RME Micstasy

8-Channel Full Range Preamp & AD Converter

The Micstasy is an 8-channel high-end mic/line preamp and AD converter that combines RME’s signature features with a range of innovative capabilities. It can be used both analog (Mic/Line In to Line Out) and digital (Mic/Line In to Digital Out), with both signal paths operating simultaneously. A special highlight is its full remote control via MIDI (also MIDI over MADI).

Connectivity and Features

The Micstasy offers 8 channels of high-end mic/line preamplification and AD conversion, with both analog and digital signal paths operating simultaneously. This versatile device is fully remote-controllable via MIDI, including MIDI over MADI. It is designed to handle all types of analog signals, from high-level stage signals and typical studio signals to lower-level and high-impedance instruments, as well as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.

The amplified signals are available at the analog outputs, eliminating the need for an expensive splitter box on stage. All functions can be remotely controlled via MIDI, allowing the device to be placed near the microphones for highest sound quality. With the optional MADI Card, the Micstasy provides even more options, including serial pass-through capability for up to 8 units.

Key Features

• 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs with 85 dB gain range
• Analog input level from -56.5 dBu up to +30 dBu
• High-end circuitry with 4 relays per channel and super low-noise microphone front-end
• Near click-free gain changes in steps of 0.5 dB
• Large frequency range (200 kHz) with special EMI input filtering
• 8 balanced TRS line/instrument inputs with Hi-Z option
• 8 balanced XLR line outputs, maximum level +27 dBu
• 4 x AES/EBU Out via D-sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
• 2 x ADAT Out, 8 channels @ 96 kHz (SMUX and SMUX4)
• Optional MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card) with serial cascading and digital return path
• Symmetrical hi-pass (Lo Cut) with super-low THD, 18 dB/oct
• LED level meter with 13 LEDs per channel
• M/S de-/encoding for the digital output
• AutoSet: Automatic gain reduction with multiple linking
• Current state can be stored to 8 user presets
• Fully remote controllable

Micstasy Features

The Micstasy is housed in a standard 19″ box with 2-unit height and offers numerous extraordinary features such as Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck®, SteadyClock, TotalGain, AutoSet, MIDI over MADI, and remote control via MADI and MIDI. Technologies like SyncCheck® ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Multiple units can be stacked and operated sample-aligned using word clock, and all settings are stored when the unit is powered off.

The device can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each Micstasy can be given a separate ID, allowing for remote control of various devices with only one MIDI channel. The MIDI remote is compatible with Digidesign’s Pro Tools system, Yamaha’s M7C and PM5D, and can also be controlled from the DM-1000 and DM-2000.

RME’s SteadyClock™ guarantees excellent clock quality in any situation. Thanks to efficient jitter reduction, the Micstasy’s AD converters operate independently of the external clock signal quality, ensuring pristine sound quality. Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) retains the last valid sample frequency in case of a loss of the input signal.

Low Latency

The Micstasy uses high-class AD converters from Cirrus Logic, offering exceptional signal-to-noise and distortion figures. Its innovative digital filter achieves a delay of only 12 samples in Single Speed (0.25 ms), 9 samples in Double Speed (0.09 ms), and 5 samples in Quad Speed (0.026 ms). These values are significantly lower than those available from other devices, representing an important step in reducing latency in computer-based recording studios. At Double Speed and Quad Speed, the added latency can be ignored. Paired with the ADI-8 QS, a matching DA converter with only 5 to 10 samples delay, ‘analog digital monitoring’ turns into real analog-style monitoring.

AutoSet

AutoSet provides perfect protection from overload without degrading the audio signal. In the Setup menu, the threshold level beyond which the gain will be reduced can be adjusted in four steps (-1, -3, -6, -12 dBFS). Any change of gain is shown immediately on the GAIN displays. With AutoSet activated, the gain can still be changed manually.

Accessories

Optional: MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card)

The I64 MADI Card provides the Micstasy with a 64-channel MADI input and output. Coaxial and optical outputs operate in parallel to the AES/EBU and ADAT outputs, delivering the same data. The card features an optical and coaxial MADI input, with automatic input switching for full redundancy. It also supports serial cascading, allowing up to 8 devices to be connected serially. With the I64 MADI Card, the Micstasy can be remote controlled via MADI, and MIDI data are transmitted via MADI.

• Frequency response -0.1 dB: 20 Hz – 100 kHz
• EIN @ 30 dB Gain @ 150 Ohm: 122.3 dBu
• EIN @ 40 dB Gain @ 150 Ohm: 126.5 dBu
• EIN @ 50/60/70 dB Gain @ 150 Ohm: 127.4 dBu
• THD+N @ 30 dB Gain: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %
• Signal to Noise ratio AD (SNR) @ +30 dBu: 115.2 dB RMS unweighted, 118.5 dBA
• Signal to Noise ratio AD (SNR) @ +21 dBu: 112.7 dB RMS unweighted, 116 dBA
• Signal to Noise ratio AD (SNR) @ +13 dBu: 110 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA
• Sync sources: Internal, AES, word, Option (MADI)
• Sample frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (external clocks)
• Sample rate range: MADI: 32 – 192 kHz, word clock: 27 kHz – 200 kHz, AES: 28 kHz – 200 kHz
• Jitter: Typical < 1 ns for internal, word clock, AES and MADI input
• Jitter suppression: >30 dB (2.4 kHz)
• Jitter sensitivity: all PLLs operate error-free even at 100 ns
• Power supply: Internal switching mode PS, 100V – 240V AC, 60 Watt
• Dimensions: (WxHxD) 483 x 88 x 200 mm
• Warranty: 2 years