To meet the needs of network audio’s evolving, ever-changing landscape, RME introduces the 12 Mic-D, digitally controlled mic/line preamp with Dante networking and integrated dual-port MADI connectivity. Built around 12 microphone and line inputs with no-compromise, studio-quality digital conversion, the 12 Mic-D easily integrates into a Dante-controlled audio network.
Designed to complement RME’s M-series lineup of professional network audio solutions, it is sonically identical to RME’s 12 Mic (with AVB interface).
Features, Functions
The single rackspace unit offers 12 front-panel XLR-type inputs that accept microphone or balanced line level signals. Additionally, the first four inputs have XLR/TRS combo connectors and can be switched to Hi-Z for instruments. Optimized for rapid setup, all input and output settings can be conveniently controlled from the front panel or remotely using a web interface on any network link including Wi-Fi without the need to install a proprietary app.
The 12 electronically balanced, PAD-free input stages with their 75 dB gain range accept signals up to +18 dBu. The low-noise preamps have a wide 8 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, while high-quality digital converters offer outstanding signal to noise ratio resulting in a clean, transparent sound with no signal coloration. The 12Mic-D supports sample rates from 44.1 to 192k Hz, with support for full or single speed operation while its intelligent clock control switches clock source seamlessly.
RME engineers integrated Audinate’s Dante IP core on a custom-built RME FPGA platform, enabling any signal reaching the 12Mic-D (including MADI signals), to be routed and streamed over IP networks. Two RJ-45 network ports allow for up to 64 channels of Dante connectivity. The remote control web interface provides an intuitive, patching style routing matrix that permits free routing between the analog inputs, I/O channels on both MADI ports, Dante and the three ADAT outputs.
Included with the 12Mic-D, were an AC power cord, 15’ shielded Cat-5e cable, rack mount ears and a printed user guide. The user guide was impressive as it went into great detail on every function of the unit. As I use other RME products in my studio, I am familiar with their audio performance and excellent build quality and the 12Mic-D was no exception.
Plug and Go
I connected the 12Mic-D to my studio network, plugged in a couple of mics and dove into the front panel controls. Operation was straightforward and intuitive. Next to each front-panel XLR input is a multi-color signal level LED and input select button. The bright full-color TFT display occupies space on the front panel’s right side. Four buttons next to the display work with a rotary encoder to make setting changes. In normal mode, the display shows metering for the 12 inputs. Turning the encoder immediately adjusts the volume, and opens the headphone menu where you can mute the phones output, set levels and choose what’s routed to them.
Pressing the encoder opens the main menu allowing access to system settings, clock configuration, input settings, and output routing.
When an input button is pressed, the display shows the selected input’s current state. The function buttons and encoder are used to make changes. Alternatively, all functions can be configured using the web interface which I found was easier to use and my old eyes liked the larger web screens.
Which Route Do We Take?
Once on the network, I configured the 12Mic-D to route its 12 Mic inputs to a computer running Dante Virtual Soundcard and a Dante equipped live sound console. I used Audinate’s Dante Controller software to do the actual Dante routing. Dante Controller showed my computer (Dante VSC), Dante Live Sound Mixer and the 12Mic-D. Simulating a live gig where the 12Mic-D is used for stage inputs, the mixer for FOH and the computer for archive recording, I had signals routed in no time.
I took advantage of the 12Mic-D’s extensive routing capabilities and sent return audio from the computer back to 12Mic-D’s headphone output, to a Dante input on the mixer and to one of the 12Mic-D’s ADAT optical ports. Routing using the web interface was straightforward. Simply click the “Routing” button, select analog, MADI 1, 2 or Dante source, select the channel and drag a blue line down to the destination. To remove a connection, highlight either end point and click the trashcan. For additional input capacity over the Dante network, multiple 12Mic (plain) units can be connected to a single 12Mic-D using MADI.
Once routing is complete, it, along with other key parameters can be saved to one of 15 user presets for later recall.
Additionally, the 12Mic-D offers redundant power inputs and can be operated on 12VDC along with the standard 120/240V line power. MADI and Dante can be configured for dual-cable redundant operation. When installed remotely, the front panel controls and display can be locked out and turned off from the web interface to prevent unauthorized tampering.
The Verdict
For users operating Dante-based applications and looking to take their I/O to the next level, the RME 12Mic-D offers superb audio performance and routing flexibility in an easily expandable, single-space rack package. Street price is $3,599.
At a Glance:
Compact, yet Mighty
RME’s 12 Mic-D, a digitally controlled mic/line preamp with Dante networking and integrated dual-port MADI connectivity, is a single rackspace unit that packs 12 mic and line inputs with no-compromise, studio-quality conversion, remote controllable gains, integrated MADI and Dante connectivity and a multitude of additional functions.
PROS
- Excellent audio performance
- Extensive signal routing
- Easy to use web interface
- Selectable Hi-Z inputs
CONS
- None really, it’s clean, quiet,
does its job with no issues.
Stats
- Inputs: 12 (4 TRS/XLR Combo; 8 XLR)
- Input Impedance: 3.4 kOhm
- Gain Range: 75 dB, 1 dB steps
- A/D Resolution: 24 bit
- Sample Rates: 44.1 – 192 kHz
- Frequency Response (192kHz): 3 Hz – 43.7 kHz, -1dB
- THD+N (@ 30 dB gain): < 0.00063 %
- Channel separation: > 110 dB
- Street Price: $3,599
- Manufacturer RME
More Info: www.rme-usa.com
