RME M-16 DA – 16-channel 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converter with MADI (optical and coaxial) and 4× ADAT inputs, line outputs on 6.3 mm TRS (servo-balanced) and balanced D-sub 25, SteadyClock technology, Word Clock I/O, MIDI and MIDI-over-MADI remote control, and Automatic Delay Compensation. Compared to the M-32, the M-16 version features a single 16-channel D/A module, no fan, and lower power consumption.
M-16 DA is designed for installations, studios, and broadcast environments. It offers three selectable hardware reference levels (+13 / +19 / +24 dBu), extremely low jitter via SteadyClock, and full remote control and monitoring via MIDI (including over MADI). Units can be cascaded via MADI with automatic delay compensation; optical and coaxial MADI inputs and Word Clock operate simultaneously.
The analog outputs are available in parallel on both TRS and D-sub connectors (independent output stages), making integration with different cabling systems easy. The front panel includes multisegment level meters and channel block selection when using MADI.
KEY FEATURES
- 16-channel D/A up to 192 kHz; inputs: MADI (optical SC and coaxial BNC) and 4× ADAT
- Line outputs: TRS 6.3 mm (servo-balanced, up to +21 dBu) and D-sub 25 (balanced, up to +27 dBu)
- Three hardware reference levels: +13 / +19 / +24 dBu
- SteadyClock, SyncCheck, Intelligent Clock Control; remote control via MIDI and MIDI-over-MADI
- Automatic Delay Compensation when cascading multiple converters
- No fan and lower power draw in the 16-channel version; 19″ / 2U rackmount chassis
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- D/A Conversion: 24-bit; SNR (RMS unweighted) 115 dB / 118 dBA; THD < −104 dB (<0.00063%); THD+N < −100 dB (<0.001%); channel separation >110 dB; frequency response (−0.5 dB): 5 Hz–22 kHz @ 44.1 kHz; 5 Hz–34 kHz @ 96 kHz; (−1 dB): 5 Hz–50 kHz @ 192 kHz
- Analog Outputs TRS: max. +21 dBu; impedance 75 Ω; levels +13 / +19 dBu @ 0 dBFS
- Analog Outputs D-sub: max. +27 dBu; impedance 150 Ω; levels +13 / +19 / +24 dBu @ 0 dBFS
- ADAT (Inputs): 4× TOSLINK; up to 32 ch @ 48 kHz; S/MUX: 16 ch @ 96 kHz; S/MUX4: 8 ch @ 192 kHz
- MADI: 56/64 ch modes; 48K/96K Frame; up to 64 ch @ 48 kHz, 32 ch @ 96 kHz, 16 ch @ 192 kHz; input sensitivity <0.2 Vpp; BNC output 600 mVpp; cable lengths: coax up to ~100 m, optical up to ~2000 m
- Word Clock: In/Out (BNC), switchable 75 Ω termination; range 27 kHz–200 kHz; output level 5 Vpp (4 Vpp @ 75 Ω)
- Clock Sources: internal / ADAT / MADI / Word; internal jitter ~800 ps; jitter suppression >30 dB (2.4 kHz)
- Remote Control: MIDI I/O (5-pin DIN), MIDI-over-MADI; settings memory; front panel lock
- Power & Dimensions (M-16 DA): internal switching PSU, 100–240 V AC; typical draw ~15 W (max <20 W); 483 × 88 × 242 mm (with rack ears); weight ~2.5 kg
