[linux-audio-dev] Happy about MADI

I just noticed the announcement from RME about their Hammerfall DSP MADI PCI card. From the announcement: "MADI, the professionals' multichannel audio interface, offers 64 channels of 24 bit audio at a sample rate of up to 48 kHz and 32 channels at up to 96 kHz. Transmission is done via a single line, either coaxial with BNC plugs or with fibre cable. In both cases more than 100 m cable length can be achieved. Hammerfall DSP is fully compatible to all devices with MADI interface." This will make seriously high end gear available for use with standard PC's. As ardour nears readiness, I have been contemplating a total upgrade of my recording gear but I don't like the idea of Toslink in general (short cable length), or adat optical in particular (high jitter), but I do like the idea of optical coupling of audio gear to computer gear (cleaner electricity for the audio gear). I'm glad I waited. Availability is predicted to be within the next 6 months. Now if manufacturers of reasonably priced a/d converters can offer something with a MADI interface within the next 6 months... Tom