RME M-16 AD – 16-channel 24-bit/192 kHz A/D converter with TRS 6.3 mm and D-sub 25 (balanced) line inputs, digital outputs MADI (optical SC and coaxial BNC) and 4× ADAT Out, SteadyClock synchronization, Word Clock I/O (BNC), remote control via MIDI and MIDI over MADI, and a built-in Analog Limiter on each channel.
The M-16 AD features a fully balanced analog path and high-end converters, offering three reference levels +13 / +19 / +24 dBu (0 dBFS) while maintaining optimal S/N ratio and low distortion. Parallel MADI and ADAT outputs provide flexible multichannel recording up to 64× @48 kHz (MADI), and cascading with Automatic Delay Compensation. TRS and D-sub inputs are internally connected (not for simultaneous use), and the fanless design ensures silent operation in control rooms.
Clocking and synchronization are handled by SteadyClock, SyncCheck, and Intelligent Clock Control. Full configuration and monitoring are available via front panel, MIDI, or MIDI over MADI. A MADI thru-mode allows unused channels to be passed through the device.
KEY FEATURES
- 16 channels of 24-bit A/D conversion up to 192 kHz; fully balanced input stage
- Analog inputs: 16× TRS 6.3 mm (servo-balanced) and 2× D-sub 25 (Tascam pinout)
- Digital outputs: 1× MADI optical (SC), 1× MADI coaxial (BNC), 4× ADAT Out; ADAT Sync In for clock reference
- Three hardware-selectable reference levels: +13 / +19 / +24 dBu (headroom: +9 / +15 / +20 dB)
- Built-in Analog Limiter on every channel (overload protection)
- SteadyClock, SyncCheck, ICC; Automatic Delay Compensation for cascading
- Remote control via MIDI 5-pin and MIDI over MADI
- Word Clock I/O (BNC with switchable 75 Ω termination)
- Fanless design, low power consumption; 19″/2U rack housing
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Analog Inputs: 16× line-level, TRS 6.3 mm and D-sub 25 (servo-balanced, 10 kΩ impedance); sensitivity +13/+19/+24 dBu @ 0 dBFS; do not use TRS and D-sub simultaneously
- Limiter: ON threshold −3 dBFS / OFF +3 dB; max input without clipping: +30 dBu; THD+N approx. 0.03%
- A/D Specs: SNR @ +24 dBu: 112.9 dB RMS (117 dBA); THD < −110 dB (0.00032%); THD+N < −104 dB (0.00063%); channel separation >110 dB; frequency response (−0.5 dB) 5 Hz–21.5 kHz @44.1 kHz, up to (−1 dB) 5 Hz–66.5 kHz @192 kHz
- ADAT Out: 4× TOSLINK – 32 ch @48 kHz; S/MUX 16 ch @96 kHz; S/MUX4 8 ch @192 kHz
- MADI: optical (duplex SC) and coaxial BNC 75 Ω; 56/64 ch format; 48K/96K Frame; up to 64 ch @48 kHz, 32 ch @96 kHz, 16 ch @192 kHz; max cable length: coax ~100 m, optical ~2000 m
- Word Clock: In/Out (BNC), switchable 75 Ω termination; range: 27–200 kHz; output level: 5 Vpp (4 Vpp @ 75 Ω)
- Clock: Internal / ADAT In / MADI In / Word; jitter suppression >30 dB (2.4 kHz)
- Remote: 5-pin MIDI; MIDI over MADI (invisible in user bit ch. 56 @ 48K frame)
- Power / Consumption: internal switching power supply 100–240 V AC; typical ~15 W (max <20 W)
- Dimensions / Weight: 483 × 88 × 242 mm (with rack ears); ~2.5 kg
