Overview
BeOS is an interesting Operating System, including some even more interesting optimizations for audio and video usage. RME was aware of BeOS capabilities in an early state and is working in close cooperation with Be. All german speaking readers will find more informations and a basic introduction to BeOS in the magazine Keys 6/99.
The current BeOS Release 4.5 (code name Genki) does not include the awaited multi channel node, so still not more than 2 channels (stereo) are supported. Release 4.5 needs a newer driver which will be available soon.
We get many requests from users who just want to test BeOS, and they all ask for drivers. Because of the extensive BeOS presentation in the actual Keys magazine we decided to publish a driver we else wouldn't have published. This driver is compatible to the Media Kit of BeOS Release 4.0, and therefore includes all its bugs and limitations.
Known Problems
This driver can use only the 2 channel mode. This means SPDIF operation at input and output plus operation of the analog output of the PRO card.
Only 44,1 kHz sample frequency is supported. It is possible to playback files recorded in other sample rates (32-96 kHz), but the System Mixer will automatically do a sample rate conversion back to 44,1 kHz, which leads to some low level crackling. Recordings under BeOS in wrong sample rate will be played back in wrong tune.
When starting a playback sometimes the output sounds distorted. Simply stop and start playback again. Some programs like Soundplay require to restart them.
Only one audio card is supported. This means when there is already another card, even from another manufacturer present and installed, the easiest and most secure way is to remove the other audio card as long as the DIGI is used.
Driver Installation
1. Download the file digir4_0.zip for release 4.0 (already included in this archive). Please do not unpack the archive under Windows, as this will destroy all additional file attributes. Without these the installation under BeOS won't work!
2. Under BeOS double click on the archive. The program 'Expandomatic' starts automatically. Unpack the archive to a folder of your choice. You will find a new folder called 'Digi-Driver-R4.0'. To install the driver double click on the file 'install'. | ![]() |
3. Confirm to reboot BeOS.
4. This folder also includes a settings program to configure the card. Start DigiMiniSettings, the window Digi-Settings appears. With 'Input' the active input is set. 'Input Status' shows sample frequency and format of the signal present at the chosen input. 'Output Format' sets the digital output format, 'Output Options' allows to activate Emphasis and Non-Audio (Dolby AC-3) indication. The Output Status shows the actual clock mode (fixed to master), the output format and the sample frequency (fixed 44,1 kHz). Analog Output allows to change the level at the analog output of the DIGI96/8 PRO. |
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Last updated 11/23/99