Connectivity and Channel Count
The module presents a USB-C connection on the outside and a MADI interface on the inside, moving 64 channels of bidirectional audio at standard sample rates, scaling down to 32 channels at double-speed rates and 16 at quad-speed rates. It runs on RME's USB 2 core with driver-based operation on Windows (ASIO) and macOS (Kernel Extension, Driver Kit Core Audio), or Class Compliant mode for driverless operation with iPads, iOS and other CC-capable devices after flashing the appropriate firmware.
Software and Redundancy
RME's TotalMix FX ships with the module, giving up to 64 independent sub-mixes, internal loopback routing, and mixer/matrix views for handling record and playback channels from the connected computer. Paired with DirectOut's EARS (Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching), managed through globcon on the host device, USB.MADI can automatically fail over to a backup playback source if the primary signal drops, useful for drive-rack duty in live shows and broadcasts.
Device Compatibility
USB.MADI installs into MADI SFP slots on ACE, the PRODIGY Series, MAVEN.A, ANDIAMO 3, EXBOX.MD and EXBOX.RAV, as well as the MADI2.SRC.IO, MADI4.IO, MADI4.SRC.IO and SFP.IO modules. Most compatible hosts carry two or more SFP slots (excluding EXBOX), so a single device can serve two connected computers at once for parallel recording or processing.
Applications
Adding USB-C DAW, VST-host and redundant playback connectivity to existing DirectOut converters and mainframes for studio, broadcast and live use.
Key Specifications
- Form factor: SFP transceiver
- External interface: USB-C (USB 2)
- Internal interface: MADI
- Channel count: 64 ch in/out at 1 FS, 32 ch in/out at 2 FS, 16 ch in/out at 4 FS
- Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
- MADI mode: High Speed, Native frame format, 56/64 channel
- Drivers: Windows (ASIO), macOS (Kernel Extension, Driver Kit Core Audio)
- Class Compliant USB: macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows (with CC firmware)
- Bundled software: TotalMix FX (without DSP)
- Compatible hosts: PRODIGY Series, MAVEN.A, ACE, ANDIAMO 3, EXBOX.MD, EXBOX.RAV
- Compatible modules: MADI2.SRC.IO, MADI4.IO, MADI4.SRC.IO, SFP.IO
