The DMC-842-M from RME is an 8-channel AES42 interface and control device for digital microphones. AES42-2001 is an extension of the current AES digital audio standard that provides the framework for interfacing and controlling professional digital microphones (not to be confused with the consumer type of USB equipped microphones). The DMC-842-M supports both Mode 1 and Mode 2 operation. Depending on the mode implemented by the microphone's manufacturer, the unit can supply power to the microphone while also providing for the remote control of parameters. These include polar pattern, pre-attenuation, enabling a low cut filter, pre-amplification, mute and polarity, in addition to getting feedback about signal levels. Mode 1 is a protocol that allows for supplying Digital Phantom Power (DPP), switchable per channel, but no control data can be transmitted to the microphone. Sample rate conversion is available on a per channel basis for situations where the use of multiple Mode 1 type microphones is required. Mode 2 allows microphones to be synchronized and control data to be sent. Either mode is available per channel. The I64 MADI Card provides the DMC-842 with a 64-channel MADI input and output. The coaxial and optical outputs operate in parallel to the AES/EBU and ADAT output and deliver the same data. They also provide full redundancy by automatically switching from one input to the other in case of loss of one of the signals. The MADI input can operate as an optional clock source as well as a through-input. Since each DMC-842 uses only 8 channels, up to 56 channels can be passed through. This is used to serially cascade several DMC-842s, allowing up to 8 devices to be connected serially. All 64 combined channels are available at the last device's MADI output.Eight-channel digital microphone interface and controller with 8 XLR AES42 inputsEight-channels of XLR balanced line outputEight-channels of output via AES/EBU at up to 192kHz and ADAT Lightpipe at up to 96kHzMADI input/output with serial cascading and digital/analog return pathThe card allows for 8 channels to be used as a return path, sending audio via MADI to the DMC-842's ADAT, AES and analog outputs. For example stage and studio monitors can be fed from the DMC-842The DMC-842 can be remote controlled via MADI as well as allowing MIDI data to be transmitted via the MADI streamSupports both Mode 1 and Mode 2 functioning as specified within the AES42 standardMode 1 microphones require the use of sample rate converters, which are available and switchable on each channelMicrophones with Mode 2 functionality can have their settings for gain, polar pattern, hi-pass filter and compression set remotely, while simultaneously receiving back microphone status data (synchronized operation)Digital Phantom Power can be switched on or off on individual channelsIntelligent Clock Control and SyncCheck ensure perfect synchronization and provide clear detection of errorsThe DMC-842 can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDIM/S (Mid/Side) encoding and decoding provided on each channelWindows software (included via download) can use the MIDI port to perform remote control and status requests of any number of DMC-842s via a mouse clickLED level meter with 13 LEDs per channelUnit is future-proof with the ability to have hardware upgrades performed via flash updates.