User's Guide ADI-8 DD SyncAlign ® ® SyncCheck Intelligent Clock Control TM Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 96 kHz 8 Channel Dual Universal Format Converter 8 Channel Sample Rate Converter ADAT® optical / TDIF®-1 / AES/EBU Interface TDIF-1 24 Bit Interface
Contents 1 2 3 4 Introduction.................................................................................................... 3 Supplied Contents ......................................................................................... 3 Brief Description and Characteristics........................................................... 3 Technical Specifications ............................................................................... 4 4.1 Inputs ....................................................
1. Introduction With the ADI-8 DD you have an incredibly versatile digital interface to your supply. What at first looks like a simple AES/TDIF/ADAT format converter, turns out to be the universal problem solver at a closer look. From small project studios to broadcast and television, the Universal Format Converter is the perfect link between the formats mostly used today.
. Technical Specifications • Power supply: Internal, 100-240 V AC, 15 Watts • Dimensions: 483 x 44 x 205 mm • Weight: 2 kg 4.1 Inputs AES/EBU • • • • • • • • 4 x XLR, transformer balanced, ground-free, according to AES3-1992 High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.
4.2 Outputs AES/EBU • • • • • • 4 x XLR, transformer balanced, ground-free, according to AES3-1992 Output voltage Professional 4.5 Vss, Consumer 2.
5. First Usage 5.1 Quick Start The user interface of the ADI-8 DD is characterized by a clearly structured architecture and an unambiguous labelling of the front and rear sides. The device can thus be used easily without a manual, because numerous LEDs show the state of the device and of all incoming and outgoing signals in a strictly logical way.
5.2 The DD plain and simple With a device as powerful as the ADI-8 DD, it is for sure sometimes difficult to find out what's going on, or can be done with it. The device is capable of 34 different format conversions – which nobody can remember. And how are they set up? What can the user do at all? The key to understanding the ADI-8 DD is the block diagram below. Reduced to the core functionality, it shows clearly and easily to be understood, which inputs and outputs work together where and when.
5.3 Operating the ADI-8 DD Join us for a small 'tour de ADI', starting on the left side at the AES to ADAT/TDIF converter. Configuration starts with choosing the input signal (AES, ADAT or TDIF). The state of the input signal is displayed by 16 LEDs. Shown are Lock (per XLR jack, including SyncCheck), Emphasis and the level of the audio signal. SRC activates a Hi-End 8-channel Sample Rate Converter.
6. The AES to ADAT/TDIF Converter 6.1 General This ADI-8 DD's functional unit, which will be called 'left part' further on, is an 8-channel format converter from AES, TDIF or ADAT to ADAT/TDIF, with the output signal being transmitted both at the ADAT and TDIF ports in parallel. As long as the device is not working in DS mode (Double Speed), the output signal is even present at both ADAT and TDIF ports (MAIN/AUX).
6.3 Input State Display The input state is displayed by 16 LEDs. Every input has its own SYNC LED. However a missing or invalid input signal is indicated by slow flashing of the SOURCE LED. As soon as a valid input signal is present the four SYNC LEDs will react per input. If ADAT or TDIF are chosen as input source, all four SYNC and Emphasis LEDs show the same information. In DS mode, both two and two LEDs show the state of the MAIN (1/2) and the AUX (3/4) inputs.
6.5 Outputs ADAT Optical/TDIF The ADI-8 DD provides two digital outputs, both in ADAT optical and TDIF-1 format. In normal operation only the MAIN outputs are used. When using more than the first 4 channels at activated DS (Double Speed), the AUX outputs also have to be used. TDIF and ADAT optical outputs always operate simultaneously and carry the same audio data. As long as DS isn't activated MAIN and AUX also operate simultaneously and carry the same audio data.
6.6 Input ADAT/TDIF (Copy Mode) By means of the SOURCE button, ADAT and TDIF are available as signal sources in the left part as well. The ADI-8 DD thus turns into a unique ADAT to TDIF and TDIF to ADAT converter, a digital patch bay and signal distributor. These two source formats are notified with a yellow LED, because they are the main inputs for the right part ( the ADAT/TDIF to AES/EBU converter), for which they are still available as inputs.
7. The ADAT/TDIF to AES/EBU Converter 7.1 General This ADI-8 DD's functional unit, called 'right part' further on, is an 8-channel format converter from ADAT/TDIF or AES to AES/EBU. Because the Double Wire and Sample Split (S/MUX) formats don't contain a coding, the ADI-8 DD cannot distinguish them from normal (44.1/48 kHz) material. Whether the AES/EBU outputs are supposed to work in Single (44.1/48 kHz) or Double Speed (88.2/96 kHz) has to be set explicitly by the user.
The TDIF-1 connectors of the ADI-8 DD are fully compatible with all devices offering such an interface, for example DA-38 and DA-88. A SD-PLL ensures best playback sound quality and reliable operation. RME's exclusive SyncCheck verifies synchronous operation when using both TDIF ports. The connection is done through a special TDIF cable, available at your local dealer (Tascam part number PW-88D). TDIF Main Interface for the first or only device with a TDIF-1 interface. Carries the channels 1 to 8.
7.4 Outputs AES/EBU At the rear side of the ADI-8 DD there are four XLR sockets for the AES/EBU outputs. Every output is transformer-balanced, ground-free and compatible to all devices with AES/EBU port. Connection is accomplished using balanced cables with XLR plugs. If AES STATE PRO (Professional) is chosen, the output level is almost 5V. If CON (Consumer) is chosen, the output signal will have a channel status compatible to SPDIF.
7.5 Input AES/EBU (Copy Mode) With the SOURCE button, AES/EBU can be chosen as the source for the right part, in addition to ADAT or TDIF. The ADI-8 DD then turns into a unique 8 channel AES/EBU to AES/EBU sample rate converter, line buffer, signal refresher and signal distributor. This input format is indicated by a yellow LED, because it is the main input for the left part (the AES/EBU to ADAT/TDIF converter), for which it is still available as input.
8. Clock Section 8.1 Clock Configuration The ADI-8 DD has an almost identical clock section in the left and right part, with professional capabilities that are hard to meet. The unique ICC technology (Intelligent Clock Control) allows for a flexible use of both functional units with internal clock (44.1 and 48 kHz, 88.2 and 96 kHz in DS mode), external word clock or the digital input signals.
8.2 Lock, SyncCheck and SyncAlign Digital signals consist of a carrier and the data. If a digital signal is applied to an input, the receiver has to synchronize to the carrier clock in order to read the data correctly. To achieve this, the receiver uses a PLL (Phase Locked Loop). As soon as the receiver meets the exact frequency of the incoming signal, it is locked. This Lock state remains even with small changes of the frequency, because the PLL tracks the receiver's frequency.
8.3 Word Clock Input and Output Input The ADI-8 DD's word clock input is available to both the left and the right part. It is active, when EXT is chosen in the clock section. The signal at the BNC input can be single or double speed, the ADI-8 DD automatically adapts to it. As soon as a valid signal is detected, the EXT LED is constantly lit, otherwise it is flashing slowly.
9. Word Clock 9.1 Operation and Technical Background In the analogue domain one can connect any device to another device, a synchronization is not necessary. Digital audio is different. Correct interpretation of digital audio data is dependent upon a definite sample frequency. Signals can only be correctly processed or transferred between devices if these all share the same clock. Otherwise digital signals are misinterpreted, causing distortion, clicks/crackle and even dropouts.
The TDIF format is especially critical with respect to word clock. We have mentioned this in different places of this manual: When the ADI-8 DD is slave no additional word clock connection is necessary. In case DA88 and/or DA38 are slave the word clock output of the ADI-8 DD has to be connected to the word clock input of the first (master) recorder. When using more than one recorder a special sync cable (Tascam part number PW-88S) is needed.
10. Conversion Modes and Notes In this chapter the ADI-8 DD's conversion modes are listed functionally and separated for left and right part. At first the functions of the left part are described. From chapter 10.7 on the right part follows. Chapter 10.12 describes a special case where both parts are being operated together. 'ADAT || TDIF' means that the output signal is present at the ADAT and TDIF outputs in parallel, i. e. at the same time.
10.5 16-channel ADAT/TDIF to ADAT || TDIF Converter (48 kHz) SOURCE: ADAT or TDIF Remark: If DS is activated manually at sample rates below 56 kHz, the MAIN and AUX outputs will not carry the same data any longer. Instead the data from the MAIN and AUX inputs will be passed 1:1 to the MAIN/AUX outputs. It is then possible to transmit and convert 16 channels at the same time. 10.6 8-channel ADAT/TDIF to ADAT || TDIF Converter (96 kHz) Remark: Identical to 10.
10.10 2-channel AES to 8-channel AES Splitter (96 kHz) SOURCE: AES Remark: If only one AES input is being fed with a valid signal, the ADI-8 DD automatically switches to a distribution mode. The input signal will be copied to all stereo output channels (splitter 1 to 4), i. e. it will appear at all four AES outputs. If AES is selected as input source for the left part, this also holds true for the ADAT/TDIF outputs (see 10.3). 10.
11. Technical Background 11.1 DS - Double Speed When activating the Double Speed mode the ADI-8 DD operates at double sample rate. The internal clock 44.1 kHz turns to 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz to 96 kHz. The internal resolution is still 24 bit. Sample rates above 48 kHz were not always taken for granted, and are still not widely used because of the CD format (44.1 kHz) dominating everything. Before 1998 there were no receiver/transmitter circuits available that could receive or transmit more than 48 kHz.
11.2 AES/EBU - SPDIF The most important electrical properties of 'AES' and 'SPDIF' can be seen in the below table. AES/EBU is the professional balanced connection using XLR plugs. The standard is being set by the Audio Engineering Society based on the AES3-1992. For the 'home user', SONY and Philips have omitted the balanced connection and use either Phono plugs or optical cables (TOSLINK). The format called S/P-DIF (SONY/Philips Digital Interface) is described by IEC 60958.
11.3 Clock De-coupling using the SRC Master-slave problems occur at the latest with the use of a digital mixer. For 'normal' use of CD-player, DAT and harddisk recording, the tasks are clearly defined. The device playing back is the master in each case, the recording device the slave. The CD-player delivers the clock and the DAT synchronizes to it. When working with a digital mixer, the CD-player would be the master and the mixer the slave.
12. Controls and Connectors Front Left Part Clock Section Signal source AES TDIF ADAT Status display Lock of inputs Emphasis Level indication Sample Rate Converter Clock source AES TDIF ADAT Clock source Input External (Word clock) Internal Internal clock 44.1 / 48 kHz DS active: 88.2 / 96 kHz Front Right Part Clock Section Signal source AES TDIF ADAT Clock source AES TDIF ADAT Clock source Input External (Wordclock) Internal Internal clock 44.1 / 48 kHz DS active: 88.
13. Connector Pinouts D-Sub TDIF-1 The 25 pin D-sub connectors are wired according to TDIF-1, version 1.1: Signal D-sub Signal D-sub Out 1/2 1 Out 3/4 2 In FS1 20 In FS0 8 Out 5/6 3 Out 7/8 4 In In EMPH LRCK 21 9 Out Out LRCK EMPH 5 18 In 7/8 10 In 5/6 11 Out FS0 6 Out FS1 19 In 3/4 12 In 1/2 13 GND is connected to pins 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25.
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15. Warranty Before shipping each ADI-8 DD is tested by RME in a complete test sequence. Using only the best hi-grade components allows us to offer two years of warranty. The copy of the sales receipt or the Bill of Sale is your warranty legitimation. In case of any error or defect please contact your local dealer. The warranty does not cover damage due to abuse, incorrect installation or incorrect handling.
CE This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility (EMVG) according to EN 55022 class B and EN50082-1. FCC Compliance Statement Certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device according to subpart J or part 15 of FCC rules. See instructions if interference to radio reception is suspected.
