RME’s new Micstasy microphone preamp combines an analog preamp with a digital preamp/converter, and both signal paths operate simultaneously. It offers eight high-end mic preamps and an 8-channel line amplifier with XLR and TRS inputs, with digitally controlled gain in 0.5dB steps. The unit also functions as an 8-channel A/D converter that converts microphone signals, line signals from -55 dBu to +30 dBu, and instrument signals. According to RME, the digital outputs deliver the same signal as the line outputs.
The Micstasy offers RME’s AutoSet technology, which takes the place of a limiter and adjusts gain levels automatically whenever overloads are detected. Micstasy’s most important features can be controlled via MIDI or MADI, allowing the device to be placed anywhere onstage or in the studio, with full control from the studio or front-of-house mixer, thus enabling short cable runs. RME’s new Option Slot enables total integration of the unit in a MADI environment.
Several Micstasy units can be connected with one MADI cable per unit and configured to use their individual channels within the MADI signal. Up to eight Micstasy units or ADI-8 QS units can be combined into one single MADI line. Additional MADI streams will allow systems of up to 128 or 192 channels, with the corresponding number of ADI-8 QS units and Micstasy units.
For more information, visit RME at www.rme-audio.com and Synthax (RME’s U.S. distributor) at www.synthax.com. For more new product announcements, visit http://mixonline.com/products/new/.
