RME ADI 8

The recording world has flipped from analog to digital in the past 10 years and how we convert our audio is crucial to great sound. There are many kinds of interfaces from compact to large studio format. If looking for top of the line conversion than RME ADI 8 is the way to go. Let's have a short walk over the front panel from left to right. Setting up the ADI-8 PRO starts with an input sensitivity that perfectly suits your needs and maintains the excellent dynamic range of the AD-Converters. Input Level lets you choose between Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV. Each analog input has its own Signal Present and Clip led, so levels and Overload are easy to check. The key bit split allows to spread the 24 bit signal on two outputs. This technique allows two 8-channel 16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Bit split works with both TDIF and ADAT. RME's intelligent clock control provides professional features you won't find anywhere else. First set the clock of the AD-Converter, choose between internal, external or input. The internal clock can be 44.1 or 48 kHz. The DA-Converter has the same settings available. The current state of locking and clock synchronization is shown by blinking or constantly lit leds. The next key digital input determines the used digital input, and the clock source in case input was activated. The RME ADI 8 is a reference-quality, 8-channel A/D and D/A converter in a compact 19" 1U rack mount enclosure. It has 3 gain levels, making it compatible with a wide range of studio equipment - loss is avoided before the signal gets to the A/D converter. It employs a special damping technique: using latest hi-grade electronic switches, the gain switch is placed in the best possible position within the signal path. The ADI 8 has ADAT optical inputs, TDIF 24bit low jitter PLL, Dither, and a virtual sample buffer. All in all this is a top of the line conversion unit. If you have high quality microphones and still cant achieve that professional sound you were looking for than you need a RME converter. I have recorded music for over 5 years and cant believe it took me this long to realize the actual quality of great conversion. I rate this piece of gear a 5 out of 5 and would recommend it for any recording application.