RME MADIface Pro Audio Interface Now Shipping

RME tells us their new MADIface audio and MIDI interface takes 8 channels to 64 channels and improves upon the Babyface Pro primarily by replacing ADAT with MADI. It can even act as a standalone controller surface. Here's what RME have to say about the new MADIface Pro which is shipping now:

10 October, 2016– In 2015 the RME Babyface Pro was launched to much industry acclaim. Now regarded as the new standard in high-end desktop recording, its superior sound, build quality and professional connectivity has made it the first choice for producers, engineers and artists everywhere.

One year on, and RME have taken the Babyface Pro to the next level. The MADIface Pro retains the beautifully designed housing with its integrated XLR and analog I/Os, but has replaced the ADAT I/O with a MADI port. The result is 64 channels of pristine audio on a single cable on an interface that will fit in your laptop bag with your computer.

Because of its physical design and versatile I/O, the MADIface Pro is the perfect mobile solution where quality audio is critical. As well as remote, live, broadcast and industrial applications, the MADIface Pro is also the complete solution for the studio.

Basic Functionality

Two analog mic/line XLR inputs, two XLR line outputs, two universal TS inputs for line or instrument, and 2 stereo TRS outputs for low and high impedance headphones provide everything you need to work on your projects in the studio or on the move. TotalMix FX adds 3-band parametric EQs and reverb/ echo, plus unlimited mixing and routing options. A MIDI I/O completes the fully DAW compatible feature set. The unit operates USB bus powered and usually does not need an external power supply, unless the MADI I/O is used.

MADI I/O

The optical MADI I/O offers 64 input and out channels, and sample rates up to 192 kHz. It is fully supported in TotalMix FX, with the analog I/Os simultaneously available, resulting in 68 channels input and 68 channels output over USB 2.

To address the increased power demand, RME has implemented a delayed start of the MADI transceiver on power-up, and an option to temporarily disable it when not needed. The MADIface Pro includes an external power supply with lockable connector.

Stand-Alone Mode

When not connected to a computer, the MADIface Pro enters stand-alone mode. The easy to use control surface with dedicated buttons and four level meter bars, along with independent storage of all current settings have already become important workflow features for many existing Babyface Pro owners.

A very useful MADI monitor feature has been added to stand-alone mode. MADI channels 1 to 64 are passed unchanged from input to output (but refreshed by the MADIface Pro SteadyClock III). Optionally channels 1/2 can be replaced by the input signals 1/2, 3/4, MADI 1/2 or a user adjustable mixdown of all these channels. The analog outputs can be used to listen to any incoming MADI channel pair.

RME USB 2.0

It is RME's ability to deliver professional performance over USB 2.0 that allows the MADIface Pro to record and playback 68 simultaneous channels, all with buffer sizes as low as 32 samples (lowest value depends on computer used). The MADIface Pro can be used in Class Compliant mode achieving 24 channels of I/O (4 analog, 20 channels MADI) on an iPad. This truly professional and mobile solution can be easily set and controlled via RME's optional iOS app TotalMix FX for iPad, available in the App Store.

Optional Accessories

• MADI1S: MADI Optical Network Cable, 1 m
• MADI3D: MADI Optical Network Cable, 3 m
• MADI6D: MADI Optical Network Cable, 6 m
• MADI10D: MADI Optical Network Cable, 10 m
• MADI20D: MADI Optical Network Cable, 20 m

Connectivity

• Record/Playback channels: 68 in / 68 out
• 4 x Analog Inputs (Mic, Line, Instrument)
• 4 x Analog Outputs (2 x XLR, 2 x Phones)
• 1 x MADI I/O
• 1 x MIDI I/O plus MIDI over MADI
• 1 x USB 2.0 (USB 3 compatible)
• Separate outputs for high and low impedance headphones