RME OCTAMIC II 8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

8-Channel Microphone Preamp

The RME OCTAMIC II is an 8-channel Hi-end microphone preamp providing 8-channel 192 kHz / 24 bit AD conversion with a combination of sophisticated components and approved RME technology.
The RME OCTAMIC II offers 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs via Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks. Each channel contains switches for 48V phantom power, a low cut filter and phase inversion. The amplification can be set between 6 and 60 dB. LEDs for signal, clip and activated phantom power provide a full overview of the unit's status. When the special Clip Hold mode is active, any detected clip status will cause the corresponding LED to flash once per second. With this, the user gets a long-term peak detection and no longer needs to constantly watch the LEDs. At the same time momentary overloads are still displayed correctly.
Frontside switches include power on/off and output level, for a choice of -10 dBV, +4 dBu or Hi Gain (+19 dBu) as reference level. This unusual feature offers two advantages. Firstly, the reference level can easily be switched to match any current interface device from RME, from HDSP 9632 to Multiface up to the famous ADI-8 series converters. Secondly, the signal to noise ratio is optimized, and the Clip-LED will exactly match those of the ADI-8 (2 dB below 0 dBFS).
The balanced line level output signal is available on the rear of the unit via 8 stereo TRS jacks. The special developed internal high performance switching power supply enables the RME OCTAMIC II to operate within the range of 100 V to 240 V AC. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.
The RME OCTAMIC II's 8-channel AD conversion operates at up to 192 kHz. The digitalized signal is simultaneously available on the dual ADAT output (S/MUX, up to 96 kHz) and on a DB-25 connector (4 AES/EBU outputs, up to 192 kHz). The digital part can be synchronized internally (master) and externally via word clock, AES/EBU and SPDIF.
RME's outstanding SteadyClock(TM) ensures perfect AD conversion, as jitter on external sync sources is almost completely removed. All settings are made via DIP-switches on the rear of the RME OCTAMIC II. The analog outputs and both digital outputs operate simultaneously. The choice of reference level affects the analog outputs only, signal/clip indication and AD conversion will only react to the gain potentiometers.

Specifications

• 8 balanced XLR/TRS mic/line inputs
• Gain range: 54 dB
• Input Impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, TRS 5 kOhm
• Analog Input Level: -40 dBu up to +21 dBu
• Maximum Output Level: +21 dBu
• Output Impedance: 75 Ohms
• Switchable output level: Hi Gain / +4 dBu / -10 dBV
• Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 129 dB EIN @ 150 Ohms
• THD: < 0.0005 % @ 30 dB Gain
• Wide frequency range (200 kHz) with special EMI input filter
• Frequency Response -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 200 kHz
• High-pass filter: 80 Hz, 18 dB/Oct.
• Line Out: 1/4" TRS (6.3 mm stereo jack), servo-balanced
• Phantom power: +48 Volt switchable per channel
• Internal wide-range switching power supply 100-240 Volt AC
• AD conversion
• SNR: >110 dB(A)
• Supported sample rates: 28 kHz - 200 kHz
• THD: < 0.0003 %, < -110 dB
• Sync Sources: AES/EBU (also coaxial SPDIF), word clock, internal
• SteadyClock(TM) ensures best sound quality even with nervous external clocks