RME HDSPe AoX-M

The HDSPe AoX PCIe x4 audio interface cards combine dual network ports with headphone output, AES3, MIDI, and internal expansion headers for up to four MADI ports. Whether used in a Thunderbolt™ expansion chassis or built into DAWs or audio processors, these cards send and receive up to 512 channels of audio and provide numerous mixing and routing capabilities.

Occupying only a single slot, the PCIe x4 interface transmits and receives up to 512 channels of network audio signals on two separate RJ45 connectors. The network audio channels can partially be replaced (or extended in case of the Milan® version) with MADI signals by adding up to two optional dual optical or dual coaxial extension cards. It is therefore possible to integrate four MADI input signals, four MADI output signals plus up to 256 network audio channels per direction within a single audio interface for the first time – on macOS and Windows.

In comparison to these massive channel counts, the ¼” stereo headphone jack occupies a lot of space on the card – for good reasons, because it allows monitoring of any signal reaching the card – from the computer, the network, or the optional MADI inputs. And to add one more signal to the mix – a stereo AES3 digital I/O is available together with MIDI on a breakout cable, making it a versatile and full-fledged professional interface.

The vast number of channels can be managed by the user in two steps. Using a driver dialog or web interface, the user first adjusts the network vs. optional MADI channel count, and then pre-selects which inputs reach the 256 channel TotalMix engine. The remaining 256 channels are passed straight through. All 512 channels are visible to the DAW for recording. TotalMix offers its basic functionality without effects, but with all the great benefits such as presets, layouts, loopback, sub-mixes, and many more.