RME / AVB Tool

Half-rack size studio quality MADI - AVB converter integrating "MADI" and "AVB."

Product Overview
AVB Tool integrates MADI and AVB, the next generation of essential network audio, with an uncompromising high-end studio-quality I/O solution that includes four precision microphone preamps, instrument/line-level inputs, and headphone and line-level outputs. The MADI-AVB is a half-rack size MADI-AVB converter that integrates MADI and AVB, the next generation of essential networked audio.

It can be used not only as an input/output device for a fully remote-controllable MADI/AVB system but also as a converter with a matrix router that relays between MADI and AVB systems, and in addition can be installed in each booth, hall, or facility room in a studio as a compact, high-definition I/O It can also be used as a compact, high-definition I/O box in studio booths, halls, facilities, and other rooms.

Combining the functionality of all devices in one compact size, the AVB Tool is simple to use right out of the box, with an optimized user interface for quick setup and control, convenient remote control functions, and maximum versatility and connectivity. The AVB Tool's advanced design embodies versatility and connectivity, making it a versatile tool with unprecedented power that can be used in various critical situations.


Example of use
MADI to AVB Converter
AD/DA converters that add high-quality microphone/instrument/line inputs and monitor outputs to MADI and AVB
Multi I/O boxes to be placed in zones on an AVB network
Analog, MADI, and AVB matrix routers


■Inputs/Outputs
XLR/TRS (microphone/instrument/line) x 4
Headphone output x 1
Line output x 2
Word clock input/output x 1
MADI coaxial input/output x 1
1 x MADI optical SFP (optionally available in single-mode or multi-mode)
1 Gigabit Ethernet (802.3 compatible)
USB for firmware updates and remote control
An external power adapter provides power with a locking connector and a K-slot lock for security against theft.


High-grade analog inputs and outputs
The AVB Tool is the ideal analog converter for the most demanding analog signals in control rooms, recording studios, and on stage. 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs provide 75 dB of gain remotely controllable in 1 dB steps and +18 dBu input line-level sensitivity, and high-impedance switching on all channels. There is also a stereo headphone output and two analog line-level outputs with switchable +4 / +19 dBu reference levels.

The AVB Tool has the exact input stage as the first four channels of the RME 12Mic and integrates FirefaceUFX II and UFX+ components and a new AD converter for switchable high-impedance, TRS balanced line-level inputs. In addition, two balanced line-level outputs are provided on the rear panel for monitoring.


RME Technology Transforms AVB into a Standard
The RME AVB core has eight streams in AM824 (legacy AVB) or high-performance AAF (MILAN compatible) format, with size and format settings per stream. All streams can send and receive up to 128 audio channels in AVB.

Many manufacturers currently offer AVB-compatible products, but in some cases, the AVB Tool makes it possible to communicate with all AVB devices, even those from other manufacturers, because they have their own fixed format/stream size settings.


■MADI Optical Terminals for Greater Flexibility
MADI SFP Module
The MADI coaxial terminals on the central unit and the optical MADI input/output terminals, which can be added with the MADI SFP module option, can be operated independently or redundantly. The secondary MADI pins mirror the same signal as the MADI coaxial inputs. When redundancy is not required, the optical MADI module can be used as independent, full-bandwidth, up to 64-channel MADI inputs and outputs.


■Quick Operation
Front panel encoders and buttons provide direct control of device status and intuitive access to all functions. RME's AVB devices can be fully remote-controlled via a web interface over any network link (including Wi-Fi). RME's AVB devices can be fully remote controlled via a web interface over any network link (including Wi-Fi) for quick operations such as creating gain groups, switching phantom power, and routing signals to the headphone outputs. An integrated routing matrix allows all analog inputs and all digital signals or AVB streams to be routed directly to the headphone outputs. This allows quick troubleshooting with a clear view of audio signals, clocking, connections, etc.


SteadyClock FS - Reference Class Digital Clocking
The clock frequency is an essential factor in digital audio because of the correlation required between audio bits and the time axis to be referenced. However, clock frequencies are not always stable. AVB Tool provides full performance with SteadyClock FS, which suppresses jitter values to femtosecond (thousand trillionths of a second) accuracy, providing the lowest level of clock jitter and the highest. The FS provides the lowest clock jitter and highest jitter tolerance by suppressing jitter values with femtosecond precision.

Digital conversion on RME products is performed with no data loss or sound quality degradation. SteadyClock FS is the only RME product with a digital conversion rate of less than 1.5 times that of RME products. SteadyClock FS ensures that the sound image is not degraded. Greater depth and a more transparent sound image allow you to record and mix correctly and precisely.