Output Multichannel Audio

The RME audio card in the pro range, gx range (not gx1), plus range (optional) and classic range machines supports up to eight channels of audio via ADAT over an optical TOSLink cable.

The ADAT outputs present themselves in stereo pairs. For example ADAT (1+2) ( RME HDSP 9632).

The process explained in the previous sub-chapter, Outputting audio can be used to output multi-channel audio. However, each Video layer can only output two channels. Therefore, four Video layers will need to be created to output the eight audio channels.

Known limitations

Audio files do not currently support versioning.
Audio embedded in video files does not support more than two channels.
We cannot re-mix the channels inside Designer.
To output true multi-channel audio you need to set the RME interface into multi-channel mode. This is done externally to Designer.

Outputting multi-channel audio with the Video layer

Separate the audio track into 4 different video files, one for each stereo pair.
Map each channel depending on which ADAT channel the audio is to be assigned.
Render out a video for each stereo pair. The video file format is outlined in the previous sub-chapter Outputting audio.
Follow the steps explained in the previous sub-chapter Outputting audio for each of the four video files.

Outputting multi-channel audio with the Audio layer

Change the ADAT mode in the audio card software to multi-channel.
Select the now visible, multi-channel ADAT device from the audio output patch.
Add an Audio layer and define your multi-channel audio file.

ASIO multi-channel audio with the Audio layer

Select the ASIO audio device in the audio output patch editor.
- For 5.1 audio use Adat 1 => Adat 6
- For 7.1 audio use Adat 1 => Adat 8
Select output channels.

WASAPI multi-channel audio with the Audio layer

Select the WASAPI audio device in the audio output patch editor, it will have the name ADAT 1-8.
Select output channels.