RME DMC-842-M – AES42 Interface and Control Device for Digital Microphones with MADI

The DMC-842-M from RME is an 8-channel AES42 interface and control device for digital microphones. AES42-2001 is an extension of the current AES digital audio standard that provides the framework for interfacing and controlling professional digital microphones (not to be confused with the consumer type of USB equipped microphones).

The DMC-842-M supports both Mode 1 and Mode 2 operation. Depending on the mode implemented by the microphone’s manufacturer, the unit can supply power to the microphone while also providing for the remote control of parameters. These include polar pattern, pre-attenuation, enabling a low cut filter, pre-amplification, mute and polarity, in addition to getting feedback about signal levels.

FEATURES

• 8-Channel
• Audio Output
• AES/EBU Output
• ADAT Output
• 64-Channel MADI Input/Output
• 24-bit/192kHz

SPECIFICATIONS

• Inputs:

  • 8 x XLR (AES42, AES3 compatible)

  • 1 x D-sub (AES sync)

• Outputs:

  • Digital:

    • 4 x AES/EBU via 25-pin D-sub (8 channels @ 192 kHz)

    • 2 x ADAT optical (8 channels @ 96 kHz)

    • Optional: MADI I/O via I64 MADI Card

  • Analog:

    • 8 x XLR, balanced, up to +24 dBu

• Performance:

  • Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 116 dB RMS unweighted, 119 dB(A)

  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < -104 dB (< 0.00063%)

  • THD+N: < -100 dB (< 0.001%)

  • Crosstalk: < 110 dB

  • Output levels @ 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu

  • Frequency Response (DA, -0.5 dB):

    • 5 Hz – 22 kHz (sample frequency 48 kHz)

    • < 5 Hz – 34 kHz (sample frequency 96 kHz)

    • < 5 Hz – 50 kHz (sample frequency 192 kHz)

• Clocking and Synchronization:

  • Sync sources: Internal, AES, word clock, optional MADI

  • Sample frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (external clocks)

  • Sample rate range:

    • MADI: 32 – 192 kHz

    • Word clock: 27 kHz – 200 kHz

    • AES: 28 kHz – 200 kHz

  • Jitter: Typical < 1 ns for internal, word clock, AES, and MADI input

  • Jitter suppression: >30 dB (2.4 kHz)

  • Jitter sensitivity: All PLLs operate error-free even at 100 ns

• Power Supply:

  • Internal switching mode power supply

  • Input voltage: 100V – 240V AC

  • Power consumption: 60 Watt

• Physical Dimensions:

  • Width: 483 mm

  • Height: 88 mm

  • Depth: 200 mm

• Additional Features:

  • Fully remote controllable via MIDI, AES, and optional MADI

  • Supports Mode 1 and Mode 2 operation for digital microphones

  • 24-bit sample rate conversion switchable per input

  • Digital phantom power switchable per input

  • LED level meters with 13 LEDs per channel

  • M/S de-/encoding

  • MIDI I/O

  • Com Port I/O (RS-232 via 9-pin D-Sub)

  • Flash-updatable firmware