RME Micstasy

RME Micstasy

The Micstasy is an 8-channel hi-end mic/line preamp and AD converter at the highest level, with many RME-typical features. It can be used both analog (Mic In to Line Out) and digital (Mic In to Digital Out). Special highlight: the device is completely remote controllable via MIDI (also MIDI via MADI).

The Micstasy is an 8-channel hi-end mic/line preamp and AD converter at the highest level, with many RME-typical features. It can be used both analog (Mic In to Line Out) and digital (Mic In to Digital Out). Special highlight: the device is completely remote controllable via MIDI (also MIDI via MADI).

The Micstasy's innovative concept allows amplification and digitization of ALL analog signal sources. Whether it's high-level stage signals, typical studio signals, low-level and high-impedance instruments or dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones: Micstasy understands all signal types. And this in a quality that is simply inspiring.

The signal amplified by the Micstasy can be output via the analog outputs and thus saves an expensive splitter box on stage. All functions can be remote controlled via MIDI and MIDI via MADI. This allows the Micstasy to be placed very close to the microphone, maintaining optimum sound quality. Even more possibilities result from an extension with the retrofittable MADI option. This also allows the MADI signal to be looped through from one Micstasy to the next (up to 8). All up to 64 audio signals are then available on the last device on only one line. Such cascading is also possible between Micstasy and ADI-8 QS.

In a standard 19" housing with 2 U height, the device offers numerous extraordinary features, such as Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck ®, SteadyClock, TotalGain, AutoSet, MIDI over MADI, as well as remote control via MADI and MIDI.

The technologies known and proven from other RME products such as SyncCheck® ensure easy detection of error conditions. Of course, any number of devices can be cascaded and synchronized with sample accuracy via word clock. All settings are saved when the power is turned off.

The Micstasy is completely remote controllable and configurable via MIDI. The entire state of the device, including the displays on the front panel, can be queried via MIDI. Each Micstasy can be assigned its own ID, which also allows separate remote control of multiple devices via a single MIDI channel. The MIDI remote control is also compatible with Digidesign's Pro Tools System, Yamaha's M7C and PM5D. The manual also describes how to remote control the Micstasy from DM-1000 and DM-2000.

RME's SteadyClock(TM) guarantees excellent behavior in all clock modes. Due to the efficient jitter suppression, the AD converters in the Micstasy work independently of the quality of the external clock as if they were operated with an internal clock - best sound guaranteed! In addition, Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) ensures that the sample rate last recognized as valid is maintained in the event of an input signal failure.

In the Micstasy RME uses for the first time a very high-quality AD converter from Cirrus Logic, with outstanding signal-to-noise ratio and distortion factor. But what sets it apart from all other ADCs is its innovative digital filter, which causes a delay of only 12 samples in Single Speed (0.25 ms), 9 samples in Double Speed (0.09 ms), and 5 (!) samples in Quad Speed (0.026 ms).

These values are less than a quarter of what even significantly more expensive devices have, and thus an important step towards further reducing latency in the computer-aided studio. With Double Speed and Quad Speed you can simply completely forget the latency generated here. With the ADI-8 QS, a matching DA-converter with 5 to 10 samples delay is available to transform analog digital monitoring into true analog monitoring.

Some preamps contain limiters to avoid overloading, especially of the AD converter. Such a circuit cannot be implemented in the Micstasy because the excellent technical data of the Mic front end would be gone.

But since the Micstasy's gain is completely controlled digitally, the device can also adjust it automatically. This results in a perfect overload protection without any deterioration of the useful signal, as it does not have to pass through any additional analog electronics.

The threshold can be configured in the setup menu (-1, -3, -6, -12 dBFS), after which AutoSet starts to adjust the gain back. Each change of the gain is of course shown on the GAIN display, so it can be tracked at any time. It is also possible to change the gain manually when AutoSet is active.

Features:

• 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs with 85 dB gain range

• Analog input level from -56.5 dBu to +30 dBu

• Hi-End circuit technology with 4 relays per channel and super low-noise mic front-end

• Virtually noiseless gain change in 0.5 dB increments

• Wide frequency range (200 kHz) with special RF filtering at the input

• 8 balanced jacks Line/Instrument inputs with Hi-Z option

• 8 balanced XLR line outputs, maximum level +27 dBu

• 4 x AES/EBU Out per D-Sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz

• 2 x ADAT Out, 8 channels @ 96 kHz

• Optional MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card)

• Balanced Low THD Lo Cut double filter, 18 dB/oct

• LED level indicator with 13 LEDs per channel

• M/S de-/encoding on digital output

• AutoSet: Automatic gain reduction with multiple linking

• Current device status can be stored in 8 memory locations

• Completely remote controllable