RME M-16020 Pro 16-Channel AD, 20-Channel DA Converter

The RME M-1620 Pro is a high-end 16-channel AD and 20-channel DA converter that bridges analogue line-level I/O with MADI, ADAT and Milan AVB network audio. With cutting-edge conversion, rock-solid clocking and extensive redundancy, it is built for mission-critical studio, live and broadcast environments where audio quality and reliability are non-negotiable.

A newly designed single-height 19-inch front panel combines clear LED metering, a bright display and two independent headphone outputs for instant monitoring of any signal in your system. Flexible internal routing, SteadyClock FS jitter suppression and Milan certification make the M-1620 Pro a powerful hub for modern hybrid and networked audio workflows.

Networked Conversion for Modern Workflows

The M-1620 Pro converts 16 analogue line-level signals to and from MADI, ADAT and Milan network audio, letting you drop premium conversion directly into existing infrastructures. Whether you are expanding a MADI backbone, adding analogue I/O to an AVB network or tying together multiple digital formats, the unit provides a central, format-agnostic bridge with precise, fixed latency on Milan networks.

Front Panel Control and Monitoring

RME has redesigned the front panel to streamline day-to-day operation. LED level meters give at-a-glance confidence checks, while the integrated display provides clear feedback on routing, clocking and system status. Two separate headphone outputs with independent level control allow fast soloing and troubleshooting of any analogue, digital or AVB signal without needing an external monitor controller.

Reliability with Built-In Redundancy

The M-1620 Pro is engineered for continuous operation in demanding environments. Dual network ports and dual MADI connections provide redundant audio paths, while a monitored DC input complements the internal AC power supply. A unique status system clearly indicates any fault condition, helping you maintain audio without interruption. Full stand-alone capability and on-device preset recall mean you can configure and reconfigure the unit even without a computer.

SteadyClock FS and Flexible Filters

At the heart of the M-1620 Pro is RME’s SteadyClock FS technology, delivering reference-class digital clocking with extremely low jitter and high jitter immunity. The result is transparent, detailed conversion that lets you hear your mix as it really is. Manual control of the converter’s aliasing filters allows you to optimise impulse and frequency response for different sample rates and applications, from pristine studio playback to ultra-wide bandwidth monitoring.

Seamless Integration and Remote Control

Separate word clock BNC, coaxial MADI and optional optical MADI via SFP make it easy to integrate the M-1620 Pro into existing systems. All device states can be controlled directly from the front panel, while RME AVB devices can also be fully remote controlled via a web interface on any network link, including over Wi-Fi. The internal routing matrix lets you send any input or AVB stream directly to the headphone outputs, simplifying fault-finding and day-to-day signal management.

• 16-Channel AD and 20-Channel DA with MADI, ADAT and Milan AVB - Integrate 16 analogue line inputs and 20 analogue outputs into MADI, ADAT and Milan network environments, giving you a flexible bridge between traditional studio hardware and modern networked audio systems.
• Redundant Connectivity and Power Monitoring - Dual network and dual MADI connections, plus a monitored DC input alongside the internal AC supply, provide multiple safety nets so your audio keeps running smoothly even if part of the system fails.
• SteadyClock FS and Adjustable Filters - Reference-class clocking with SteadyClock FS minimises jitter for clean, detailed conversion, while user-selectable aliasing filters let you tailor the frequency response and transient behaviour to your specific application.
• Front Panel Control, Metering and Dual Headphones - LED meters, a clear display and two independent headphone outputs put routing, monitoring and troubleshooting directly at your fingertips, reducing setup time and making problem-solving fast and intuitive.

General

• Product: RME M-1620 Pro 16-Channel AD, 20-Channel DA Converter
• Analogue Inputs: 16 line-level channels
• Analogue Outputs: 16 line-level channels
• Headphone Outputs: 2 independent stereo TRS
• Digital I/O: MADI, ADAT, Milan AVB (Milan-certified model)
• Network Protocol: Milan AVB with IEEE 1722.1 (ATDECC) control
• Form Factor: 19-inch rackmount, 1U height

Conversion and Clocking

• AD/DA Resolution: 24 bit
• Sample Rates (Milan): Up to 128 channels at 48 kHz, 96 channels at 96 kHz, 64 channels at 192 kHz
• Clocking: SteadyClock FS with high jitter immunity
• Aliasing Filters: Manually configurable for optimal impulse and frequency response

Line Inputs 1-16

• Resolution: 24 bit
• Input Level (per channel, switchable): +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu @ 0 dBFS
• Coupling: AC coupled
• Signal Path: Fully symmetrical (servo-balanced)
• Input Impedance: 9.5 kΩ
• SNR @ +24 dBu, 44.1 kHz: 117.0 dB RMS unweighted, 120.7 dBA
• SNR @ +19 dBu: 116.3 dB RMS unweighted, 119.9 dBA
• SNR @ +13 dBu: 114.7 dB RMS unweighted, 118.3 dBA
• Frequency Response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz to 20.5 kHz
• THD @ -1 dBFS: < -111 dB, < 0.00029 %
• THD+N @ -1 dBFS: < -108 dB, < 0.00039 %
• Channel Separation: > 110 dB

Line Outputs 1-16

• Resolution: 24 bit
• Output Level (per channel, switchable): +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu @ 0 dBFS
• Coupling: DC coupled
• Signal Path: Fully symmetrical (truly balanced)
• Output Impedance: 200 Ω balanced, 100 Ω unbalanced
• SNR @ +13 dBu: 119.2 dB RMS unweighted
• SNR @ +19 dBu: 119.7 dB RMS unweighted
• SNR @ +24 dBu: 119.9 dB RMS unweighted
• Frequency Response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB (Sharp filter, default): 0 Hz to 20.3 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 96 kHz, -0.1 dB (Slow filter, default): 0 Hz to 30 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 96 kHz, -0.1 dB (Sharp filter): 0 Hz to 44.1 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 192 kHz, -0.1 dB (Slow filter, default): 0 Hz to 60.5 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 192 kHz, -0.1 dB (Sharp filter): 0 Hz to 85 kHz
• THD @ +19 dBu: < -120 dB, < 0.0001 %
• THD+N @ +19 dBu: < -113 dB, < 0.0002 %
• Channel Separation: > 110 dB

Headphone Outputs 1/2, 3/4

• Resolution: 24 bit
• Connectors: 6.3 mm TRS stereo (unbalanced) or mono (balanced)
• Maximum Output Level: +4 dBu / +19 dBu (+10 dBu / +25 dBu in balanced mode)
• Output Level: Switchable separately for each TRS connector
• SNR @ +19 dBu: > 109 dB RMS unweighted, > 111 dB(A)
• Frequency Response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB (Sharp filter, default): 0 Hz to 20.0 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 96 kHz, -0.1 dB (Slow filter, default): 0 Hz to 20.0 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 96 kHz, -0.1 dB (Sharp filter): 0 Hz to 44.3 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 192 kHz, -0.1 dB (Slow filter, default): 0 Hz to 43 kHz
• Frequency Response @ 192 kHz, -0.1 dB (Sharp filter): 0 Hz to 85 kHz
• THD+N @ +4 dBu, 32 Ω load: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %
• THD+N @ +19 dBu, 100 Ω load: < -100 dB, < 0.001 %

Digital and Network Connectivity

• Digital Formats: MADI, ADAT, Milan AVB
• MADI Connectivity: Coaxial, optional optical via SFP module
• Word Clock: BNC input/output
• Network: Dual Milan AVB network ports (Milan-certified model)
• Control Protocol: IEEE 1722.1 (ATDECC) for discovery and configuration
• Remote Control: Web interface over any network link (including Wi-Fi via external access point)

Redundancy and Operation

• Redundant Audio Paths: Dual network and dual MADI connections
• Power Inputs: Internal AC power supply plus monitored DC input
• Operation: Full stand-alone capability with front panel control
• Presets: User-defined presets with on-device recall
• Routing: Integrated routing matrix for analogue, digital and AVB streams, including direct routing to headphone outputs