The ADI-2 Pro from RME is a versatile reference-class AD/DA converter which can be used as a USB audio interface, USB DAC with Extreme Power headphone amplifiers, or format convertor with digital monitoring. Housed in a compact, half-rack enclosure, it delivers pristine 32-bit/768 kHz audio quality to audio engineers and audiophiles alike, for studio, home, and mobile applications ranging from analogue/digital recording, PCM/DSD recording and playback, precise audio measurements, or as a high-fidelity frontend and headphone amp for iPhone/iPad/Android devices.
The ADI-2 Pro is equipped with six input sources and eight output paths, for simultaneous 2-channel analogue-to-digital input conversion and 4-channel digital-to-analogue output conversion. The I/O options include two servo-balanced analogue line inputs, two separate balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, one optical S/PDIF I/O which also supports two channels of ADAT operation, and, via the included digital breakout cable, one coaxial S/PDIF I/O and one AES/EBU I/O.
The unit supports all sample rates between 32 kHz and 768 kHz, and delivers a flat frequency response with an impressive 124 dBA signal-to-noise ratio. The company's SteadyClock III efficiently suppresses jitter in all clock modes, ensuring that the AD/DA conversion's sonic quality remains consistent, independently from the quality of the incoming clock signal.
The two Extreme Power headphone outputs provide high-end monitoring options optimised for low- and high-impedance headphones. They feature an Advanced Balanced mode which delivers a balanced signal path from the DAC straight to the phone, with optimised frequency response and a maximum output level of +28 dBu. A powerful DSP adds all kinds of useful audio processing, including 5-band parametric AEQ, fast Bass/Treble adjustment, Crossfeed, and a sophisticated Loudness function.
The ADI-2 Pro features a high-resolution ISP LCD panel which eases operation and displays signal metering of all I/Os, current digital states of S/PDIF, AES, USB, a 30-band analyser, and more. The unit can be used as a standalone, and operated with three push-button encoders and four buttons to access dedicated menus.
Features
- High-fidelity anniversary reference-class 768 kHz AD/DA convertor
- High-resolution PCM/DSD recording and playback
- Two Extreme Power headphone amplifiers for audiophile-quality monitoring
- USB 2.0 port, fully class-compliant (UAC 2)
- Multi-format convertor (AES, S/PDIF, ADAT) with monitoring function, solves any clocking problem between formats
- Low Latency – AD/AD convertors with low-latency filters, offer super-fast conversion
- Ultimate iPhone/iPad/Android DAC
- High-end AD/DA frontend for audio measurements
- High-resolution display for graphic operation – with Peak Level metres, 30-band analyser, State Overview screen for listing current states of SPDIF, AES, USB and clock
- Standalone mode
- Compact and lightweight design allows for mobile use
- External, switched power supply with lockable connector included – unit can easily be powered from a battery (available separately)
- DIGICheck utility software included – with Stereo- and Multi-Channel level metre, Analyser, Bit Statistics & Noise, ITU1770 metre, Goniometer, Surround level metre, Totalyzer
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and any device that supports class-compliant USB audio (including Android)
- Uses RME's MADIface series driver with Windows, for full WDM and ASIO compatibility, and highest performance
High-Resolution Audio
- 2-channels A/D convertor, 4-channels D/A convertor
- 32-bit/768 kHz digital audio
- Supports all sample rates between 32 kHz and 768 kHz
- 124 dBA signal-to-noise ratio
- SteadyClock III technology ensures perfect jitter reduction and stable clocking, with internal or external clock signal
- Digital signal processing with 5-band parametric AEQ, fast Bass/Treble adjustment, Binaural Crossfeed, spectral analysis, Loudness sound control
Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers
- Two independent Extreme Power driver circuits with two stereo D/A convertors – optimised for both high- and low-impedance headphones
- 120 dBA SNR – no audible hum, noise or distortion, fully transparent, crystal-clear sound at any volume setting
- 5-band Parametric AEQ – lets you adjust the headphone sound to match your hearing curve, or compensate for differences between left/right ear
- Bass/Treble – to adjust sound to your personal taste
- Loudness – lets you choose how much maximum gain for bass and treble should occur at lower volume settings
- Advanced Balanced mode delivers balanced signal path from the DAC straight to the phone, with optimised frequency response, super-low output impedance (0.2 Ohms), and a maximum output level of +28 dBu
Connectivity
- Two servo-balanced analogue inputs on combo XLR / TRS jacks
- Two separate, balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs on XLR and TS jacks
- Two stereo Extreme Power headphone outputs on the front
- One optical S/PDIF I/O, also supports 2 channels of ADAT operation
- One coaxial S/PDIF I/O (RCA) and one AES/EBU I/O (XLR) via included digital breakout cable (9-pin D-sub to 2 x XLR and 2 x RCA)
Modes
- The unit will turn into different operating modes depending on the connected cables
- Preamp Mode / analogue in to analogue out – this mode is active when no digital input signal and no USB is detected
- AD/DA Convertor Mode (analogue in to all digital outs, digital in to all analogue outs) – this mode becomes active as soon as a digital signal is sensed by the unit
- USB or Interface Mode (USB is detected and all inputs are routed to USB, all outputs are fed from USB) – provides 6 channels (Analogue 1/2, AES, SPDIF) of recording, 8 channels (Analogue 1/2/3/4, AES, S/PDIF) of playback, and works as iPad frontend at up to 192 kHz sample rate
