RME M-16 AD

The RME M-16 AD is a 16-channel high-end AD converter, designed for easy operation while offering a comprehensive feature set. Combining exceptional analog circuit design with the latest converter chips and RME’s superior SteadyClock technology, the M-16 AD delivers state-of-the-art AD conversion for 16 channels.

Connectivity and Features

The M-16 AD includes analog limiters, three hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, MADI and ADAT I/O up to 192 kHz, 6.3 mm TRS and D-sub inputs, remote control via MIDI, and compatibility with a wide range of mains voltages. The extraordinary limiter is optimized for professional studio, stage, and broadcast applications, offering essential operational safety by limiting an input’s overload of up to 17 dB without audible distortion (max. input level +30 dBu).

The M-16 AD provides multichannel conversion in reference quality at an unbeatable price/performance ratio.

Highlights

• 16-channel AD converter, fully symmetrical design, 116 dBA
• 19″ enclosure with only 2 units height
• 1 x MADI I/O, 16 channels @ 96 kHz, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
• 4 x ADAT Out, 16 channels @ 96 kHz, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
• Automatic Delay Compensation: no user operation necessary when stacking units
• Analog limiter can be activated
• 16 LED level meters with 5 LEDs each
• 16 LEDs to display the Limiter state per channel
• SteadyClock™ – pristine sound quality independently from the quality of the external clock signal
• SyncCheck™ – unique technology to check clock synchronization
• All settings are stored permanently
• Fully remote controllable via MIDI and MIDI over MADI

Features

The M-16 AD offers exceptional AD conversion to MADI and ADAT formats in a compact 19″ unit with only 2U height. The balanced analog inputs based on RME’s reference design from the ADI-8 QS ensure excellent S/N and THD specs across a wide analog level range. Three different hardware levels are available. Utilizing up-to-date converter technology, the device not only works up to 192 kHz but also achieves a real-world signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dBA on all channels.

SteadyClock™ guarantees perfect sound quality through efficient jitter suppression, making the device completely independent of the quality of external clock signals. Intelligent Clock Control displays every clock status via flashing LEDs and retains the last valid input sample rate in case of external source failure. Other renowned RME technologies like SyncCheck allow quick detection of clock problems.

All M-series converters are fully remote controllable and configurable via MIDI. Each unit’s complete status can be monitored, including all front panel displays. Individual IDs can be set for each unit, enabling separate control of multiple units via a single MIDI channel. Control software for Mac and PC is supplied, allowing easy remote control, including MIDI transfer via MADI (MIDI Extender).

The M-16 AD and M-32 AD have optical and coaxial MADI inputs. In case of input signal failure, the source is switched immediately if a valid signal is present on the other input.

The M-16 AD’s four ADAT outputs provide simple connectivity with other studio equipment. Combining with RME’s HDSPe RayDAT allows the transfer of 16 channels into a Mac or PC with regular optical Toslink cables at an unbeatable price. The converter’s ADAT input serves as an optional source for external synchronization.

All settings are retained when the unit is powered off.

• Input AD: 1/4″ TRS jack and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced, completely symmetrical audio path
• Output AD: 4 x ADAT optical, 1 x MADI optical/coaxial
• Dynamic Range AD: 113 dB RMS unweighted, 116 dBA
• THD AD: < -110 dB (< 0.00032 %)
• THD+N AD: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
• Crosstalk AD: > 130 dB
• Input level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu
• Frequency response AD, -0.1 dB: 10 Hz – 23.2 kHz (sf 48 kHz)
• Frequency response AD, -0.5 dB: < 5 Hz – 45 kHz (sf 96 kHz)
• Frequency response AD, -1 dB: < 5 Hz – 80 kHz (sf 192 kHz)
• Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz, variable (Sync/WC)
• Jitter: Typical < 1 ns for internal, Word Clock, ADAT and MADI input
• Jitter sensitivity: all PLLs operate error-free even at 100 ns
• Jitter suppression: > 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
• Power supply: Internal switching mode PS, 100V – 240V AC, 40 Watt
• Dimensions: (WxHxD) 483 x 88 x 200 mm