User's Guide
DIGI96/8 PRO © RME
7
8. Operation and Usage
8.1 External Connectors
The
DIGI96/8 PRO
has 3 external inputs and outputs. The current input is activated
through 'Settings', available by a click on the DIGI symbol in the Taskbar's system tray. The
card accepts all commonly used digital sources as well as SPDIF and AES/EBU. Channel sta-
tus and copy protection are ignored.
Use the supplied brea-
kout cable to connect
coaxial (SPDIF) or XLR
(AES/EBU) devices.
The red phono socket of
the breakout cable is the
SPDIF output, the white
one is the SPDIF input.
The ground-free design,
with transformers for
digital inputs and out-
puts, offers a problem-free connection of all devices along with perfect hum rejection.
All outputs are driven in parallel, therefore carrying identical signals. In the simplest situation,
connect 3 devices at the outputs and use the card as a splitter (distribution 1 to 3).
A ¼" TRS (stereo) jack provides a 2-channel unbalanced analog output. The analog output is
directly driven from the digital output. A superior 24 bit DAC, followed by a low impedance
driver stage, allows the connection of stereo headphones. The analog output level can be
changed coarse (± 12 dB) with the ‘Level’ switch at the bracket, and fine via the RME DIGI
Settings dialog. Two faders allow to change the output level from 0 dB down to -78 dB. A spe-
cial mute circuit reduces noise when switching the computer on and off.
8.2 Internal Connectors
The
DIGI96/8 PRO
has one internal digital input and output, provided by 2-pin connec-
tors on the board. The internal input ST3, labelled
CD IN / Sync In
, can be connected to an
internal CD-ROM drive having a digital audio output (advantage: the built in CD-ROM drive is
sufficient for digital recording and the need for external cabling does not arise). Or it can be
connected with the internal output of another DIGI96 series card (synchronizing multiple cards),
or an AEB4/8-I. The latter is possible because the internal input accepts both SPDIF and ADAT
format.
The internal output ST4, labelled
Sync Out
, provides a copy of the current external output
signal, no matter if SPDIF or ADAT. Besides connecting a AEB4/8-O for an output of up to 8
analog channels, the internal loopback proves to be a useful application. Use the supplied two
pin cable to connect Sync In and Sync Out, set the card to Clock Mode 'Master' and selectal
'Internal' as input. Now the output signal shows up directly at the card's input. This allows you to
record the playback signal, or to display the playback signals with our
DIGICheck
software.
The two connectors ST6 and ST7 provide a connection to the optional Word Clock Module
WCM. ST7 is also needed when connecting a AEB4/8-I. See the manuals of these products for
more information.
