RME DSP System Multiface - Manual (Page 39)

User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
39
The Multiface’s new output header is optimized for largest compatibility with other digital de-
vices:
• 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz depending on the current sample rate
• Audio use, Non-Audio
• No Copyright, Copy Permitted
• Format Consumer or Professional
• Category General, Generation not indicated
• 2-channel, No Emphasis or 50/15 µs
• Aux bits Audio Use
Professional AES/EBU equipment can be connected to the Multiface thanks to the transformer-
balanced coaxial output, and the ‘Professional’ format option with doubled output voltage. Out-
put cables should have the same pinout as those used for input (see above), but with a male
XLR plug instead of a female one.
Note that most consumer HiFi equipment (with optical or phono SPDIF inputs) will only ac-
cept signals in ‘Consumer’ format!
The audio bit in the header can be set to 'Non-Audio'. This is often necessary when Dolby AC-3
encoded data is sent to external decoders (surround-sound receivers, television sets etc. with
AC-3 digital inputs), as these decoders would otherwise not recognize the data as AC-3.
23.3 Word Clock
Input
The Multiface's word clock input is a high impedance type (not terminated). Thanks to RME's
Signal Adaptation Circuit, the word clock input still works correctly even with heavily mis-
shaped, dc-prone, too small or overshoot-prone signals. Thanks to automatic signal centering,
300 mV (0.3V) input level are sufficient in principle. An additional hysteresis reduces sensitivity
to 1.0 V, so that over- and undershoots and high frequency disturbances don't cause a wrong
trigger.
Output
Thanks to a low impedance, but short circuit proof output, the Multiface delivers 4 Vpp to 75
Ohms. For wrong termination with 2 x 75 Ohms (37.5 Ohms), there are still 3.3 Vpp at the out-
put.
Selecting Single Speed in the Settings dialog causes the output signal to always stay within the
range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz sample rate, the output word clock is 48 kHz.
23.4 MIDI
The Multiface offers one MIDI I/O via two 5-pin DIN jacks. The MIDI ports are added to the sys-
tem by the driver. Using MIDI capable software, these ports can be accessed under the name
HDSP MIDI. Using more than one Multiface, the operating system adds a consecutive number
to the port name, like HDSP MIDI In (2) etc.
The MIDI ports support multi-client operation. A MIDI input signal can be received from several
programs at the same time. Even the MIDI output can be used by multiple programs simultane-
ously. However, due to the limited bandwidth of MIDI, this kind of application will often show
various problems.
Note: The MIDI input LED displays any kind of MIDI activity, including MIDI Clock, MTC and
Active Sensing. The latter is sent by most keyboards every 0.3 seconds.