RME 12mic

A Networked Preamplifier Designed for Studio, Stage, and Broadcast Environments

With the 12Mic, the concept is clear: to offer a high-performance microphone front-end that integrates seamlessly with current audio workflows. The combination of AVB (for Gigabit networked audio systems) and MADI (a proven standard in live and broadcast) allows connecting the same preamplifier to very different setups without multiplying devices or unnecessary conversions. The presence of SteadyClock FS aligns with this stability logic: a robust clock that helps keep the system perfectly locked, even when the setup becomes complex.

Who Is This 12-Channel Preamplifier For?

This preamp is ideal if you want to centralize demanding sound captures (vocals, drums, ensembles, live recordings) while maintaining clean integration into your infrastructure. In the studio, it suits users who want to increase the number of microphone inputs without sacrificing quality, while keeping smooth session management thanks to digital control. In live, FOH, or broadcast environments, its 19-inch / 1U rack format, audio transport standards (MADI, ADAT, AVB), and the option for redundant power supply make it a relevant choice for systems that must remain operational at all times.

Key Features: Precision, Integrated Routing, and Comprehensive Connectivity

Digitally Controlled Preamps: Precision and Consistency Across 12 Channels

Digital control simplifies daily work: reproducible gain settings, precise balancing of multi-mic setups, and channel consistency when recording stereo sources or ensembles. The 12Mic offers a gain range up to 75 dB, useful for low-sensitivity microphones, while accepting signals up to +18 dBu to maintain headroom on dynamic sources. The signal-to-noise ratio of 121.2 dB(A) on all channels aims for clean capture with a low noise floor, particularly appreciated on vocals, ambiences, and delicate takes.

Routing and Integration: Internal Matrix, AVB, MADI, and ADAT

The integrated routing matrix allows organizing signal flows without relying on an external patchbay: practical for distributing signals to multiple destinations (recording, monitors, broadcast) and building efficient configurations. On the digital connections side, the 3 ADAT outputs facilitate extending an existing system, while the MADI BNC (input and output) meets the needs of high-channel-count environments. In parallel, AVB connectivity opens the door to modern network setups and long distances, with robust implementation via 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports compliant with the 802.3 standard.

Clocking, Monitoring, and Rack Operation

Synchronization stability is a key point in multi-device configurations: SteadyClock FS and the presence of a Wordclock input and output facilitate integration with the rest of your system, whether you are master or slave clock. The LCD screen helps maintain control and readability of the device status, and the 6.3 mm stereo headphone jack output provides a direct and immediate monitoring solution. Finally, the connector for redundant power supply enhances reliability, a real plus whenever continuity of service is critical.

Technical specifications

Number of channels

12

Rack unit

1

MADI BNC

input and output