RME Audio M-1610 Pro User manual

AD/DA Converter
User´s Guide
M-1610 Pro 16-Channel A/D, 10-Channel D/A Converter
with ADAT, AVB, MADI

RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide

Table of Contents
1. Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê1
2. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
2.1. About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
2.2. Firmware Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
2.3. Use of the Display and Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê3
2.3.1. Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê3
2.3.2. Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê4
2.4. Status Indicator Color Chart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê4
3. Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê5
3.1. Hardware Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê6
3.2. Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê6
3.3. Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê6
3.4. Standby Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê7
3.5. Ring Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê7
3.6. Headphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.6.1. Analog Output Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.7. Control Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.8. Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
3.9. Analog Line Input Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
3.10. Analog Line Output Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
3.11. Analog Line Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
3.11.1. AD Converter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
3.11.2. DA Converter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
3.12. MADI Coaxial and SFP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê12
3.13. ADAT Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
3.14. Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
3.15. Word Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
3.16. USB 2.0 Type B Jack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê15
3.17. Mounting the Rack Adapter Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê16
4. Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5. AVB Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.1. Identifying a Device Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.2. Changing the Device Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.3. AVB Stream Size and Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.4. AVB Network Latency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê20
5.4.1. Adjusting the Network Latency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê20
6. Quick Start (MADI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê22
7. Warranty and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê24
7.1. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê24
7.2. Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê24
7.3. Support Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê25
8. STATE Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê26
8.1. Power State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê26
8.1.1. Notification of Single Power Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê26
8.2. Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê27
8.2.1. Saving Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê27

8.2.2. Loading Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê28
8.2.3. Loading Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê29
8.3. Device Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê29
8.3.1. Locking the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê29
8.3.2. Unlocking the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
8.4. Front Panel Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
8.4.1. Dark Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
8.4.2. Changing the Meters to Peak or RMS Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
8.4.3. Persistent Clipping Notifications and Peak Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê34
8.4.4. Metering of Digital Input Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê35
8.5. Remote Control Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê35
8.5.1. Finding the Device on a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê35
8.5.2. Web Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê36
8.6. Device Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê38
9. INPUT Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê39
9.1. Analog Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê39
9.1.1. Adjusting the Input Line Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê39
9.2. MADI Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê40
9.2.1. MADI at High Sample Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê40
9.2.2. Connecting Two Identical MADI Signals for Redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê41
9.3. AVB Input Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê42
9.3.1. Change AVB Input Stream Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê42
10. OUTPUT Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
10.1. Routing Signals to the Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
10.2. Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê45
10.2.1. Adjusting the Output Line Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê46
10.2.2. Mute Analog Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
10.2.3. Adjusting the Headphone Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
10.2.4. Muting the Phones Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê48
10.2.5. Using Phones Out as a Balanced Line Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
10.3. MADI Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
10.3.1. Setting the Output Channel Format and Frame Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
10.3.2. MADI Daisy Chains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê50
10.3.3. MADI Port Mirroring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
10.4. AVB Output Streams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
10.4.1. Change AVB Output Stream Size and Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê52
11. CLOCK Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê53
11.1. Clock Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê53
11.2. Master Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê53
11.2.1. Selecting a Master Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
11.3. Sample Rates Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
11.3.1. Slave Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
11.3.2. Number of Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê56
11.3.3. Selecting a Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
11.3.4. Effects of Sample Rate Changes on Existing Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
11.4. Set Word Clock Output to Single Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê58
12. Annex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê59
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60

12.1. Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
12.1.1. CE Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
12.1.2. FCC Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
12.1.3. Note on Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62

1. Safety Precautions
WARNING
DO NOT OPEN DEVICE - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
The unit has non-isolated live parts inside. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
service to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION
General Safety Information
Read read the following safety information thoroughly and keep it in a safe place
for later reference.
KEEP AWAY FROM WATER AND MOISTURE
Prevent moisture and water from entering the device. Never leave objects
containing liquid on top or near the device. Do not use this product near water, i. e.
swimming pool, bathtub or wet basement. Danger of condensation inside - do not
turn on before the device has reached room temperature.
ENSURE PROPER VENTILATION
Do not cover the vents on the side of the unit. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid
overheating.
MAINS
The device must be earthed when using AC voltage to power the device. Never use
it without proper grounding. Do not use defective power cords.
Operation of the device is limited to the description in this manual.
NOTICE
Read the User Manual
Read the manual completely. It includes all information necessary to use and
operate this device.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
1| 1. Safety Precautions

2. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the M-1610 Pro.
The M-1610 Pro is a versatile multichannel format converter with exceptional audio quality across each
of its channels. State-of-the art components from audiophile grade converters have been carefully
aligned to fit into a compact, 1 HU 19" rack device.
A display with encoder gives access to all configuration options directly at the device. The phones output
at the front can receive any signal connected to the device - analog or digital. The analog I/O at the back
are accessible via D-Sub 25 connectors. In addition, the first two line level outputs are also available as
TRS. The last six of the 16 analog line level inputs also accept 6.3 mm (1/4") plugs.
Each analog channel can be individually adjusted to three different sensitivities that are perfectly
matched to the converter’s range. While this is usually implemented with digital 'trims', the M-1610 Pro
does the adjustment in the analog domain, ensuring that the converter’s signal to noise ratio is not
reduced when adapting to common line levels.
Digital audio can be received, routed, and sent over MADI and AVB. While MADI remains the de-facto
standard of point-to-point audio transmission, AVB has been chosen as a robust network solution based
on open standards. It supports sending and receiving of up to 128 audio channels over a single network
cable.
Various remote control protocols allow the device to be configured seamlessly via IEEE 1722.1 AVDECC,
JSON OSC and a web interface accessible by network or USB connection with a browser.
2.1. About This Manual
This printed document was created for firmware 2.0.0 on 2020-08-05. For an updated version, please
check https://www.rme-audio.com.
The following manual provides a detailed explanation of features and their proper use. Please read the
safety instructions carefully.
Features described in this manual can change when the device firmware is updated. It is
therefore recommended to refer to the latest version of the manual available online.
Although the contents of this manual have been thoroughly checked for errors, RME can not guarantee
that it is correct throughout. RME does not accept responsibility for any misleading or incorrect
information within this guide. RME reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
2.2. Firmware Update
New and improved features for this device, as well as bug fixes, are published on the RME website in the
download section as a firmware update. The update is provided as a compressed file with a .swu
extension and can be uploaded via web remote over USB or network.
To update the M-1610 Pro:
1. Connect the device by USB or network cable and open the Web Remote.
See: Section 8.5.1, “Finding the Device on a Network”
2. Download the current firmware from the RME website.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
2. Introduction | 2

3. Unpack the compressed file.
4. Open the Settings in the Web Remote.
5. Within the Firmware Update section, press the Select .swu Firmware File Êbutton and locate the
unpacked file.
6. Press Start Firmware Update .
The unit retains all settings, including presets, when the firmware is upgraded.
2.3. Use of the Display and Encoder
The M-1610 Pro can be controlled directly at the unit. For this purpose, a display and an encoder provide
access to all features.
•Rotating the encoder when the standby screen is shown highlights one of four sections.
•Pushing the encoder when the screen is idle activates the previously active tab.
•Pushing the encoder when a section is highlighted opens the corresponding section.
2.3.1. Sections
All control items are categorized into four sections:
•STATE for general settings
•INPUT for audio input related settings
•OUTPUT for audio output related settings and routing
•CLOCK for digital clock related settings
To access the INPUT section:
1. Rotate the encoder to highlight the "STATE" section
2. Rotate the encoder to highlight the "INPUT" section
3. Push the encoder to open the "INPUT" section.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
3| 2.3. Use of the Display and Encoder

2.3.2. Tabs
The STATE, INPUT and OUTPUT sections are further divided into tabs, which are shown when the
section is opened. Upon opening one of the four sections, a white cursor with a surrounding blue line is
shown to navigate between tabs and settings.
To close the section, move the cursor onto the minimize-icon and confirm by pressing the encoder.
2.4. Status Indicator Color Chart
Notifications on this device have been optimized for different screen sizes. They are unified across the
device display and the web remote and include a color bar that indicates the current state at a glance.
The following table shows the possible status indicator colors for reference.
Status Color Description
Warning red Requires a configuration change or matching
external signal.
Notice yellow There is a potential issue.
Notice (in progress) yellow with dots There is a temporary issue that should resolve
automatically.
No Routing light green In output section: Output is sending an empty
signal.
Issues with Input light green On standby screen in output section: Output is
working, but issues with input.
Good green Everything is working as expected.
Inactive grey Feature is not monitored or disabled.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
2.4. Status Indicator Color Chart | 4

3. Hardware
Section 3.4, “Standby Switch”
Section 3.6, “Headphone Output”
Section 3.7, “Control Section”
Section 3.15, “Word Clock”
Section 3.13, “ADAT Outputs”
Section 3.12, “MADI Coaxial and SFP”
Section 3.10, “Analog Line Output Connectors”
Section 3.9, “Analog Line Input Connectors”
Section 3.14, “Network Connection”
MADI SFP Option
Section 3.16, “USB 2.0 Type B Jack”
Section 3.8, “Power Supplies”
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
5| 3. Hardware

3.1. Hardware Specifications
RME M-1610 Pro
EAN 42 6012336 331 4
Dimensions 440 x 44 x 243 mm (17.3 x 1.7 x 9.6 inches)
Weight 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs)
Package 560 x 315 x 115 mm (22.1 x 12.4 x 4.5 inches)
Conformity CE, FCC, WEEE, RoHS
Power supplies Dual 30W 100-240 AC
Power consumption typ. 20W, standby 0.5W
3.2. Package Contents
The package of the M-1610 Pro contains the following items:
•M-1610 Pro
•two rack mount brackets
•four screws for rack mount brackets
•two power cords
•printed manual
If any item is missing from a factory-sealed package, please contact your support
immediately.
3.3. Power On
The M-1610 Pro has a power off switch at the rear and a standby switch at the front.
Perform the following steps to power on the M-1610 Pro:
1. Ensure either or both power inlets are properly connected to a power source.
2. Toggle the mains switch at the back of the device to position I(down) The power indicator will light
up in red (Standby) or white (On). This depends on the state of the device before the rear switch was
toggled or the power cord removed.
3. If the device is in standby mode, push the standby switch to boot the device.
The M-1610 Pro features a dark mode which deactivates some or all lights of the front
panel. This can be used to let the device appear powered off when it is in fact powered on.
A short push on the standby switch or the the encoder deactivates this mode temporarily.
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3.1. Hardware Specifications | 6

3.4. Standby Switch
The standby switch is used to power off the device when it is not in use. While in standby mode, the
device is completely powered down except for a red ring illumination. No signals are processed or
passed on.
Possible actions:
•When the device is in standby mode, a short push on the standby switch boots the
device.
•When the device is powered on, push and hold the standby switch for several
seconds in order to power down the device.
3.5. Ring Illumination
The following illumination patterns are possible:
No illumination
•There is no power at either of the two AC inlets.
•The power switch at the rear of the device is set to 'Off'.
•Dark mode has been activated.
Permanent red illumination
•The device is powered off but is receiving power at either one of the AC inlets.
Permanent white illumination
•The device is powered on and all systems are working without warning.
Alternating red/white illumination
•Something is not working properly. This is triggered when one of the four display
sections: STATE, INPUT, OUTPUT, or CLOCK signals a warning.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
7| 3.4. Standby Switch

3.6. Headphone Output
The M-1610 Pro features a stereo headphone output, 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS on the front panel. It can also
function as a dual mono unbalanced output (13 dBu) and as a mono balanced line level output (19 dBu).
Any digital or analog input signal can be monitored.
Always use balanced TRS connectors at this output.
3.6.1. Analog Output Specifications
Phones 1/2:
•Resolution: 24 Bit
•Noise (DR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA
•Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 9 Hz – 22 kHz
•Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 9 Hz – 45 kHz
•Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 8 Hz - 75 kHz
•THD+N: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %
•Channel separation: > 110 dB
•Output: 6.3 mm TRS stereo (unbalanced) or mono (balanced) jack
•Maximum output level at 0 dBFS: +13 dBu (unbalanced), +19 dBu (balanced)
•Output impedance: 100 Ω
3.7. Control Section
The M-1610 Pro can be configured completely at the device.
To do so, the a TFT display shows a menu. The adjacent encoder knob is used to navigate and change
settings.
The encoder can be pushed in order to activate an item,
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
3.6. Headphone Output | 8

and rotated left and right in order to select an item.
If the device is powered on but the display shows no content, dark mode may be active.
Rotate the encoder to temporarily bypass this mode and show the display.
3.8. Power Supplies
The M-1610 Pro has two internal power supplies (PSUs) that are connected via IEC C14 inlets labeled
"PSU 1" and "PSU 2" at the rear of the device. They are short-circuit-proof, have an integrated line-filter,
are fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppress mains interference.
The inlets are labeled in the sequence they appear when looking from the front of the
device. This helps identifying the active power source on the display.
The power switch next to the two inlets internally disconnects the line connection of the C14 inlets to the
power supplies. Ground and neutral will remain connected.
Lockable IEC plugs
The inlets can be used with special IEC power cords that have a lockable connector. Please contact a
local distributor to purchase these power cords if needed.
3.9. Analog Line Input Connectors
The rear of the M-1610 Pro features two 25-pin D-sub connectors labeled "LINE IN" with Tascam®-
pinout.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
9| 3.8. Power Supplies

These analog inputs are servo-balanced, allowing balanced and unbalanced signals to be connected
without a difference in level.
The last six input channels (Ch. 11 - 16) are additionally provided as balanced TRS input jacks (6.3 mm,
1/4"). They are internally connected to the corresponding D-Sub input channels and can therefore not be
used at the same time.
When using unbalanced connections, be sure to connect pin 3 (negative/"cold") to pin 1
(ground), to avoid noise from the unconnected pin 3 input.
3.10. Analog Line Output Connectors
The rear of the M-1610 Pro features a 25-pin D-sub connectors labeled "LINE OUT" with Tascam®-pinout.

The short circuit protected, low impedance balanced line outputs at the D-Sub connectors
do not operate servo balanced. When connecting unbalanced equipment, make sure pin 3
("cold") of the output is not connected. A connection to ground may cause a decreased
THD (higher distortion) and increased power consumption!
In addition, the first two analog output channels are available on separate TRS connectors. These
outputs have their own driver stage and can be used in combination with the corresponding D-Sub
channels. "Analog Out 1, 2" in the output routing controls both the two TRS output channels and the D-
Sub channels 1 and 2.
The TRS output stages have a servo balanced design. Therefore unbalanced TS plugs can be used
without a difference in output level. This is different from the Phones output in balanced mode, where TS
plugs should not be used.
The maximum output power at the TRS connectors is +19 dBu (balanced and unbalanced).
This reference level is also applied when switching output ch. 1, 2 to +24 dBu. The higher
reference level is only available at the D-Sub connectors.
3.11. Analog Line Levels
The M-1610 Pro can be adjusted to the following reference levels:
Reference 0 dBFS Headroom at
+4dBu
Other RME
devices
+24 +24 dBu 20 dB -
+19 +19 dBu 15 dB LoGain
+13 +13 dBu 9 dB +4 dBu
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
3.10. Analog Line Output Connectors | 10

When set to +24, analog inputs comply with RP 155:2014 - SMPTE Recommended
Practice.
3.11.1. AD Converter Specifications
Line In 1-16:
•Resolution: 24 bit
•Input level switchable per channel +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu @ 0 dBFS
•Inputs AC coupled, fully symmetrical signal path (servo-balanced)
•Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +24 dBu, 44.1 kHz: 117.0 dB RMS unweighted, 120.7 dBA
•Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +19 dBu: 116.3 dB RMS unweighted, 119.9 dBA
•Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +13 dBu: 114.7 dB RMS unweighted, 118.3 dBA
•Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz – 20.5 kHz
•THD @ -1 dBFS: < -111 dB, < 0.00029%
•THD+N @ -1 dBFS: < -108 dB, < 0.00039 %
•Channel separation: > 110 dB
3.11.2. DA Converter Specifications
Line Out 1-8:
•Resolution: 24 bit
•Output level switchable per channel +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu @ 0 dBFS
•Output level at TRS 1, 2 max. +19 dBu @ 0 dBFS
•Outputs DC coupled, fully symmetrical signal path ("truly balanced")
•Output impedance: 200 Ohm balanced, 100 Ohm unbalanced
•Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +13/+19/+24: 116 dB RMS unweighted, 119 dBA
•Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 0 Hz – 22 kHz
•THD @ -1 dBFS: < -109 dB, < 0.00035 %
•THD+N @ -1 dBFS: < -107 dB, < 0.00043 %
•Channel separation: > 110 dB
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
11 | 3.11. Analog Line Levels

3.12. MADI Coaxial and SFP
The rear of the M-1610 Pro features coaxial and SFP MADI (AES10-2003) I/O.
Each input receives up to 64 audio channels. Auto Input (see Section 9.2.2, “Connecting Two Identical
MADI Signals for Redundancy”) can be activated to treat both inputs as one.
The coaxial BNC connector accepts coaxial cables with 75 Ω impedance.
The "small form-factor pluggable" connector (SFP) accepts 125 MBit/s transceivers with LC connectors
and multi-mode (MM) and single-mode (SM) cable support. These must be purchased separately (see
Section 4, “Accessories”).
An SFP module has indicators to distinguish transmitter (▼) and receiver (▲). It can be inserted and
removed while the device is powered on (hot plugging). Any plugged in connector must be removed
before unlocking the SFP. Unlock and remove by pulling its integrated wire latch outward.

The wire latch of the SFP module is color coded. Black stands for the most common
multimode module, blue stands for single mode which allows longer distance
transmissions. It is possible, but not reliable to connect single mode transceivers with
multi mode transceivers. Avoid this by always confirming that connected devices match
the specification of the fiber optic cable.
On the device, the characteristics and state of the signal at either input can be inspected in the INPUT
section.
The presence or loss of a signal at either port is indicated on the standby screen and main menu if
•the input port is selected as clock master, or
•its audio channels are routed in the OUTPUT section.
When using the web remote, the characteristics and state of the signal at either input can be inspected in
the CLOCK section.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
3.12. MADI Coaxial and SFP | 12

3.13. ADAT Outputs
Four ADAT outputs can be found at the rear of the device.
Each port can send up to eight audio channels. At double and quad speed, the maximum of channels per
port is reduced to four and two respectively.
Even when no signal is routed, the outputs send a valid ADAT signal at the current sample
rate. This can be used to clock other devices.
The quick start preset sends analog inputs 1-16 to ADAT output ports 1 (input 1-8) and 2 (input 9-16) per
default. The factory preset does not route any signal to ADAT outputs.
3.14. Network Connection
On the rear of the M-1610 Pro, two RJ45 connectors labeled NET (PRI) and NET (SEC) provide ethernet
connectivity. The supported link speed is 1 Gb/s for AVB.
A green LED (left) signals network traffic (blinking). A yellow LED (right) signals a successful link.
Both straight and crossover cables can be used (Auto MDI-X). Cable lengths of up to 100m are supported
when using Cat 5e or higher classification.
The network ports are used to send and receive:
•up to eight AVB audio streams when connected to AVB switches and endpoints,
•remote status/control with AVDECC, and
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
13 | 3.13. ADAT Outputs

•remote status/control with HTTP over IP routed networks.
The current link state is also shown on the display of the M-1610 Pro.
Two network port icons on the standby screen reveal the
following states:
Icon Description
No link - cable not connected
Negotiating link with other endpoint
Link with speed of 100 MBit/s (not
supported for audio streams)
Successful link with speed of 1 GBit/s
3.15. Word Clock
Word clock can be sent and received via 75 Ω coaxial cabling at the corresponding BNC connectors. The
cable length should not exceed 100 m (330 ft).
The input is terminated with 75 Ω internally. To pass on the word clock to other devices,
use the word clock output. Do not connect a T-adapter to the word clock input.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
3.15. Word Clock | 14

The state of an incoming word clock signal can be accessed in the CLOCK section.
Possible States:
•A green indicator shows that the signal is currently in sync with the chosen clock master.
•An orange indicator means that a word clock is received but is not in sync.
•A red indicator means that word clock is chosen as master, but a signal is not present or has a
different sample rate than the chosen one.
3.16. USB 2.0 Type B Jack
The USB jack at the rear of the M-1610 Pro provides an alternative connection method for web remote
control when a network connection is not available.
When connecting the M-1610 Pro with a standard ("printer") USB 2.0 cable to a current
MicrosoftÊWindows™ or AppleÊmacOS™ operating system, a network adapter will be automatically
installed. This does not require additional drivers. The device can then be remotely controlled by opening
the URL http://172.20.0.1.
The USB port cannot be used to stream audio signals.
RME M-1610 Pro User’s Guide
15 | 3.16. USB 2.0 Type B Jack