RME M-32 DA

Product overview

The RME M-32 DA is a 32-channel high-end DA converter in a 19-inch, 2U enclosure: MADI or ADAT converted to 32 balanced analog line outputs in reference quality, up to 192 kHz, with three hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu.

A double balanced output design with current converter technology and RME's SteadyClock reaches a real-world signal-to-noise ratio of 118 dBA on all channels. The 6.3 mm TRS jacks (servo-balanced, up to +21 dBu) and the 25-pin D-sub outputs (balanced, +24 dBu) have their own driver stages and work at the same time. Audio arrives on optical or coaxial MADI or on four ADAT inputs, and the outputs stay quiet when the unit is switched on and off.

Key features

• 32 balanced line outputs on 6.3 mm TRS (up to +21 dBu) and 4 x 25-pin D-sub (+24 dBu), usable at once
• Three hardware reference levels: +24, +19 and +13 dBu at 0 dBFS
• MADI I/O optical and coaxial: 64 ch at 48 kHz, 32 at 96 kHz, 16 at 192 kHz
• 4 x ADAT in (S/MUX up to 192 kHz) with SYNC LED per port
• 32 six-LED level meters with peak hold
• Noise suppression at the analog outputs on power-on and power-off
• MADI thru-mode and Automatic Delay Compensation for sample-aligned stacking
• SteadyClock, SyncCheck and Intelligent Clock Control; word clock I/O
• Remote control via MIDI and MIDI over MADI; all settings stored
• Temperature-controlled low-noise fan

Hardware reference levels

The level is switched in the analog domain with high-quality electronic switches, so signal-to-noise ratio and distortion stay at their best in every setting. +24 dBu at 0 dBFS gives 20 dB headroom over +4 dBu and follows the SMPTE recommendation; +19 dBu gives 15 dB and +13 dBu 9 dB.

Cascading on one MADI line

All MADI input channels pass to the output, so further M-32 DA or M-16 DA can follow in series up to 64 channels, and the same channels can be converted in several locations up to 2 km apart. Each unit's defined delay is compensated automatically by the next, so all channels stay sample-aligned.

SteadyClock and remote control

SteadyClock makes the conversion independent of the quality of external clocks. Intelligent Clock Control shows every clock state and keeps the last valid sample rate if the external source fails. The complete unit can be monitored and controlled via MIDI or MIDI over MADI, each unit with its own ID, using RME's free MIDI Remote software for Mac and PC.

In the box

• RME M-32 DA
• Power cord
• Manual
• RME driver CD
• Optical cable, 2 m

RME M-32 DA: frequently asked questions

Which digital formats does it support?

MADI (optical or coaxial input, with automatic switching) and four ADAT optical inputs.

Can I use TRS and D-sub at the same time?

Yes. TRS jacks and D-sub outputs have their own driver stages and work simultaneously. With +24 dBu selected, the D-sub outputs use +24 dBu while the TRS jacks stay at +19 dBu.

How many units can share one MADI line?

Up to 64 channels at 48 kHz: two 32-channel or four 16-channel M-series converters. At 96 kHz 32 channels, at 192 kHz 16 channels.

Where can I buy the RME M-32 DA in India?

The RME M-32 DA is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: 32 analog outputs from a computer over MADI

Play back many channels to a console, monitors or outboard with an RME HDSPe MADI card.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the card's MADI output to the converter's MADI input.
2. Set the card as clock master, the converter's CLOCK to MADI.
3. Choose the MADI IN channel block.
4. Set ANALOG OUTPUT to the level of the receiving equipment.

Workflow 2: ADAT playback with an RME HDSPe RayDAT

Play 32 channels at 48 kHz over standard optical ADAT cables.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the card's ADAT outputs to the four ADAT inputs.
2. Set the ADAT SYNC key to ADAT.
3. Set CLOCK to ADAT (ADAT 1 is reference).
4. With S/MUX, set STATE to DS or QS manually.

Workflow 3: Cascading several converters on one MADI line

Convert 32, 48 or 64 channels from a single MADI cable.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the units serially via MADI.
2. Set a different MADI IN block on each unit.
3. All channels pass through each unit.
4. Automatic Delay Compensation keeps the outputs sample-aligned.

Workflow 4: Same channels in several locations

Feed the same MADI channels to monitor or PA systems in separate rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Pass the MADI line from unit to unit.
2. Select the same MADI IN block on each unit.
3. Connect each location's analog equipment.
4. Locations stay electrically separated with optical MADI.

Workflow 5: Monitoring and console feeds at the right level

Drive analog equipment at its best level.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose +24 dBu for SMPTE alignment on the D-sub outputs.
2. Use the TRS jacks up to +21 dBu at the same time.
3. For unbalanced devices on D-sub, leave pin 3 of the XLR unconnected.
4. Check the six-LED meters.

Workflow 6: Remote control via MIDI

Monitor and set several converters from one computer.

Connections

Setup

1. Set REMOTE to MIDI or MADI.
2. Give each unit its own ID in MIDI Remote.
3. Set fan mode and word clock out options from the software.
4. Read the complete device status, including all LEDs.