The ADI-96 PRO is RME's most outstanding project: a professional 24 bit/96 kHz stereo AD-converter with servo balanced line and microphone inputs. The technical data are of the best you can get today. Modern 24 bit ADCs with up to 96 kHz sample frequency and real 117 dBA dynamic range, a variable frequency synthesizer PLL in double speed technology (Low Jitter Design), CDS® (Constant Double Speed) for highest sound quality even when sampling lower than 64 kHz, Analog Processing or clippless Digital Processing with Look Ahead, and a hi-speed DSP calculating in 48 bit/96 kHz make up a powerful, easy to use device.

Use the following feature list to compare our ADI-96 PRO with other Line/Mic Preamps or AD-converters, and you will agree: The ADI-96 PRO has the best price/performance ratio!

24 Bit / 96 kHz AD-converter, fully balanced design, 119 dB ADCs from Crystal
80 MHz Motorola DSP 56303, for full 48 bit internal resolution at 96 kHz
Inputs: Mic (XLR, Phantom power switchable), Line (XLR, 1/4" TRS), word clock (BNC)
DSP functions: De-esser, Noisegate, Phase, Low Cut, Non Linear Compressor, Auto Level Control, Delay, M/S Processing, Dither
Constant Double Speed (CDS®) technology preserves hi-speed sample sound even at sample rates below 64 kHz
Sample frequencies 32 kHz, 44,1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88,2 kHz, 96 kHz
Complete remote control through Windows software
Analog Processing on digital domain for 'analog' sound
Digital Processing with Look Ahead for minimized changes in sound

MPN: ADI-96PRO

The integrated DSP gives you several functions at the place where you really need them, in realtime and without the need of later editing the audio material. Think of making exceptional microphone recordings while having hi-pass filter, De-esser, Noise Gate, Leveler, Limiter, Phase, Delay and M/S Processing simultaneously at hand. Also when digitizing line signals - the ADI-96 PRO does this in an extreme quality - a DC filter, Limiter and Expander will positively affect your recordings and the digital result.

Processing the data in the digital domain avoids all unwanted effects typical for analog circuitry, like additional noise, distortions, changes in frequency response and deviations between both channels. Thanks to its clear structured menu and a big 2x20 character LC-display the configuration is done in seconds. The DSP also controls the integrated Peak Level Meter and the Correlation Meter.



The back of the ADI-96 PRO offers several servo balanced inputs. The microphone inputs are available as XLR, the line inputs as XLR and 1/4" TRS jacks. The line audio path is build in a completely balanced design, from the jack to the ADC. The digital outputs in AES/EBU (XLR) and SPDIF (optical/coaxial) format allow a connection to all other units with digital inputs. The BNC jack can be configured as word clock input and output, the ADI-96 PRO will operate as master or slave respectively.



Serial Interface - Software

All functions are remote controllable and can be visualized on a Windows or BeOS PC. The included software Remote Control uses the RS-232 interface to communicate with the device. All setups can be edited online and offline, and can be transfered in both directions. Enhanced level displays of input and output signals plus 'control voltages' of Expander, De-esser and Auto Level Control provide a useful overview.





DSP Functions of Dual Mono A/D

CDS®
CDS (Constant Double Speed) maintains the crystal clear sound of 96 kHz sample rate even when using usual (lower) sample rates. In CDS mode the ADI-96 samples and calculates the audio data with double speed. Before the data reach the digital output they are downsampled to compatible values.

De-esser
A De-esser reduces the level of high disturbing sounds (sibilants) in vocal recordings. The ADI-96 uses a configurable dynamic notch filter, but needs no adjustment when the level changes. A special adaptation function compares the overall level with the level of the filtered signal, and changes the Threshold so that a relative level operation is realized. Adjustable from 0,7 kHz to 20 kHz, Q from 0.2 to 10, Ratio 0 dB to -50 dB.

Expander
An Expander lowers the signal 'smooth' according to a given characteristic (Ratio) when the level drops under a given level (Threshold). With this music can be faded in and out without audible distortion, noise between tracks can be easily suppressed. With a more extreme setting, like Ratio 5:1 and Release 0,1 s the Expander operates like a Noise Gate. This for example allows to isolate percussive instruments from environmental noise. With activated Delay the Expander operates in Look Ahead mode. Adjustable from -30 dBFS to -110 dBFS, Ratio 1,2 to 5,0, Attack Fast (1 ms) or Slow (25 ms) and Release 0,1 to 25,5 seconds.

Low Cut
High pass filter 12 dB/oct with a resolution of 48 bit, adjustable cutoff frequency from 2 Hz up to 250 Hz. Removes unwanted rumble and low frequency noise when recording from microphones, or transferring old analog audio material. At a setting of 2 Hz also useable as DC-filter.

Non Linear Compressor
Realizes a non linear compressor or 'soft limiter' function. Consists of a brickwall limiter with optimized harmonic rendering. Even at +5 dB it is nearly impossible to hear any distortion in mixdowns. Very good for maximizing loudness or when needing additional headroom. Similar to the effect known as tape saturation.

Auto Level Control
Serves as automatic level control. When the input signal does not reach a given level for a given time the gain is raised. Optimizes the average recording level, avoids recording levels that are too low. At lower Rise time settings the ALC operates as digital Compressor. In conjunction with the NLC an effect widely known as 'Maximizer', causing an enormous raise of the volume/loudness at minimal audible artefacts can be achieved. With activated Delay the ALC operates in Look Ahead mode. Adjustable are Gain 0 to 24 dB, Headroom 1 to 12 dB and Rise 0,1 s to 25,5 s.

Delay
Independent delay for left and right channel up to 170 ms in steps of 0,1 ms. Can be used to eliminate acoustical delays from critical microphone positioning or in bigger acoustical environments (PA). May be used to generate a light stereo effect by delaying only one channel. Activates the Look Ahead mode for Epander and Auto Level Control.

Phase
Phase correction 180° for left, right or both channels. Removes problems with stereo to mono conversion.

Bit Resolution and Dither
ADI-96 PRO always samples in 24 bit resolution. The output can be configured to 8, 16, 20 or 24 bit word length. As this would lead to audible distortion at 8 and 16 bit at lower levels, it is possible to add Dither (0,5/1 LSB) to the output signal. Then the signal will be rounded to the desired resolution.

M/S Processing
The mid/side processor transforms recordings done in the mid/side positioning technique to a usual left/right stereo signal. Additional it processes usual stereo signals into a mid/side signal. This allows to check a completed mix on the included stereo informations, or to manipulate only the stereo signals.



DSP-Software Audio Analyser

The combination of Windows or BeOS-PC and supplied DSP software Audio Analyser turns the ADI-96 PRO into a flexible 10/15/20/30 band Analyser, which does not behave like those typical software PlugIn solutions, but like those well known (and expensive) external devices. Furthermore the ADI-96 PRO offers numerous functions and configuration options. Visualization and timings are adjustable over a wide range. Different modes, low system load (all calculations are done through the ADI's DSP), visualization in nearly realtime (only 50 ms delay) and an easy to understand settings dialog let your dreams come true.





Further Functions

The devices memory can store up to 6 different DSP programs. Further software is under development and will soon be available for free on our website. The serial interface allows to load updated DSP software into the ADI-96 PRO in a very easy and convenient way. With this the ADI-96 PRO is ready for a long and successful operation.

If you want to know more about the ADI-96 PRO we recommend to download its manual, which contains much more and detailed information.



Technical Specifications and Features

Input: Mic (XLR, phantom power switchable), Line (XLR and 1/4" TRS jack), word clock (BNC)
Output: AES/EBU (XLR), SPDIF (optical/coaxial), word clock (BNC)
PC Interface: RS-232, 9-pin D-type connector
Dynamic range: 117 dBA
THD+N: -100 dB (0.001 %)
Max. input level: +21 dBu
Input gain: Mic 0 to 50 dB, Line 0 to 20 dB
Frequency response AD, SF 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 10 Hz - 21 kHz. SF 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 44.8 kHz
Standard DSP Functions: Bypass, Constant Double Speed, De-esser, Expander, Phase, Low Cut, Non Linear Compressor, Auto Level Control, Delay, M/S Processing, Dither. All functions simultaneous operational.
Output format Professional or Consumer (with or without copy protection)
Output resolution 8, 16, 20 or 24 bit, with or without Dither in 0.5/1 LSB amplitude
Sample frequency selectable: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
External synchronisation using word clock input. Master when switched to word clock output
16 complete setups can be stored
Easy and effective user interface, optimized for fast access to all parameters and functions, hi-contrast display
Included Windows 95/98/NT and BeOS software allows remote control plus several meter and analyser displays in realtime
Power supply: internal, 110 V/230V AC
Dimensions: 483 x 44 x 200 mm
Warranty: 2 years

LSYS