Difference between revisions of "RME M-32 Audio Interfaces"

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[[Recording Studios]] 1 through 6 in New Adelphi use the RME M32 AD/DA combination for digital conversion, converting analogue signal into digital information. Unlike what you might be used to when using an audio interface at home, where conversion and transfer is often combined, the RME's simply convert the analogue audio into a selection of different digital formats. The process of then transferring this information into the computer is then handled by a selection of additional interfaces depending on your choice of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation DAW].
+
[[Recording Studios]] 1 through 6 use the RME M32 AD/DA combination for digital conversion, encoding analogue signal into digital information and back again. Unlike converters you may be used to when using an audio interface at home, where encoding and transfer are often combined, the RME interfaces blindly convert analogue audio into a selection of different digital formats. The process of transferring this digital signal into the computer is handled separately by a selection of additional interfaces. Which ones you use will depend upon your choice of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation DAW].
  
−
'''REMEMBER: IF YOU ARE EVER UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO USE THE RME ASK AT THE STUDIO OFFICE FOR HELP! USING THE WRONG SETTINGS CAN COMPLETELY RUIN A WHOLE SESSIONS WORK.'''
+
'''REMEMBER: IF YOU ARE EVER UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO USE THE RME ASK AT THE STUDIO OFFICE FOR HELP!'''
  
−
The RME M32s act autonomously so any changes you might need to make, such as changing your sample rate, need to be made on the front panels of the units. Any changes you make on the front of the M32s will not be carried over to your chosen DAW, these settings need to be made to match. For example: if you wanted to record in Logic X at 44.1khz you would have to make sure that the sample rates matched both in your logic project and on the RMEs.
+
'''USING THE WRONG SETTINGS CAN COMPLETELY RUIN A WHOLE SESSIONS' WORK.'''
 +
 
 +
The RME M32s act autonomously so any changes you might need to make, such as changing your sample rate, need to be made on the front panels of the units. Changes will '''not''' be carried over to your chosen DAW automatically; these settings need to be made to match. For example, if you want to record in Logic at 44.1kHz, you have to make sure that the sample rate matches both in your Logic project '''and''' on the RME converters.
  
 
==Clocking with the RMEs==
 
==Clocking with the RMEs==
−
As standard, the RME M32 AD (the top unit) acts as the Master Clock for each studio, keeping both the digital converters in synchronisation with each-other and the computer. This ensures stability when recording and ensures you avoid any nasty pops and clicks when recording where there should not be any. For the majority of the time this will mean the top unit's clock section will simply show the sample rate your are intending to record at.
+
As standard, the RME M32 AD (top unit) acts as a local [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_clock master clock] for each studio, keeping the digital converters and the computer interface in synchronisation with one another. This ensures stability when recording and ensures you avoid any nasty pops and clicks when recording. For the majority of the time this will mean that the AD unit's ''Clock Section'' will simply show the sample rate at which you are intending to record, usually '''44.1kHz'''.
  
−
You can also choose to use the New Adelphi Buildings Master Clock as well by setting the RME M32 AD's Clock Section to "Wordclock", although this is fixed at a sample rate of 48khz so while it can be used for recording at this speed it is most useful if you're recording across the building or running an Audio for Video/Media project.
+
Instead of generating a master clock signal locally, you can use the New Adelphi [[Master Clock]] by setting the RME M32 AD ''Clock Section'' to '''"WCK"''', meaning ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_clock Word Clock]''. However, this is fixed at a sample rate of '''48kHz''', so your session must also be configured to run at this rate. There are details as to why the house clock runs at 48kHz on the [[Master Clock]] wiki page.
  
 
==Using the RMEs with Logic==
 
==Using the RMEs with Logic==
 +
When using Logic with the RMEs, the digital protocol is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADAT ADAT]. The RMEs send and receive the digital signal between an RME HDSPe 'RayDAT' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express PCIe] card held within a metal chassis (the mysterious black box with the blue light either above or below the RME M32s). This is connected via an extra long optical [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface) Thunderbolt] cable to the iMac in the recording studio control room.
 +
 
[[File:Logic X + ProTools Native.jpg|1000px|How both the RME M32s should look when recording in Logic at 44.1khz]]
 
[[File:Logic X + ProTools Native.jpg|1000px|How both the RME M32s should look when recording in Logic at 44.1khz]]
  
−
When using Logic with the RMEs the digital protocol used is ADAT, you might be familiar with this phrase. The RMEs send the converted audio to a PCI card held within a metal chassis (the mysterious black box with the blue light either above or below the RME M32s) and finally this is connected via an extra long optical thunderbolt cable to the iMac in the recording studio.
+
In the image above you can see how the RMEs should look when recording in Logic at 44.1kHz. Unless you wish to experiment with other sample rates, it is most likely that this is how you will be recording into Logic.
  
−
In the image provided you can see how the RMEs should look when recording in Logic at 44.1khz, unless you wish to experiment with other sample rates this is how you will mostly likely be recording most of the time in Logic. The top box (the M32 AD) is operating as the Master Clock in this instance and so simply shows the intended sample rate in the clock section, so long as this is your intended sample rate this box remains much the same for each different set up.
+
The '''M32 AD''' (top box) is operating as the master clock in this instance, meaning that the ''CLOCK SECTION'' is showing the sample rate being generated and sent to the M32 DA (bottom box). This is the rate at which your Logic session should be configured to run.
  
−
The second RME (the M32 DA), which handles conversion of audio back into the analogue domain, requires the most adjustment between different standard recording setups. Ensure the ADAT lights have been selected by pressing the button below the 4 lights in the ADAT section and also ensure the clock section has ADAT selected as well by pressing the left button in the clock section until ADAT is selected.
+
The '''M32 DA''' (bottom box) handles the conversion of digital audio back into the analogue domain. This requires the most adjustment between different recording setups. Ensure the ADAT input has been selected by pressing the 'sync' button in the ''ADAT'' section. Also ensure that the ''CLOCK SECTION'' of the DA has '''ADAT''' chosen by pressing the 'select' button (on the left) until ''ADAT'' is selected.
  
−
In Logic your project sample rate matches the one selected on the RME M32 AD and select HDSPe as your recording interface.
+
In Logic, your project sample rate should be set to match the one chosen on the '''M32 AD''' and select '''HDSPe RayDAT''' as your recording interface.
  
−
==Using the RMEs with ProTools HD==
+
==Using the RMEs with Pro Tools Ultimate==
 +
When using Pro Tools Ultimate with the RMEs, the digital protocol is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MADI MADI], connected over '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNC_connector BNC]''' cable. The RMEs send and receive the digital signal between the Avid [[HD MADI]] interface, located above the RME M32s, which in turn connect to a Pro Tools Ultimate 'HDX' PCIe card held within the same metal chassis as the 'RayDAT' card mentioned above. Again, this is connected via an extra long optical Thunderbolt cable to the iMac in the recording studio control room.
  
−
[[File:ProTools HD.jpg|1000px|How both the RME M32s should look when recording in ProTools HD at 44.1khz]]
+
[[File:ProTools HD.jpg|1000px|How both the RME M32s should look when recording in Pro Tools Ultimate at 44.1kHz]]
  
−
When using ProTools HD with the RMEs the digital protocol used is MADI using the BNC cable option, the MADI protocol can be used with either BNC or Optical cable options. The RMEs send the converted audio to the AVID HD Madi interface unit, above the RME M32s, which in turn connects to a ProTools HDX PCIe card held within a metal chassis and finally this is connected via an extra long optical thunderbolt cable to the iMac in the recording studio.
+
In the image above you can see how the RMEs should look when recording in Pro Tools Ultimate at 44.1kHz. Remember that you cannot change your sample rate after you have started a new project in Pro Tools, so make sure you choose the correct rate at the beginning of your session.
  
−
In the image provided you can see how the RMEs should look when recording in ProTools HD at 44.1khz, remember you cannot change your sample rate after you have started a new project so make sure you choose the right sample rate at the beginning of your session. The top box (the M32 AD) is operating as the Master Clock in this instance and so simply shows the intended sample rate in the clock section, so long as this is your intended sample rate this box remains much the same for each different set up.
+
The '''M32 AD''' (top box) is operating as the master clock in this instance, meaning that the ''CLOCK SECTION'' is showing the sample rate being generated and sent to the M32 DA (bottom box). This is the rate at which your Pro Tools session should be configured to run.
  
−
The second RME (the M32 DA), which handles conversion of audio back into the analogue domain, requires the most adjustment between different standard recording setups. Ensure MADI is selected by turning off the four ADAT lights (if they are on), you can then toggle between BNC and OPT (optical) in the MADI input setting, ensure BNC is selected. Finally make sure your clock selection is set to MADI, if you are using higher sample rate you may need to adjust the "state", please see below for more details.
+
The '''M32 DA''' (bottom box) handles the conversion of digital audio back into the analogue domain. This requires the most adjustment between different recording setups. First, switch off the synchronisation to ADAT using the 'select' button in the ''ADAT'' section; the four SYNC lights should switch off and you can now configure the ''MADI INPUT'' settings. Ensure the '''BNC''' MADI input has been selected by pressing the 'select' button in the ''MADI INPUT'' section. Then ensure that the ''CLOCK SECTION'' of the DA has '''MADI''' chosen by pressing the 'select' button (on the left) until ''MADI'' is selected.
 +
 
 +
If you are using sample rates higher than 48kHz then you may need to adjust the clock "state". Please see below for more details on advanced configurations.
  
 
==Using the RMEs with Your Own Laptop==
 
==Using the RMEs with Your Own Laptop==
−
[[File:Madiface.jpg|1000px|How both the RME M32s should look when recording in ProTools HD at 44.1khz]]
+
The recording studios were designed to allow you to use your own laptop instead of the provided iMac should you wish. To do this, you must use the '''RME MADIface''' interface by connecting your laptop to the USB port labelled ''MADIFACE'' on the control room [[Connectivity Panel]]. This provides 64 simultaneous input and output channels between your laptop and the RME M32 converters, giving 128 channels of audio over standard [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#USB_2.0 USB 2.0].
 +
 
 +
To use the '''MADIface''' interface you need to install the [http://www.rme-audio.de/en/downloads/driver/uc.php free driver from the RME website]. Look for '' 'MADIface XT / USB / Pro' '' in the downloads and install the correct version for your Mac or Windows system. Linux systems using ALSA v1.1 and above should work with no additional driver.
 +
 
 +
When using your own laptop with the RMEs, the digital protocol is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MADI MADI], connected over '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-mode_optical_fiber optical fibre]'''. The settings are very similar to the Pro Tools configuration described previously.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Madiface.jpg|1000px|How both the RME M32s should look when recording to your own laptop at 44.1kHz]]
  
−
It is possible in all the different studios to use your own laptop as a substitute for the provided iMac, studios 1-6 use RME's Madiface technology to allow for near complete integration with the studio. Your laptop can be connected to the Madiface using a USB cable which in turn transfers digital audio to and from the RME M32 converters using the optical cable option.
+
In the image above you can see how the RMEs should look when recording to your own laptop at 44.1kHz. You will also need to ensure that the MADIface configuration matches the M32s using the "Fireface Settings" window which appears upon connecting the MADIface to your computer.
  
−
Firstly you will need to download and install the RME Madiface drivers and software to your laptop, these can be found on the [http://www.rme-audio.de/en/products/madiface_usb.php| RME website] and then ensure the RME is set to the same settings as in the image above. You will also need to ensure your settings match those on the front RME M32s in the "Fireface" dialogue box that appears upon connecting the Madiface to your computer.
+
The '''M32 AD''' (top box) is operating as the master clock in this instance, meaning that the ''CLOCK SECTION'' is showing the sample rate being generated and sent to the M32 DA (bottom box). This is the rate at which your DAW should be configured to run.
 +
 
 +
The '''M32 DA''' (bottom box) handles the conversion of digital audio back into the analogue domain. This requires the most adjustment between different recording setups. First, switch off the synchronisation to ADAT using the 'select' button in the ''ADAT'' section; the four SYNC lights should switch off and you can now configure the ''MADI INPUT'' settings. Ensure the '''OPT''' MADI input has been chosen by pressing the 'select' button in the ''MADI INPUT'' section. Then ensure that the ''CLOCK SECTION'' of the DA has '''MADI''' chosen by pressing the 'select' button (on the left) until ''MADI'' is selected.
 +
 
 +
If you are using sample rates higher than 48kHz then you may need to adjust the clock "state". Please see below for more details on advanced configurations.
  
 
==Using Different Sample Rates==
 
==Using Different Sample Rates==
  
−
Once you have set the RME M32s to the correct settings for your chosen DAW you may wish to work in a different sample rate than the standard 44.1khz. The RME M32s offer conversion capabilities of up to 192khz however the most common alternative you might find yourself using is 48khz.  
+
Once you have configured the RME M32s to the correct settings for your chosen DAW, you may wish to work in a sample rate other than 44.1kHz. The RME M32s offer clock speeds of up to 192kHz, though the most common alternative is 48kHz.
  
−
[[File:96k RME example.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Here is an example of a pair of RME M32s setup for recording in Logic at a sample rate of 96khz]]
+
If you intend to use a 48kHz sample rate it is best practice to set the M32s to follow the [[Master Clock|house clock]]. Simply set both the AD and DA units to ''Word Clock'' by choosing '''WCK''' from the ''CLOCK SECTION''. When configuring your DAW, choose the ''Word Clock'' or ''External Clock'' option.
  
−
The RME M32 AD (the top unit) should always read the sample rate that you intend to work in, it does this through a combination of two different settings, the "clock" on the top unit should read as either 44.1khz or 48khz and the "state" should either be unlit, be set to DS (double speed) or QS (quadruple speed). The combination of these two is your resultant clock speed, for example 48khz at double speed results in a sample rate of 96khz.
+
For other frequencies, the '''M32 AD''' (top unit) should always be the device generating the local clock pulse. The M32 units only generate 44.1kHz or 48kHz frequencies, but can clock up to 192kHz by multiplying this signal by two or by four. You choose the multiplier using the ''STATE'' option in the ''CLOCK SECTION''. This ''STATE'' must be set on '''both''' M32 units to work.
  
−
The bottom unit should have the appropriate "clock" source selected such as "ADAT" if you are working with Logic or Madi if using Protools or the Madiface. The "state" however should always follow whatever you have selected on the top unit.
+
[[File:96k RME example.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Here is an example of a pair of RME M32s setup for recording in Logic at a sample rate of 96kHz]]
 +
 
 +
When the ''STATE'' options are unlit, no multiplier is set. Double speed (DS) multiplies the clock by two, quad speed (QS) by four. In the image to the right you can see an example configuration of the M32s set for use in Logic, communicating over ADAT to the HDSPe RayDAT PCIe card. The M32 AD (top unit) is generating a 48kHz clock signal and doubling it to 96kHz. The M32 DA (bottom unit) receives the same 48kHz clock signal over ADAT and also doubles it to 96kHz.  
  
 
The table below shows the full options for different sample rate selection.
 
The table below shows the full options for different sample rate selection.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Sample Rate
+
! Sample Rate<br />(kHz)
−
! M32 AD "clock"
+
! M32 AD<br />'' 'CLOCK' ''
−
! M32 AD "state"
+
! M32 AD & DA<br />'' 'STATE' ''
 
|-
 
|-
  
−
!44.1khz
+
!44.1
 
|44.1
 
|44.1
 
|Off
 
|Off
 
|-
 
|-
  
−
!48khz
+
!48
 
|48
 
|48
 
|Off
 
|Off
 
|-
 
|-
  
−
!88.2khz
+
!88.2
 
|44.1
 
|44.1
 
|DS
 
|DS
 
|-
 
|-
  
−
!96khz
+
!96
 
|48
 
|48
 
|DS
 
|DS
 
|-
 
|-
  
−
!176.4khz
+
!176.4
 
|44.1
 
|44.1
 
|QS
 
|QS
 
|-
 
|-
  
−
!192khz
+
!192
 
|48
 
|48
 
|QS
 
|QS
Line 88: Line 107:
  
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The ''STATE'' setting on both units remain the same regardless of whether you are using ADAT or MADI; you only need to choose which protocol to listen to (either ADAT or MADI) on the M32 DA. Everything else is the same as described in the earlier sections.
  
 
==Total Mix==
 
==Total Mix==
−
Total Mix is the software provided by RME to manage the routing of your outputs and inputs, it allows us to listen back to audio post conversion on the long faders of the desk with almost no latency whilst recording audio on the short faders. It also lets us decide where we might want to route out DAW outputs, so if you were working on a desk with less output you could potentially combine signals to double up.
+
Total Mix is the software provided by RME to manage the routing of your outputs and inputs, it allows us to listen back to audio post conversion on the long faders of the desk with almost no latency whilst recording audio on the short faders. It also lets us decide where we might want to route out DAW outputs, so if you were working on a desk with fewer channels you could potentially combine signals to double up on each channel.
  
 
You do not need to worry about most of this as in the recording studios two default settings have been added for ease of use with everything routed how one might expect it to be. The two presets available are "Record" and "Mix", you will see these on the righthand side when opening Total Mix. It's important to make sure you use these appropriately when you are in your studio session, if ever you find nothing being routed into the computer is coming back on the long faders then it is very likely Total Mix is in "Mix" mode, switch to record mode and this problem will be solved. Likewise if you are planning to do a large mix across the desk or do any routing out of your chosen DAW to the outboard gear in the studio it is important to use "Mix" mode as using the "Record" preset in this scenario can result in nasty (and potentially dangerous) feedback loops.
 
You do not need to worry about most of this as in the recording studios two default settings have been added for ease of use with everything routed how one might expect it to be. The two presets available are "Record" and "Mix", you will see these on the righthand side when opening Total Mix. It's important to make sure you use these appropriately when you are in your studio session, if ever you find nothing being routed into the computer is coming back on the long faders then it is very likely Total Mix is in "Mix" mode, switch to record mode and this problem will be solved. Likewise if you are planning to do a large mix across the desk or do any routing out of your chosen DAW to the outboard gear in the studio it is important to use "Mix" mode as using the "Record" preset in this scenario can result in nasty (and potentially dangerous) feedback loops.
  
 
If you are using the Madiface feel free to ask a member of the recording studios staff to check that your Total Mix is set up correctly.
 
If you are using the Madiface feel free to ask a member of the recording studios staff to check that your Total Mix is set up correctly.

Latest revision as of 09:42, 23 May 2018

Recording Studios 1 through 6 use the RME M32 AD/DA combination for digital conversion, encoding analogue signal into digital information and back again. Unlike converters you may be used to when using an audio interface at home, where encoding and transfer are often combined, the RME interfaces blindly convert analogue audio into a selection of different digital formats. The process of transferring this digital signal into the computer is handled separately by a selection of additional interfaces. Which ones you use will depend upon your choice of DAW.

REMEMBER: IF YOU ARE EVER UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO USE THE RME ASK AT THE STUDIO OFFICE FOR HELP!

USING THE WRONG SETTINGS CAN COMPLETELY RUIN A WHOLE SESSIONS' WORK.

The RME M32s act autonomously so any changes you might need to make, such as changing your sample rate, need to be made on the front panels of the units. Changes will not be carried over to your chosen DAW automatically; these settings need to be made to match. For example, if you want to record in Logic at 44.1kHz, you have to make sure that the sample rate matches both in your Logic project and on the RME converters.

Clocking with the RMEs

As standard, the RME M32 AD (top unit) acts as a local master clock for each studio, keeping the digital converters and the computer interface in synchronisation with one another. This ensures stability when recording and ensures you avoid any nasty pops and clicks when recording. For the majority of the time this will mean that the AD unit's Clock Section will simply show the sample rate at which you are intending to record, usually 44.1kHz.

Instead of generating a master clock signal locally, you can use the New Adelphi Master Clock by setting the RME M32 AD Clock Section to "WCK", meaning Word Clock. However, this is fixed at a sample rate of 48kHz, so your session must also be configured to run at this rate. There are details as to why the house clock runs at 48kHz on the Master Clock wiki page.

Using the RMEs with Logic

When using Logic with the RMEs, the digital protocol is ADAT. The RMEs send and receive the digital signal between an RME HDSPe 'RayDAT' PCIe card held within a metal chassis (the mysterious black box with the blue light either above or below the RME M32s). This is connected via an extra long optical Thunderbolt cable to the iMac in the recording studio control room.

How both the RME M32s should look when recording in Logic at 44.1khz

In the image above you can see how the RMEs should look when recording in Logic at 44.1kHz. Unless you wish to experiment with other sample rates, it is most likely that this is how you will be recording into Logic.

The M32 AD (top box) is operating as the master clock in this instance, meaning that the CLOCK SECTION is showing the sample rate being generated and sent to the M32 DA (bottom box). This is the rate at which your Logic session should be configured to run.

The M32 DA (bottom box) handles the conversion of digital audio back into the analogue domain. This requires the most adjustment between different recording setups. Ensure the ADAT input has been selected by pressing the 'sync' button in the ADAT section. Also ensure that the CLOCK SECTION of the DA has ADAT chosen by pressing the 'select' button (on the left) until ADAT is selected.

In Logic, your project sample rate should be set to match the one chosen on the M32 AD and select HDSPe RayDAT as your recording interface.

Using the RMEs with Pro Tools Ultimate

When using Pro Tools Ultimate with the RMEs, the digital protocol is MADI, connected over BNC cable. The RMEs send and receive the digital signal between the Avid HD MADI interface, located above the RME M32s, which in turn connect to a Pro Tools Ultimate 'HDX' PCIe card held within the same metal chassis as the 'RayDAT' card mentioned above. Again, this is connected via an extra long optical Thunderbolt cable to the iMac in the recording studio control room.

How both the RME M32s should look when recording in Pro Tools Ultimate at 44.1kHz

In the image above you can see how the RMEs should look when recording in Pro Tools Ultimate at 44.1kHz. Remember that you cannot change your sample rate after you have started a new project in Pro Tools, so make sure you choose the correct rate at the beginning of your session.

The M32 AD (top box) is operating as the master clock in this instance, meaning that the CLOCK SECTION is showing the sample rate being generated and sent to the M32 DA (bottom box). This is the rate at which your Pro Tools session should be configured to run.

The M32 DA (bottom box) handles the conversion of digital audio back into the analogue domain. This requires the most adjustment between different recording setups. First, switch off the synchronisation to ADAT using the 'select' button in the ADAT section; the four SYNC lights should switch off and you can now configure the MADI INPUT settings. Ensure the BNC MADI input has been selected by pressing the 'select' button in the MADI INPUT section. Then ensure that the CLOCK SECTION of the DA has MADI chosen by pressing the 'select' button (on the left) until MADI is selected.

If you are using sample rates higher than 48kHz then you may need to adjust the clock "state". Please see below for more details on advanced configurations.

Using the RMEs with Your Own Laptop

The recording studios were designed to allow you to use your own laptop instead of the provided iMac should you wish. To do this, you must use the RME MADIface interface by connecting your laptop to the USB port labelled MADIFACE on the control room Connectivity Panel. This provides 64 simultaneous input and output channels between your laptop and the RME M32 converters, giving 128 channels of audio over standard USB 2.0.

To use the MADIface interface you need to install the free driver from the RME website. Look for 'MADIface XT / USB / Pro' in the downloads and install the correct version for your Mac or Windows system. Linux systems using ALSA v1.1 and above should work with no additional driver.

When using your own laptop with the RMEs, the digital protocol is MADI, connected over optical fibre. The settings are very similar to the Pro Tools configuration described previously.

How both the RME M32s should look when recording to your own laptop at 44.1kHz

In the image above you can see how the RMEs should look when recording to your own laptop at 44.1kHz. You will also need to ensure that the MADIface configuration matches the M32s using the "Fireface Settings" window which appears upon connecting the MADIface to your computer.

The M32 AD (top box) is operating as the master clock in this instance, meaning that the CLOCK SECTION is showing the sample rate being generated and sent to the M32 DA (bottom box). This is the rate at which your DAW should be configured to run.

The M32 DA (bottom box) handles the conversion of digital audio back into the analogue domain. This requires the most adjustment between different recording setups. First, switch off the synchronisation to ADAT using the 'select' button in the ADAT section; the four SYNC lights should switch off and you can now configure the MADI INPUT settings. Ensure the OPT MADI input has been chosen by pressing the 'select' button in the MADI INPUT section. Then ensure that the CLOCK SECTION of the DA has MADI chosen by pressing the 'select' button (on the left) until MADI is selected.

If you are using sample rates higher than 48kHz then you may need to adjust the clock "state". Please see below for more details on advanced configurations.

Using Different Sample Rates

Once you have configured the RME M32s to the correct settings for your chosen DAW, you may wish to work in a sample rate other than 44.1kHz. The RME M32s offer clock speeds of up to 192kHz, though the most common alternative is 48kHz.

If you intend to use a 48kHz sample rate it is best practice to set the M32s to follow the house clock. Simply set both the AD and DA units to Word Clock by choosing WCK from the CLOCK SECTION. When configuring your DAW, choose the Word Clock or External Clock option.

For other frequencies, the M32 AD (top unit) should always be the device generating the local clock pulse. The M32 units only generate 44.1kHz or 48kHz frequencies, but can clock up to 192kHz by multiplying this signal by two or by four. You choose the multiplier using the STATE option in the CLOCK SECTION. This STATE must be set on both M32 units to work.

Here is an example of a pair of RME M32s setup for recording in Logic at a sample rate of 96kHz

When the STATE options are unlit, no multiplier is set. Double speed (DS) multiplies the clock by two, quad speed (QS) by four. In the image to the right you can see an example configuration of the M32s set for use in Logic, communicating over ADAT to the HDSPe RayDAT PCIe card. The M32 AD (top unit) is generating a 48kHz clock signal and doubling it to 96kHz. The M32 DA (bottom unit) receives the same 48kHz clock signal over ADAT and also doubles it to 96kHz.

The table below shows the full options for different sample rate selection.

Sample Rate
(kHz) 		M32 AD
'CLOCK' 		M32 AD & DA
'STATE'
44.1 44.1 Off
48 48 Off
88.2 44.1 DS
96 48 DS
176.4 44.1 QS
192 48 QS

The STATE setting on both units remain the same regardless of whether you are using ADAT or MADI; you only need to choose which protocol to listen to (either ADAT or MADI) on the M32 DA. Everything else is the same as described in the earlier sections.

Total Mix

Total Mix is the software provided by RME to manage the routing of your outputs and inputs, it allows us to listen back to audio post conversion on the long faders of the desk with almost no latency whilst recording audio on the short faders. It also lets us decide where we might want to route out DAW outputs, so if you were working on a desk with fewer channels you could potentially combine signals to double up on each channel.

You do not need to worry about most of this as in the recording studios two default settings have been added for ease of use with everything routed how one might expect it to be. The two presets available are "Record" and "Mix", you will see these on the righthand side when opening Total Mix. It's important to make sure you use these appropriately when you are in your studio session, if ever you find nothing being routed into the computer is coming back on the long faders then it is very likely Total Mix is in "Mix" mode, switch to record mode and this problem will be solved. Likewise if you are planning to do a large mix across the desk or do any routing out of your chosen DAW to the outboard gear in the studio it is important to use "Mix" mode as using the "Record" preset in this scenario can result in nasty (and potentially dangerous) feedback loops.

If you are using the Madiface feel free to ask a member of the recording studios staff to check that your Total Mix is set up correctly.

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