RME Audio Digiface AES User manual

User's Guide
Digiface AES
USB 2.0 Digital I/O System
USB Bus Powered
6 Channel AES / SPDIF Interface
8 Channel ADAT Interface
2 + 4 Channel Analog Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
High Quality SRC
30 x 16 Matrix Router
MIDI Input / Output
Full Stand-Alone Operation
Class Compliant Operation
TotalMix FX™
24 Bit / 192 kHz
SyncCheck™
SteadyClock FS ™

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
Safety Instructions and Proper use
Read the manual carefully and completely before using the device. Pay attention to the
following information on how to use and operate the Digiface AES safely. Improper use
can lead to loss of warranty claims (see warranty statement on page 102).
Proper Use
The Digiface AES is a digital interface for professional audio applications for use with CE ap-
proved class B computers.
To comply with the European CE standard, the Digiface AES must be used with
CE approved Class B computers. All connecting cables must be shielded. The
computer and all cables connected to the Digiface AES must be properly
grounded. Operation with non-certified computers and cables may cause inter-
ference to other devices as well as the Digiface AES.
Do not open chassis
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified service personnel.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this device to rain or
moisture. Prevent moisture and water from entering the device. Never leave a
pot with liquid on top of the device. Do not use this product near water, i. e.
swimming pool, bathtub or wet basement. Danger of condensation inside –
don't turn on before the device has reached room temperature.
Installation
Surface may become hot during operation –ensure sufficient ventilation.
Avoid direct sun light and do not place it near other sources of heat, like radi-
ators or stoves. When mounting in a rack, leave some space between this
device and others for ventilation.
Unauthorized servicing/repair voids warranty. Only use accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
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Safety Instructions and Proper Use .......................2
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................8
2 Package Contents.....................................................8
3 System Requirements ..............................................8
4 Brief Description and Characteristics ....................8
5 First Usage - Quick Start
5.1 Connectors –Controls - Display.............................9
5.2 Quick Start............................................................11
5.3 Menu and Navigation............................................11
5.4 Overview Menu Structure .....................................13
5.5 Special Options.....................................................14
Installation and Operation - Windows
6 Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
6.1 Hardware and Driver Installation.............................16
6.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................16
6.3 Firmware Update .................................................16
7 Configuring the Digiface –Settings Dialog
7.1 General ................................................................17
7.2 Option WDM Devices ..........................................19
8 Operation and Usage
8.1 Playback ..............................................................21
8.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS)................................21
8.3 Channel Count under WDM.................................22
8.4 Multi-client Operation...........................................22
8.5 Analog Recording ................................................23
8.6 Digital Recording..................................................23
8.7 Clock Modes - Synchronization...........................24
9 Operation under ASIO
9.1 General ................................................................25
9.2 Channel Count under ASIO.................................25
9.3 Known Problems..................................................26
10 Using more than one Digiface AES.......................26
11 DIGICheck Windows...............................................27
12 Hotline –Troubleshooting .....................................28

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
13 Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
13.1 Hardware and Driver Installation..........................30
13.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................30
13.3 Firmware Update..................................................30
14 Configuring the Digiface
14.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................31
14.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization ...........................32
15 Mac OS X FAQ
15.1 MIDI doesn't work.................................................33
15.2 Repairing Disk Permissions.................................33
15.3 Supported Sample Rates.....................................33
15.4 Channel Count under Core Audio........................33
15.5 Various Information..............................................34
16 Using more than one Digiface ...............................34
17 DIGICheck Mac ........................................................35
18 Hotline –Troubleshooting......................................36
Inputs and Outputs
19 Analog Inputs ..........................................................38
20 Analog Outputs
20.1 Line, XLR .............................................................38
20.2 Headphones / Line Out ........................................38
21 Digital Connections
21.1 AES/EBU..............................................................39
21.2 SPDIF (Coaxial, Optical)......................................39
21.3 ADAT....................................................................40
21.4 MIDI......................................................................40
21.5 Sample rate Converter (SRC)..............................41
Stand-Alone Operation
22 Operation and Usage
22.1 General.................................................................44
22.2 Settings at the Unit...............................................44
22.3 Store / Load Setups at the Unit............................44
22.4 Storing Setups from the Computer ......................44
23 Examples
23.1 8-Channel AD/DA-Converter ...............................45
23.2 2-Channel Mic Preamp ........................................45
23.3 Monitor Mixer .......................................................45
23.4 Digital Format Converter......................................45
23.5 Analog/Digital Routing Matrix...............................45
23.6 Jitter Remover......................................................45

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
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TotalMix FX
24 Routing and Monitoring
24.1 Overview..............................................................48
24.2 The User Interface...............................................50
24.3 The Channels.......................................................51
24.3.1 Settings........................................................53
24.3.2 Equalizer......................................................54
24.4 Section Control Room..........................................56
24.5 The Control Strip..................................................57
24.5.1 View Options................................................58
24.5.2 Snapshots - Groups.....................................59
24.5.3 Channel Layout –Layout Presets................60
24.5.4 Scroll Location Markers ...............................61
24.6 Preferences..........................................................62
24.6.1 Store for Current or All Users ......................63
24.7 Settings................................................................64
24.7.1 Mixer Page...................................................64
24.7.2 MIDI Page....................................................65
24.7.3 OSC Page....................................................66
24.7.4 Aux Devices.................................................67
24.8 Hotkeys and Usage..............................................68
24.9 Menu Options.......................................................69
24.10 Menu Window......................................................70
25 The Matrix
25.1 Overview..............................................................70
25.2 Elements of the Matrix View................................70
25.3 Operation .............................................................71
26 Tips and Tricks
26.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows)......................71
26.2 Copy a Submix.....................................................71
26.3 Doubling the Output Signal (Mirror).....................71
26.4 Delete a Submix...................................................72
26.5 Copy and Paste everywhere................................72
26.6 Recording a Submix - Loopback..........................72
26.7 MS Processing.....................................................73
27 MIDI Remote Control
27.1 Overview..............................................................74
27.2 Mapping ...............................................................74
27.3 Setup....................................................................75
27.4 Operation .............................................................75
27.5 MIDI Control.........................................................76
27.6 Stand-Alone MIDI Control....................................77
27.7 Loopback Detection.............................................79
27.8 OSC (Open Sound Control).................................79
28 DAW Mode...............................................................79
29 TotalMix Remote .....................................................80

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
Class Compliant Mode
30 General.....................................................................84
31 System Requirements.............................................84
32 Operation .................................................................85
32.1 Useful Hints..........................................................85
32.2 Class Compliant under Windows/Mac OS X........86
33 Supported Inputs and Outputs ..............................86
34 Front panel Operation.............................................87
35 Audio Routing and Processing..............................87
36 Setups ......................................................................88
Technical Reference
37 Technical Specifications
37.1 Analog..................................................................90
37.2 MIDI......................................................................91
37.3 Digital ...................................................................91
37.4 Digital Inputs ........................................................91
37.5 Digital Outputs......................................................92
37.6 General.................................................................92
38 Technical Background
38.1 Lock and SyncCheck ...........................................93
38.2 Latency and Monitoring........................................94
38.3 USB Audio............................................................95
38.4 DS –Double Speed .............................................96
38.5 QS –Quad Speed................................................96
38.6 SteadyClock FS ...................................................97
39 Diagrams
39.1 Block Diagram Digiface AES ...............................98
39.2 Connector Pinouts................................................99
Miscellaneous
40 Accessories ...........................................................102
41 Warranty.................................................................102
42 Appendix................................................................102
43 Declaration of Conformity....................................104

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
7
User's Guide
Digiface AES
General

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Digiface AES. This compact audio interface is capable of transferring
analog and digital audio data from any source directly to Windows and Mac computers. Numerous
unique features include flexible clocking, well thought-out Settings dialogs, Sample Rate Conver-
sion and supreme analog circuitry. All this realizes a quick, comfortable and efficient operation of
the Digiface AES.
The package contains drivers for Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 and macOS (11 or higher, Intel / M1 /
M2).
2. Package Contents
Please check your Digiface AES package contains each of the following:
Digiface AES
Cable USB 2.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
MIDI breakout cable
External switched power supply, lockable connector, DC 12 V 24 W
Power cord
3. System Requirements
Windows 7 or up, Intel macOS (11 or up)
1 x USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
Computer with at least Intel Core i5 CPU
4. Brief Description and Characteristics
All settings can be changed in real-time
Buffer sizes/latencies from 48 up to 8192 samples selectable
Intuitive and efficient operation via LC-display
2 digitally controlled microphone/Line inputs in studio quality
2 balanced Line outputs, level switchable +19 dBu / +13 dBu / +4 dBu
2 channels 192 kHz Record/Playback via AES (XLR)
2 channels 192 kHz Record/Playback via SPDIF coaxial (RCA)
2 channels 192 kHz Record/Playback via SPDIF optical
SRC einem dieser Eingänge frei zuweisbar
8 channels 48 kHz Record/Playback via ADAT optical
Clock modes slave and master
Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode
SteadyClock FS: Jitter-immune, super-stable digital clock
SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels
SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals
TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
TotalMix: 480 channel mixer with 46 bit internal resolution
TotalMix FX: 3-band EQ and Low Cut
1 x MIDI I/O, 16 channels high-speed Low-Jitter MIDI
1 x low impedance headphone output
DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
9
5. First Usage –Quick Start
5.1 Connectors –Controls –Display
The front of the Digiface AES features two line and microphone inputs, a stereo headphone out-
put, a rotary encoder with push functionality, four buttons, a graphical colour display and two
status LEDs.
The Neutrik combo sockets of the two Mic/Line inputs
provide XLR and 6.3 mm / 1/4" TRS connection. They
have LEDs for phantom power (48V) indication.
The analog outputs 7 and 8 feed the headphones out-
put Phones. This low impedance output of highest
quality is able to drive headphones at higher levels un-
distorted, no matter if low or high impedance head-
phones are used.
The four keys and the encoder,
the high-resolution and clear col-
our display, and a well thought-
out menu structure enable the
user to quickly change and config-
ure the device’s settings com-
pletely without a computer. Help
notes and clear markers in the
display guide the user through all
functions.
When the Global Level Meter screen is shown, the rotary encoder sets the monitoring volume of
Main Out directly at the device. Pushing the button will change to Phones volume control, as
indicated in the right lower corner of the screen.
Digital State. On the right side the main screen shows the current sample rate and the state of
all digital input signals. AES, SPDIF and ADAT indicate a valid input signal separately for each
digital input. Additionally, RME's exclusive SyncCheck indicates if one of these inputs is locked,
but not synchronous to the others, in which case the corresponding field will flash. See also chap-
ter 8.7 / 14.2, Clock Modes - Synchronization. The field USB will change to CC when in Class
Compliant mode.
State MIDI. Between the fields ADAT and USB two yellow lines indicate incoming and outgoing
MIDI data.

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
The rear panel of the Digiface AES features 2 analog outputs, AES I/O, SPDIF I/O coaxial and
optical, a connector for the included MIDI breakout cable, USB and the power socket.
Balanced Line Level Outputs. 2 balanced analog outputs via XLR male.
AES/EBU. Digital input and output via
XLR male/female.
SPDIF coaxial. Cinch-Buchse für
SPDIF I/O, kompatibel zu AES/EBU.
ADAT/SPDIF I/O. TOSLINK. Standard
ADAT optical port, 8 channels. Can also
be used as optical SPDIF input and out-
put, if set up accordingly in the Settings
dialog.
MIDI I/O. Two 5-pin DIN connectors provide MIDI input and output.
USB 2.0. USB socket for connection to the computer. Compatible to
USB 3.0.
Kensington Lock. For securing the device via Kensington-compat-
ible solutions.
Power. Serves to unload the computer’s power supply or to ensure
power delivery in case it is not sufficient or fails on the computer side.
In principle, the device also works without a power supply (USB bus-
powered).
The included hi-performance switch mode power supply operates in the range of 100V to 240V
AC at highest power efficiency. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line filter, is fully regu-
lated against voltage fluctuations, suppresses mains interference, and offers hum-free operation.
It supplies 12 V DC at up to 2 A with the center pin + and outer pin GND.
The connector at the power supply and the socket at the unit come with a turn to lock feature.
When inserting the connector make sure the little wings are aligned correctly so that the
connector is fully inserted. Then turn the connector so that it is locked and can no longer be
removed. If not fully inserted the connection will be loose and cause power loss when the cable
is moved.

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
11
5.2 Quick Start
After the driver installation (chapter 6 / 13) connect the front inputs with the analog signal source.
The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed in TotalMix (Input Channel Settings), as-
suring the highest signal to noise ratio will be achieved. Also try to achieve an optimum input level
by adjusting the source itself. Raise the source’s output level until the peak level meters in To-
talMix reach about –3 dB.
The signal level of the front inputs can also be optimized directly at the
Digiface AES. The key MIC/GAIN gives direct access to this setting,
which is then controlled by the encoder VALUE.
After connecting digital sources, check the clocking via the Settings
dialog and adjust it if necessary.
The digital outputs of the Digiface AES provide AES/EBU, SPDIF coaxial, SPDIF optical and
ADAT optical at the respective ports.
On the analog playback side (the DA side), a coarse adjustment of the analog output level at the
rear jacks is again available in TotalMix (Output Channel Settings, Level), or the Channel Settings
directly at the device. The big encoder VALUE controls the Main Out volume (default: Line Out
1/2).
The output signal of channels 7/8, Phones, can also be controlled directly from the VALUE en-
coder. Push VALUE to change between Main and Phones control.
The Digiface AES can store and load its current state in 6 different
memory slots, called Setups (SETUP/REV, Options, Load/Store all
Settings). With this, the Digiface AES can be used stand-alone after
setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of dedicated devices (see chap-
ter 24).
In online mode some settings are greyed out, as these should be changed only at the computer,
in the Settings dialog or in TotalMix FX. These include the choice of sample rate and the mix
settings.
5.3 Menu and Navigation
The Digiface AES has a simple and clear menu structure, for fast and efficient operation directly
at the device. In most cases, however, all settings will be done via the Settings dialog and TotalMix
FX of the host computer. The operation on the device is typically limited to a direct adjustment of
the monitoring volume (loudspeaker and headphones) and the microphone gain. In stand-alone
mode, all settings are available directly on the device.
Navigation through the menus of the display and control of the settings is done via four quick
select buttons and a rotary encoder with push function.
Default in the display is the Global Level Meter screen, which shows the current signal levels for
all I/Os. By pressing the encoder knob VALUE for half a second, only the analog I/Os (Analog
Level Meter screen) are displayed, which makes the level display larger and thus easier to read.

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
The Global and Analog Level Meter Screen on the far right also
shows:
The current sample rate
Clock mode and Lock/Sync status of inputs AES, SPDIF and
ADAT. With activated SRC the field turns blue.
MIDI I/O activity by two yellow dots
USB and Class Compliant mode active (CC)
Current output of the volume setting, dB value to it
DSP meter, shows the load of the DSP by activated FX
Turning the knob displays the volume screen of the currently se-
lected output. Pressing the knob toggles the display between Main
Out (Analog Out 1/2, XLR) and Phones (TRS front). At the bottom
right, the current selection and dB value of the Volume setting is
shown, so it is visible even when the Volume screen is not active.
The title bar shows the currently selected output and the assigned
channels (Default Main is Line Out, Phones is fixed to Line Out
7/8).
The quick select buttons MIC/GAIN, USER, CHAN/MIX and SETUP are described in chapter
22.2.
Navigation
The Digiface AES has a simple and fast 1-button operation.
Pressing the VALUE encoder switches between adjusting the pa-
rameter and moving horizontally through the menu to moving ver-
tically through the menu. Here is an example: the USER key shall
mute the rear line output instead of switching between the meter
screens (default).
Press the SETUP key. The Options menu appears. The cursor is
in the second line and has the button symbol. Turning the encoder
switches horizontally between the pages Clock, Hardware/Diag-
nosis, Load/Store all Settings and Control Room. After selecting
Hardware/Diagnosis press the encoder knob. The knob symbol
changes to double arrows. By turning the encoder, the cursor now
moves vertically through the menu.
Scroll down to User Key. Press the encoder so that the button
symbol appears. Select the desired function Main Mute by turning
the knob. Quickly exit the menu by pressing the SETUP button
twice. Otherwise the menu will automatically switch to the Global
Level Meter screen after 90 seconds without any user input.

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
13
5.4 Overview Menu Structure

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
5.5 Special Options
In the menu SETUP - Options - Hardware/Diagnosis there are some additional setting options
which are not described elsewhere in this manual.
Lock Keys. OFF, KEYS, ALL. Press SETUP key for 2 seconds to unlock.
Remap Keys. OFF, ON. Allows assigning 17 different functions/actions to the four quick select
buttons on the device. The configuration is done in the following four entries:
MIC/GAIN, USER, CHAN/MIX, SETUP. Available functions/actions:
Meter, Setup 1-6, DIM, Recall, Mute Enable, Main Mono, Main Mute, Main Out EQ, Main Out Low
Cut, Phones Mute, Phones EQ, Phones Low Cut.
The original function of the key on the device, calling up the menu, is still possible by pressing the
key on the device for a longer time (0.5 s).
Level Meters. All, Main. All shows all channels. Main removes
the ADAT channels from the screen. Same function as press-
ing the VALUE encoder for half a second.
Scroll Type. cw up, cw down. Allows changing the scroll direc-
tion when turning the encoder.

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
15
User's Guide
Digiface AES
Installation and Operation –Windows

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
6. Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
6.1 Hardware and Driver Installation
To simplify installation it is recommended to first install the drivers before the unit is connected to
the computer. But it will also work the other way round.
RME is constantly improving the drivers. Please download the latest drivers from the RME web-
site. Driver version 4.30 or higher is available via http://rme.to/downloads. Unzip the down-
loaded file and start the driver installation with rmeinstaller.exe.
Start rmeinstaller.exe and follow the instructions of the installer. After installation connect com-
puter and Digiface AES using a USB 2 cable. Windows detects the new hardware as Digiface
AES and installs the drivers automatically.
After a reboot, the icons of TotalMix FX and Settings dialog appear in
the notification area. If not a click on the chevron leads to the settings
that control the icon display.
Driver Updates do not require to remove the existing drivers. Simply install the new driver over
the existing one.
6.2 De-Installing the Drivers
A de-installation of the driver files is not necessary –and not supported by Windows anyway.
Thanks to full Plug & Play support, the driver files will not be loaded after the hardware has been
removed. If desired these files can then be deleted manually.
Unfortunately Windows Plug & Play methods do not cover the additional autorun entries of To-
talMix, the Settings dialog, and the registration of the ASIO driver. Those entries can be removed
from the registry through a software de-installation request. This request can be found (like all de-
installation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME MADIface'.
6.3 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Digiface AES to the latest version. It requires
an already installed driver.
Start the program fut_usb.exe. The Flash
Update Tool displays the current revision of
the Digiface firmware, and whether it needs
an update or not. If so, then simply press the
'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate
when the flash process is finished (Verify
Ok).
After the update the unit needs to be reset.
This is done by powering down the unit for a
few seconds. A reboot of the computer is not
necessary.
When the update unexpectedly fails (status:
failure), the unit's Safety BIOS will be used
from the next boot on, the unit stays fully
functional. The flash process should then be
tried again.

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
17
7. Configuring the Digiface –Settings Dialog
7.1 General
Configuration of the Digiface AES is done via its own settings dialog. The panel Settings can be
opened by clicking on the fire or hammer symbol in the Task Bar's system tray.
The mixer of the Digiface AES,TotalMix FX, can be opened by clicking
on the button symbol in the Task Bar's system tray
The hardware of the Digiface AES offers a number of helpful practical functions and options to
suit many different requirements. The 'Settings' dialog includes options for:
Latency
Operation of the DSP
Configuration of the digital I/Os
Current sample rate
Synchronization behaviour
State of input and output
Any changes made in the Settings dialog
are applied immediately - confirmation
(e.g. by clicking on OK or exiting the dia-
log) is not required.
However, settings should not be changed
during playback or record if it can be
avoided, as this can cause unwanted
noises. Also, please note that even in
'Stop' mode, several programs keep the
recording and playback devices open,
which means that any new settings might
not be applied immediately.
The tab About includes information
about the current driver and firmware ver-
sion of the Digiface AES. About offers
four more options:
Lock Registry
Default: off. Checking this option brings
up a dialog to enter a password. Changes
in the Settings dialog are no longer writ-
ten to the registry. As the settings are always loaded from the registry when starting the computer,
this method provides an easy way to define an initial state of the Digiface AES.
Enable MMCSS for ASIO activates support with higher priority for the ASIO driver. Note: At this
time, activating this option seems to be useful only with the latest Cubase/Nuendo at higher load.
With other software this option can decrease performance. The change becomes active after an
ASIO reset. Therefore it is easy to quickly check which setting works better.
Sort ASIO Devices
Changes the order only of the ASIO channels when using more than one interface.

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
Buffer Size (Latency)
The setting Buffer Size determines the latency between incoming and outgoing ASIO and WDM
data, as well as affecting system stability (see chapter 9.1).
USB Diagnosis indicates USB transmission errors. The display will be reset on any start of a
playback/record. More information can be found in chapter 38.3.
Options
DSP –Record EQ
Switches EQ of all input channels into the recording path. In case Loopback has been activated
the EQ of the Output channel is within the recording path. See also chapter 26.6.
TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information on AES
and SPDIF inputs. In case these information are not required the feature should be turned off.
Sample Rate Conversion
The SRC can be connected to one of the digital inputs. Choices are AES, SPDIF (coaxial) and
SPDIF optical. The format ADAT optical is not routed through the SRC in any case. For more
details see chapter 21.5.
Optical Out
The optical TOSLINK output can operate as ADAT or SPDIF output. ADAT: includes channels
ADAT 1 to 8. SPDIF: includes channels SPDIF opt. L/R, in TotalMix ADAT 1/2. In SPDIF mode
Channel Status is fixed to Consumer.
WDM Devices
Reduce the number of WDM devices to the ones really needed to improve performance of the
operating system.
Clock Options
Sample Rate
Sets the currently used sample rate. Offers a central and comfortable way of configuring the sam-
ple rate of all WDM devices to the same value, as since Vista the audio software is no longer
allowed to set the sample rate. However, an ASIO program can still set the sample rate by itself.
During record/playback the selection is greyed out, so no change is possible.
Clock Source
The unit can be configured to use its own clock (Internal = Master), or one of the input signals
(AES, SPDIF, Optical = SPDIF optical or ADAT optical). If the selected source isn't available
(Input Status No Lock), the unit will change to the next available one (AutoSync). If none is avail-
able then the internal clock is used. The current clock source is displayed to the right.
Input Status
Indicates for inputs AES, SPDIF (coaxial) and Optical (ADAT optical or SPDIF optical) whether
there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The
third column shows the sample frequency detected by the hardware (coarse recognition, 32 kHz,
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz etc.).

User's Guide Digiface AES ©RME
19
7.2 Option WDM Devices
The WDM Devices configuration has one
button to enter the edit dialog, a status dis-
play showing the number of currently ena-
bled WDM devices, and a listbox to change
between Stereo or Multi-Channel devices.
The number represents both record and
playback devices, so ‘1’ means one input
and one output device.
The screenshot to the right shows the ste-
reo WDM devices available with the
Digiface AES. Here the first 4 stereo de-
vices have been activated. Any number can
be activated. Also only higher numbered
devices might be active. For example using
the ADAT (1+2) for system based audio
does not require to activate preceeding de-
vices. Only ADAT (1+2) will show up in the
Windows Sound control panel.
The checkbox All to the right allows for a
quick check/uncheck of all devices.
The screenshot to the left shows the multi-
channel WDM devices available with the
Digiface AES after selecting ‘Multi-Channel’
in the WDM Devices listbox and hitting
WDM Configure. In this example the de-
vices ADAT (1-8) is active.
Using a multi-channel WDM device allows
for the use of multi-channel playback with
specialized software as well as Surround
sound from DVD or Blu-Ray player soft-
ware.
Please note that configuring the WDM de-
vice to a specific surround mode in the con-
trol panel Sound requires the device to have
the Speaker property. See next page.
Again the checkbox All to the right allows for
a quick check/uncheck of all devices.

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User's Guide Digiface AES © RME
Changing to the tab Speaker presents a list
of all currently activated WDM devices. Any
of these can now get the Speaker property.
Please note that defining more than one
device as Speaker usually makes no
sense, and the speakers also don’t get
numbered or renamed in Windows, so it is
impossible to find out which one is which.
After leaving the dialog with OK the WDM
devices are reloaded so Windows sees
their new properties. You can now assign
any surround mode, from stereo to 7.1, in
the Windows Sound control panel by se-
lecting the playback device and clicking the
Configure button.