RME Audio Hammerfall HDSPe AIO, User Manual

Page: 43 / 81

User's Guide HDSPe AIO
© RME
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22.2 Line Outputs
The short circuit protected, low impedance line outputs are available as unbalanced outputs via
phono breakout cable. The optional analog XLR breakout cable provides XLR connectors and
fully balanced operation.
The electronic output stage does not operate servo balanced! When connecting unbal-
anced equipment, make sure pin 3 of the XLR output is not connected. A connection to
ground will cause a decreased THD (higher distortion)!
To maintain an optimal level for devices connected to the analog outputs, the HDSPe AIO inter-
nally uses hi-quality electronic switches, which allow for a perfect adaptation of all outputs to the
three most often used studio levels.
As with the analog inputs, the analog output levels are defined to maintain a problem-free op-
eration with most other devices. The headroom of the HDSPe AIO lies between 9 and 15 dB,
according to the chosen reference level:
Reference 0 dBFS @ Headroom
Hi Gain +19 dBu 15 dB
+4 dBu +13 dBu 9 dB
-10 dBV +2 dBV 12 dB
With +4 dBu selected, the according headroom meets the latest EBU recommendations for
Broadcast usage. At -10 dBV a headroom of 12 dB is common practice, each mixing desk op-
erating at -10 dBV is able to send and receive much higher levels. Hi Gain is best suited for
professional users who prefer to work balanced and at highest levels. Hi Gain provides 15 dB
headroom at +4 dBu nominal level.
When using the analog XLR breakout cable, make sure 'Breakout Cable / XLR' is selected
in the Settings dialog. Else the analog output level will be 6 dB too high!
The balanced output will deliver an output level of +25 dBu @ 0 dBFS. Reducing the output
level by 1 dB within TotalMix makes the analog outputs compatible to SMPTE (+24 dBu, 15dB
headroom). However this level is not supported at the analog inputs.
22.3 Headphones
The channels Phones of the HDSPe AIO are available via an 1/4" TRS jack (stereo output).
This output is optimized for headphone operation. The output’s volume is adjusted via TotalMix.
Additionally, the Settings dialog provides the level settings HiGain, +4 dBu snd -10 dBV. When
used as high-quality but unbalanced Line output, these options realize a level adjustment iden-
tical to the Line outputs.
In case the headphone output should oper-
ate as Line output, an adapter TRS plug to
RCA phono plugs, or TRS plug to TS plugs
is required.
The pin assignment follows international
standards. The left channel is connected to
the tip, the right channel to the ring of the
TRS jack/plug.