RME releases the RME DMC-842, the first multi-channel digital microphone controller. The manufacturer guarantees it to be the most flexible and most compatible AES42 interface available.
In addition to its role as an interface, the DMC-842 also acts as a power supply and control device for digital microphones according to the official AES42 standard (you can download a pdf
HERE). Mode 1 and Mode 2, are currently supported by Neumann, Sennheiser and Schoeps, among others. In both modes control data for adjusting gain, polar patterns, hi-pass filter and compression settings can be sent to the microphones.
Using the same interface connections as the Micstasy (ADAT, AES/EBU, MADI and other optional formats), DMC-842 ensures problem-free assembly of combined systems for both analog and digital microphones. The DMC-842 even offers analog line level outputs, so there are no problems to include analog devices in the signal chain, e.g. for monitoring purposes.
The DMC-842 can handle standard AES/EBU signals at the same time as the Digital Phantom Power can be switched on or off for individual channels. To adjust the various microphone parameters, RME includes a Windows-based software application that communicates with the DMC-842 via MIDI. As with Micstasy, the DMC-842 also supports the transfer of MIDI data over MADI as well as over AES/EBU-Signals. All the main microphone parameters are also directly accessible on the unit itself.
The DMC-842 is available in Europe for € 3050,- excl. VAT. In the US the retail price is USD 3999,-. Optionally RME is also offering the unit with an added I64 MADI Card called the DMC-842-M.
