RME have announced the upcoming release of the Digiface AES. This latest addition to the Digiface line-up features a total of 14 inputs and 16 outputs, offers full standalone operation, and provides flexible playback and monitoring facilities courtesy of the company’s well-regarded TotalMix FX software.
The unit features a comprehensive selection of digital I/O options. An AES3 input and output is provided on XLR connectors, whilst a pair of RCA sockets offer S/PDIF connectivity. A pair of Toslink connectors are also present, and can be configured to provide either optical S/PDIF or eight-channel ADAT.
A selection of analogue connections are also available, with the front panel hosting pair of microphone/line-level inputs on XLR/TRS combo sockets, and an additional pair of XLR sockets on the rear panel providing line-level outputs. A quarter-inch TRS headphone output is present on the front panel, and is capable of providing enough power to drive both high and low impedance headphones.
The two analogue inputs employ the digitally controlled preamps found in RME’s Babyface Pro FS, which feature a gain range of 75dB, adjustable in 1dB steps, along with individually switchable 48V phantom power. Helpfully, all of the unit’s I/O can be used simultaneously.
Control over all of the interface’s functionality is available directly from the front panel via a rotary encoder and four buttons, with a high-resolution colour display providing a clear visual indication of the device’s status along with any parameters being edited. Up to six different setups can be stored to the internal memory, allowing different setups to be recalled with the press of a button, a feature which RME say is particularly useful when the Digiface AES is being used without a computer.
Also present is the company’s SteadyClock FS technology. Originally developed for the high-end ADI-2 Pro FS converters, the technology is said to reduce jitter to a new all-time low when converting audio from analogue to digital formats.
Pricing & Availability
The Digiface AES will be available in February 2023, priced at £1819 including VAT / €1679.83.
