RME Audio Hammerfall HDSP AES-32 User manual

User's Guide
Hammerfall®DSP System
HDSP AES-32
PCI Busmaster Digital I/O Card
32 Channels AES/EBU Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
32 x 16 Matrix Router
2 x MIDI I/O
Quick Boot
TotalMix™
24 Bit / 192 kHz 9
SyncAlign
®
ZLM
®
SyncCheck
®
SteadyClock™

2 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................6
2 Package Contents.....................................................6
3 System Requirements ..............................................6
4 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6
5 Hardware Installation................................................7
6 Hardware – Connectors
6.1 External Connectors ..............................................7
6.2 Internal Connectors................................................8
7 Accessories...............................................................8
8 Warranty.....................................................................8
9 Appendix....................................................................9
Driver Installation and Operation - Windows
10 Driver and Firmware
10.1 Driver Installation .................................................12
10.2 Driver Update.......................................................12
10.3 De-Installing the Drivers.......................................12
10.4 Firmware Update..................................................13
11 Configuring the HDSP AES-32
11.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................13
11.2 Settings Dialog – DDS .........................................15
11.3 Clock Modes – Synchronization...........................16
12 Operation and Usage
12.1 Playback...............................................................18
12.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS) ................................19
12.3 Notes on WDM.....................................................20
12.4 Multi-client Operation ...........................................20
12.5 Digital Recording..................................................22
13 Operation under ASIO
13.1 General ................................................................23
13.2 Known Problems..................................................23
14 Operation under GSIF.............................................24
15 Using multiple HDSP AES-32.................................25
16 DIGICheck................................................................25
17 Hotline – Troubleshooting
17.1 General ................................................................26
17.2 Installation............................................................27

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 3
Driver Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
18 Driver and Flash Update
18.1 Driver Installation.................................................30
18.2 Driver Update.......................................................30
18.3 Flash Update........................................................30
19 Configuring the HDSP AES-32
19.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................31
19.2 Settings Dialog – DDS.........................................33
19.3 Clock Modes – Synchronization ..........................34
20 Mac OS X FAQ
20.1 Round about Driver Installation ...........................35
20.2 Repairing Disk Permissions.................................35
20.3 MIDI doesn't work................................................36
20.4 Supported Sample Rates.....................................36
20.5 Various Information..............................................36
21 Hotline – Troubleshooting .....................................37
Connections and TotalMix
22 Connections
22.1 AES/EBU Inputs...................................................40
22.2 AES/EBU Outputs................................................41
22.3 MIDI .....................................................................42
23 Word Clock
23.1 Word Clock Input and Output ..............................43
23.2 Technical Description and Background...............44
23.3 Cables and Termination.......................................45
23.4 General Operation................................................45
24 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring
24.1 Overview..............................................................46
24.2 The User Interface...............................................48
24.3 Elements of a Channel ........................................49
24.4 Tour de TotalMix..................................................49
24.5 Submix View ........................................................51
24.6 Mute and Solo......................................................51
24.7 Quick Access Panel.............................................52
24.8 Presets.................................................................52
24.9 Monitor Panel.......................................................54
24.10 Preferences........................................................54
24.11 Editing the Names..............................................55
24.12 Hotkeys ..............................................................56
24.13 Menu Options.....................................................57
24.14 Level Meter ........................................................58

4 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
25 TotalMix: The Matrix
25.1 Overview..............................................................59
25.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................59
25.3 Usage...................................................................59
25.4 Advantages of the Matrix .....................................60
26 TotalMix Super-Features
26.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows only) ..............60
26.2 Selection and Group based Operation ................61
26.3 Copy Routings to other Channels........................61
26.4 Delete Routings....................................................61
26.5 Recording a Subgroup (Loopback)......................62
26.6 Using external Effects Devices............................63
26.7 MS Processing.....................................................64
27 TotalMix MIDI Remote Control
27.1 Overview..............................................................65
27.2 Mapping ...............................................................65
27.3 Setup....................................................................66
27.4 Operation .............................................................66
27.5 Simple MIDI Control.............................................67
27.6 Loopback Detection .............................................68
Technical Reference
28 Tech Info ..................................................................70
29 Technical Specifications
29.1 Inputs ...................................................................71
29.2 Outputs.................................................................71
29.3 Digital ...................................................................72
29.4 MIDI......................................................................72
30 Technical Background
30.1 AES/EBU - SPDIF................................................73
30.2 Lock and SyncCheck ...........................................74
30.3 Latency and Monitoring........................................75
30.4 DS – Double Speed .............................................76
30.5 QS – Quad Speed................................................76
30.6 SteadyClock.........................................................77
30.7 Terminology .........................................................78
30.8 Connector Pinouts................................................79

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 5
User's Guide
HDSP AES-32
General

6 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the HDSP AES-32. This unique audio system is capable of transferring
digital audio data directly into a computer, from any device equipped with a AES/EBU or SPDIF
interface. Installation is simple, even for the inexperienced user, thanks to the latest Plug and
Play technology. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialog puts
the Hammerfall DSP AES at the very top of the range of digital audio interface cards.
The package contains drivers for Windows XP / Vista / 7 and Mac OS X PPC.
Our high-performance philosophy guarantees maximum system performance by executing as
many functions as possible not in the driver (i.e. the CPU), but directly within the audio hard-
ware.
2. Package Contents
Please check your HDSP AES-32 package contains each of the following:
•HDSP AES-32 PCI card
•HDSP AES-32 expansion board
•Quick Info guide
•RME Driver CD
•MIDI breakout cable
•Expansion Board ribbon cable (26-conductor)
3. System Requirements
•Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X PPC (10.2.8 or higher)
•PCI Interface: a free PCI rev. 2.1 Busmaster slot
4. Brief Description and Characteristics
•All settings can be changed in real-time
•8 buffer sizes/latencies available: 0.7 / 1.5 / 3 / 6 / 12 / 23 / 46 / 93 ms
•32 channels 192 kHz/24 bit record/playback
•Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
•Word clock input and output
•TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
•SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels
•SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals
•2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed MIDI
•DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation
•TotalMix: 512 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
•SteadyClock: Jitter-immune, super-stable digital clock
•Quick Boot technology for immediate loading of the hardware settings
•Optional Time Code module (TCO) for external Video-/SMPTE synchronization

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 7
5. Hardware Installation
Before installing the PCI card, please make sure the computer is switched off and the
power cable is disconnected from the mains supply. Inserting or removing the card while
the computer is in operation can cause irreparable damage to both motherboard and card!
1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the computer.
2. Remove the computer's housing. Further information on how to do this can be obtained
from your computer's instruction manual.
3. Important: Before removing the HDSP AES-32 from its protective bag, discharge any static
in your body by touching the metal chassis of the PC.
4. Prior to installation: Connect the HDSP AES-32 card to the Expansion Board using the sup-
plied flat ribbon cable.
5. Insert the HDSP AES-32 firmly into a free PCI slot, press and fasten the screw.
6. Insert the Expansion Board and fasten the screw.
7. Replace the computer's housing.
8. Reconnect all cables including the power cord.
6. Hardware - Connectors
6.1 External Connectors
The bracket of the main
board has a D-sub 25 pin
connector providing
AES/EBU inputs and
outputs 1-4, and BNC
sockets providing word
clock input and output.
The D-sub connector
uses the Tascam pinout
(details see chapter
30.8).
Breakout and connection cables with this pinout are widely available.
The Expansion Board's
bracket has AES/EBU
inputs and outputs 5-8 via
a second D-sub 25 con-
nector. The included
breakout cable is con-
nected to the 9-pin Mini-
DIN connector and pro-
vides two MIDI inputs and
outputs via four 5-pin DIN
connectors.
Note: If neither AES I/O 5-8 nor MIDI I/O is required, it is not necessary to install the Expansion
Board at all.
Optional TCO
The optional Time Code Option is connected to the main board with a 10-pin flat ribbon cable.
Further details can be found in the TCO manual.

8 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
6.2 Internal Connectors
X100 (Channel 17-32)
26-pin connector for the included HDSP AES-32 Expansion Board.
X101
10-pin connector for a connection of the optional Time Code Option (TCO).
X300
No function. Used to program the card in the factory.
Blue Jumper (Main Board)
Controls termination of the word clock input. Changing the jumper to the position oriented to-
wards the center of the PCB (see printed label on the PCB), the word clock input is terminated
with 75 Ohms.
7. Accessories
RME offers several optional components. Additionally parts of the HDSP AES-32, like the spe-
cial breakout cables, are available separately.
Part Number Description
BOHDSP9652 MIDI breakout cable
VKHDSPAES32 26-conductor flat ribbon cable
BO25MXLR4M4F3 Digital breakout cable AES/EBU, 9.9 ft (3 m)
BO25MXLR4M4F6 Digital breakout cable AES/EBU, 19.8 ft (6 m)
BOBDSUB25T Digital connection cable 25 pin D-sub, Tascam pinout
BOB32 BOB-32, Universal Breakout Box, 19"
TCOHDSP Time Code Option HDSPe series
8. Warranty
Each individual Hammerfall DSP undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete test
at IMM before shipping. The usage of high grade components allows us to offer a full two year
warranty. We accept a copy of the sales receipt as valid warranty legitimation.
If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer. The warranty does
not cover damage caused by improper installation or maltreatment - replacement or repair in
such cases can only be carried out at the owner’s expense.
RME does not accept claims for damages of any kind, especially consequential damage. Liabil-
ity is limited to the value of the Hammerfall DSP. The general terms of business drawn up by
Audio AG apply at all times.

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 9
9. Appendix
RME news, driver updates and further product information are available on our website:
http://www.rme-audio.de
Distributor:
Audio AG, Am Pfanderling 60, D-85778 Haimhausen, Tel.: [phone] / 91810
Manufacturer:
IMM Elektronik GmbH, Leipziger Strasse 32, D-09648 Mittweida, Germany
Trademarks
All trademarks, registered or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. RME,
DIGICheck and Hammerfall are registered trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions.
HDSPe AES, HDSP AES-32, TMS, DIGI96, SyncAlign, ZLM, SyncCheck and TotalMix are
trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. Microsoft, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Win-
dows Vista and Windows 7 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Steinberg, Cubase and VST are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH. ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Copyright ©Matthias Carstens, 02/2010. Version 1.2
Current driver version: Windows: 3.083, Mac OS X 2.53. Firmware: 254
Although the contents of this User’s Guide 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.
Lending or copying any part of the guide or the RME Driver CD, or any commercial exploitation of these media without
express written permission from RME Intelligent Audio Solutions is prohibited. RME reserves the right to change specifi-
cations at any time without notice.

10 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
CE / FCC Compliance
CE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council Direc-
tive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compati-
bility according to RL89/336/EWG and RL73/23/EWG.
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RoHS
This product has been soldered lead-free and fulfils the requirements of the RoHS directive.
ISO 9001
This product has been manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management. The manufacturer,
IMM Elektronik GmbH, is also certified for ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 13485 (medical
devices).
Note on Disposal
According to the guide line RL2002/96/EG (WEEE – Directive on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment), valid for all european countries, this
product has to be recycled at the end of its lifetime.
In case a disposal of electronic waste is not possible, the recycling can
also be done by IMM Elektronik GmbH, the manufacturer of the HDSP
AES-32.
For this the device has to be sent free to the door to:
IMM Elektronik GmbH
Leipziger Straße 32
D-09648 Mittweida
Germany
Shipments not prepaid will be rejected and returned on the original sender's costs.

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 11
User's Guide
HDSP AES-32
Driver Installation and Operation - Windows

12 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
10. Driver and Firmware
10.1 Driver Installation
After the HDSP AES-32 has been installed correctly (see 5. Hardware Installation), and the
computer has been switched on, Windows will recognize the new hardware component and
start its ‘Hardware Wizard’. Insert the RME Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive, and follow fur-
ther instructions which appear on your computer screen. The driver files are located in the di-
rectory \WDM on the RME Driver CD.
Windows will install the Hammerfall DSP System driver, and will register the card in the system
as a new audio device. After a reboot the HDSP AES-32 is ready for use.
In case the warning messages 'Digital signature not found', 'Do not install driver', 'not certified
driver' or similar come up: simply ignore them and continue with the installation.
In case the Hardware Wizard does not show up automatically after installation of the card,
do not attempt to install the drivers manually! An installation of drivers for non-recognized
hardware will cause a blue screen when booting Windows!
In Windows 7 Microsoft removed the automatic start of the Driver Software Update dialog. The-
refore this dialog has to be started manually after the failed driver installation. Hit the Win key,
type 'Device Manager', start the Device Manager by selecting it from the list and hit Enter.
The device is shown with a yellow warning symbol. Usually it is already found in the correct
category, Sound, Video and Game Controller (Plug & Play detects a multimedia device). Right
click on the device and select 'Update Driver Software' from the context menu.
The dialog Update Driver Software appears. Now follow the instructions given below.
10.2 Driver Update
When facing problems with the automatic driver update, the user-driven way of driver installa-
tion will work.
Under >Control Panel /System /Device Manager /Sound, Video and Game Controllers /RME
HDSP AES /Properties /Driver< you'll find the 'Update Driver' button.
XP: Select 'Install from a list or specific location (advanced)', click 'Next', select 'Don't
search I will choose the driver to install', click 'Next', then 'Have Disk'. Now point to the
driver update's directory.
Vista/7: Select 'Browse my computer for driver software', then 'Let me pick from a list of
device drivers from my computer', then 'Have Disk'. Now point to the driver update's direc-
tory.
This method also allows for the installation of older drivers than the currently installed ones.

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 13
10.3 De-Installing the Drivers
A de-installation of the HDSP's driver files is not necessary – and not supported by Windows
anyway. Thanks to full Plug & Play support, the driver files will not be loaded after the hardware
has been removed. If desired these files can then be deleted manually.
Unfortunately Windows Plug & Play methods do not cover the additional autorun entries of To-
talMix, the Settings dialog, and the registration of the ASIO driver. Those entries can be re-
moved from the registry through a software de-installation request. This request can be found
(like all de-installation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME Hammerfall
DSP (WDM)'.
10.4 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates the HDSP AES-32 to the latest firmware version. It requires an
already installed driver.
Start the program hdsp_wdm_fut.exe. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of
the HDSP AES-32, and whether it needs an update or not. If so, then please press the 'Update'
button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished. The bar moves slowly
first (program), then faster (verify).
If more than one interface card is installed, all cards can be flashed by changing to the next tab
and repeating the process.
After the update the PCI card needs to be reset. This is done by powering down and shutting off
the PC. A warm boot is not enough!
When the update fails (status: failure), the card's second BIOS will be used from the next cold
boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the card stays fully functional. The flash process
should then be tried again on a different computer.
Note: Because of the changed hardware revision, Windows might start the hardware assistant
and wants to install new drivers. Do NOT let Windows search for new drivers, but follow the
instructions given in chapter 10.2.

14 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
11. Configuring the HDSP AES-32
11.1 Settings Dialog
Configuration of the HDSP AES-32 is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can
be opened:
•by clicking on the hammer symbol in the Task Bar's system tray
The mixer of the HDSP AES-32 (TotalMix) can be opened:
•by clicking on the mixer icon in the Task Bar's system tray
The hardware of the HDSP system offers a number of helpful, well thought-of practical functions
and options which affect how the card operates - it can be configured to suit many different
requirements. The following is available in the 'Settings' dialog:
•Input selection
•Configuration of digital I/Os
•Synchronization behaviour
•State of input and output
•Current sample rate
•Latency
Any changes made in the Settings dialog are applied immediately - confirmation (e.g. by click-
ing on OK or exiting the dialog) is not required. However, settings should not be changed during
playback or record if it can be avoided, as this can cause unwanted noises. Also, please note
that even in 'Stop' mode, several programs keep the recording and playback devices open,
which means that any new settings might not be applied immediately.
The status displays at the bottom of the dialog box give the user precise information about the
current status of the system, and the status of all digital signals.
Quick Boot
All the card's settings described below are stored in a hardware memory, and are loaded im-
mediately after a power-on of the computer. In clock mode Master even the last used sample
rate is set. Directly after switching on the computer, a stable and predictable clock state is found
at the HDSP AES-32 outputs. This advanced technology completely eliminates disturbing
noises and clock network problems during power-up or re-boot.
Options
Check Input verifies the current digital input signal against the settings in the record program.
Activated Windows will automatically (and without notice) perform a sample rate conversion.
Deactivated the recording will simply be performed with the wrong sample rate, with a detuned
playback later on. This setting is valid for WDM only, it does not apply to ASIO.
With Interleaved activated, WDM devices can be used as 8-channel devices (see chapter 12.3).
SyncAlign guarantees synchronous channels when using WDM multitrack software. This option
should only be switched off in case the used software does not work correctly with SyncAlign
activated.
TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information from the
AES/EBU input signal.

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 15
Word Clock Out
The word clock output signal usually equals the current sample rate. Selecting Single Speed
causes the output signal to always stay within the range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz and
192 kHz sample rate, the output word clock is 48 kHz.
Buffer Size
The setting Buffer Size determines the
latency between incoming and outgo-
ing ASIO and GSIF data, as well as
affecting system stability (see chapter
13/14).
Clock Mode
The unit can be configured to use its
internal clock source (Master), or the
clock source pre-defined via Pref.
Sync Ref (AutoSync).
System Clock
Shows the current clock state of the
HDSP system. The system is either
Master (using its own clock) or Slave
(see Pref. Sync Ref).
Output Format
Double Speed: Sample rates in the
range of 64 kHz to 96 kHz can also be
transmitted using the standard 48K
frame. Note that when selecting
Double Wire the number of output
channels is reduced to 8.
Quad Speed: Sample rates in the range of 128 kHz to 192 kHz can also be transmitted using
either the standard 48K frame, or the 96K frame. Note that when selecting Double Wire the
number of output channels is reduced to 8. When selecting Quad Wire the number of remaining
output channels is 4.
For further details about the settings ‘Professional’, ‘Emphasis’ and ‘Non-Audio’, please refer to
chapter 22.2.
Input Status
SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock) for the inputs Word Clock and AES 1
to 8, or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The System Clock Mode display
shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. Each input has its own frequency
measurement and display of the input signal's current sample rate.
Pref. Sync Ref.
Used to pre-select the desired clock source. If the selected source isn't available, the unit will
change to the next available one. The current clock source and sample rate is displayed in the
System Clock field.
About
This tab includes information about the driver and the card’s firmware version.
Lock Registry uses a password to prevent changes of the settings stored in the registry. All
settings are still changeable temporarily. As the settings are always loaded from the registry
when starting the computer, this method provides an easy way to define a specific initial state of
the HDSP system.

16 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
11.2 Settings dialog - DDS
Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a
quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in be-
tween. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital
Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest pre-
cision.
DDS has been implemented into the HDSP AES-32 with regard to the needs of professional
video applications, as well as to maximum flexibility. The dialog DDS includes both a list of typi-
cal video frequencies (so called pull up/pull down at 0.1% and 4%) and two faders, which allow
to freely change the basic sample rate in steps of 1 Hz (!).
The DDS dialog requires the HDSP AES-32 to be in clock mode Master! The frequency
setting will only be applied to this one specific card!
Changing the sample rate in bigger steps during record/playback often results in a loss of
audio, or brings up warning messages of the audio software. Therefore the desired sample
rate should be set at least coarsely before starting the software.
DDS
Activates all settings of this dialog.
Value
Shows the sample rate as adjusted in
this dialog. The sample rate is defined
by the basic setting (frequency), the
multiplier, and the position of the acti-
vated fader.
Frequency
Sets a fixed basic sample rate, which
can be modified by multiplier and
fader.
Freq. Multiplier
Changes the basic sample rate into
Single, Double or Quad Speed mode.
Coarse
Fader for coarse modification of the
basic sample rate. Click Active to acti-
vate it. Minimum step size 1 Hz.
Fine
Fader for fine modification of the basic
sample rate. Click Active to activate it.
Minimum step size 1 Hz.
Notes on the faders
A mouse click within the fader area, above or below the fader know, will move the fader with the
smallest step size up or down. Holding the Ctrl key while clicking will cause the fader to jump to
its center (0) position.

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 17
Application examples
DDS allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From
alignment to other sources up to creative effects – everything is possible..
DDS allows to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match instru-
ments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning.
DDS allows to define a specific sample rate. This feature can be is useful in case the system
randomly changes the sample rate – for unknown reasons. It also prevents a change from Dou-
ble Speed (96 kHz) to Single Speed (48 kHz), which would cause configuration and routing
problems by the changed amount of channels in Double or Quad Wire mode.
11.3 Clock Modes - Synchronisation
AutoSync
The HDSP AES-32 has been equipped with AutoSync, an automatic clock source selection,
which adopts the first available input with a valid digital signal as the clock reference input. The
input currently used as sync reference is shown in the 'System Clock' status field, together with
its current sample frequency.
AutoSync guarantees that normal record and record-while-play will always work correctly. In
certain cases however, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization
breaks down. To remedy this, switch the HDSP’s clock mode over to 'Master'.
Via Pref. Sync Ref (preferred synchronization reference) a preferred input can be defined. As
long as the card sees a valid signal there, this input will be designated as the sync source, oth-
erwise the other inputs will be scanned in turn. If none of the inputs are receiving a valid signal,
the card automatically switches clock mode to ‘Master’.
Thanks to its AutoSync technique
and lightning fast PLL, the HDSP is
not only capable of handling standard
frequencies, but also any sample rate
between 28 and 200 kHz. Even the
word clock input, which most users
will use in varispeed operation, allows
any frequency between 28 kHz and
200 kHz.
The HDSP AES-32 outstanding clock
control allows for a synchronization of
the output signal to the word clock's
input signal not only at identical
sample rates, but also at half,
quarter, double and quad sample
rates. A playback of 192 kHz can
easily be synchronized via a 48 kHz
word clock signal.

18 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
SyncCheck
If several digital devices are to be used simultaneously in a system, they not only have to oper-
ate with the same sample frequency but also be synchronous with each other. This is why digi-
tal systems always need a single device defined as ‘master’, which sends the same clock signal
to all the other (‘slave’) devices.
Remember that a digital system can only have one master! If the HDSP AES clock mode is
set to Master, all other devices must be set to Slave.
RME’s exclusive SyncCheck technology (first implemented in the Hammerfall) enables an easy
to use check and display of the current clock status. The SyncCheck field indicates whether no
signal (No Lock), a valid signal (Lock) or a valid and synchronous signal (Sync) is present at
each of the digital clock source inputs. The ‘AutoSync Ref’ display shows the current sync
source and the measured frequency.
In practice, SyncCheck provides the user with an easy way of checking whether all digital de-
vices connected to the system are properly configured. With SyncCheck, finally anyone can
master this common source of error, previously one of the most complex issues in the digital
studio world.
12. Operation and Usage
12.1 Playback
The HDSP system can play back audio data only in supported modes (channels, PCM) and
formats (sample rate, bit resolution). Otherwise an error message appears (for example at 22
kHz and 8 bit).
In the audio application being used, HDSP must be selected as output device. This can often be
found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus under Playback Device, Audio Devices,
Audio etc.
We strongly recommend switching off all system sounds (via >Control Panel /Sounds<). Also
HDSP should not be the Preferred Device for playback, as this could cause loss of synchroniza-
tion and unwanted noises. If you feel you cannot do without system sounds, you should con-
sider buying a cheap Blaster clone and select this as Preferred Device in >Control Panel
/Multimedia /Audio<.
The screenshot to the
right shows a typical
configuration dialog as
displayed by a (ste-
reo) wave editor. After
selecting one of the
eight stereo playback
devices, audio data is
sent to the according
audio channels.
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 play-
back of audio and
MIDI (or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox ‘Get position from audio driver’.

User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME 19
Note on Windows Vista/7:
Since Vista the audio application can no longer control the sample rate under WDM. Instead the
user has to work himself through numerous settings, and to set the sample rate to the exact
same value per stereo device.
12.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS) under MME
AC-3 / DTS
When using popular DVD software players like WinDVD and PowerDVD, their audio data
stream can be sent to any AC-3/DTS capable receiver via the HDSP AES-32. For this to work
an output wave device has to be selected in >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio< or
>Control Panel/ Sound/Playback<. Also check 'use preferred device only'.
The DVD software's audio properties now show the options 'SPDIF Out' or similar. When select-
ing these, the software will transfer the non-decoded digital multichannel data stream to the
HDSP AES-32.
Note: This 'SPDIF' signal sounds like chopped noise at highest level. The first 2 channels
(Loudspeaker) do not support digital AC-3/DTS playback.
Multichannel
PowerDVD and WinDVD can also operate as software decoder, sending a DVD's multichannel
data stream directly to the outputs of the HDSP AES-32. Supported are all modes, from 2 to 8
channels, at 16 bit resolution and 48 kHz sample rate.
For this to work select the WDM playback device ’Loudspeaker’ of the HDSP AES-32 in
XP: >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<, and 'Use only default devices' has to be
checked. Additionally the loudspeaker setup, found under >Volume/ Speaker Settings/ Ad-
vanced< has to be changed from Stereo to 5.1 Surround.
Vista/7: >Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback < as ‘Standard’. Additionally the loudspeaker setup,
found under >Configuration<, has to be changed from Stereo to 5.1 Surround.
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 HDSP AES-
32. TotalMix can then be used to play back via any desired output channels.
The typical channel assignment for surround playback is:
1 - Left
2 - Right
3 - Center
4 - LFE (Low Frequency Effects)
5 - SL (Surround Left)
6 - SR (Surround Right)
Note 1: Setting the card to be used as system playback device is against common sense, as
professional cards are not specialized to play back system sounds, and shouldn't be disturbed
by system events. To prevent this, be sure to re-assign this setting after usage, or to disable
any system sounds (tab Sounds, scheme 'No audio').
Note 2: The DVD player will be synced backwards from the HDSP card. So when using Auto-
Sync and/or word clock, the playback speed and pitch follows the incoming clock signal.

20 User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
12.3 Notes on WDM
The driver offers a WDM streaming device per stereo pair, like AES (1+2). WDM streaming is
Microsoft's current driver and audio system, directly embedded into the operating system. WDM
streaming is hardly usable for professional music purposes, as all data is processed by the so
called Kernel Mixer, causing a latency of at least 30 ms. Additionally, WDM can perform sample
rate conversions unnoticed, cause offsets between record and playback data, block channels
unintentionally and much more.
Several programs do not offer any direct device selection. Instead they use the playback device
selected in Windows under
XP: <Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio>
Vista/7: <Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback>
The program Sonar from Cakewalk is unique in many ways. Sonar uses the so called WDM
Kernel Streaming, bypassing the WDM mixer, thus achieves a similar performance to ASIO.
Because of the driver's multichannel streaming ability (option Interleaved, see chapter 12.4),
Sonar not only finds the stereo device mentioned above, but also the 8-channel interleaved
devices, and adds the channel number at the end:
AES (1+2) is the first stereo device
AES (3+4) is the next stereo device
AES (1+2) 3/4 are the channels 3/4 of the first 8-channel interleaved device.
We recommend to not use these special interleaved devices. Also note that it is not possible to
use one stereo channel twice (the basic and the interleaved device), even with different applica-
tions.
Information on multichannel WDM is found in chapter 12.4.
12.4 Multi-client Operation
RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. This means several programs can be used
at the same time. Also all formats (ASIO, WDM, GSIF) can be used simultaneously. The use of
multi-client operation requires to follow two simple rules:
•Multi-client operation requires identical sample rates!
I.e. it is not possible to use one software with 44.1 kHz and the other with 48 kHz.
•Different software can not use the same channels at the same time.
If for example Cubase uses channels 1/2, this playback pair can't be used in Gigastudio (GSIF)
nor under WDM (WaveLab etc.) anymore. This is no limitation at all, because TotalMix allows
any output routing, and with this a playback of multiple software on the same hardware outputs.
Note that the inputs can be used at the same time, as the driver sends the data to all applica-
tions simultaneously.