Аудиоинтерфейс является модернизированным вариантом внешнего модуля HDSP Multiface из компьютерной системы Hammerfall DSP. Он полностью совместим с драйверами и операционной системой предыдущей модели, отличаясь от нее наличием специализированного выхода для наушников (джек на передней панели) с регулятором уровня, наличием на передней панели переключателей номинальных уровней аналоговых входов и выходов, улучшенным входным аналоговым каскадом (уровень подавления синфазных сигналов, уровень гармонических искажений, отношение сигнал/шум), улучшенным выходным аналоговым каскадом (уровень гармонических искажений), использованием более эффективного блока питания от устройства OctaMic. Также с задней панели убран разъем ADAT-синхронизации (что позволило свободнее разместить джековые гнезда) и добавлен крючок для кабелей. Кроме того, используется такой же полурэковый корпус, как у устройства ADI 2.
Multiface II поддерживает до 36 аудиоканалов одновременно. На передней панели находятся MIDI-вход и выход, индикаторы работы MIDI, цифровых входов, интерфейсной шины. На задней панели есть восемь симметричных аналоговых входов и выходов (джеки), оптический цифровой интерфейс формата ADAT (переключается на SPDIF), электрический цифровой интерфейс формата SPDIF (RCA), вход и выход Word Clock (BNC).
Преобразователи и цифровые интерфейсы поддерживают разрядность до 24 бит, частоты дискретизации 32, 44,1, 48, 64, 88,2 и 96 кГц (ADAT-интерфейс использует технологию S/MUX четыре канала при 96 кГц).
Устройство можно использовать автономно как аналого-цифровой и цифро-аналоговый преобразователь, преобразователь цифровых форматов, субмикшер и т. д.
Прилагаются панель управления, программа DIGICheck, драйверы для Windows 98/ME (мультиклиентные MME, ASIO 2.0, GSIF), Windows 2000/XP (мультиклиентные MME, ASIO 2.0, GSIF), MacOS 9.x (ASIO 2.0, OMS MIDI), MacOS X (Core Audio, Core MIDI).

Для соединения с компьютером требуется наличие дополнительной интерфейсной платы HDSP PCI для шины PCI или HDSP CardBus для шины PCMCIA type II.

Overview

Connectivity

• 8 x Analog I/O (96 kHz)
• 1 x ADAT I/O (at 96 kHz via S/Mux)
• 1 x SPDIF I/O (96 kHz)
• 1 x Stereo Analog Output (separate for Submix/Phones)
• 1 x MIDI I/O
• 1 x Word Clock I/O
• TotalMix

How to handle a legend? Create a new!

The Multiface II is not only multi because of the many different interface formats supported, but also multi-Channel! The small box using half the space of a 19" rack includes outstanding power and extensive features.

Based on RMEs award-winning Hammerfall technology and equipped with the latest circuit designs of the Fireface 800, the Multiface II offers ADAT optical I/O, SPDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, word clock I/O and a separate hi-power monitor output.

On top there are 8 analog inputs and outputs, balanced and 24-bit/96kHz. All this can be used on laptops as well as on desktop computers with lowest latency and minimal CPU load.

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Features

Differences to Multiface I

Significant changes were provided to the internal core. The Multiface II integrates the more advanced featurs of Fireface- and OctaMic series:

• 1 x Hi-Power analog line/headphone out with volume (119 dB(A) SNR)
• analog input stage with advanced CMRR, lower THD and SNR increased by 10 dB
• analog outputs with lower THD
• synchronised and more efficient power supply
• reference level of the analog I/Os is changeable on the front with two different switches. No internal jumpers.
• ADAT Sync connector removed for increased space between the TRS jacks
• Improved enclosure and more generous board layout, improving technical specifications and internal quality.

Of course there are a lot typical RME features on board of the unit:

• 8 x analog line I/O, 24-Bit/96kHz, SNR 111 dBA, 1/4" TRS jacks
• 1 x ADAT digital I/O
• 1 x SPDIF digital I/O
• 1 x Word clock I/O (BNC)
• 1 x MIDI I/O, 16 channels high-speed MIDI
• 1 x hi-power analog line/headphone output, separate output for independent submix
• Hardware level calculation: freely scalable level meters, peak and RMS calculation without CPU load
• DIGICheck, RMEs unique metering - and analyse tool
• TotalMix: 720 channel mixer with 40 bit internal resolution. MIDI remote controllable.
• S/MUX poured in hardware: 4 channels 24-Bit/96kHz for record and playback via ADAT optical

... and numerous other features found already in the Hammerfall series. And all this for an unbeatable price!

The front panel hosts some useful status LEDs, like MIDI state, lock state of the digital inputs and error state of the host-bus. Additionally there's a high-quality 24-Bit/96kHz analog line output, also usable with headphones, and one MIDI I/O.

The rear of the Multiface II shows unrivalled connectivity: 8 analog line I/Os on 1/4" TRS jacks (balanced, 24-Bit/96kHz), ADAT optical I/O (switchable to SPDIF optical), SPDIF I/O coaxial, word clock I/O and MIDI I/O. Don't settle for less!

The headphone output in hi-power technology offers high levels, even with low level headphones. Hence the headphone is direct usable with ASIO Direct Monitoring.

Digital I/Os: One ADAT optical I/O provides eight more channels. The coaxial SPDIF I/O is complete AES/EBU compatible.

The Multiface II can be used with laptops as well as desktop computers. The connection to laptops is achieved via a CardBus card or an ExpressCard, the connection to desktops via a PCI card or PCI Express card. These interfaces are sold separately.

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Settings

Just click on the hammer symbol in the systray of the taskbar and the settings dialog of the Multiface comes up. The clear structured, easy to understand window plus the unique informative status windows for input signal, clock mode, sample rate and time code make your work with Hammerfall DSP System to a real pleasure. With a simple mouse click you gain access to the full power of your system.

When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary to know if these are properly locked, but also if they are totally synchronized. RME's exclusive SyncCheck checks all input signals and displays their actual state, and thanks to our new Intelligent Clock Control concept you have all clocks and states under control - with ease.

Regular firmware and driver updates ensure the Multiface II to stay at the top of today's audio interfaces. The latest addition, Disconnect mode, lets you use the unit as stand-alone AD/DA-converter, digital format converter, analog/digital mixer or submixer, and much more.

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Tech Specs

Supported sample rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, variable

88 buffer sizes/latencies available: 1.5 ms, 3 ms, 6 ms, 12 ms, 23 ms, 46 ms, 93 ms, 186 ms

ASIO Zero CPU Load Technologie: 0 (zero!)% CPU load when using ALL 36 channels!

All settings changeable in real-time

Clock modes: slave and master

Automatic, intelligent master/slave clock control

Enhanced Mixed Mode: All inputs and outputs simultaneously operational

Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode

Enhanced Zero Latency Monitoring for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring

DIGICheck, the ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool

Dynamic ratio analog AD: 111.5 dB(A), DA: 112 dB(A)

THD+N AD: -98 dB (0.0012%), DA: -97 dB (0.0014%)

Analog level @ 0 dBFS (set by front panel switch): +2 dBV, +13 dBu, +19 dBu

Dynamic ratio stereo monitor output: 119 dB(A), 119 dBA, output impedance 30 Ohm

Input 8 x line (1/4" TRS jacks), 1 x optical (TOSLINK), 1 x coaxial (RCA), 1 x MIDI, word clock (BNC)

Digital input formats: SPDIF, AES/EBU (Consumer, Professional), ADAT optical

Outputs: 8 x line (1/4" TRS jacks), 1 x optical (TOSLINK), stereo analog line (TRS), 1 x coaxial (phono), 1 x MIDI, word clock (BNC)

Digital format Output: SPDIF, AES/EBU (Consumer/Professional), ADAT optical