RME MADIFACE XT Audio Interface

Product Overview The world's first USB 3.0 audio interface not only has 3 MADI I/Os with 64 channels each, but also 2 mic/line inputs, 2 XLR line and one stereo phones output, plus one AES/EBU I/O - a total of 196 audio inputs and 198 audio outputs. Plus several MIDI ports via USB, MADI and DIN. To use all this in a portable device with the typical RME performance, the XT uses external PCI Express and USB 3.0 to guarantee hi-speed data transfer. It also features TotalMix FX, can be used completely stand-alone, remote controlled via MIDI and much more.

The RME MADIface XT is capable of transferring digital audio data directly into a computer, from any device equipped with a MADI interface. Analog sources can be connected to a stereo analog input, and 2 stereo analog outputs add full monitoring connectivity. Installation is simple, even for the inexperienced user, thanks to the latest Plug and Play technology. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialogs put the MADIface XT at the very top of the range of digital audio interfaces.


The front of the MADIface XT has 2 XLR/TRS line and microphone inputs, a stereo line/headphone output, two rotary encoders with push functionality, four menu keys, a graphical colour display, and six status LEDs.

Mic/Line Inputs The Neutrik combo sockets of the two Mic/Line inputs provide XLR and 6.3 mm / 1/4" TRS connection. They have LEDs for Signal (SIG), Overload (Clip) and phantom power (48V).

Headphone Output Channels 3/4 feed the headphone output, which also operates as high-quality unbalanced line output.

Display The display main screen (Global Level Meters) shows the current state of interface mode (PCIe orange, USB 2 yellow, USB 3 blue), the sync state of MADI and AES inputs, and incoming and outgoing MIDI data.

The four keys, the two encoders 1 and 2, the high-resolution and clear colour display, and a well thought-out menu structure enable the user to quickly change and configure the device’s settings completely without a computer. Help notes and clear markers in the display guide the user through all functions. The rotary encoder 1 and 2 set the monitoring volume of the rear and front output directly at the device. Watch the display for further information.

The rear panel of the MADIface XT has two balanced analog outputs, word clock I/O, MADI coaxial I/O, two MADI optical I/O, USB 3 port (compatible to USB 2), PCI Express connector, MIDI/AES I/O D-sub for breakout cable, the power socket and a power switch.


Totalmix FX
The MADIface XT includes a powerful digital real-time mixer, the Hammerfall DSP mixer, based on RME’s unique, sample-rate independent TotalMix technology. It allows for practically unlimited mixing and routing operations, with all inputs and playback channels simultaneously, to any hardware outputs.


Here are some typical applications for TotalMix:

Setting up delay-free submixes (headphone mixes). The MADIface XT allows for up to 99 (!) fully independent stereo submixes. On an analog mixing desk, this would equal 198 (!) Aux sends.

Unlimited routing of inputs and outputs (free utilisation, patchbay functionality).

Distributing signals to several outputs at a time. TotalMix offers state-of-the-art splitter and distributor functions.

Simultaneous playback of different programs using only one stereo output. The ASIO multiclient driver handles several programs at the same time, even identical playback channels. TotalMix provides the means to mix and monitor these on a single stereo output, even when originating on different playback channels.

Mixing of the input signal to the playback signal (complete ASIO Direct Monitoring). RME not only is the pioneer of ADM, but also offers the most complete implementation of the ADM functions.

Integration of external devices. Use TotalMix to insert external effects devices, be it in the playback or in the record path. Depending on the current application, the functionality equals insert or effects send and effects return, for example as used during real-time monitoring when adding some reverb to the vocals.


Every single input channel, playback channel and hardware output features a Peak and RMS level meter, calculated in hardware (hardware output is Peak only). These level displays are very useful to determine the presence and routing destinations of the audio signals.

For a better understanding of the TotalMix mixer you should know the following:

As shown in the block diagram (next page), the record signal usually stays un-altered. TotalMix does not reside within the record path, and does not change the record level or the audio data to be recorded (exception: loopback mode).

The hardware input signal can be passed on as often as desired, even with different levels. This is a big difference to conventional mixing desks, where the channel fader always controls the level for all routing destinations simultaneously.

The level meter of inputs and playback channels are connected pre-fader, to be able to visually monitor where a signal is currently present. The level meters of the hardware’s outputs are connected post-fader, thus displaying the actual output level. Features Interface for External PCI Express, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0

Sample rates: 32 kHz up to 192 kHz, variable (Sync/word clock)

Analog input gain range: 60 dB

SNR input: 108 dB RMS unweighted, 111 dBA

SNR output: 112 dB RMS unweigthed, 115 dBA

3 virtual MIDI over MADI I/Os, one external MIDI I/O

TotalMix: 4096-channel mixer with 46-bit internal resolution

SteadyClock™: super-stable digital clock, highest jitter suppression

Full stand-alone operation, including MIDI remote control

Comes with DIGICheck, RME’s ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool