RME is pleased to announce the launch of the new HDSPe AoX series network audio interface cards.
RME has set a new industry standard with the introduction of its HDSPe AoX network audio interface cards. These cards are available in two versions: Dante® with 512 x 512 channels and Milan® with 128 x 128 channels. They utilize RME's renowned driver architecture to bring high channel counts to any DAW, and are equipped with a 256-channel TotalMix™ engine and an ultra-low latency FPGA-based hardware mixer.
The PCIe x4 interface occupies only one slot and can send and receive up to 512 network audio signals via two separate Gigabit Ethernet ports. Network audio channels can be partially replaced by MADI signals (or extended in the case of the Milan® version) by adding up to two optional dual SFP or dual coax expansion cards. This is the first time that it has been possible to integrate four MADI inputs, four MADI outputs and up to 256 network audio channels per direction into a single audio interface, under macOS® and Windows®.
In comparison to the extensive number of channels, the ¼" stereo headphone jack occupies a considerable amount of space on the card. This is a deliberate design choice, as it allows users to monitor any signal that reaches it, whether from the computer, the network, or the optional MADI inputs. To feed another signal into the mix, a digital AES3 stereo input and a MIDI input are available via a breakout cable, making the card a versatile and professional interface. The MADI option cards also include a word clock input/output.
Management of Large Number of Channels
The driver's software dialog window allows users to manage a large number of channels with ease. The routing matrix establishes connections between hardware I/O and software I/O, offering a high degree of flexibility. Users can select which 256 channels are to be sent to TotalMix. TotalMix offers a variety of powerful features, including level metering, preset management, layouts, sub-mixes, loopback, and more. The user can select a further 256 channels to be routed directly to the DAW, giving a total of 512 channels available for recording.
In the next step, the user selects which channels—again, 256 from TotalMix and a further 256 channels directly from the DAW—are to be sent to the card's hardware outputs. Higher sampling rates are supported by a corresponding reduction in the number of channels. At 96 kHz, the reduction is half, at 192 kHz, a quarter. The Milan version supports 128 channels at 96 kHz and 64 channels at 192 kHz. Both cards can also be installed in external Thunderbolt housings, which are a perfect addition for mobile recording systems. Installation in common DAWs or audio processors is also possible.
Available: Q3/2024
Learn more about HDSPe AoX
