RME Audio HDSP AES

The new PCI Express card HDSPe AES is fully identical to the successful HDSP AES-32, a PCI based card. Both cards can be used simultaneously in one computer, thus using the available slots (PCI / PCIe) as efficient as possible. These cards provide 8 AES inputs (16 channels) and 8 AES outputs (16 channels) at 192 kHz sample rate. They support Single, Double and Quad Wire transfer and direct conversion between these formats. Two MIDI I/O ports and a word clock I/O are also available. The word clock input adapts to Single, Double and Quad Speed automatically.

The DSP-based TotalMix mixer enables the HDSPe AES to route and mix all inputs and playback channels to all outputs and offers flexible monitoring capabilities. Along with the routing matrix the HDSPe AES is an easy-to-use redistributor, patchbay, router, converter and splitter. The hardware-based mixer is fully MIDI-controllable. Furthermore, the DSP hardware calculates RMS and peak level meters with no measurable CPU load.


The card is equipped with SteadyClock, RME’s own clock technology, combining professional features like maximum jitter suppression with full varipitch capabilities and software controlled sample rates. SteadyClock ensures a perfect clocking to any digital input signal. Like the AES-32, the HDSPe AES supports the optional TCO module for timecode support and word clock / video synchronization. RME also offer an optional 19" breakout box and D-sub cables as convenient connection solution. The breakout box Bob-32 gets rid of cable hassles by having all 16 I/Os of the AES card on a single unit height 19" frontpanel. The included Windows software DIGICheck turns the HDSPe AES into a Spectral Analyzer, provides professional level meters for 2, 8, or 16 channels, offers Vector Audio Scope, a global record function and various other audio analysis tools. RME provides a unified driver for Windows 2000 up to Vista 64, which allows simultaneous operation of up to three HDSPe AES or an AES card with any combination of up to two other RME HDSP or HDSPe cards. As is typical for PCI Express cards, Mac PPC computers are not supported. For x86 (Intel) machines with Mac OS X, a unified driver is available as well.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rme-audio.com.