RME announced that its debuting the new 12Mic Dante pre-amp, incorporating a custom-built, RME-designed FPGA platform utilizing Audinate’s Dante IP Core designed to circumvent current and future chip shortages by eliminating the need for a Dante chip, at the 2022 NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center (booth 14704).
The 12Mic-Dante is a digitally controlled 12-channel mic preamp with AD-DA conversion as well as high channel density audio format conversion between analog, MADI, Dante and ADAT. Including Dante IP Core on the custom-built FPGA platform provides a significant step closer to achieving a universal audio networking experience.
The 12Mic-Dante offers 64×64 Dante I/O, 128×128 MADI I/O, 24 outputs of ADAT and a user-assignable headphone monitoring output. Unlike the predecessor the 12MIC, introduced in 2020, the new 12MIC-D does not support AVB.
Visually, the 12Mic-D is almost identical to the 12Mic (128 AVB channels), with 12 analog XLR inputs, with up to 75 dB gain and a stated signal-to-noise radio of over 120 dB(A) after AD conversion. The operating concept with front panel display allows users to check and configure the 12 channels directly on the unit, both individually and in groups. Both the 12Mic and 12Mic Dante will be available to customers depending on which audio networking format they choose, Dante or AVB.
One key feature is the lockable front panel that offers ‘Dark Mode’, a new option to switch off all light elements. Also, two RJ-45 amplified network ports (with additional locking) were added to enable reliable and redundant transmission ensuring flawless compatibility within existing network infrastructures. The dual power supplies are also redundant (100-240 V AC, 12 V DC) while simultaneously providing an option for battery-powered mobile recording.
The 12MIC Dante features two types of remote control. Through web GUI, users control of all the internal functions including routing, metering, format conversion routings, and mic preamp settings. Whereas the stand-alone software REMOTE application is designed for Mic preamp control/metering and is accessed over the MADI port as is especially useful when controlling several 12MICs at one time.
“We’re very excited to showcase the new 12Mic-Dante at this year’s NAMM show,” says Derek Badala, director of dales for Synthax. Americas, which distributes RME in the U.S. “RME has always been in a unique market position because we operate in 3 of the most popular audio networking worlds — Dante, AVB, and MADI. Many of our customers trust RME technology for 24/7/365 operation and now with the addition of the 12Mic Dante, our customers can utilize a powerful mic pre on-ramp to their audio network. The 12Mic Dante incorporates 12 reference class mic preamps while also giving users the functionality of DanteMADIADAT conversion all in a 1RU solution so this one solution can solve a lot of issues for both integrators and audio professionals alike.”
