This Multichannel Audio Digital Interface offers format conversion from MADI to ADAT and vice-versa. The RME ADI-648 thus combines the world's most successful multi-channel interface with the professionals' exclusive high-end interface. MADI offers 64 channels of 24-bit audio at up to 48 kHz sample rate, and 32 channels at up to 96 kHz. Transmission happens over a single line, either coaxial (BNC) or fibre optic (network). In both cases the cable length can be more than 100 meters.
The MADI channels are transferred from and to 8 ADAT optical inputs and 8 outputs via TOSLINK. Furthermore, the ADI-648 contains an easy-configurable 8-channel 16x16 Matrix Router. Any of the outputs, which are divided into 8-channel blocks, can be fed from any 8-channel input block, both on the ADAT and the MADI side. With this, there is not only free routing within the M-A and the A-M conversion, but also splitting and routing within the same format. An 8-channel input block can be routed to any number of output blocks in parallel. Using more than one unit, several MADI signals can be combined to one (merging).