RME Digiface AES USB Interface

About: RME Digiface AES USB Interface

The latest Digiface AES is a professional, bus powered 14 input and 16 output channel USB 2.0 interface with 2 Mic/Line universal analog input channels and 4 analog output channels (2 XLR, one TRS phones) complementing its digital I/O section. With an excellent set of digital connectivity, SteadyClock FS, full stand-alone operation and built-in parametric EQ, the Digiface AES shines as the perfect all-in-one solution for recording and playback of digital and analog sources, as well as flexible playback/monitoring via TotalMix FX.

Connectivity and Features

• 2 x Mic/Line Input
• 2 x XLR Out
• 1 x Phones Output
• 1 x AES I/O via XLR
• 1 x SPDIF I/O Coax
• 1 x SPDIF I/O
• 1 x ADAT I/O
• 1 x MIDI I/O
• Sample Rate Converter
• SteadyClock FS
• TotalMix FX
• USB bus-powered
• ARC USB
• Class Compliant Mode

Buspower compatibility meets flexible Analog I/O Performance

For the main inputs RME uses the proven mic/line preamps in XLR combo configuration of the Babyface Pro FS. Two digitally controlled preamps provide individually switchable 48V phantom power. These circuits feature a gain range of 75 dB, adjustable in steps of 1 dB, including a relay-driven PAD, resulting in exceptional EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance as well as line overload protection, and enough gain for even the lowest level microphones.

On the back of the Digiface AES there are 2 balanced analog outputs via XLR male to drive power amps, active monitor speakers, or recordings. The headphone output allows additional and independent high quality monitoring, providing sufficient output power and volume on high and low impedance headphones.

Versatile Digital Input and Output Connectivity

The comprehensive set of digital I/Os, centered around an AES/EBU input and output via XLR, also includes SPDIF coax, SPDIF optical or 8-channel ADAT. All I/Os can be used simultaneously, turning the unit into a swiss army knife interface that receives and sends all common digital audio formats. An integrated SRC (Sample Rate Converter) can be switched to one of the three inputs to solve clocking issues and to adapt to other sample rates. This allows, for example, the device to be AES clock-synchronized from the main source and to listen to SPDIF independently at the same time. MIDI I/O via an included breakout cable completes the package.

Full Stand-alone Functionality

Convenient, direct access and control of all features and the device is available directly from the front panel. Four keys and the encoder, the high-resolution and clear color display, and a well thought-out menu structure allow for quick changes and configuration of the device.

Six different device setups can be stored into internal memory. With these the interface transforms into totally different devices by the simple click of a button, which is especially useful in stand-alone mode. Furthermore TotalMix FX can also be controlled externally via MIDI.