1 (edited by RoyalFlash 2025-01-12 11:12:22)

Topic: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CX8213 … drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fFsQXe … drive_link

I tried to connect the adi-8dd to my fireface and sync it via wordclock. The adi-8dd is the last unit in the chain. I read the manual to find out how to terminate the unit but the button descriped in the manual is missing. Doe anyone has an idea how to solve it. thank you.

2 (edited by waedi 2025-01-12 11:33:06)

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

What model exactly you have ? ADI-8DD seems not to exist, is it a Adi-4DD ? Or ADI-8 DS ?


https://www.thomann.de/de/pro_snake_res … ms_bnc.htm

https://www.thomann.de/de/damar_hagen_1_1176_2274_1.htm


Page 16 in the user manual of the ADI-4 DD (Ican't find anything of an ADI-8DD) :

9.2 Cabling and Termination

Word clock signals are usually distributed in the form of a network, split with BNC T-adapters
and terminated with resistors. We recommend using off-the-shelf BNC cables to connect all
devices, as this type of cable is used for most computer networks. You will find all the neces-
sary components (T-adapters, terminators, cables) in most electronics and/or computer stores.
The latter usually carries 50 Ohms components. The 75 Ohms components used for word clock
are part of video technology (RG59).

Ideally, the word clock signal is a 5 Volt square wave with the frequency of the sample rate, of
which the harmonics go up to far above 500 kHz. To avoid voltage loss and reflections, both the
cable itself and the terminating resistor at the end of the chain should have an impedance of 75
Ohm. If the voltage is too low, synchronization will fail. High frequency reflection effects can
cause both jitter and sync failure.

Unfortunately there are still many devices on the market, even newer digital mixing consoles,
which are supplied with a word clock output that can only be called unsatisfactory. If the output
breaks down to 3 Volts when terminating with 75 Ohms, you have to take into account that a
device, of which the input only works from 2.8 Volts and above, does not function correctly al-
ready after 3 meter cable length. So it is not astonishing that because of the higher voltage,
word clock networks are in some cases more stable and reliable if cables are not terminated at
all.

Ideally all outputs of word clock delivering devices are designed with very low impedance, but
all word clock inputs with high impedance, in order to not weaken the signal on the chain. But
there are also negative examples, when the 75 Ohms are built into the device and cannot be
switched off. In this case the network load is often 2 x 75 Ohms, and the user is forced to buy a
special word clock distributor. Note that such a device is generally recommended for larger
studios.

Also, 75 Ohm cable is almost impossible to find these days. 50 Ohm cable is standard - this will
also work as long as the termination resistors are 75 Ohm.

The ADI-4 DD's word clock input can be high-impedance or terminated internally, ensuring
maximum flexibility. If termination is necessary (e.g. because ADI-4 DD is the last device in the
chain), push the switch at the back (see chapter 8.3).

In case the ADI-4 DD resides within a chain of devices receiving word clock, plug a T-adapter
into its BNC input jack, and the cable supplying the word clock signal to one end of the adapter.
Connect the free end to the next device in the chain via a further BNC cable. The last device in
the chain should be terminated using another T-adapter and a 75 Ohm resistor (available as
short BNC plug). Of course devices with internal termination do not need T-adaptor and termi-
nator plug.


https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/padthumb600x600/pics/bdb/_24/241685/11917021_800.jpg

https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/padthumb600x600/pics/bdb/_37/373475/11555209_800.jpg

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

Thanks for reply
Its called ADI-8 DD
here is a picture of the unit
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12q5Gu0 … sp=sharing
Here is a screenshot from the manual with the 75 ohm termination button but this button is missing on my unit.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16HscaO … sp=sharing

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

The switch seems to be missing.
I would contact support for repair request support@rme-audio.com
Or just use T-adapter with plug.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

Is it not just grey instead of blue? Can you not press it with a pen? It is not clear from the picture.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

No the switch is missing there is no solder on the pads. The switch should be between U3 and U2 in the first picture this shot is from above. The other picture is from the backside of the unit.
https://archiv.rme-audio.de/old/images/adi/adi8ddba.jpg
On this unit from the old product page there is not even a hole on the unit.

7

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

The first batch of these units (manual 1.0) did not have that switch, the second one (manual 1.1) did. So just use the BNC terminator if needed - should also work without.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Adi-8 DD Termination missing

Ok thank you