User’s Guide HDSP System RPM
© RME
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8.3 Multi-Client Operation
RME audio cards support multi-client operation. This means several programs can be used at
the same time. Also all formats, like ASIO, MME and GSIF can be used simultaneously. The
use of multi-client operation requires to follow two simple rules:
•
Multi-client operation requires identical sample rates!
It is not possible to use one software with 44.1 kHz and the other with 48 kHz.
•
Different software can not use the same channels at the same time.
If for example Cubase uses channels 1/2 (default in Cubase, Master bus), this playback pair
can't be used in Gigasampler/Studio (GSIF) nor under MME (WaveLab etc) anymore (the
inputs can be used at the same time). This is no limitation at all, because TotalMix allows any
output routing, and with this a playback of multiple software on the same hardware outputs.
Interesting, but with limited real-world meaning: all inputs can be used simultaneously.
ASIO Multi-client
RME audio cards support ASIO multi-client operation. It is possible to use more than one ASIO
software at the same time. Again the sample rate has to be identical, and each software has to
use its own playback channels. Again the inputs can be used simultaneously.
An exception is our sophisticated tool
DIGICheck
. It operates like an ASIO host, using a special
technique to access playback channels already occupied. Therefore DIGICheck is able to
perform an analyzis and display of playback data from any software, no matter which format
the software uses.
Virtual Outputs
The RPM has 6 physical outputs, but the driver provides 12 playback channels, which can be
routed and mixed with no limitations to any of the 6 physical outputs. This technique allows for
a simultaneuos usage of multiple programs (multi-client operation). Each program uses its own
playback channels exclusively. As a result, up to 6 programs can be used at the same time for
playback purposes.
8.4 DVD-Playback under MME
DVD software player like WinDVD and PowerDVD can operate as software decoder, sending a
DVD's multichannel data stream directly to the analog outputs of the RPM. Supported are all
modes, from 2 to 8 channels, at 16 bit resolution and 48 kHz sample rate.
For this to work an output wave device of the HDSP has to be selected in 'Control
Panel/Sounds and Multimedia/Audio'. Also check 'use preferred device only'. PowerDVD's
audio properties now lists several multichannel modes. If one of these is selected, PowerDVD
sends the decoded analog multichannel data to the HDSP RPM.
The device selected as
Preferred Playback Device
defines the first playback channel. Choosing
RPM Analog Out 3/4 and 6-channel mode, playback will happen on channels 3 to 8.
