RME HDSPe AoX-D 512-Channel PCI Express Card with Dante

more connectivity, more versatilityThe HDSPe AoX PCIe x4 audio interface cards combine dual network ports with headphone output, AES3, MIDI, and internal expansion headers for up to four MADI ports. Whether used in a Thunderbolt™ expansion chassis or built into DAWs or audio processors, these cards send and receive up to 512 channels of audio and provide numerous mixing and routing capabilities.

Occupying only a single slot, the PCIe x4 interface transmits and receives up to 512 channels of network audio signals on two separate RJ45 connectors. The network audio channels can partially be replaced (or extended in case of the Milan® version) with MADI signals by adding up to two optional dual optical or dual coaxial extension cards. It is therefore possible to integrate four MADI input signals, four MADI output signals (256 channels) plus 256 network audio channels per direction within a single audio interface for the first time – on macOS and Windows.

At a glance • 512 channels 48 kHz/24 bit record/playback
• 256 channels 96 kHz/24 bit record/playback
• 128 channels 192 kHz/24 bit record/playback
• TotalMix 256 x 256 channel mixer with 46 bit internal resolution for latency-free submixes
• 1 x MIDI I/O, 16 channels high-speed MIDI
• 1 x AES-3 I/O, 2 channels at up to 192 kHz
• Optional expansion boards for MADI and Word Clock I/O

sleek designIn comparison to these massive channel counts, the ¼” stereo headphone jack occupies a lot of space on the card – for good reasons, because it allows monitoring of any signal reaching the card – from the computer, the network, or the optional MADI inputs. And to add one more signal to the mix – a stereo AES3 digital I/O is available together with MIDI on a breakout cable, making it a versatile and full-fledged professional interface.

TotalMix engineThe vast number of channels can be managed by the user in two steps. Using a driver dialog or web interface, the user first adjusts the network vs. optional MADI channel count, and then pre-selects which inputs reach the 256 channel TotalMix engine. The remaining 256 channels are passed straight through. All 512 channels are visible to the DAW for recording. TotalMix offers its basic functionality without effects, but with all the great benefits such as presets, layouts, loopback, sub-mixes, and many more. The card can also be installed in external Thunderbolt™ enclosures as a perfect addition to mobile recording setups, or installed in common DAWs or audio processors.