Topics covered in this article:
- Associated software and configuration on Windows RMW (Dell 7920) using RME HDSPe and TCO Cards or RME HDSPe MADI FX
- Associated software and configuration on Mac or Windows RMW using RME MADIFaceXT
- Configuring synchronization on MADI RMWs
Introduction
MADI RMWs utilize additional software specific to the MADI I/O. Workstations will be supplied configured and tested by an authorized Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite reseller.
In most cases these don’t require user intervention. However, it is important to understand the configuration and learn which applications are used in normal operation and for troubleshooting.
Windows RMWs using RME HDSPe MADI and TCO cards or RME HDSPe MADI FX
Drivers and Applications
The Dell 7920 will come with the necessary RME drivers and firmware installed.
Two RME applications will be installed alongside the Dolby Atmos Renderer:
- Hammerfall DSP Settings Control Panel (HDSPe cards) or HDSPe FX Settings Control Panel (MADI FX card)
- TotalMix FX
Both are accessible via the hidden icon symbol ^ on the right side of the Windows 10 taskbar as shown below.
These utilities are not used in the regular operation of the RMW, though they must be configured in a specific way for operation.
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The Hammerfall DSP Settings control panel needs to be accessed by the user to set the frame rate for the hardware and verify the proper sync settings per card.
If using the RME HDSPe MADI FX card, settings are made in the HDSPe FX Settings application. Users do not need to set the frame rate in this application.
The TotalMix FX application comes from the reseller with one tweak applied that resets outputs 1 and 2 to unity gain. The TotalMix FX application otherwise has no role and should only be used for troubleshooting. Making any gain, routing, or DSP adjustments will interfere with the proper function of the Dolby Atmos Renderer.
The RME TCO card accepts the clocking signal for the RMW and Dolby Atmos Renderer. Typically, this is Word Clock from a Master Clock (MC).
It is important that WC be distributed rather than daisy-chained between devices.
The RME TCO card also accepts the LTC input for synchronizing the Renderer with the DAW.
If using the RME HDSPe MADI FX card, WC will be connected to WC in on the card and LTC will be sent via channel 128.
Mac or Windows RMWs using RME MADIface XT
A Mac or Windows-based MADI RMW will come with the necessary drivers and firmware installed, as well as the Fireface USB settings and TotalMix FX utilities. These utilities are not used in the regular operation of the RMW, though they must be configured in a specific way for operation.
The Fireface USB Settings should be configured as follows for a 48kHz workflow:
The only time these settings need to change is when switching to a 96kHz workflow.
On the MADIface, LTC is configured to come in to the Mic 1 XLR input of the unit. In order to send that input to channel 129 of the Renderer, the following changes must be made in the RME TotalMix software (Note: an RMW purchased from a verified reseller should already have these changes made).
With TotalMix open, ensure that the Matrix View is showing (press x)
On the bottom row (Hardware Outputs) scroll to output 129/130. Click the wrench icon to reveal the channel settings
Click the Stereo button to split the channel into 2 mono channels
On channel 129, click the Loopback button to enable Loopback
In the top row (Hardware Inputs) route the output of Mic 1 to 129 by clicking the bottom of the channel (it may say AN 1/2) and selecting channel 129 from the drop-down list
Signal should now be routed from Hardware Input 1 to Hardware Output 129
It is important to ensure that no other parameters are changed in TotalMix, as this can reroute signal. Note that using the scroll wheel while in the application can often lead to inadvertent parameter changes.
Configuring Synchronization on MADI RMWs
For all systems, synchronization is provided by a synchronization peripheral that generates LTC from the DAW, or by the Dolby LTC Generator plug-in, which is included with the Renderer installer and runs within the DAW session.
On a Windows-based MADI RMW using the RME HDSPe and TCO cards, LTC is connected directly to the RME TCO Synchronization Card. In the Dolby Atmos Renderer, the External Sync Source set to ASIO.
On a Windows-based MADI RMW using the MADI FX card, LTC is received using an audio channel. This is usually 128, but since the MADI FX is capable of 192 input channels, channel 129 can be used if the DAW has 3 MADI outputs. In the Dolby Atmos Renderer, the External Sync Source set is to LTC over audio, and the input channel is specified.
On a Windows or Mac MADI RMW using the MADIfaceXT, LTC is received using an audio channel. This is usually 129 to avoid losing an audio input for program. In the Dolby Atmos Renderer, the External Sync Source set is to LTC over audio, and the input channel is specified.
LTC is connected via the analog Mic/Line input of the MADIfaceXT and routed internally using the loopback feature of the RME TotalMix application. Alternatively, the LTC analog audio signal can be externally converted to MADI and use channel 128.
Navigation
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