Introduction

The 12Mic is a 12 channel microphone preamplifier designed to be the centerpiece of any professional recording. Among its outstanding features: digital no-compromise studio quality converters, remote control, integrated AVB and MADI connectivity, and a user interface optimized for rapid configuration and control.

While all 12 front-facing XLR connectors accept microphone and line level signals, the first four connectors also accept TRS connectors with switchable high impedance (Hi-Z) for instruments. The PAD-free microphone input stages have a 75 dB gain range and accept signals of up to +18 dBu.

The device state can be inspected and modified directly on the front panel with an encoder knob, a display, four buttons that change their function depending on the current feature, and a button on each input channel. It is possible to rapidly create gain groups, switch phantom power and route signals to the headphone without entering complex submenus.

The RME AVB Core has implemented the IEEE standards for audio streaming, discovery and control meticulously, allowing the devices to be discovered and fully controlled by any AVB controller and making vendor-specific control protocols a thing of the past. Any signal reaching the 12Mic can be routed and streamed over deterministic networks with fixed latency and guaranteed bandwidth - no switch configuration required!

The coaxial MADI port and a slot for a second, independent or redundant optical MADI port (SFP module) can be used for daisy chaining, merging and converting MADI signals with lowest latencies. In addition, three optical ADAT output ports for up to 24 channels at single speed (for example a combination of microphone inputs, MADI signals and AVB signals) or 12 outputs at 96 kHz sampling rate offer compatibility to a wide range of audio interfaces.

Multiple layers of redundancy make this product the perfect fit for live sound applications. Two fully redundant network ports are implemented following recommendations of MILAN. The MADI ports support RME’s MADI redundancy implementation. And even the power inlet allows for redundancy with an optional external DC power supply in addition to the IEC connector.

A web frontend offers convenient access to the device controls and its integrated routing matrix. The integrated matrix allows free routing between analog inputs and headphone outputs, as well as all channels of both MADI ports, the AVB streams, and three ADAT outputs.

The following manual provides a detailed explanation of features and their proper use. Please read the safety instructions carefully.

Although the contents of this manual have been thoroughly checked for errors, RME cannot guarantee that it is correct throughout. RME does not accept responsibility for any misleading or incorrect information within this guide. RME reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.