Modding the RME HDSP 9632

[lan]

I see you need to use breakout cables for this card. I'm not really hot on those. It's another cable in the way.

Can you test/compare the digital out quality of this card?

 

[ayt999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lan I see you need to use breakout cables for this card. I'm not really hot on those. It's another cable in the way.

I am working on making some... Iron_Dreamer isn't really into the idea though. I think he believes that they won't be much of an upgrade.

but if I can convince him enough (or maybe I will do it myself, have to go get some soldering tools....) I am thinking about an upgraded breakout with neutrik HD XLR connectors (or similar) and WBT's new RCA connectors (or something like that) using short lengths of high end silver wires in between. I don't use the other connectors on the breakout cables anyways, and having both balanced and unbalanced available on the same breakout cable will be nice. I wonder if there are replacements for the 15-pin connector used for analog functions on the RME (I believe it is the same as an analog computer display connector) for both male and female ends that I can upgrade to. either this, or make a cable with a 15-pin connector to the RME and XLR and RCA connections on the other side to connect directly to an amp.

like I said, this is fun.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Well I think it wil be a subtle change, not a major one like changing so many electrical components on the board. Perhaps we could get Larry of Headphile in to do the cable, since he is much more a cable guy than I, and likely has most of the stuff on hand from low cost bulk orders.

 

[halcyon]

Excellent! I'm anxiously waiting for your modding results and listening comments.

ObThreadContent: Digital out on HDSP 9632 is bit-perfect.
The only more thing to test about is, is the interface jitter at various sampling rates. However, that requires high-precision equipment to be tested properly (Audio Precision, Miller-Audio research, good scope, etc.)

 

[ayt999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer Perhaps we could get Larry of Headphile in to do the cable....

I like that idea.

this is getting to be one expensive source. lol

like I said, paypal donations accepted.

I'll be sure to acknowledge anyone that does so.

anyways, I'll have to go do some research on the 15-pin connector replacement parts. anyone know of a place that sells some with silver connections? might as well go all the way.

 

[Edwood]

If all goes well, I will probably buy an HDSP 9632 and we can use that one for direct A/B comparisons with a modded one.

Now I have to sell my RME PAD's on eBay. I won't get a good return on my purchase here........

-Ed

 

[Edwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayt999 I like that idea. this is getting to be one expensive source. lol like I said, paypal donations accepted. I'll be sure to acknowledge anyone that does so. anyways, I'll have to go do some research on the 15-pin connector replacement parts. anyone know of a place that sells some with silver connections? might as well go all the way.

Find the parts, I can make the breakout cable.

-Ed

 

[dip16amp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dip16amp I think the 501Y might be analog switches.

In the User's Guide, for both the Analog Inputs section on page 15 and the Analog Outputs section on page 16, it mentions the use of "hi-quality electronic switches" for selecting between the three most often used studio levels. Those 501Y things must be them.

 

[ayt999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dip16amp In the User's Guide, for both the Analog Inputs section on page 15 and the Analog Outputs section on page 16, it mentions the use of "hi-quality electronic switches" for selecting between the three most often used studio levels. Those 501Y things must be them.

from the google search I did, it seems to be a line filter though... or that the same as what you are talking about? I wish someone that knew for sure what it is can tell us.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dip16amp In the User's Guide, for both the Analog Inputs section on page 15 and the Analog Outputs section on page 16, it mentions the use of "hi-quality electronic switches" for selecting between the three most often used studio levels. Those 501Y things must be them.

Makes sense to me considering they're also in the signal path of the line inputs...

 

[ayt999]

so did you find any more information on the 501Y part, and any possible upgrades we can do to it?

when are the parts supposed to arrive?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

No I haven't found any possible upgrades for that part. The blackgates should be here tomorrow, the opamps the day after or so.

 

[ayt999]

are there any other markings on the 501Y thing? I think I see something above the 501Y but cannot make it out.

so the caps are going to take up another PCI slot and no more? there's about 3.5cm of clearance from the bottom PCI card (the PCB itself) to the bottom of my Lian-Li PC-70 case (I wonder if it is the same clearance for your case) so I wonder if it can fit there.

 

[yeeyy]

Am I the only one interested in their RMAA result before and after the modding?

 

[ayt999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeeyy Am I the only one interested in their RMAA result before and after the modding?

I am interested in that too, being that it is my card and I want to know what has changed during the course of the mod.

I thought Iron_Dreamer was on this? if not, he better be.