RME Time Code Option for Fireface 800 Audio Interface

When you're seeking advanced, professional-grade synchronization for your Fireface 800 audio interface, look no further than the Time Code Option (TCO) module. This innovative extension is designed to enhance your Fireface 800 by providing a Word Clock input and offering synchronization to LTC and video.

The TCO module, powered by the sophisticated SteadyClock technology, not only extracts absolute positions from these signals but also delivers a remarkably clean, low-jitter word clock. This ensures a sample-accurate timecode synchronization to audio or video sources, making it an essential tool for high-quality music production or other audio applications.

The TCO module supports all common LTC formats, including 24, 25, 30, and 29.97 frames, in both drop-frame and non-drop frame. It also accommodates commonly used Pull-Up- and Pull-Down Formats (+/- 0.1% and +/- 4%), and automatically detects and processes PAL and NTSC video formats.

The received Time Code can be sent to your audio or video application as ASIO Positioning Protocol (APP) or MTC. In turn, an application can send APP or MTC to the TCO, which will generate LTC on a hardware level with the lowest jitter, bypassing any software/driver routine.

The TCO module features a combined switchable Word Clock/Video input (BNC) and an LTC input (BNC). It also includes a relay-controlled 75 Ohm terminator for the Word Clock / Video input, which can be easily managed from the settings dialog. An additional LTC output (BNC) with two level settings is also provided, configurable via jumper.

All settings for the TCO module can be conveniently accessed from an additional page in the settings dialog of the Fireface 800. This user-friendly interface appears automatically after a TCO is installed, providing all essential options such as Sync-Source (LTC, Video or Word Clock), termination for BNC input (75 Ohm), Frame Rate of the incoming SMPTE signals, and WCK Conversion.

The TCO dialog also displays Pull-Up- and Pull-Down-factors and state information (Input State) about the incoming signal. For instance, an incoming word clock signal is analyzed and displayed to be in the Single Speed, Double Speed, or Quad Speed range.

In conclusion, the Time Code Option module for the Fireface 800 Audio Interface is a sophisticated, high-quality solution for expanding your audio setup and achieving professional-grade synchronization.