Intel Fireface 800 manual Type AES3-1992 IEC, Byte Mode Bit

Page 100

37.7 AES/EBU - SPDIF

The most important electrical properties of 'AES' and 'SPDIF' can be seen in the table below. AES/EBU is the professional balanced connection using XLR plugs. The standard is being set by the Audio Engineering Society based on the AES3-1992. For the 'home user', SONY and Philips have omitted the balanced connection and use either Phono plugs or optical cables (TOSLINK). The format called S/P-DIF (SONY/Philips Digital Interface) is described by IEC 60958.

Type

AES3-1992

IEC 60958

Connection

XLR

RCA / Optical

Mode

Balanced

Un-balanced

Impedance

110 Ohm

75 Ohm

Level

0.2 V up to 5 Vss

0.2 V up to 0.5 Vss

Clock accuracy

not specified

I: ± 50ppm

 

 

II: 0,1%

 

 

III: Variable Pitch

Jitter

< 0.025 UI (4.4 ns @ 44.1 kHz)

not specified

Besides the electrical differences, both formats also have a slightly different setup. The two formats are compatible in principle, because the audio information is stored in the same place in the data stream. However, there are blocks of additional information, which are different for both standards. In the table, the meaning of the first byte (#0) is shown for both formats. The first bit already determines whether the following bits should be read as Professional or Consumer information.

Byte

Mode

Bit 0

1

2

3

4

 

5

6

 

7

0

Pro

P/C

Audio?

 

Emphasis

 

 

Locked

Sample

Freq.

0

Con

P/C

Audio?

Copy

 

Emphasis

 

 

 

Mode

It becomes obvious that the meaning of the following bits differs quite substantially between the two formats. If a device like a common DAT recorder only has an SPDIF input, it usually under- stands only this format. In most cases, it will switch off when being fed Professional-coded data. The table shows that a Professional-coded signal would lead to malfunctions for copy prohibi- tion and emphasis, if being read as Consumer-coded data.

Nowadays many devices with SPDIF input can handle Professional subcode. Devices with AES3 input almost always accept Consumer SPDIF (passive cable adapter necessary).

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User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME

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Contents Most powerful FireWire audio interface ever TotalMix Bit / 192 kHz SyncAlignZLMSyncCheck SteadyClockInstallation and Operation Mac OS Installation and Operation WindowsGeneral Stand-Alone Operation, Connections and TotalMix Technical Reference Installation Important Safety InstructionsMains Users Guide Fireface 800 RME General Package Contents Brief Description and CharacteristicsIntroduction System RequirementsConnectors and Front Panel First Usage QuickstartQuick Start AccessoriesPart Number Description Appendix WarrantyTrademarks Users Guide Fireface 800 RME RoHS CE / FCC ComplianceISO Users Guide Fireface 800 RME Installation and Operation Windows Hardware Installation Driver InstallationDriver and Firmware Desktop ComputerDeinstalling the Drivers Driver UpdateFirmware Update Configuring the Fireface Settings dialog GeneralPhantom Power Buffer SizeInputs Limit BandwidthClock Mode Word Clock OutSyncCheck OptionsSettings dialog DDS Clock Modes Synchronization Application examplesAvailable Settings Limit BandwidthOperation and Usage PlaybackAC-3 / DTS DVD-Playback AC-3/DTSMultichannel Low Latency under MME Buffer Size Adjustment Fireface Analog 1+2 Fireface Analog 1+2 MMEMulti-client Operation Multi-Client and Multi-Channel using WDMASIO-Multiclient Digital Recording Operation under Asio Analog RecordingKnown Problems Common ProblemsOperation under Gsif Gigasampler Interface Windows 2000/XPUsing more than one Fireface DIGICheck Hotline Troubleshooting 8 Adat channels don’t seem to workInstallation Diagrams Channel Routing Asio at 96 kHzChannel Routing MME at 96 kHz Users Guide Fireface 800 RME Mac OS X Installation and Operation Driver Firmware Update Configuring the Fireface Level Level OutAutoSync Ref Settings dialog DDS Clock Modes Synchronization Limit Bandwidth Round about Driver Installation Mac OS X FAQMidi doesnt work Repairing Disk Permissions FireWire CompatibilitySupported Sample Rates Various InformationMulticard Operation Possible causes for a Fireface not workingDiagram Channel Routing at 96 kHz Users Guide Fireface 800 RME Stand-Alone Operation, Connections and TotalMix Stand-alone Operation Analog Inputs Line RearMicrophone / Line Front Reference DBFS @ HeadroomDrive InstrumentSpeaker Emulation Analog Outputs HeadphonesLine Adat Digital ConnectionsSpdif Special Characteristics of the Spdif Output MidiWord Clock Word Clock Input and OutputInput OutputTechnical Description and Usage Cabling and Termination OperationTotalMix Routing and Monitoring OverviewUsers Guide Fireface 800 RME User Interface Elements of a Channel Tour de TotalMixUsers Guide Fireface 800 RME Submix View Mute and SoloQuick Access Panel PresetsPreset Preset BanksMonitor Panel PreferencesMain Monitor Editing the NamesStereo Pan Law Hotkeys Menu Options Level Meter TotalMix The Matrix Elements of the Matrix ViewAdvantages of the Matrix TotalMix Super-FeaturesAsio Direct Monitoring Windows only Copy Routings to other Channels Selection and Group-based OperationDelete Routings Recording a Subgroup Loopback Mixing several input signals into one record channel Using external Effects DevicesRecording a Softwares playback MS Processing Midi Remote Control MappingElement Meaning in TotalMixSetup Preset 3 38 / 56 / #G Preset 5 3A / 58 / #ASimple Midi Control Monitor Main 3E / 62 / DLoopback Detection Mackie Control Protocol Stand-Alone Midi ControlMeaning in Fireface Element Meaning in Fireface Simple Midi ControlUsers Guide Fireface 800 RME Technical Reference Tech Info Technical Specifications AnalogDA, Line Out 1-8, rear DigitalDA Stereo Monitor Output Phones Digital Inputs Adat OpticalTransfer Modes Resolution / Bits per Sample Windows only Digital OutputsTechnical Background Lock and SyncCheckLatency and Monitoring How much Zero is Zero?Oversampling Sample frequency kHz 44.1 88.2 176.4 192Safety Buffer FireWire AudioCore Audios Safety Offset Number of Channels and Bus Load Limit Bandwidth 48 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz FW-KanäleDS Double Speed Analog DS Signal PortQS Quad Speed Byte Mode Bit Type AES3-1992 IECNoise level in DS / QS Mode SteadyClockBlock Diagram Fireface Connector Pinouts TRS jacks of analog input / outputXLR jacks of analog inputs TRS Phones jack

Fireface 800 specifications

The Intel Fireface 800 is a powerful audio interface celebrated for its high-performance capabilities and versatility in both studio and live settings. Designed to cater to the needs of musicians, producers, and sound engineers, it stands out with its rich feature set and reliable technology.

One of the defining features of the Fireface 800 is its support for an impressive 26 input and 28 output channels. This extensive I/O configuration facilitates seamless integration with a wide variety of audio production setups, allowing users to record multiple instruments simultaneously or create complex routing scenarios. The unit also boasts top-notch analog and digital converters, ensuring pristine sound quality with a dynamic range that captures the nuances of any audio source.

In terms of connectivity, the Fireface 800 is equipped with both FireWire and USB ports, making it compatible with a range of computers and devices. The device utilizes the FireWire 800 protocol, which delivers higher data transfer rates compared to its predecessor. This efficient transfer capability is crucial for maintaining audio fidelity and reducing latency, making it an ideal choice for real-time monitoring and recording.

The Fireface 800 also features standalone operation capabilities, functioning independently of a computer when needed. This is particularly useful for live performances, where reliability and reduced setup complexity are essential. Users can easily connect microphones, instruments, and other equipment directly to the Fireface 800, making it a versatile tool for a variety of scenarios.

With its low-latency driver technology, the Fireface 800 ensures smooth performance even when handling demanding audio tasks. Its advanced ADAT and S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs provide further flexibility for connecting other gear, such as additional preamps and effects processors.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Fireface 800 is its robust build quality. Designed for regular use in professional environments, the unit features a rugged metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of transport and daily use. This ensures longevity and consistent performance for audio professionals who depend on reliable equipment day in and day out.

In summary, the Intel Fireface 800 is a versatile and powerful audio interface that caters to a wide spectrum of audio production needs. With its extensive I/O capabilities, high-quality converters, reliable connectivity options, and robust design, it continues to be a popular choice among audio professionals striving for excellence in their work.
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