By now many users have spread the word that digital microphones offer decisive advantages in many fields of application. Weight, setup times, space requirements, investment costs, and costs for transport and production are lower than in the case of current analog solutions. This is especially applicable to complex setups, where a large number of microphone channels are operated in parallel, for example setups for orchestral recordings in the studio or live PA systems.

The DMI-8, an eight-channel version of the digital microphone interface, is now available from Neumann, considerably simplifying the setup in such cases.

In addition to the proven functions of the two-channel DMI-2:

- AES 42 to EBU conversion
- Synchronization of the microphones without a sample rate converter
- Automatic world clock or AES 11 synchronization
- All sample rates, from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz
- Complete control and storage of the settings via Mac or PC

The new DMI-8 also offers the following features:

- The capability of cascading up to 128 channels
- Level meter and gain setting on the front panel, operable even without a computer
- D-sub 25 outputs with Tascam and Yamaha pin assignments
- Optical ADAT interface
- Open architecture for later connection to other multi-channel interfaces and audio networks, such as EtherSound and MADI

It goes without saying that the DMI-8, like the DMI-2, can be used with microphones from any manufacturer that comply with the jointly established AES 42 standard.

Wolfgang Fraissinet, President of Marketing/Sales at Neumann Berlin explains, "The introduction of the new interface once again significantly reduces the cost per channel for digital microphones. Particularly since no additional converters or preamplifiers are required, there is a clear cost advantage in comparison to correspondingly high-quality analog configurations. In addition, of course there are practical handling advantages, and an enhanced resistance to interference."