The RME MADIface XT II is a 394-channel, 192 kHz USB 3.0 audio interface with comprehensive connectivity and control options for live and studio work. Compared to its predecessor MADIface XT, the MADIface XT II features updated digital and analog circuitry and surpasses the first generation with significantly improved analog and digital performance.
The world’s first USB 3.0 audio interface at the time of its release, the original MADI face XT offered an extremely high channel count, and comprehensive connectivity — all in a compact desktop housing. With two mic/line preamps (XLR/TRS combo inputs), two balanced XLR line outs, a stereo line headphone out, a variety of digital signal options (MADI coaxial and optical, MIDI/AES, word clock), as well as an additional PCI Express connection, the MADIface XT left nothing to be desired in terms of connectivity.
The new MADIface XT II maintains this successful formula and surpasses the signal values of its predecessor in numerous areas. Among other things, MADIface XT II provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio and a lower THD value during AD conversion.
Additionally, the max balanced line output level of the XLR line outputs has been increased from +15 dBu to +24 dBu. The stereo headphone output of the MADIface XT II also delivers a significantly higher output level of +19 dBu and, with an output impedance of 1 Ohm, significantly more power than its predecessor. All outputs also have several switchable level options.
On the new digital board, the previous analog mini-DIN socket for remote control of individual functions has been replaced by an ARC USB remote port, which enables comprehensive control of the MADIface XT II with the optional ARC USB. The MADIface XT II also offers the Room EQ known from the Fireface UFX III with nine parametric bands for use in surround setups for up to 20 mono output channels.
Onboard Software Tools
Powerful applications for mixing, monitoring and measurement included
The MADIface XT II comes with the TotalMix FX DSP mixer offering comprehensive routing and monitoring options, as well as the DigiCheck Analyzer allowing users to measure and analyze the digital data feed in both directions with maximum precision. TotalMix FX can completely replace an external mixer, enabling the creation of multiple latency-free monitor mixes with EQ, dynamics, reverb and delay for any outputs, incl. main monitors and headphone mixes for musicians.
The additional TotalMix Remote is a remote control for TotalMix FX, to control the hardware mixer and effects in RME audio interfaces. TotalMix Remote mirrors the current state of the host system on the iPad and Windows/Mac computers with the entire mixing state, the complete routing, all FX settings, up to the level meters, and everything in real-time. The user can rasily adjust all the mixer and FX settings from a distance, via Ethernet and WiFi.
Femtoseconds for Clocking
With the latest SteadyClock FS, the MADIface XT II features RME’s latest clock and jitter rejection technology. Based on a femto clock, SteadyClock FS reduces the intrinsic jitter of the MADIface XT II to an absolute minimum, and filters clock jitter efficiently from as low as 1 Hz.
USB 3 Class Compliant Audio
MADIface XT II operates in two different modes: driver-based USB 3 and Class Compliant. The Class Compliant mode is a standard that is natively supported by operating systems like Windows, Mac OSX and Linux distributions. No proprietary drivers are required, the device will be directly recognized when the CC firmware is loaded.
The new MADIface XT II focuses on USB 3.0, as PCIExpress can no longer be used externally. The new device’s Class Compliant mode has been significantly upgraded, as all 394 channels can now be transmitted simultaneously without a driver. In addition, there are various formats and settings for the channel sequence in order to make optimum use of Class Compliant.
ARC USB Remote Control – Plug and Play Plus
The optional available ARC USB connects to your computer via USB, and talks to TotalMix FX directly. It has 15 freely assignable and illuminated buttons, one encoder wheel, and a TS jack to connect a foot switch.
The ARC USB is a USB 1.1 MIDI remote control for the MADIface XT II. Thanks to operating as a UAC 1 class device, it is natively compatible to Windows and Mac OS X. As soon as it is present in the operating system, TotaIMix FX will automatically detect the ARC USB, and communicate with it via simple MIDI remote commands to control the XT II.
Since 2001 TotalMix has added unlimited routing and mixing features for studio and live sound situations to RME‘s audio interfaces. Its unique capability to create as many independent submixes as output channels available turned it into the most flexible and powerful mixer of its kind.
DigiCheck: High-Res Audio Measurements
RME Audio interfaces not only provide users with a professional digital audio interface, but also with a free DigiCheck software tool for metering, testing, measuring and analyzing digital audio streams.
Make Mine MADI
The most widely accepted multi channel digital audio protocol on the market. RME’s MADI-based systems deliver incredible reliability, particularly in applications where failure is not an option.
Room EQ in TotalMix FX
The latest Room EQ addition provides an optimized handling of the existing 3-band PEQ in TotalMix FX, including 9-band PEQ, Volume Calibration and Crossfeed function.
Price is $2,849. For more info, visit: www.rme-usa.com.
