• Registered: 2011-04-26
  • Posts: 37

Topic: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

I've been using an HDSPe MADI with an SSL XLogic Alpha-Link MADI AX for a few weeks now. At 44k it's working as it should. But at 96k I run into severe problems.

Both the RME and the SSL let me choose the frame size at 96k. I can set both to either 48k frame or 96k frame. So I would assume all I need to do is set both devices to the same frame size. But the only way I can get a usable signal from the converter is to set the RME to 48k frame and the SSL to 96k frame. However, if I do this I only get a signal on the first 12 input channels. There is no way I can use RME's 96k frame.

I find this all very strange since people recommended the RME + SSL combination to me. I would be grateful if anyone using the same combination could share their experiences.

BTW, I am using RME's latest drivers (4.0.6) and I updated the firmware as well. I am on Windows 7 64bit.

2 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

There might be a firmware update for the Alphalink fixing problems with the 48k/96k Frame mode.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Raphie
  • AES/EBU artist
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  • Registered: 2011-07-02
  • Posts: 117

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

I've got the same problem at 96k with the SSL and MadiFX
Also got the same problem with the SPL MADISON and MadiFX
It sounds a bit similar to having the 56/64ch setting wrong where you get a weird distortion in the sound. All indicator leds lock but channels map wrong and it sounds weird. Never have been able to crack the code on why.
The ADI 8 DS MK3 via AES works fine (only 2 channels on the madifx though)

www.analoguemastering.com

Raphie's Website

  • Registered: 2011-04-26
  • Posts: 37

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

MC wrote:

There might be a firmware update for the Alphalink fixing problems with the 48k/96k Frame mode.

I have the latest firmware (2.5) installed.

Would it theoretically be possible that it has something to do with the new generation of RME drivers (the 4. versions with the new TotalMix)?

5 Reply by MC

  • MC
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Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

Not really, as these things are handled from the hardware, so only a firmware change could be an explanation.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2011-04-26
  • Posts: 37

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

MC wrote:

only a firmware change could be an explanation.

Or these two products were never fully compatible from the start.

  • Raphie
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Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

44.1/48 works but everything hi speed x2 doesn't

www.analoguemastering.com

Raphie's Website

  • Registered: 2015-06-04
  • Posts: 1

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

So I am having the opposite problem- When I make the madiface the master- the alpha link defaults to 96k no matter what i have the madiface set to. And will only play everything properly if my pro tools, madiface and ssl are set to 96k. Any other combo gives me clicks and a strange channel allocation on the Alphalink

  • Registered: 2015-07-14
  • Posts: 1

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

I'm having the same problem as Raphie and hammerton mentioned in this thread. Everything works smoothly at 44.1 but when i use the 88.2kHz mode for recording the SSL combination with RME MadifaceXT goes nuts. White noise, showing red spikes on the madiface. Would appreciate some help/guidance on this issue!

I do understand the issue might be with the SSL Alphalink settings but i would like to know if anyone got it working eventually.

  • Raphie
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Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

I did get it sort of working. If the madiFX is MASTER, it all works fine, but it seems the MadiFX doesn't like external clocks at higher rates, no matter wether I feed it my BURL, Madison, Tascam CG-1000 clock or SSL, wavelab or cubase will not play AND I also get weird burst noises on random channels.

www.analoguemastering.com

Raphie's Website

  • Raphie
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Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

Hi MC, did see that the HDSPe Madi just had a driver update for external clocking, is that update also planned for the madiFX?

www.analoguemastering.com

Raphie's Website

  • From: NYC
  • Registered: 2012-02-17
  • Posts: 31

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

Hello,
Have any of you found a fix?  Here is what I am up to today and could use any assistance:

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopi … 42#p109942

draudio2u's Website

  • Raphie
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Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

draudio2u wrote:

Hello,
Have any of you found a fix?  Here is what I am up to today and could use any assistance:

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopi … 42#p109942

Having the same issue, gave up on higher sample rates, it's to cumbersome

www.analoguemastering.com

Raphie's Website

  • Registered: 2013-04-21
  • Posts: 12

Re: HDSPe MADI + SSL Alpha-Link: Does this combination work?

Hi everyone

For Your Information I use Madiface XT and Madison and they work both at 44.1/48k  and 96 K, both as a master and slave....
Macbook Pro late 2013,  OSX 10.9----->10.10----->10.11 via PCIe T/adp Matrox latest RME  firmware and drivers version.

best wishes

Pietro C.