RME OCTAMIC XTC

RME
OCTAMIC XTC

8-channel, digital
microphone preamplifier
with multi-format I/O

RME is proud to present a new generation of audio technology: high-quality preamps for microphones, instruments and line signals, hi-end A/D converters, digital patchbay and format converters, monitoring amplifiers and finally a flexible front-end for Apple's iPad®: OctaMic XTC!

Equipped with the latest A/D converters, the OctaMic XTC features extremely low noise, the best THD values and extremely fast conversion (converter latency less than 0.28 ms).

Anschlüsse und Ausstattung

8 x XLR/TRS Mic/Inst/Line Input
2 x Phones Output
4 x AES/EBU I/O
1 x ADAT I/O
1 x AES/SPDIF Sync Input
1 x MADI optical I/O
MIDI I/O
RME USB 2.0
1 x WordClock I/O
Class Compliant Mode
AutoSet Digital Gain Control

FEATURES

The OctaMic XTC combines eight microphone inputs, four of which can be switched to Hi-Z mode, with an unrivaled variety of digital networking options - from the widely used ADAT and AES/EBU to the sophisticated optical MADI protocol.

The analogue signals are digitized using RME's latest converter technology. In the tradition of outstanding sound quality and excellent frequency response for which RME converters are known, this preamplifier also shines with an exceptionally wide gain range, extremely low latency, astonishingly low EIN, and the best signal-to-noise ratio.

The setting options, which are quickly and easily accessible via the color display, reveal further unique functions: all analog and digital inputs, including up to 64 MADI channels and 8 AES/EBU channels, can be freely assigned to any output! Of course, this also applies to the 24 channels with which the OctaMic XTC can be used as an audio interface in Class Compliant mode via USB 2.0.

Another very practical feature is the remote control directly from the TotalMix FX of a connected RME audio interface: All it takes is a MIDI connection (via DIN cable, MIDI over MADI or USB) to integrate the OctaMic XTC into TotalMix FX like a channel strip. A perfect example is the combination of a Fireface UFX with the OctaMic XTC, both connected via ADAT, giving RME's flagship interface an additional 8 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs in the simplest way.

The comprehensive remote control capability allows the user to place the OctaMic XTC optimally close to the (analog) signal sources, while at the same time the settings can be adjusted remotely during operation, and even configurations can be saved or recalled.

With a total of 24 available input and output channels in Class Compliant mode, the OctaMic XTC is also the most flexible and advanced interface that can be connected to the iPad (requires Apple's Camera Connection Kit).

The OctaMic XTC is a remote-controllable high-end microphone preamplifier and AD/DA converter in reference quality. In a compact 19" chassis of only one height unit, it offers numerous unique functions such as Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck, QuickGain, AutoSet, MIDI over MADI, and remote control via USB, MADI and MIDI. It contains an 8-channel A/D conversion with up to 192 kHz/24 bit, with 8 high-class microphone or line/instrument preamp inputs in best RME quality. Lowest distortion, outstanding signal-to-noise ratio and perfectly linear frequency response guarantee unaltered transmission and amplification of all input signals.

The XTC offers 8 balanced microphone/line inputs via XLR. 4 balanced line inputs via stereo jacks and 4 unbalanced line/instrument inputs via mono jacks were realized via Neutrik combo jacks with XLR and TRS sockets. Control elements on the front panel allow quick access to the most frequently used functions, while a high-resolution TFT color display ensures optimum visualization of the settings and signal conditions in the device.

The OctaMic XTC's 8-channel AD and 4-channel DA conversion supports up to 192 kHz sampling rate. The digitized input signal is simultaneously available at both ADAT outputs (S/MUX), a 25-pin D-Sub connector (4 AES/EBU outputs) and the optical MADI interface. Under Mac OS X or connected to an iPad, up to 24 channels can be used via USB.

RME's unique SteadyClock technology ensures perfect AD/DA conversion, because any jitter from connected devices is almost completely suppressed. All digital inputs and outputs can be used simultaneously with all AD/DA paths. Powerful routing capabilities also allow the OctaMic XTC to work as an AD/DA converter with various digital outputs in different formats - i.e. also as a format converter between ADAT, AES/EBU and MADI. Similarly, signals can easily be fed into or extracted from an existing MADI signal stream.

OctaMic XTC goes Windows

Thanks to a new firmware (v47) and updated MADIface series driver (0.9573), the OctaMic XTC can now be used as a 24-channel audio interface under Windows. RME's own Class Compliant driver has a special hardware support that gives it the legendary stability and performance of an RME driver. WDM and ASIO are configured via a simple settings dialog, with options for buffer size, sample rate, and the number and type of WDM devices. Note: TotalMix FX is not supported.

High-resolution color display

The OctaMic XTC is easy to operate using two rotary encoders. The color display shows the level of all inputs, the selected preamplification, configuration menus for all settings and functions, the internal digital routing, monitoring options and much more. MIDI Remote is available via two standard MIDI DIN sockets, as well as via MIDI over MADI and USB. The digital signals can be synchronized via all inputs and, of course, via word clock.

Digital I/O

The XTC has all common digital formats on board: AES/EBU, ADAT (optical) and MADI (optical) for inputs and outputs. The USB connection is available for firmware updates under Windows and Mac. Under macOS and with the iPad, the OctaMic XTC becomes a flexible, 24-channel audio interface.

Analog inputs

The OctaMic XTC has eight digitally controlled high-end microphone preamps. Four of these inputs offer a PAD circuit for input signals up to +32 dBu. The other four have a Hi-Z mode to connect instruments directly. The exceptional design of the input circuits results in a gain range of 85 dB. This makes the XTC compatible with any source connected to its inputs.

QuickGain

For each input channel pair, the front panel offers a direct selection knob for the amplification (gain), which can be set immediately using rotary encoders 1 and 2.

AutoSet

Automatic reduction of amplification to avoid clipping if the input level is too high. Can be used individually or for entire groups.

Clear State

Separate LEDs for each input channel clearly indicate the presence of a signal, overload and switched-on phantom power or active PAD or instrument mode. The level can be read in detail on the color display.

Monitoring

Two high-power line/headphone connections with stereo jack sockets supply high- and low-impedance headphones with powerful monitoring levels. This means that all signals routed through the OctaMic XTC can be monitored without restriction.

MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER WITH MULTI-FORMAT I/O