The RME Digiface AES is a professional, bus-powered 14 input/16 output USB 2.0 interface with AES/SPDIF/Adat/Analogue I/O. With extensive digital connectivity, SteadyClock FS, stand-alone operation and built-in parametric EQ, the unit offers an all-in-one solution for recording and playback of digital and analogue sources, as well as flexible playback/monitoring via TotalMix FX.
The Digiface AES carries two Mic/Line universal analogue input channels and four analogue output channels (two XLR, one TRS phones) complementing its digital I/O.
The digital I/O is centred on a two-channel AES/EBU input and output via XLR, and also includes SPDIF coax, SPDIF optical or 8-channel Adat port. All I/O can be used simultaneously, it a versatile 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.
For the analogue inputs, RME has adopted the mic/line preamps in XLR combo configuration from the Babyface Pro FS – two digitally-controlled preamps with individually switchable 48V phantom power. These circuits feature a gain range of 75dB, adjustable in steps of 1dB, resulting in exceptional EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance as well as high overload protection, but also ample gain for the lowest level microphones.
On the rear panel are two balanced analogue outputs via XLR sockets to drive power amplifiers, active monitor speakers, or perform recordings. The headphone output allows additional and independent high-quality monitoring, providing sufficient output power and volume for both high and low impedance headphones.
Convenient, direct access and control of all features on the device is available from the front panel. Four keys and the encoder, the high-resolution and clear colour display, and a well thought-out menu structure allow for quick changes and configuration of the device.
Six device set-ups 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. Further, TotalMix FX can also be controlled externally via Midi.
With SteadyClock FS, the unit features RME’s latest clock and jitter rejection technology. Based on a femtosecond clock, SteadyClock FS reduces the intrinsic jitter when converting from and to analogue over all digital formats.
The Digiface AES comes with the TotalMix FX DSP mixer, offering comprehensive routing and monitoring options, as well as the DIGICheck analyser to analyse the digital data in both record and playback streams, with maximum precision. It can also integrate with RME's optional ARC USB remote control (sold separately).
When connected to a computer's USB port, the ARC USB provides quick access to all of the most used functions of TotalMix FX, with 15 user-definable buttons, a large encoder wheel, and a TS jack for connecting a footswitch.
Available in Q1 2023 (via Synthax UK), the RME Digiface AES carries anMSRP of £1,819.00 (inc VAT).
