RME HDSPe RayDAT

69

72-channel ADAT / AES PCI Express Card

HDSPe RayDAT is a multi-channel, multi-format and multi-tasking tool of superior professional quality, the ideal solution from capture to final mastering. Thanks to separate hardware and additional recording / playback channels, SPDIF (RCA) and AES / EBU (XLR) can be used simultaneously for the first time. RayDAT offers no less than 4 x ADAT I / O (optical), SPDIF I / O, and AES / EBU I / O. No less than 36 input and output channels each.

Two MIDI I / Os and TotalMix, RME's unrivaled DSP-based real-time mixer with hardware-computed level meters and complete MIDI remote controllability complete the package. Of course, HDSPe RayDAT also supports the use of the optional TCO for synchronization to timecode (LTC / video).

Internal ADAT inputs and outputs allow connection of up to two optional TEBs (TDIF Expansion Board). Up to two TDIFs can be connected directly to the computer. Ports available.

HDSPe RayDAT is the redesigned PCI Express version of the previous PCI variant. A completely new PCI Express core supports the full performance of current and superfast serial bus technology. Based on RME's own FPGA development, the card's Secure Flash Option enables future updates even on future hardware and software features.

  • 24 bits / 192 kHz
  • 4x ADAT I / O 192kHz capable (S / MUX4) + SPDIF I / O 192kHz capable and AES / EBU I / O 192kHz capable
  • 2x MIDI I / O
  • Up to 72 input and output channels can be used simultaneously
  • For WIN 2000 / XP / Vista / 64 and MAC OSX Intel
Available since May 2008
Item number 208766
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Converter 24 bit/192 kHz
Microphone Inputs 0
Phantom power No
Number of instrument inputs 0
Line Inputs 0
Digital Inputs ADAT, AES, S/PDIF
MIDI interface Yes
SYNC Yes
Analogue Outputs 0
Digital Outputs ADAT, AES, S/PDIF
Headphone jack No
Zero latency monitoring Yes
$545
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69 Customer ratings

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43 Reviews

S
Solid performer with great sound.
Sonovox 17.07.2013
I use the RayDAT mostly for live-sound use in a rack computer using SAC software as a replacement for a traditional PA mixing desk. The RayDAT is my first RME card and was an 'upgrade' (more channels) to my previous SAC rig which used an old Sonic|Core Pulsar II card.

The build quality is very high on the card itself. As well as the 8 x lightpipe connections, there is a D connector for an AES/SP-DIF breakout, and a DIN connector for the MIDI breakout. Now, I don't use the AES breakout, but the cable screws solidly into the backplane of the card, so shouldn't be a problem in reliability. On the other hand, the MIDI connector is a push-fit, and I have had to rig a 'safety net' using cable ties to prevent this from popping out while the rack is being moved etc. I would prefer to see some sort of secure connection - either locking or screwed - but most people in a studio setup won't see this as a problem. Incidentally, the lightpipe connectors also just 'clip' in, but these cables are very light with not much chance of popping out with rough rack handling (I've tried!), whereas the very short MIDI breakout leads to four heavyish five-pin DIN connectors, which in turn will connect to 4 more heavy connectors on reasonably heavy midi leads - hence my own worry about the mass of the cables needing restrained to prevent loading the main board connector.

RayDAT installation was very straightforward, and everything working very solidly from the start is a great confidence boost for use in live situations. The monitoring/routing page can be a little confusing for the uninitiated (and the help files aren't much 'help' in this regard) but it is a very powerful tool allowing multiple zero latency monitoring mixes to be set up for pretty much any purpose, allowing you to monitor any mix of hardware inputs or DAW channels - you just have to get used to always clicking on the OUTPUT channel you are interested in first, in order to see which input/DAW channels are routed to it. I would like to see the ability to name channels or change the colour of each channel on this page: With 32 inputs, 32 DAW channels and 32 outputs, I find you need a few valuable seconds each time to hunt down and select the correct output channel first, and then finding which channel faders to tweak. Colour grouping and naming facilities would allow faster monitor setups and changes.

The sound quality is second to none, and there is a 'solidity' to the sound that I don't get from my other cards. My one big gripe is that, with the move from the Pulsar to the RayDAT, I have lost the ability to reroute an output back to an input - something which I use all the time on the Pulsar and can't live without in many recording situations. It's a feature that, to the less experienced, ~could~ cause a feedback loop, but then again, the less experienced aren't in the market for buying RayDAT cards, hence, only 4 stars for 'features'.

All in all, a great buy, and probably one of the best sounding cards available on this planet right now.
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Works well on Linux
houseofpayne 12.01.2022
Very pleased with this card. Solid Linux support, audio quality and latency are excellent. No complaints.
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Quality all the way
Egil 23.11.2016
RayDAT is a great product, drivers are stable! Well worth the money. The box contains all you need - and also one pair of adat cables to get you started.

I also purchased the Word clock option, to use the rme as word clock master - it acts very stable across all my digital devices!

i haven't had a single dropout of audio since installation.. I am running it on 5ms - i have tried it on 0.7ms - which works fine, however it requires a lot of cpu.

Highly recommended, RME are great!
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ADAT and mixing with big desk
Anonymous 14.01.2016
I use RayDAT with Yamaha DM2000 and its basically the best option for maximal track-count. No bugs so far, I?ve used it for 2 years now.

Pros: easy to install the system, much easier than Yamahas own mLan and ect,
Cons: A bit expensive for being just an ADAT interface
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