RME HDSPe RayDAT
The RME HDSPe RayDAT is a professional quality multi-channel, multi-format, multi-task PCI Express interface I/O card for recording up to the final mastering stage. It is the PCI Express version of the RMe HDSP 9652, and with it, SPDIF (phono) and AES/EBU (XLR) are simultaneously operational due to separated hardware and record/playback devices. The HDSPe RayDAT card's genuine PCI Express core takes full advantage of the newer format, achieving significant performance gains in multitrack audio. And, thanks to RME's secure flash update technology, firmware improvements, adjustments, and bug fixes can be installed easily at any time.

RayDAT offers no less than 4 x ADAT optical I/O, SPDIF I/O and AES/EBU I/O. That's a whopping 36 channels of inputs and outputs. On top of that, there are 2 MIDI I/Os and TotalMix, RME's DSP-based, real-time mixer/router, with hardware-calculated level metering and complete MIDI remote capability. The internal ADAT inputs and outputs allow you to add up to two TDIF ports directly inside the computer via RME's optional expansion boards.

Settings
Just click on the hammer symbol in the systray of the taskbar and the settings dialog of the HDSPe RayDAT comes up. The clear, structured, simple-to-understand window and the unique informative status windows for input signal, clock mode, sample rate, and time code make your work with the card a real pleasure. With a simple mouse click you gain access to the full power of your card.

When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary that these are all properly locked, they also have to be totally synchronized. Otherwise, drop outs and crackling occurs. RME's exclusive SyncCheck checks all input signals. In clock mode, external gear is monitored so that it remains in proper sync with the internal clock of the Master unit. This outstanding and unique technology helps to find errors immediately. The actual state of each input is displayed in the settings dialog.

RME's unique SyncCheck and AutoSync technology has evolved into the new Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) of the HDSPe system. HDSPe RayDAT measures and displays the frequency of all clock sources—even word clock. Based on validity and current sample rate, the system then decides which clock source should be used—fully automated and performed in hardware. With this, the HDSPe system offers easy handling of the present clocks, even with plenty of digital inputs, plus advanced support when configuring the clock setup.