RME Multiface Hammerfall DSP 24/96K Interface
PCI Audio Interfaces for Computer Music work
RME Multiface Hammerfall DSP 24/96K Interface
The Multiface doesn't have the word 'multi' just because of the many different supported interface formats... No, it's because it's actually also multi-channel too!
The Multiface Hammerfall has been built on the technology of the Project Hammerfall. Some - and I stress - some of its features include:
- Latency Fast Change: Change latency on-the-fly under ASIO, without manual reset or re-boot
- TotalMix: Mixes all inputs and all outputs on all outputs. Several independent submixes possible
- ADAT optical I/O
- ADAT-Sync In, SPDIF I/O
- MIDI I/O
- Word clock I/O
- Separate analog line output.
On the rear there are 8 analog inputs and outputs which are all balanced... and 96 kHz/24 bit too.
The Multiface can also be used with laptops through a CardBus card as well as desktop computers through a PCI card boasting 'zero cpu load' and low latency!
The Multiface is packed with RME's world-famous Hammerfall technologies including its own exclusive SyncCheck technology which checks all input signals as well as displaying their actual state - As the name suggests, it's superb for keeping everything tightly locked and totally synchronized which is crucial when working with several digital sources at once!
... and couple that with their new Intelligent Clock Control; you have all clocks and states under control.
PCI devices are "plugged-in" to your computer so you can expand its use (with more powerful soundcards for example).
The PCI bus is common in most modern PC's and also found on newer Mac's too.
It is a 64-bit bus though usually actually implemented at 32-bit
PCI interfaces come as an expansion card that slots into an available socket inside your computer, but sometimes they can also come as an integrated circuit board which fits onto the motherboard itself.
Considerations
A new standard - PCI Express (PCIe) - is already being adopted in the latest computers. Using PCI devices in the newer PCIe bus is said to be transparent, with no software changes necessary. There's more detailed info on PCIe at Wikipedia.
What others are saying:
feature:
for the size and capapbility it rocks, half rack space, 8 analog in and out, adat in and out, spdif or aes in out, word clock in and out, midi and head phone out...needs a master volume and headphone control though
quality:
tank,metal construction, fine work
value:
expensive and you don't get any software....
desirability:
very bauhaus,
sound:
this is a great sounding interface, clear, no distortion, highs are sibilent and lows are there and not dull...owned the motu and the digi, this beats them hands down. it works very well as a clock for other digital devices, no freezes or breakdowns.
support:
excellent response when asked technical questions
overall:
it is the most rock solid laptop interface on the market....32 tracks of audio on a laptop with plugins and recording acoustic and vocal while monoriting the tracks....thats solid performance with latency set at 128ms, thats unheard of in a digi 002 firewire on a laptop,,,, you want studio quality sound, get this and the rme 4 channel mic pres, that combo sounds better than the avalon i used....
More Details
If that's not enough then check out the following link for the full specifications - Multiface Hammerfall DSP 24/96K Interface
