RME Audio M-32 DA User manual

User‘s Guide
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M-32 DA Pro
NETWORK MADI WORD
Channel 17-24
LINE OUT LINE OUT LINE OUT
Channel 8-16 Channel 1-8
OUT OUT OUT PSU 2 PSU 1
MADI
USB
MIDI
M-32 DA Pro 32-Channel 192 kHz D/A Converter
with MADI & AVB I/O
High-end Converter

RME M-32 DA 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. Channel Labels with Integrated Metering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.7. Meter Backlight Color and Intensity Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.8. Replacing the Channel Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.9. Control Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
3.10. Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
3.11. Analog Line Output Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
3.12. Analog Line Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
3.12.1. DA Converter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
3.13. MADI Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
3.14. Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê12
3.15. MIDI Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
3.16. Word Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
3.17. USB 2.0 Type B Jack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
3.18. Mounting the Rack Adapter Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê15
4. Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê16
5. AVB Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.1. Identifying a Device Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.2. Changing the Device Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.3. AVB Stream Size and Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.4. AVB Network Latency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.4.1. Adjusting the Network Latency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.4.2. Adjusting the Network Latency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê20
6. Quick Start (MADI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê21
7. Warranty and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê23
7.1. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê23
7.2. Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê23
7.3. Support Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê24
8. STATE Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê25
8.1. Power State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê25
8.1.1. Notification of Single Power Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê25
8.2. Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê26
8.2.1. Saving Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê26

8.2.2. Loading Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê27
8.2.3. Loading Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê28
8.3. Device Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê28
8.3.1. Locking the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê28
8.3.2. Unlocking the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê29
8.4. Front Panel Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê29
8.4.1. Dark Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê30
8.4.2. Changing the Meters to Peak or RMS Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
8.4.3. Persistent Clipping Notifications and Peak Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê32
8.4.4. Metering of Digital Input Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
8.5. Remote Control Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
8.5.1. Finding the Device on a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
8.5.2. Web Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê35
8.6. Device Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê37
9. INPUT Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê38
9.1. MADI Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê38
9.1.1. MADI at High Sample Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê38
9.1.2. Connecting Two Identical MADI Signals for Redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê39
9.2. AVB Input Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê40
9.2.1. Change AVB Input Stream Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê40
10. OUTPUT Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê42
10.1. Routing Signals to the Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê42
10.2. Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê43
10.2.1. Adjusting the Output Line Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
10.2.2. Mute Analog Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
10.3. MADI Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê45
10.3.1. Setting the Output Channel Format and Frame Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê45
10.3.2. MADI Daisy Chains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê46
10.3.3. MADI Port Mirroring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
10.4. AVB Output Streams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
10.4.1. Change AVB Output Stream Size and Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê48
11. CLOCK Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
11.1. Clock Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
11.2. Master Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
11.2.1. Selecting a Master Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
11.3. Sample Rates Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
11.3.1. Slave Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
11.3.2. Number of Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê53
11.3.3. Selecting a Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê53
11.3.4. Effects of Sample Rate Changes on Existing Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê54
11.4. Set Word Clock Output to Single Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê54
12. Annex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
12.1. MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
12.1.1. Basic SysEx format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
12.1.2. Message Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê56
12.1.3. Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê56
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
12.2. Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62

12.2.1. CE Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
12.2.2. FCC Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
12.2.3. 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.
WARNING
MAGNETIC FIELD
The device uses magnets that can be harmful to pacemaker wearers.
Ensure the device is kept at least 90 cm (36 inches) from any active medical
implant (e.g. pacemakers).
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-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
1| 1. Safety Precautions

2. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the M-32 DA Pro.
The M-32 DA 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.
The device was designed to use the entire front for visual feedback on its state and configuration. A
display with encoder allows to perform all configurations directly at the device. Thirty-two custom-
inscribable labeling fields with backlight in shades of green, yellow, and red indicate the current signal
level.
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-32 DA 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 allows simultaneous transmission of all 32 analog channels at 192 kHz sampling
frequency over a single network cable.
Various remote control protocols allow the device to be configured seamlessly via MIDI over MADI, MIDI,
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 2.0.0RC2 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-32 DA 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”
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
2. Introduction | 2

2. Download the current firmware from the RME website.
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-32 DA 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-32 DA 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-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
2.4. Status Indicator Color Chart | 4

3. Hardware
Section 3.4, “Standby Switch”
Section 3.6, “Channel Labels with Integrated Metering”
Section 3.9, “Control Section”
Section 3.13, “MADI Connectors”
Section 3.15, “MIDI Connector”
Section 3.16, “Word Clock”
Section 3.11, “Analog Line Output Connectors”
Section 3.14, “Network Connection”
Section 3.17, “USB 2.0 Type B Jack”
Section 3.13, “MADI Connectors”
Section 3.10, “Power Supplies”
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
5| 3. Hardware

3.1. Hardware Specifications
RME M-32 DA Pro
EAN 42 6012336 322 2
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 60W 90-264V AC
Power consumption typ. 30W, standby 0.5W
3.2. Package Contents
The package of the M-32 DA Pro contains the following items:
•M-32 DA Pro
•two rack mount brackets
•four screws for rack mount brackets
•two power cords
•MIDI breakout cable
•5 customizable channel labels
•printed manual
If any item is missing from a factory-sealed package, please contact your support
immediately.
3.3. Power On
The M-32 DA 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-32 DA 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-32 DA 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.
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
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-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
7| 3.4. Standby Switch

3.6. Channel Labels with Integrated Metering
The use of customized channel labels helps in recurring and permanent installations. They inform the
user where the analog connections terminate.
The M-32 DA Pro features 32 fields on the front panel, one for each analog output. Integrated backlight in
shades of green, yellow, and red represents the current level for each channel.
3.7. Meter Backlight Color and Intensity Reference
The following table describes the signal level represented by the backlight color. Each value corresponds
to full scale, which is equivalent to the reference level of the corresponding output.
Color Color name dBFS
Green -54 (barely visible in low light)
-40 (barely visible in daylight)
-20 (bright green)
Yellow -5 (strong yellow)
Orange -4
Red -1
Red flashing fast 0 (at least three consecutive samples)
Red flashing slow output muted
3.8. Replacing the Channel Labels
No tools are required to replace the channel labels. All 32 labels are printed or written onto a single
sheet.
Perform the following steps to replace the labels:
1. On the left side of the cover, place your fingertip into the recess and gently pull the cover towards you.
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
3.6. Channel Labels with Integrated Metering | 8

2. Remove the current label sheet that is held between cover and device.
3. Place a new label sheet onto the cover.
4. Put the cover back into its place, aligning the centered metal plate first. It snaps into place
magnetically.
It is possible to prepare your own paper cutouts in case you frequently need to label the
fields. A PDF template is available upon request from your support. When choosing the
paper type, ensure that its thickness allows sufficient light to pass through.
3.9. Control Section
The M-32 DA 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,
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.
3.10. Power Supplies
The M-32 DA 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. Both are hi-performance switch mode power supplies that
accept 90V to 264V AC. Both are hi-performance switch mode power supplies that accept 100V to 240V
AC. They are short-circuit-proof, have an integrated line-filter, are fully regulated against voltage
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
9| 3.9. Control Section

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.
3.11. Analog Line Output Connectors
The rear of the M-32 DA Pro features 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!
3.12. Analog Line Levels
The M-32 DA Pro can be adjusted to the following reference levels:
Reference 0 dBFS Headroom at
+4dBu
Other RME
devices
+24 +24 dBu 20 dB -
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
3.11. Analog Line Output Connectors | 10

Reference 0 dBFS Headroom at
+4dBu
Other RME
devices
+19 +19 dBu 15 dB LoGain
+13 +13 dBu 9 dB +4 dBu
When set to +24, analog outputs comply with RP 155:2014 - SMPTE Recommended
Practice.
3.12.1. DA Converter Specifications
Line Out 1-32:
•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
3.13. MADI Connectors
The rear of the M-32 DA Pro features independent optical and coaxial MADI (AES10-2003) I/O.
Each input receives up to 64 audio channels. Auto Input (see Section 9.1.2, “Connecting Two Identical
MADI Signals for Redundancy”) can be activated to treat both inputs as one.
The optical "subscriber" or "square" connector (SC, IEC 61754-4) accepts both simplex and duplex
multimode (MM) fibers of 50 and 62.5µm diameter and up to 2 km length.
The coaxial BNC connector accepts coaxial cables with 75Ω impedance.
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
11 | 3.13. MADI Connectors

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 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.
3.14. Network Connection
On the rear of the M-32 DA Pro, an RJ45 connector labeled NETWORK provides a connection to ethernet.
Two link speeds are supported: 100 Mb/s and 1 Gb/s.
A green LED (left) signals a successful link. A yellow LED (right) signals network traffic (blinking).
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 port is used to send and receive:
•up to eight AVB audio streams when connected to AVB switches and endpoints,
•remote status/control with AVDECC, and
•remote status/control with HTTP over IP routed networks.
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
3.14. Network Connection | 12

The current link state is also shown on the display of the M-32 DA Pro. A small network port icon
between the STATE and INPUT tabs can display the following states:
Link State 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. MIDI Connector
The M-32 DA Pro can be controlled with MIDI SysEx commands from either a physical MIDI connection
or a MIDI over MADI signal. A MIDI breakout cable is included with the device.
Figure 1. MIDI Breakout Cable Wiring Diagram
The M-32 DA Pro does not serve as a MIDI to/from MIDI over MADI converter. It does not
pass on incoming MIDI signals except for SysEx remote control information.
3.16. 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).
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
13 | 3.15. MIDI Connector

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.
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.
3.17. USB 2.0 Type B Jack
The USB jack at the rear of the M-32 DA Pro provides an alternative connection method for web remote
control when a network connection is not available.
When connecting the M-32 DA 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.
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
3.17. USB 2.0 Type B Jack | 14

The USB port cannot be used to stream audio signals.
3.18. Mounting the Rack Adapter Brackets
When the device should be mounted in a 19" rack, the rack adapter brackets must be mounted first.
Mount each bracket with two screws using a Philips PH-1 screwdriver.
Do not use screws other than the ones included. Using longer screws can damage the
device internally!
Never insert the screws without the rack adapter bracket. This could damage of the device!
RME M-32 DA Pro User’s Guide
15 | 3.18. Mounting the Rack Adapter Brackets