rate conversion for AES/EBU sources

Bring unsynchronised AES/EBU sources into a system.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch digital phantom power off for these inputs.
2. Activate SRC per channel.
3. Clock the DMC-842 from the system's word clock.
4. The sources are converted without clicks or dropouts.

Tip: The SRC converts from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz and back.