RME
OCTAMIC II

8-channel, microphone preamplifier & AES/ADAT A/D converter

The OctaMic II is the ultimate solution for 8-channel 192 kHz/24-bit conversion and eight high-quality microphone channels. It's built with the best components and is based on RME's proven technology. It delivers the lowest distortion, the best signal-to-noise ratio, and the most linear frequency response, guaranteeing that microphone signals are transmitted and amplified without any alteration. This ensures an unadulterated sound.

Connections and features

8 x Mic / Line Input (XLR/TRS combo socket)
8 x line output
2 x ADAT I/O
4 x AES/SPDIF Sync Input
1 x AES/EBU I/O
8x AD converter (up to 192 kHz)
Phase, low cut and phantom power per channel
Clip hold memory

Features

The OctaMic II offers you eight balanced mic/line inputs via XLR socket. Each channel has three essential features: separately switchable phantom power (48 V), a low-cut filter, and phase rotation. You can adjust the gain to a range of 6 to 60 dB. Once the special clip-hold mode is activated and an overload is detected, the respective clip LED will flash once per second. This peak monitoring mode makes the user's work much easier. There's no need for the user to constantly look at the clip LEDs. However, all acute overloads are still displayed correctly.

The front panel provides convenient switches for power and selecting the reference level. Select the reference level between -10 dBV, +4 dBu, and Hi Gain (+19 dBu). This extraordinary feature offers two decisive advantages. Firstly, you can easily adapt the reference level to any current RME device, from the HDSP 9632 to the Multiface and the first-class ADI-8 series converters. Secondly, the signal-to-noise ratio is optimized, and the clip LED works exactly like that of the ADI-8 (2 dB below 0 dBFS).

The microphone signals are available at balanced line level on eight stereo jacks at the rear. The internal high-performance switching power supply, developed exclusively for the OctaMic II, operates in the 100 to 240 volt AC range. It is short-circuit proof, has an integrated mains filter, fully regulates mains voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.

A/D - CONVERSION

The OctaMic II's 8-channel AD conversion unquestionably supports up to a 192 kHz sample rate. The digitized signal is simultaneously available at a dual ADAT output (S/MUX, up to 96 kHz) and at a 25-pin D-Sub socket (4 AES outputs, up to 192 kHz). The digital section can be synced internally (master) as well as externally from word clock, AES/EBU, and SPDIF.

RME's SteadyClock is the best solution for perfect AD conversion, period. It eliminates jitter on external sync sources. All settings are made via DIP switches on the back of the OctaMic II. You can use both the analog and digital outputs simultaneously. The reference level only affects the analog output. The signal/clip display and AD conversion react exclusively to the gain pots.

Technical specifications

8 balanced XLR/jack mic/line inputs / 54 dB gain range
Input impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, jack 5 kOhm
Analog input level from -40 dBu up to +21 dBu
Maximum output level: +21 dBu / output impedance: 75 Ohm
Output level switchable Hi Gain / +4 dBu / -10 dBV
SNR: 129 dB EIN @ 150 Ohm / THD: < 0.005% @ 30 dB gain
Wide frequency range (200 kHz) with special HF filtering in the input
Frequency response -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 200 kHz
Subsonic filter: 80 Hz, 18 dB/oct.
Line out: 6.3 mm stereo jack, servo-balanced
Phantom power: +48 V switchable per channel
Internal wide-range switching power supply 100-240 volts
AD conversion
- SNR: >110 dB(A) / THD: < 0.0003 %, < -110 dB
- Supported sample frequencies: 28 kHz - 200 kHz
- Sync sources: AES/EBU (also SPDIF coaxial), word clock, internal
- SteadyClock(TM) guarantees the best sound quality even with jittery external clocks