| In the
year 2001 RME started a revolution in mobile audio recording by
introducing the HDSP System, consisting of a CardBus card plus an
external I/O-box. The world's first professional multitrack system for
laptops was born.
While
other products often become obsolete after a few years, continuous
firmware and driver updates ensure RME's HDSP system will remain a
cutting-edge product with unbeaten performance, as popular and
successful as ever. With the HDSPe ExpressCard the HDSP system is still
at its best - and compatible with all newer laptops with ExpressCard
slots.
The HDPe ExpressCard uses RME's own audio
bus, already known from the PCI version, operating in combination with
Multiface II, Multiface, Digiface and the RPM DJ interface. This way
RME offers a seamless upgrade path to the faster PCI Express computers.
Current RME interface owners will not lose investments made for HDSP
breakout boxes when changing from Cardbus to Expresscard interfaces.
HDSPe PCI Card and ExpressCard are simply the best interfaces for professional audio -
no other solution can keep up regarding low latency and lowest CPU load. Also in regards of competition RME's HDSP
system is still unsurpassed. No other manufacturer offers such a flexible, robust,
performing and expandable solution
Features RME's HDSPe Express Card is not based on a PCI to PCI Express bridge,
which would simply add PCIe to existing PCI technology. It is a newly
developed genuine PCI Express solution, which consequently takes full
advantage of the new format, achieving significant performance gains in
multitrack audio. Thanks to RME's flash update technology, future
firmware improvements, adjustments, and bugfixes can be installed
easily at any time. Furthermore, the Secure BIOS Technology ensures
that the card stays fully functional even when the flash process fails.
The ExpressCard is based on the PCI Express Base Specification v 1.1.
It represents a 1-Lane PCI Express endpoint device and supports 2.5
Gbps line speed. Thanks to the packet-based full duplex communication,
the card provides a transfer rate of up to 500 MB/s - 250 MB/s in each
direction.
The connection between ExpressCard and I/O box is established using
ordinary FireWire cable (IEEE 1394, 6-pin). The data transfer does not
use FireWire protocol, but RME's own proprietary bus protocol. The
supplied cable is 4 m (12 ft.) long. The ExpressCard does not provide
power to the attached I/O-box. Therefore a compact and light-weight
hi-tech switch-mode power supply is included.
Tech Specs
ExpressCard, 34 mm standard
1-Lane PCI Express endpoint device (no PCI Express to PCI Bridge), revision 1.1
250 MB/s transfer rate per direction
Secure BIOS Technology: card stays fully functional even when the flash process fails
Output: IEEE 1394 connector, RME bus protocol
Package
contents: ExpressCard, cable 4 meter (12 ft) IEEE 1394a, switch-mode
power supply 100 V-240 V/12 V - 1.25 A, car cable, battery cable |
