• Registered: 2013-04-16
  • Posts: 3

Topic: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

Hi,

I record, compose, mix and master tracks time to time for commercial use; mostly for indie scene.
I'm thinking of stepping up and after days of research, I've decided on RME product.

With RME HDSPe AIO, I see that it has very limited analog output, 1 TRS for headphones or 2 RCA outputs?
Would it be a good idea to connect active monitors using TRS or RCA outputs?
I read it somewhere that RME HDSPe AIO is not recommended for playback purpose but I want to explore my options if I decide to not to spend too much money at once.

IF those options are not recommended, then would it be wise to use monitor management system such as TC Electronic BMC-2 or PreSonus Central Station Plus?

I'm thinking of direct-analog output to active monitors, as it'll result less conversions between digital to analog.
I just can't stop wondering why RME limited its output to unbalanced RCA or a single TRS for "headphone" use...

Thank you for your inputs.

  • Registered: 2011-05-04
  • Posts: 249

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

Well, it's optional but there is a breakout cable for AIO using XLR (balanced) cable connections.
That's what I use for my active monitors. "AIO is not recommended for playback purpose"......never heard about it.

  • Registered: 2013-04-16
  • Posts: 3

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

Thank you for the reply.
I didn't know that AIO ahd an XLR output.

Or maybe I'm confusing AIO with MADI.
All is well then. Thanks! smile

4 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
  • Administrator
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,565

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

> "AIO is not recommended for playback purpose".

The manual recommends not to use system sounds played back over this (any) pro card.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2013-04-16
  • Posts: 3

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

OHHH MC thank you for the clarification! That makes more sense.

  • From: Lisbon
  • Registered: 2009-04-03
  • Posts: 63

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

why not? it is a soundcard. I'm not sure I get it ed:

manasseh's Website

7 Reply by JRM (edited by JRM 2013-04-17 16:49:29)

  • JRM
  • JRM
  • AD/DA expert
  • Offline
  • From: West Vancouver BC
  • Registered: 2013-03-17
  • Posts: 32

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

" System sounds"   if in Windows will be " Windows sound events"..So you don't want ANY resources diverted from the recording process. Heck it would be even better if we has a program called " push Windows aside".
Windows never had good sound management ,  in a Mac its much better, Linux even better.

Of course when you record you need a way of monitoring or auditioning your work, but  thats not what this means.


Now to the question,  yes there are 2 breakout cables types available, balanced and unbalanced, with that you will get 2 channels, R/L Analog 1+2 input and 2 out

As well you can connect an ADAT box with  up to 8 channels via the  ADAT connection as well   there is an expansion card that gives you another 2 in, 2 out with 1/4 jack

AI4S-192 AIO and AO4S-192 AIO: 4-Channel analog I/O modules



So its very flexible and versatile

Cheers, JRM

JRM's Website

8 Reply by dtytyjgfdhkhgj (edited by dtytyjgfdhkhgj 2013-04-25 15:14:18)

  • Registered: 2012-08-17
  • Posts: 4

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

If I understand correctly you need a volume patch(Nano patch) or something like this so you don`t blow your speakers on power on. It is always better with a harware volume knob. Between analog outputs and speakers. If I understand corretly.

  • vinark
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  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 2,770

Re: Active monitors on HDSPe AIO

I use the TC electronic knob "the level pilot". Very happy with it.

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