RME Expansion Cards and Accessories for Professional Audio Infrastructure
The products in this collection are not standalone audio interfaces. They extend existing RME hardware with additional I/O formats, expanded channel counts, and physical installation options. Every product here requires compatible RME host hardware to function. Confirming compatibility with your existing RME system before purchasing is essential.
RME HDSPe OPTO-X — Optical MADI Expansion for the HDSPe MADI FX
The RME HDSPe OPTO-X is an extension board designed exclusively for use with the RME HDSPe MADI FX PCIe card. It is not compatible with any other RME product. When installed, the OPTO-X activates the third optical MADI port on the HDSPe MADI FX, expanding total MADI capacity to 3 x 64 channels — up to 192 channels of simultaneous I/O at 48 kHz.
The OPTO-X adds a dedicated Word Clock input and output via BNC connectors for precise clock distribution across large digital systems. A rear-panel D-sub connector provides MIDI and AES I/O support for integrating additional digital audio hardware. The OPTO-X requires no additional drivers — it is instantly recognized by the HDSPe MADI FX upon installation.
The OPTO-X is the correct choice for broadcast facilities requiring full optical MADI redundancy, large studios routing audio across multiple digital consoles or converters, and any installation where the HDSPe MADI FX's two native MADI ports are insufficient for the channel count required.
RME DSPE AES — 16-Channel AES/EBU PCIe Card with SteadyClock
The RME Hammerfall DSPe AES-32 is a dedicated PCIe audio card delivering 16 channels of transformer-balanced AES/EBU I/O across dual DB-25 connectors — 8 stereo inputs and 8 stereo outputs. Transformer-balanced circuitry provides electrical isolation and optimal signal integrity at sample rates up to 192 kHz across all channels simultaneously.
RME's SteadyClock technology eliminates jitter and preserves phase accuracy even when working with unstable external clock sources. SyncAlign guarantees perfect sample alignment across all 16 channels. SyncCheck monitors clock health in real time, giving engineers continuous visibility into the stability of the digital audio chain. Word clock input and output with switchable 75-ohm termination handles clock distribution across multi-device installations.
The DSPE AES includes TotalMix FX onboard DSP for zero-latency routing and custom submix configurations without taxing the host CPU. Two MIDI inputs and outputs via breakout cable handle external hardware integration. An optional TCO module adds SMPTE LTC and video sync for audio-for-picture workflows requiring frame-accurate lock. RME DIGICheck is included for real-time metering, spectral analysis, and phase correlation monitoring.
The DSPE AES is the correct choice for post-production facilities, broadcast control rooms, and high-end studios interfacing with professional digital consoles, converters, and routers requiring transformer-balanced AES/EBU connectivity at high channel counts.
RME RM-19 II — Rackmount Chassis for Half Rack RME Units
The RME RM-19 II is a 19-inch rackmount chassis designed to house half-rack RME hardware units in a standard rack enclosure. It converts half-rack format RME products into full 19-inch rack-compatible installations, securing the hardware and providing a professional installation format for permanent studio and broadcast rack builds.
The RM-19 II is the correct choice for studios and facilities mounting RME half-rack units into equipment racks alongside other full-size rack gear, or any installation where loose desktop hardware needs to be secured in a permanent rack environment.
Compatibility — What You Need Before Purchasing
The HDSPe OPTO-X requires an RME HDSPe MADI FX PCIe card already installed in a desktop workstation. It does not function with any other RME product.
The DSPE AES requires an available PCIe slot in a desktop workstation. It is not compatible with laptops or compact desktop configurations without a Thunderbolt-to-PCIe expansion chassis.
The RM-19 II is compatible with RME half-rack format units only. Verify your RME hardware's form factor before purchasing.
Not sure if your existing RME system is compatible with a product in this collection? Contact our team before purchasing — we verify compatibility for every order.
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