HDSPe AES

32-Channel AES/EBU PCI Express Card

HDSPe AES

Products

HDSPe AES

32-Channel AES/EBU PCI Express Card

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The HDSPe AES is a short-length PCI Express card with AES/EBU interfaces. It provides eight AES inputs (16 channels) and eight AES outputs (16 channels) at 192 kHz sample rate. The card is also equipped with two MIDI I/O ports, word clock I/O, and can be used with the optional TCO module for synchronization to LTC and video.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity and Features

8 x AES/EBU I/O

1 x Word Clock I/O

2 x MIDI I/O

TotalMix FX

ARC USB

The HDSPe AES is RMEs reaction to requests from audio professionals for an AES-based solution with the typical RME features and quality. This audio card is a perfect all-in-one solution for professional users in the fields of broadcast, TV, theater, stage/PA - and in any professional studio.

The card's mainboard contains word clock I/O and a 25-pin D-sub connector, providing four AES inputs and four AES outputs via standard digital breakout cable (Tascam pinout). The sensitive word clock input operates on Single, Double and Quad Speed signals automatically. The expansion board adds audio channels 9-16 and a connector for a MIDI breakout Cable with two MIDI I/Os (four 5-pin DIN connectors). It does not require a PCIe slot.

The card is not based on a PCI to PCI Express bridge, which would simply add PCIe to existing PCI technology. It is a newly developed genuine PCI Express solution, which consequently takes full advantage of the new format, achieving significant performance gains in multitrack audio and lowest latency.

The AES' remarkable features include:

  • Support for 192 kHz at full channel count
  • Native support for Double and Quad Wire transfer
  • Direct conversion between these formats
  • SteadyClock for highest jitter suppression and clock regeneration
  • Intuitive and clearly laid-out user interface
  • TotalMix: 512 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
  • 48 level meter Peak/RMS, hardware-computed


The DSP-based TotalMix mixer enables the AES to route and mix all 16 inputs and 16 playback channels to all 16 physical outputs freely, offering extraordinary monitoring capabilities. Up to 8 fully independent stereo submixes can be created. Routings can be copied and pasted, faders ganged and grouped, which, along with the amazing matrix window, turns the AES into a powerful and easy-to-use redistributor, patchbay, router, converter, and splitter. The hardware-based mixer is fully MIDI-controllable. Furthermore, the DSP hardware calculates RMS and peak level meters for all 48 audio channels, with no measurable CPU load.

The Time Code Option can be used with the HDSPe AES to sync to LTC and video. Thanks to SteadyClock(TM), the TCO not only extracts absolute positions from LTC, but also a very clean low-jitter word clock from LTC and video.

The card's most important settings are stored on the card itself. Rather than operating in a default mode from the moment the computer is switched on until the driver is loaded, the card will immediately activate the last used sampling rate, master/slave configuration and AES format, thus eliminating any startup noise or problems in the clock network, both at system start and reboot.

An optional 19" breakout box is also available. Its innovative design features XLR I/Os that can be accessed from the front or rear in a rack, according to the user's choice. BOB-32 provides D-sub connectors with Tascam and Yamaha pinout, therefore can be used with other devices as digital rack breakout box as well.

The PCI Express interface of the HDSPe system is based on the PCI Express Base Specification v 1.1. It represents a 1-Lane PCI Express Endpoint Device and supports 2.5 Gbps line speed. Thanks to the packet-based full duplex communication, the card provides a transfer rate of up to 500 MB/s - 250 MB/s in every direction.

Free Software for all RME Audio Interfaces

Settings

Just click on the hammer symbol in the systray of the taskbar and the settings dialog of the HDSPe AES comes up. The clear structured, easy to understand window plus the unique informative status windows for input signal, clock mode and sample rate make your work with Hammerfall DSP to a real pleasure.

When working with several digital sources it is not only necessary to know if these are properly locked, but also if they are totally synchronized. RMEs exclusive SyncCheck ® checks all input signals and displays their actual state, and thanks to our new Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) concept you have all clocks and states under control - with ease.

SteadyClock(TM), RME's unique sync and clock technology allows the HDSPe AES to control the sample rate freely on its own. The Settings dialog includes a direct choice of the video and audio world's most often used sample rates. Additionally, two faders can be used to set the sample rate freely and in real-time, within the range of +/- 4% and +/- 0.4%.

Up to 3 cards of the HDSPe series can be used simultaneously, in any possible combination.

 

Specs

HDSPe AES

  • 1-Lane PCI Express Endpoint device (no PCI Express to PCI Bridge), revision 1.1.
  • 2.5 Gbps line speed
  • Packet-based full-duplex communication (up to 500 MB/s transfer rate)
  • All settings: changeable in real-time
  • Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
  • Enhanced Zero Latency Monitoring for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
  • Sync sources: 8 x AES, word clock, internal
  • Varipitch: by input signal or word clock
  • Sample rates: 32 kHz up to 192 kHz, variable (Sync/word clock)
  • Sample rate range: AES: 28 kHz - 204 kHz, word clock: 28 kHz - 204 kHz
  • Jitter: < 1 ns, internal and all inputs
  • Jitter sensitivity: PLL operates even at 100 ns Jitter without problems
  • Comes with DIGICheck: the ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool
  • Input 8 x AES, 2 x MIDI, word clock (BNC)
  • Output 8 x AES, 2 x MIDI, word clock (BNC)
  • Input word clock: BNC, Signal Adaptation Circuit (functional from 1.2 Vpp input signal), termination via jumper
  • Output word clock: BNC, low-impedance driver stage, 4 Vpp into 75 Ohms, short-circuit-proof
  • MIDI input and output: via four 5-pin DIN jacks

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Drivers

HDSPe AES

Flash Update
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
Mac OS X Flash Update Tool for HDSPe Series

Updates HDSPe MADI to firmware version 33/210, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard to 20, RayDAT to 18/207, AES to 11/204, MADIface to 23, AIO to 14, AIO Pro to 23/108.

Now also includes the DriverKit firmware versions:

HDSPe MADI to firmware version 35/216, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard to 21, RayDAT to 20/210, AES to 13/207, MADIface to 24, AIO to 201, AIO Pro to 26/110.

Release date
2023-11-18
Download
fut_mac_dspe.zip
Driver
Windows Flash Update Tool for HDSPe Series

Updates HDSPe MADI card to firmware version 33/210, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard card to 20, RayDAT to 18/207, AES to 11/204, MADIface to 23, AIO to 14, AIO Pro to 23. Windows XP SP2 / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11. Supports all HDSPe cards/systems! Now also includes DriverKit compatible firmware versions.

Release date
2023-01-27
Download
fut_wdm_dspe.zip
Mac OS X
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
macOS 11/12 HDSPe Series Kernel Extension Driver

Version 4.25, for macOS 11 and up. Supports Intel and Mx. See readme for installation notes.

Release date
2024-01-20
Driver
macOS 12 or up HDSPe Series DriverKit Driver

macOS 12 or up HDSPe series DriverKit driver, v. 1.12. Includes support for HDSPe MADI FX and MADIface XT (when used via E-PCIe).
Release date
2023-12-11
Driver
Mac OS X Flash Update Tool for HDSPe Series

Updates HDSPe MADI to firmware version 33/210, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard to 20, RayDAT to 18/207, AES to 11/204, MADIface to 23, AIO to 14, AIO Pro to 23/108.

Now also includes the DriverKit firmware versions:

HDSPe MADI to firmware version 35/216, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard to 21, RayDAT to 20/210, AES to 13/207, MADIface to 24, AIO to 201, AIO Pro to 26/110.

Release date
2023-11-18
Download
fut_mac_dspe.zip
Driver
Mac OS X driver - HDSPe MADI, AES, RayDAT, AIO, MADIface

Supports 10.9 up to 10.15. See readme.txt for important notes! Version 4.17. Also supports HDSPe PCI Card and ExpressCard with Digiface, Multiface and RPM.

Release date
2020-10-28
Driver
Mac OS X SL (10.6) Intel driver for HDSPe series (MADI, AES, RayDAT, AIO, MADIface, Multiface, Digiface, RPM)

Mac OS X SL (10.6) Intel driver for HDSPe series (MADI, AES, RayDAT, AIO, MADIface, Multiface, Digiface, RPM). Supports 10.5 in 32 bit, 10.6 in 32 bit and 64 bit. See readme.txt for important notes!

Release date
2017-10-06
Driver
Mac OS X Intel driver for 10.4.8 to 10.5.x

Version 2.67. Supports DIGICheck. See readme.txt for important notes!

Release date
2009-03-23
Download
hdspe_x86_267.gz
Windows
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
Windows Flash Update Tool for HDSPe Series

Updates HDSPe MADI card to firmware version 33/210, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard card to 20, RayDAT to 18/207, AES to 11/204, MADIface to 23, AIO to 14, AIO Pro to 23. Windows XP SP2 / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11. Supports all HDSPe cards/systems! Now also includes DriverKit compatible firmware versions.

Release date
2023-01-27
Download
fut_wdm_dspe.zip
Windows 10
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
WDM/ASIO driver for HDSP/HDSPe cards/systems

WDM, WDM-KS and ASIO. Version 4.47. Windows XP SP3 / 8/10/11, not Windows 7. Supports all HDSP and HDSPe cards/systems except HDSPe MADI FX.

Release date
2024-02-12
Windows 11
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
WDM/ASIO driver for HDSP/HDSPe cards/systems

WDM, WDM-KS and ASIO. Version 4.47. Windows XP SP3 / 8/10/11, not Windows 7. Supports all HDSP and HDSPe cards/systems except HDSPe MADI FX.

Release date
2024-02-12
Driver
Windows Flash Update Tool for HDSPe Series

Updates HDSPe MADI card to firmware version 33/210, HDSPe PCI and HDSPe ExpressCard card to 20, RayDAT to 18/207, AES to 11/204, MADIface to 23, AIO to 14, AIO Pro to 23. Windows XP SP2 / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11. Supports all HDSPe cards/systems! Now also includes DriverKit compatible firmware versions.

Release date
2023-01-27
Download
fut_wdm_dspe.zip
Windows 7
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
WDM/ASIO driver for HDSP/HDSPe cards/systems - Windows 7

WDM, WDM-KS and ASIO. Version 4.36. Windows XP SP3 / 7/8/10. Supports all HDSP and HDSPe cards/systems except HDSPe MADI FX.

Release date
2020-12-10
Windows 8
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
WDM/ASIO driver for HDSP/HDSPe cards/systems

WDM, WDM-KS and ASIO. Version 4.47. Windows XP SP3 / 8/10/11, not Windows 7. Supports all HDSP and HDSPe cards/systems except HDSPe MADI FX.

Release date
2024-02-12
Windows XP SP2
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
WDM/ASIO driver for HDSP/HDSPe cards/systems

WDM, WDM-KS and ASIO. Version 4.47. Windows XP SP3 / 8/10/11, not Windows 7. Supports all HDSP and HDSPe cards/systems except HDSPe MADI FX.

Release date
2024-02-12
Driver
WDM/ASIO driver for HDSP/HDSPe cards/systems - Windows 7

WDM, WDM-KS and ASIO. Version 4.36. Windows XP SP3 / 7/8/10. Supports all HDSP and HDSPe cards/systems except HDSPe MADI FX.

Release date
2020-12-10
Mac OS X
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
TotalMix FX Mac latest version (single file download)

TotalMix FX V 1.93. This zip includes only TotalMix FX, to update TotalMix when using older drivers that come with an older TotalMix FX version.

Installation: Exit TotalMix FX completely and copy the app into the Applications folder, overwriting the old file.

Release date
2024-02-10
Download
tmfx_mac_193.zip
Driver
TotalMix Remote Mac

TotalMix Remote V 1.40 - App to remote control TotalMix FX via ethernet and WiFi from other devices with Mac OS 10.12 or up. Universal Binary, supports Intel and Mx. Please note: can not be run on the same computer where the host TotalMix FX is used. This download is not TotalMix FX, which is part of the driver installation.

Release date
2024-01-17
Windows
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
TotalMix FX Windows latest version (single file download)

TotalMix FX V 1.93. This zip includes only TotalMix FX, to update TotalMix when using older drivers that come with an older TotalMix FX version.

Installation: Exit TotalMix FX (right click systray icon) and copy the new version into Windows\System32, overwriting the old file.

Release date
2024-02-10
Download
tmfx_win_193.zip
Driver
TotalMix Remote Windows

TotalMix Remote V 1.40 - Program to remote control TotalMix FX via ethernet and WiFi from other devices with Windows OS (PC, Tablet). Please note: can not be run on the same computer where the host TotalMix FX is used. This download is not TotalMix FX, which is part of the driver installation.

Release date
2024-01-17
Mac OS X
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
DigiCheck NG macOS

Universal binary, runs natively on Intel and M1 machines. DigiCheck NG V 0.90 requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or up.

Release date
2023-06-27
Driver
DIGICheck 0.73 Mac

EBU R-128 Meter. Surround Audio Scope with ITU weighting. Stereo / Multichannel / Global Level Meter, Spectral Analyser, Vector Audio Scope, Correlation Meter, Bit Statistic & Noise. In this version a display of plaback data is not possible via Core Audio, only via hardware level. Supports all cards of the HDSPe, FireWire and USB series. (09/14/2018).

Release date
2017-09-14
Download
dc_073_mac.zip
Windows
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
DIGICheck 5.96 Win

Differences to v 4.53: EBU R-128 Meter. Surround Audio Scope with ITU weighting. Simultaneous usage of multiple cards in all functions. Displays fully configurable (e.g. channel selection). Multichannel Level Meter freely configurable. MMCSS for Vista. Many improvements on surface and internal operation. Supports all current interfaces plus DIGI 9636/52. DIGI32 series and DIGI96 series are no longer supported. (10/05/2020).

V596 adds compatibilty for HDSPe MADI FX and XT with DK firmware.

Release date
2023-01-13
Download
dc_596_win.zip
Windows Vista
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
DIGICheck 4.53 (Works with all RME cards, except HDSPe RayDAT and AIO)

Stereo Level Meter, Multichannel Level Meter, Global Level Meter, Spectral Analyser, Vector Audio Scope, Correlation Meter, Totalyser, Bit Statistic & Noise, Global Record. ASIO support, multi-client operation, display of +dBFS levels, display of playback data, K-system, free reference/scale, third colour. New: Hardware Level Meter. RMS Slow and RLB weighting filter. Optional Correlator. Level meters vertical/horizontal. Presets with hotkeys. Support for Fireface 400, newer Fireface 800 drivers, HDSP series WDM driver. Record functionality Global Record. Compatible to HDSPe PCI and HDSPe MADI/MADIface

Release date
2008-09-02
Download
dc_453.zip
Windows XP SP2
Driver
Release date
Download
Driver
DIGICheck 4.53 (Works with all RME cards, except HDSPe RayDAT and AIO)

Stereo Level Meter, Multichannel Level Meter, Global Level Meter, Spectral Analyser, Vector Audio Scope, Correlation Meter, Totalyser, Bit Statistic & Noise, Global Record. ASIO support, multi-client operation, display of +dBFS levels, display of playback data, K-system, free reference/scale, third colour. New: Hardware Level Meter. RMS Slow and RLB weighting filter. Optional Correlator. Level meters vertical/horizontal. Presets with hotkeys. Support for Fireface 400, newer Fireface 800 drivers, HDSP series WDM driver. Record functionality Global Record. Compatible to HDSPe PCI and HDSPe MADI/MADIface

Release date
2008-09-02
Download
dc_453.zip
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Manuals

HDSPe AES

Product
Description
Download PDF
HDSPe AES

Manual for HDSPe AES
version 2.1, 06/2021

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