RME Multiface: spdif or real aes/ebu?

xist · 12th July 2006

Hi, I own a Multiface but I've never explored "its digital sides". Since I heard a lot of talkings about aes/ebu connections with digital outboard, I checked if multiface has those outputs but I have a doubt.
The tech specs say yes,

"Input format SPDIF, AES/EBU (Consumer, Professional), ADAT optical
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)

Format output SPDIF, AES/EBU (Consumer/Professional), ADAT optical "

but I can see only a spdif connector on the back.
What's the truth? Does this connector can be used through a special cable as AES/EBU with the same AES/EBU quality of other devices?
And, in the end, is it really better to use a digital connection for working with outboards/fx which supports it?

Let me know, thanks :-)

redroom · 12th July 2006

You need to make an appropiate lead and then set the spdif on the RME to AES

xist · 12th July 2006

Ehm, sorry, what's a "lead" exactly in this case and how to "set as AES"?

**DrDeltaM** · 12th July 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by xist

Ehm, sorry, what's a "lead" exactly in this case and how to "set as AES"?

It's described in the RME manual, you can d/l it from RME's website.

Basically, you make an unbalanced RCA to balanced XLR cable. The 'set as AES' is a software setting in the RME driver window to make sure the AES format and impedance is used.

xist · 12th July 2006

Ok, now I've found the pages you talk about, I usually RTFM but this time I definitely skipped it :-(

The whole in/out AES ABU procedure on the Multiface seems a bit complicated to me (for example the setting names on the driver, like "emphasis" and so on), but maybe it's just the first time...

Do you think it's better to go this way if I buy outboard which supports it?

**DrDeltaM** · 13th July 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by xist

Ok, now I've found the pages you talk about, I usually RTFM but this time I definitely skipped it :-(

The whole in/out AES ABU procedure on the Multiface seems a bit complicated to me (for example the setting names on the driver, like "emphasis" and so on), but maybe it's just the first time...

Do you think it's better to go this way if I buy outboard which supports it?

I'm using AES gear on the spdif port of my RME Fireface in the same way (it has the same RME AES-mode). It's easy: you just select 'professional' for the spdif port. You can store settings, so that it'll be always set to AES('professional') standard. No hassle, works great.

degas · 17th January 2009

Uping an old thread here, but...
I have a RME FF800 and want to send AES to the Spdif input (stereo).
It seems the RME can take 110 ohm signals through Spdif.

Du you need a "special" AES to Spidf cable, or would any normal XLR->RCA do?
Also, I assume I need wordclock cables (both in and out?) between the RME and the other converter (Neve 1073 DPD)?

And lastly, which one should be the master clock?

degas · 19th January 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by degas

Uping an old thread here, but...
I have a RME FF800 and want to send AES to the Spdif input (stereo).
It seems the RME can take 110 ohm signals through Spdif.

Du you need a "special" AES to Spidf cable, or would any normal XLR->RCA do?
Also, I assume I need wordclock cables (both in and out?) between the RME and the other converter (Neve 1073 DPD)?

And lastly, which one should be the master clock?

Does anyone know?

12th July 2006	#1
xist Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 879 Thread Starter	RME Multiface: spdif or real aes/ebu? Hi, I own a Multiface but I've never explored "its digital sides". Since I heard a lot of talkings about aes/ebu connections with digital outboard, I checked if multiface has those outputs but I have a doubt. The tech specs say yes, "Input format SPDIF, AES/EBU (Consumer, Professional), ADAT optical 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) Format output SPDIF, AES/EBU (Consumer/Professional), ADAT optical " but I can see only a spdif connector on the back. What's the truth? Does this connector can be used through a special cable as AES/EBU with the same AES/EBU quality of other devices? And, in the end, is it really better to use a digital connection for working with outboards/fx which supports it? Let me know, thanks :-)

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12th July 2006	#2
redroom Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2004 Location: London Posts: 2,048	You need to make an appropiate lead and then set the spdif on the RME to AES

17th January 2009	#7
degas Gear addict Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 402	Uping an old thread here, but... I have a RME FF800 and want to send AES to the Spdif input (stereo). It seems the RME can take 110 ohm signals through Spdif. Du you need a "special" AES to Spidf cable, or would any normal XLR->RCA do? Also, I assume I need wordclock cables (both in and out?) between the RME and the other converter (Neve 1073 DPD)? And lastly, which one should be the master clock?