RME Audio Digiface Ravenna User manual

User's Guide
Digiface Ravenna
Portable RAVENNA via USB!
USB 3.0 Digital I/O System
128 Channels RAVENNA / AES67 Interface
64 Channels MADI Interface
2 Channel Analog Stereo Monitor
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
128 x 128 Matrix Router
Stand-Alone Operation

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © 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 Ravenna safely. Improper
use can lead to loss of warranty claims (see warranty statement on page 72).
Proper Use
The Digiface Ravenna is a digital interface for professional audio applications for use with CE
approved class B computers.
To comply with the European CE standard, the Digiface Ravenna must be used
with CE approved Class B computers. All connecting cables must be shielded.
The computer and all cables connected to the Digiface Ravenna must be
properly grounded. Operation with non-certified computers and cables may
cause interference to other devices as well as the Digiface Ravenna.
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 Ravenna © RME
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Safety Instructions and Proper Use .......................2
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................6
2 Package Contents.....................................................6
3 System Requirements ..............................................6
4 Brief Description and Characteristics ....................6
5 First Usage - Quick Start..........................................7
5.1 Connectors –LEDs.................................................7
5.2 Quick Start..............................................................8
Installation and Operation - Windows
6 Driver and Firmware
6.1 Driver Installation.....................................................10
6.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................10
6.3 Firmware Update .................................................11
7 Configuring the Digiface Ravenna
7.1 Settings Dialog.........................................................12
7.2 WDM Configuration..................................................14
7.3 Ravenna Remote.....................................................16
8 Operation and Usage
8.1 Playback ..................................................................17
8.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS)................................17
8.3 Channel Count under WDM.................................17
8.4 Multi-client Operation...........................................18
8.5 Digital Recording..................................................18
8.6 Clock Modes - Synchronization...............................18
9 Operation under ASIO
9.1 General ....................................................................19
9.2 Channel Count under ASIO.................................19
9.3 Known Problems..................................................20
10 Using more than one Interface ..............................20
11 DIGICheck Windows...............................................21
12 Hotline –Troubleshooting .....................................22
Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
13 Driver and Firmware
13.1 Driver Installation.................................................24
13.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................24
13.3 Firmware Update .................................................25
14 Configuring the Digiface Ravenna
14.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................26
14.2 Ravenna Remote.................................................27
14.3 Channel Count under Core Audio........................28
14.4 Various Information..............................................28
15 Using more than one Interface ..............................28
16 DIGICheck NG Mac .................................................29
17 Hotline –Troubleshooting .....................................30
TotalMix FX
18 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring
18.1 Overview..............................................................32
18.2 The User Interface...............................................34
18.3 The Channels.......................................................35
18.3.1 Settings........................................................37

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
18.4 Section Control Room..........................................38
18.5 The Control Strip..................................................39
18.5.1 View Options................................................40
18.5.2 Snapshots - Groups.....................................41
18.5.3 Channel Layout –Layout Presets................42
18.5.4 Scroll Location Marker .................................43
18.6 Preferences..........................................................44
18.6.1 Store for Current or All Users.......................45
18.7 Settings ................................................................46
18.7.1 Mixer Page...................................................46
18.7.2 MIDI Page ....................................................47
18.7.3 OSC Page....................................................48
18.7.4 Aux Devices .................................................49
18.8 Hotkeys and Usage..............................................50
18.9 Menu Options.......................................................51
18.10 Menu Window ......................................................52
19 The Matrix
19.1 Overview ..............................................................52
19.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................52
19.3 Operation .............................................................53
20 Tips and Tricks
20.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows) ......................53
20.2 Copy a Submix.....................................................53
20.3 Doubling the Output Signal (Mirror).....................53
20.4 Delete a Submix...................................................53
20.5 Copy and Paste everywhere................................54
20.6 Recording a Submix - Loopback..........................54
20.7 MS Processing.....................................................55
21 MIDI Remote Control
21.1 Overview ..............................................................56
21.2 Mapping ...............................................................56
21.3 Setup....................................................................57
21.4 Operation .............................................................57
21.5 MIDI Control.........................................................58
21.6 Loopback Detection .............................................59
21.7 OSC (Open Sound Control).................................59
22 DAW Mode ...............................................................60
23 TotalMix Remote......................................................61
Technical Reference
24 Technical Specification ..........................................64
24.1 Firmware ..............................................................65
24.2 General.................................................................65
25 Technical Background
25.1 USB Audio............................................................66
25.2 MADI Basics.........................................................68
25.3 Terminology .........................................................68
Miscellaneous
26 Warranty...................................................................72
27 Appendix..................................................................72
28 Declaration of Conformity......................................73

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
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User's Guide
Digiface Ravenna
General

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Digiface Ravenna. This unique, compact and portable audio interface
is capable of transferring USB digital audio data and MADI from/to Mac or PC to the professional
media network RAVENNA. Numerous unique features, a well thought-out configuration dialog,
an outstandingly versatile mixer and monitoring solution, and a complete integration of RAVENNA
guarantee a quick, comfortable and efficient use of the Digiface Ravenna.
The package contains drivers for Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 and macOS (11 or up, Intel / M1 / M2).
2. Package Contents
Please check that your Digiface Ravenna package contains each of the following:
Digiface Ravenna
Cable USB 3.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
Switched power supply, lockable connector, DC 12 V 24 W
Power cord
3. System Requirements
Windows 7 or up, macOS (11 or up)
USB 3 port, or
USB 2.0 port (requires computer with at least Intel Core i5 CPU, reduced channel count)
4. Brief Description and Characteristics
All settings can be changed in real-time
Buffer sizes/latencies from 32 up to 8192 samples selectable
Supports the network standards RAVENNA, AES67, ST 2110-30 / -31, ST 2022-7
128 channels RAVENNA, 64 channels MADI @ 48 kHz
64 channels RAVENNA, 32 channels MADI @ 96 kHz
32 channels RAVENNA, 16 channels MADI @ 192 kHz
2 channels analog monitoring
4 x Gigabit ethernet port, 100 Mbit/s compatible
Clock sources MADI, word clock, internal or RAVENNA (PTP)
TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
TotalMix FX: 4096 channel mixer with 46 bit internal resolution
DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation
Stand-alone mode with RAVENNA to MADI and vice versa converter functionality
USB error analysis, displayed in the Settings dialog

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
7
5. First Usage –Quick Start
5.1 Connectors –LEDs
The front of the Digiface Ravenna features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 BNC sockets for word
or MADI I/O, a state LED, and the headphone output.
The four network sockets, RJ45 format, support both 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps. The integrated
LEDs show the states connected (yellow) and data traffic (green). The four ports can be used in
switched (4) or redundancy (2) mode (Primary/Secondary).
The State LED beside the BNC input shows Lock and Sync state for the word or MADI input
signal.
Phones is a low impedance line output. It pro-
vides a sufficient and undistorted volume even
when used with headphones.
In case this output should operate as Line out-
put, an adapter TRS plug to RCA phono plugs,
or TRS plug to TS plugs is required.
The pin assignment follows international
standards. The left channel is connected to the
tip, the right channel to the ring of the TRS
jack/plug.
The rear of the Digiface Ravenna features the USB 3 port, a status LED, a power supply con-
nector, and a hook to remove strain from the connectors. The LED indicates both power supply
(USB bus power, green), as well as the USB status (yellow: USB 2, blue: USB 3).
USB 3.0: Standard USB socket for connection to the computer. Please make sure the Digiface
Ravenna can have the full voltage/current delivered from the computer by using hi-quality USB
cables (like the one included). USB extension cables and USB hubs should be avoided. When
connected to USB 2 the channel count is reduced to 64 channels (no MADI).
The Digiface Ravenna uses USB bus power. In case of USB 3 this is usually sufficient to run the
interface. But using all 4 network connections plus headphones can draw more current than the
USB 3 spec suggests (900 mA). The Digiface Ravenna therefore ships with a power supply for
stable operation even at highest load.

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
5.2 Quick Start
After the driver installation (chapter 6 / 13) the Digiface Ravenna has to be connected to a
RAVENNA network. A RAVENNA network consists of a connection to at least one other
RAVENNA equipped device. The web browser based GUI, RAVENNA Remote, enables config-
uration of the RAVENNA module. Some basic and OS-specific options are available in the Set-
tings dialog of the MADIface series driver.
Level adjustment of the analog output Phones is done in TotalMix FX. The output is optimized for
phones, but can also be used as line output
TotalMix FX remembers all settings, and loads these automatically when the Digiface Ravenna
drivers are loaded.
Stand-alone Operation
The Digiface Ravenna can be used stand-alone, powered by the included power supply. Alterna-
tively USB bus power from a USB power wall wart or USB battery can be used. When not con-
nected to a computer host the device operates as 64 channel MADI to/from RAVENNA con-
verter. All channels are transferred to the other format unchanged, both ways.
To make most use of the additional phones output, a submix of all MADI and RAVENNA input
channels can be set up in computer-connected operation, and stored in the Digiface Ravenna for
stand-alone operation. To store the current Submix Phones go to Options, Store current State
into Device in TotalMix FX.

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
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User's Guide
Digiface Ravenna
Installation and Operation - Windows

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
6. Driver and Firmware
6.1 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 RAVENNA using a USB 3.0 cable. Windows detects the new hardware as
Digiface Ravenna and installs the drivers automatically.
After a reboot, the icons of TotalMix FX and Settings dialog appear in
the notification area.
Driver Updates do not require to remove the existing drivers. Simply install the new driver over
the existing one.
The Digiface Ravenna includes a module from German company DirectOut which provides all
the RAVENNA network technology. Configuration is done by an integrated webserver, so via any
browser in the network.
.
Chapter 25.1 explains how to find the ideal USB port.
Possible reasons why a Digiface Ravenna is not found after driver installation:
The USB port is not active in the system (check the Device Manager)
The USB cable is not, or not correctly inserted into the socket. Check that the LED beside the
USB port is lit, it indicates power.
The Digiface Ravenna does not receive any or not enough power. Remove current-consum-
ing hard drives from nearby ports. Avoid USB extension cables and USB hubs.
6.2 Uninstalling 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. These entries can be removed
from the registry by 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'.

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
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6.3 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Digiface Ravenna to the latest version. It
requires an already installed driver.
Download the latest version from the RME website at http://rme.to/usbe. Unzip the downloaded
file and start the program fut_usb.exe under Windows, or USB Series Flash Tool under Mac.
The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the Digiface Ravenna's 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 unplugging the Digiface Ravenna for
a few seconds. A reboot of the computer is not necessary.
When the update 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.
The manufacturer of the RAVENNA module, DirectOut, also publishes firmware updates. The
current firmware version can be checked in the module’s web GUI and if necessary also updated
there.
Please check with DirectOut’s website:
https://www.directout.eu/

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
7. Configuring the Digiface Ravenna
7.1 Settings Dialog
Configuration of the Digiface Ravenna is done via its own settings dialog. The panel Settings can
be opened:
by clicking on the fire symbol in the Task Bar's notification area
The mixer of the Digiface Ravenna, TotalMix FX, can be opened:
by clicking on the circle symbol in the Task Bar's notification area
The following is available in the Settings dialog:
ASIO Latency
USB error analysis
Configuration of the WDM devices
Configuration of the hardware
State of input
Display of current sample rate
Any changes made in the Settings dia-
log are applied immediately - confirma-
tion (e.g. byclicking on OK or exiting the
dialog) is not required.
The tab About includes information
about the current driver and firmware
version plus 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 written to the registry. As the set-
tings are always loaded from the regis-
try when starting the computer, this
method provides an easy way to define
an initial state for the Digiface Ravenna.
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 de-
crease performance. The change be-
comes active after an ASIO reset.
Therefore it is easy to quickly check
which setting works better.
Limit ASIO to 32 Channels
Some software crashes when presented with more than 32 ASIO channels. This workaround
removes all higher channels, which can still be accessed and used via TotalMix FX.
Sort ASIO Devices
Changes the order only of the ASIO channels when using more than one interface.

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
13
Buffer Size
The setting Buffer Size determines the latency between incoming and outgoing ASIO and WDM
data, as well as affecting system stability (see chapter 7.1).
USB Diagnosis shows specific USB transmission errors (CRC5, usually 0) and general errors. If
the unit detects a record or playback error the number shown will no longer be 0. An audio reset
is performed automatically. The counter is reset on start of playback/record. More information can
be found in chapter 25.1.
Sample Rate
Display of the currently active sample rate. Its setting / change takes place exclusively via the
RAVENNA Remote. Neither WDM nor ASIO programs can change the sample rate.
WDM Devices
Allows to freely set which I/Os are available as WDM devices, whether these are stereo or multi-
channel devices (up to 8 channels), and whether one or multiple of the currently active WDM
devices should have the Speaker property. Digiface Ravenna provides a maximum of352 stereo
WDM devices, or 16 multichannel devices. More details are found in chapter 7.2.
Options
Word Clock In Term.
Checking this option terminates the word clock input internally with 75 Ohms.
MADI Coaxial
Defines the format of the MADI output signal. MADI can be a 56 or 64 channel signal. Sample
rates in Double Speed range (64/88.2/96 kHz) can be transmitted by the normal 48K Frame, or
using a native 96K Frame.
Channel 65 –128
Determines the operation of the two BNC sockets. The BNC input and output can serve as word
clock or MADI I/O.
Ravenna: Uses all 128 USB channels. BNC therefore works as word clock I/O.
MADI: Transmits MADI I/O via channels 65-128, Ravenna uses 1-64. Word clock is not available,
because the two sockets are used for MADI coaxial.
Iso(chronous) Streaming (USB 3 only)
The Digiface Ravenna uses a special transmission mode with error correction in record mode. In
case the default mode does not work Isochronous Streaming can be tried. This is the standard’s
native mode for audio transmission and should work with any USB 3 controller. See also chapter
25.1.
Input Status
Word / MADI
Indicates presence of a valid signal at the word clock / MADI input (Lock, No Lock) and whether
the signal is synchronous (Sync). The third column shows the sample rate detected by the hard-
ware (coarse recognition, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz etc.), or the current channel format (56/64
channels).

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
7.2 WDM Configuration
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 select
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 Ravenna. Here the first four stereo
devices had been activated. Any can be ac-
tivated. Also only higher numbered devices
might be active. For example using 25+26
for system based audio does not require to
activate the prior stereo devices. Only Ra-
venna (25+26) 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 Ravenna after selecting ‘Multi-
Channel’ in the WDM Devices listbox and
hitting WDM Configure. In this example the
devices DRavenna 1-8, 9-16, 17-24 and 25-
32 are 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.

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
15
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. In the Windows
Sound control panel the modes Stereo and
7.1 can now be checked by selecting the
playback device and clicking the Configure
button.

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
7.3 RAVENNA Remote
All settings related to the RAVENNA* network, such as clock, streams and routing, are done with
the web interface of the module. No additional driver or software installation is required for the
RAVENNA Remote.
The RAVENNA Remote provides automatic device detection, one-click signal routing, and user-
editable device and channel designations. The Remote GUI also provides device status infor-
mation, real-time network monitoring, including device-level latency, and customized event log-
ging. With presets, RAVENNA network configurations can be quickly and easily backed up, re-
stored, moved and reused.
At startup, RAVENNA Remote scans the network for connected RAVENNA devices, automati-
cally displaying them in the network view.
User manuals, FAQs, setup documents and much more information about RAVENNA are avail-
able at
https://www.ravenna-network.com/
https://www.ravenna.com/resources
A detailed description of RAVENNA Remote and all supported features is available here:
https://www.directout.eu/download/operating-instructions/?wpdmdl=7337&re-
fresh=630f28fe5e4241661937918
The Digiface Ravenna is basically a USB audio interface. The RAVENNA Remote requires ac-
cess to a network to be accessed via browser. For this, the accessing computer must be part of
the network to which the Digiface Ravenna is connected.
* RAVENNA and the RAVENNA logo are registered trademarks of ALC NetworX GmbH.

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
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8. Operation and Usage
8.1 Playback
In the audio application being used, Digiface Ravenna must be selected as output device. This
can often be found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus as Playback Device, Audio
Devices, Audio etc.
Increasing the number and/or size of audio buffers may prevent the audio signal from breaking
up, but also increases latency i.e. output is delayed. For synchronized playback of audio and MIDI
(or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox ‘Get position from audio driver’.
Note: This is a network audio interface. In a network, clock definition is of particular importance.
Therefore neither WDM nor ASIO are allowed to influence the sample rate. That setting is done
exclusively by the RAVENNA Remote.
8.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS)
AC-3 / DTS
Popular DVD software players can send their audio data stream to any AC-3/DTS capable re-
ceiver via the Digiface Ravenna.
The sample rate must be set to 48 kHz in the RAVENNA Remote, or the software will only
playback a stereo 2-channel downmix via SPDIF.
In some cases the Digiface Ravenna output device has to be selected in >Control Panel / Sound
/ Playback< and be set as Default, or the software will not recognize it.
The DVD software's audio properties now show the options 'SPDIF Out' or similar. When selecting
it, the software will transfer the non-decoded digital multi-channel data stream to a Digiface Ra-
venna output channel.
Warning: This 'SPDIF' signal sounds like chopped noise at highest level.
Multichannel
PowerDVD and WinDVD can also operate as software decoder, sending a DVD's multichannel
data stream directly to the analog and digital outputs of the Digiface Ravenna. For this to work
select the WDM playback device ’Loudspeaker’ of the Digiface Ravenna in >Control Panel/
Sound/ Playback < as ‘Standard’. Additionally a Multi-channel WDM device is required, whose
property of 7.1 Loudspeaker playback can be verified under >Configuration<.
PowerDVD's and WinDVD's audio properties now list several multichannel modes. If one of these
is selected, the software sends the decoded analog multichannel data to the Digiface Ravenna.
On some software it is not necessary to select the Loudspeaker in the Sound panel.
8.3 Channel Count under WDM
The Digiface Ravenna supports a maximum of 64 channels for stereo WDM, and 128 channels
in multichannel WDM. Configuration is done via the Settings dialog - WDM Devices, as Stereo or
Multi-channel (8-channel) devices.
In Double Speed mode the number of available channels is halved for both RAVENNA and MADI.
In Quad Speed mode the number of available channels is reduced to 16 channels for both
RAVENNA and MADI.
!

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
8.4 Multi-client Operation
RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. Several programs can be used at the same
time. The formats ASIO and WDM can even be used on the same playback channels simultane-
ously. As WDM uses a real-time sample rate conversion (ASIO does not), all active ASIO software
has to use the same sample rate.
However, a better overview is maintained by using the channels exclusively. This is no limitation
at all, because TotalMix allows for any output routing, and therefore a playback of multiple soft-
ware on the same hardware outputs.
Inputs can be used from an unlimited number of WDM and ASIO software at the same time, as
the driver simply sends the data to all applications simultaneously.
RME's sophisticated tool DIGICheck is an exception to this rule. It operates like an ASIO host,
using a special technique to access playback channels directly. Therefore DIGICheck is able to
analyse and display playback data from any software, no matter which format it uses.
8.5 Digital Recording
Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is
present, digital interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording. Taking this into ac-
count, RME added a comprehensive I/O signal status display to the Digiface Ravenna, showing
sample frequency, lock and sync status in the Settings dialog, and a status LED directly at the
unit.
The sample frequency shown in the Settings dialog is useful as a quick display of the current
configuration of the unit and the connected external equipment. If no sample frequency is recog-
nized, it will read ‘No Lock’.
This way, configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. After connec-
tion the Digiface Ravenna displays the current and external sample frequency. This parameter
can then be changed in the application’s audio attributes (or similar) dialog.
8.6 Clock Modes - Synchronization
In the digital world, a device must be either Master (clock source) or Slave (clock receiver). When-
ever several devices are linked within a system, there must always be a single master clock.
A digital system can only have one master! If the Digiface Ravenna’s clock mode is set to
'Internal', all other devices must be set to ‘Slave’.
This also applies in a network. Typically, a single device is defined as a clock master (Grand
Clock), controlling both the network and all connected devices. The Digiface Ravenna can be
synchronized as slave over incoming network streams, or an attached word clock, or MADI signal.
As master, it uses its internal clock, becoming the clock master of the entire network.
RME’s exclusive SyncCheck technology (first implemented in the Hammerfall) enables an easy
to use check anddisplay of the current clock status. Input Status indicates whether there is a valid
signal (Lock, No Lock) for the coaxial input, or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync).
!

User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
19
9. Operation under ASIO
9.1 General
Start the ASIO software and select ASIO MADIface USB as the audio I/O device or the audio
driver.
The Digiface Ravenna supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM).
9.2 Channel Count under ASIO
In Single Speed Speed (44.1 and 48 kHz) 128 input and output channels each are available.
Double Speed (88.2 and 96kHz) reduces the number of available channels to 64 each. Quad
Speed (176.4 and 192kHz) reduces the number of available channels to 32 each.
Note: When changing the sample rate range between Single, Double and Quad Speed the num-
ber of channels presented from the ASIO driver will change too. This may require a reset of the
I/O list in the audio software.

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User's Guide Digiface Ravenna © RME
9.3 Known Problems
If a computer does not provide sufficient CPU-power and/or sufficient USB-bus transfer rates,
then drop outs, crackling and noise will appear. Such effects can often be avoided by using a
higher buffer setting/latency in the Settings dialog of the Digiface Ravenna. Furthermore PlugIns
should be deactivated temporarily to make sure they do not cause these problems. More infor-
mation can be found in chapter 25.1.
Another common source of trouble is incorrect synchronization. ASIO does not support asynchro-
nous operation, which means that the input and output signals not only have to use the same
sample frequency, but also have to be in sync. All devices connected to the Digiface Ravenna
must be properly configured for Full Duplex operation. As long as SyncCheck (in the Settings
dialog) only displays Lock instead of Sync, the devices have not been set up properly!
The same applies when using more than one Digiface Ravenna. They all have to be in sync. Else
a periodically repeated noise will be heard.
Digiface Ravenna supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM). Please note that not every program
supports ADM completely or error-free. The most often reported problem is the wrong behaviour
of panorama in a stereo channel. Also try to avoid setting the TotalMix FX hardware outputs (third
row) to mono mode. This will most likely break ADM compatibility.
10. Using more than one Interface
The current driver supports up to three RME USB devices of the MADIface series. All units have
to be in sync, i.e. have to receive valid digital sync information.
If the Digiface Ravenna is set to clock mode internal, all others have to be set to clock mode
slave, and have to be synced from the master. The clock modes of all units have to be set up
correctly in the MADIface Settings dialog.
If all units are fed with synchronous signals, i.e. all units show Sync in their Settings dialog,
all channels can be used at once. This is especially easy to handle under ASIO, as the ASIO
driver presents all units as one.
Note: TotalMix is part of the hardware of each RME unit. Up to three mixers are available, but
these are separated and can't interchange data. Therefore a global mixer for all units is not possi-
ble.