The DMC-842 is both an 8-Channels AES42 interface as well as a controller for digital microphones. The unique device allows for connection and control of up to 8 digital microphones, and converting their signals to ADAT, AES/EBU, analog and (optional) MADI. Eight individually switchable hi-end sample rate converters offer a flexible clocking and further usage options, especially as the inputs are compatible to AES3 and AES/EBU too.
When developing the DMC-842, RME worked closely with the microphone manufacturers to secure maximum compatibility and best functionality. As a result the DMC-842 is the most flexible and most compatible AES42 interface available - a true milestone for the broad acceptance of the new digital microphone technology.
The DMC-842 is fully remote controllable, via MIDI, AES and (optional) MADI. The optional I64 MADI Card provides serial pass-through capability from one DMC-842 to the next (up to 8). All up to 64 audio signals are then available at the last device on one single line. Such a way of cascading is also possible with the Micstasy and the ADI-8 QS. The signals passed through the DMC-842 are available at the analog outputs, making an expensive splitter box on stage obsolete.
Overview of the DMC-842's most important features:
- Fully compatible to AES42
- 8 XLR AES42 inputs (AES3 compatible)
- 8 balanced XLR Line outputs
- 24 bit sample rate conversion switchable per input
- Digital Phantom Power switchable per input
- Supports Mode 1 and Mode 2
- 63 dB gain range per channel, even in asynchronous Mode 1
- LED level meter with 13 LEDs per channel
- M/S de-/encoding
- 4 x AES/EBU Out via D-sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
- 2 x ADAT Out, 8 channels @ 96 kHz
- Optional MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card) with serial cascading and digital/analog return path
- MIDI I/O
- Fully remote controllable
- Future-proof by flash updates
Features
In a standard 19" box with 2 unit height the device offers numerous extraordinary features like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) , SyncCheck ®, SteadyClock, MultiMode, MIDI over MADI, and remote control via MADI and MIDI.
The technologies known from other RME products like SyncCheck® ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Also multiple units can be stacked and operated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is switched off.
The DMC-842 can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each DMC-842 can be given a separate ID, allowing separate remote controllability of various devices with only one MIDI channel.
RME's SteadyClock(TM) guarantees excellent clock quality in any situation. Due to the highly efficient jitter reduction, the DMC-842's DA-converters operate independently from the quality of the external clock signal, as if they are working with internal clock all the time - guaranteeing a pristine sound quality! Additionally Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.
AES42
The DMC-842 operates as power supply and control device for digital microphones, supporting the AES42 standard. The operating modes defined in AES42, Mode 1 and Mode2, are supported individually per input. Mode 1 defines an asynchronous operation. Working with several Mode 1 microphones requires the use of sample rate converters, which are included in the DMC-842. Mode 2 allows for a synchronized operation. In both modes control data can be sent to and status data can be received from the microphone. These can settings for gain, polar patterns, hi-pass filter and compression. Further functions are already specified in the AES42 standard, but availability depends on the individual microphone. All microphone parameters are directly accessible from the unit's front panel.
As Digital Phantom Power can be switched on or off on individual channels, the DMC-842 can also handle 'standard' AES3 and AES/EBU signals at the same time. Using the built-in sample rate converters, these can even be asynchronous.
In many respects, the DMC-842 is an ideal companion to RME's Micstasy. Using the same interface connections as found in the Micstasy (ADAT S/MUX and AES/EBU built-in, MADI optional) it ensures problem-free set-up of combined systems for both analog and digital microphones. The DMC-842 even includes analog line level outputs, so a mixed setup with purely analog devices (for example for monitoring purposes) poses no problems.
