RME Audio was founded in 1996 by co-founders Ralf Männel (primary DSP designer) and Matthias Carstens (head of development) in Haimhausen, Germany. The company specializes in professional digital audio solutions including MADI interfaces, format converters, microphone preamps, and network audio solutions. RME quickly earned recognition as a premiere industry provider, expanding rapidly into mainstream international markets. Their products are used daily by working professionals in recording studios, major broadcast companies, scientific research establishments, high-profile live tours, West End theatre productions, and national art installations. The company is renowned for "reference quality" audio interfaces with rock-solid drivers providing unrivalled stability and low-latency performance on both Windows and Mac OS. RME was first to deliver professional performance over USB 2.0 and pioneered multichannel audio on USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technology. Each developer is either a musician or sound engineer, reflecting their philosophy that "all RME devices are designed to preserve music as it was originally intended." The company operates through Audio AG as their exclusive worldwide distributor.