The RME ADI-2 series combines class-leading conversion with a comprehensive feature set, setting a new standard for mastering-grade audio converters.
The original ADI-2 Pro model is the brain-child of RME’s Head of Design Matthias Carstens, who designed it to be his own personal AD/DA converter and headphone amplifier (after he’d continually been disappointed other offerings on the market…).
An early prototype was shown at several trade shows around the world. Such was the positive feedback – with many passers-by asking “when’s it going to be available?” – the decision was made to release the device publicly, and the ADI-2 Pro quickly took the crown of RME’s best-sounding device to date.
The range has since been expanded into a selection of high-end recording and playback devices that cover a wide range of applications. Mastering engineers use the original ADI-2 Pro to handle front-end conversion duties, whilst Hi-Fi enthusiasts continue to be impressed by the ADI-2 DAC FS, for its combination of exquisite DA conversion and powerful headphone amplification.
With the entire product series built into compact half-rack 9.5” casings, each one packs a huge amount of features and I/O into a reference-class audio device that can easily slot into even the smallest of studios.
SteadyClock FS
Every product in the ADI-2 series features RME’s SteadyClock FS clocking technology. This new and improved version of SteadyClock guarantees superb sound regardless of the reference clock quality.
There is little to improve with the original SteadyClock, having earned its accolades over the years with flawless operation in numerous RME devices. SteadyClock FS improves on some already impressive figures by lowering the self-jitter specs to “FemtoSeconds”, and guarantees the internal clock produces exactly the same when using an external one.
RME ADI-2 Series Overview at NAMM 2020
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RME ADI-2 FS
The ADI-2 FS takes a “no-frills” approach to audio conversion, taking the same advanced analogue circuitry of the award-winning ADI-2 Pro and offering outstanding conversion at up to 192kHz. Incredible audio quality and an attractive price are just two things that make the ADI-2 FS a fantastic and affordable entry point into RME’s professional converter series.
Its first-class conversion is further bolstered by its outstanding compatibility. The ADI-2 FS features two balanced analogue inputs via XLR/TRS combo connections and dedicated XLR and line level outputs, for capturing signals from an analogue mixing console or other high-end outboard gear. Like the ADI-2 Pro, the analogue inputs offer outstandingly low noise and distortion values, as well as an extended frequency response (right down to 5Hz!).
Additionally, the available digital I/O covers SPDIF, AES and ADAT formats, allowing for quick connection to a range of setups, with ADAT I/O in particular found on a wide range of audio interfaces from any manufacturer. As such, studio users can easily integrate the ADI-2 FS into their existing setup simply by connecting an ADAT optical cable (or two) to both devices, instantly benefitting from the high-end sonics of the ADI-2 Series.
The ADI-2 FS features an easy-to-operate front panel, with input and output monitoring at a glance and level control available at the turn of a knob.
Like the rest of the ADI-2 series, the ADI-2 FS features a high-quality, high-power headphone output. This is based around the proven High Power output found on many of RME’s other products, and with a maximum output level of +19 dBu and very low output noise, the ADI-2 FS operates universally with all headphone driver types.
Click here for more on the RME ADI-2 FS
RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
Building on the incredible, reference-class conversion of the ADI-2 Pro FS, the ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition is the perfect choice for a wide variety of professional audio applications.
The Black Edition adds a sleek all-black look and a comprehensive multi-function remote control to an already impressive package (scroll down for more on the remote) – with these additions, the new-look ADI-2 Pro FS R is now also the perfect companion for hi-fi enthusiasts, alongside its use as a professional studio tool.
A large front panel display allows for easy viewing of a whole host of features, which include 5-band parametric EQs; adjustable Bass/Treble controls with quick access; a binaural crossfeed function (more on that below); adjustable loudness filters and many more. In addition, the display is also used to show warning and guidance messages, whenever a problem is detected with the connections.
Flexible I/O
In terms of connectivity, the two servo-balanced analogue inputs on combo XLR / TRS jacks, two separate balanced and unbalanced outputs on XLR and TS, two stereo Extreme Power headphone outputs on the front, an optical SPDIF I/O that also understands ADAT, and coaxial SPDIF (RCA) and AES I/O (XLR) via an included breakout cable.
What’s more, the ADI-2 Pro FS R’s USB 2.0 port is fully Class Compliant. This means the incredible audio conversion of the ADI-2 Pro FS R is available for use with an iPhone or iPad.
Ultra-Fidelity 768kHz conversion
Aiming for the absolute reference sound, any detail in the ADI-2 Pro is special and has its own story. Supporting 786 kHz sample rate and DSD recording, two individual premium DACs are used for the two separate stereo outputs. The main PCB is an extraordinary 10 layer design with custom copper thickness, guaranteeing the finest undisturbed sound, as well as ample but separated power for the phones outputs.
Advanced Features – EQ, Loudness and Crossfeed
Both the ADI-2 DAC FS and ADI-2 Pro FS R feature on-board DSP processing, enabling advanced features like applying corrective EQ to all outputs (including separately for left and right channels), and a re-designed version of the ‘Loudness’ function found on many traditional Hi-Fi devices (see p14 of the RME ADI-2 DAC manual for a more detailed explanation).
Another powerful (and fun!), easily overlooked feature is ‘Crossfeed’. Traditionally when listening to music through headphones, audio is played back exclusively from the left and right channels, with no overlap between the two. When listening to live music or through speakers however, sound is of course hitting our ears from all directions, both from the location of the performer / speakers, and from reflections off of any nearby walls and surfaces.
With Crossfeed applied, small amounts of the left channel are fed into the right channel and vice versa, resulting in a more natural listening experience which is closer to that of using speakers. This effect has also been described as giving digital audio a more ‘analogue’ sound, as explained by Alan Sircom in his ADI-2 DAC review for HiFi+ magazine. “This gives headphones a more out-of-head presentation and makes digital seem a little more like a turntable, in all the right ways” Alan writes. “The sound takes on a depth to the image and an organic sense of physical presence that those of us firmly dunked in analogue replay will love.”
With the ADI-2 DAC and Pro FS R, Crossfeed can be applied in 5 increasing increments (or switched off entirely), giving you plenty of options to play with if you’d like to experiment with this unique aspect of headphone audio;
1: 650 Hz, -13 dB (just a touch)
2: 650 Hz, -9.5 dB (Jan Meier emulation)
3: 700 Hz, -6 dB (Chu Moy emulation)
4: 700 Hz, -4.5 dB (30° 3 meter emulation)
5: 700 Hz, -3 dB (example how even stronger would sound)
Click here for more on the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Whilst the ADI-2 Pro FS R BE lends itself equally towards the needs of studio professionals, RME knew that with some innovation, a version could be created to meet the specific needs of home and Hi-Fi users.
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is the result of these innovations – a reference-class USB-DAC and Extreme Power headphone amplifier.
Reference-class DA conversion at home
Operating up to the same incredible 768kHz sample rate as the ADI-2 Pro FS R, the ADI-2 DAC FS focusses on providing reference class DA conversion for a glorious, high-end listening experience.
The ADI-2 DAC FS also uses AKM’s AK4493 chipset in a special circuit variant developed by RME engineers that allows the chip to perform at its best. The operating figures are simply outstanding, with noise levels of 123 dBA, distortion less than -120 dB, or THD+N of -117 dB.
Much like its studio-centred counterpart, the DAC has versatility at its heart, with balanced and unbalanced analogue I/O; Extreme Power headphone output and a dedicated low-noise connection for IEMs; and Class Compliant USB compatibility. This compatibility makes it perfect for improving the output of an iPhone or iPad, with the connection made via a USB cable and Apple’s Camera Connection Kit.
Extreme Power Headphone Output
Hi-Fi enthusiasts wouldn’t be without high-quality headphones for solo listening, reproducing every nuance of the sound they are playing. Modern headphones and in-ear monitors are incredibly detailed and sensitive with a dynamic range to match. For this reason alone, a headphone amplifier that does them justice is an absolute necessity.
That’s why the ADI-2 DAC FS features the same Extreme Power headphone output as the ADI-2 Pro FS R, offering unparalleled low noise performance even with low impedance headphones.
AutoDark Mode – performance without distraction
The finishing touches of the ADI-2 DAC FS fits it perfectly into any modern hi-fi or home audio system, with the inclusion of the all-new Multi Remote Control (see below) and AutoDark mode.
Operation without distraction was a request made time and again by Hi-Fi users – as such, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS includes an ‘AutoDark’ mode, automatically switching off the screen and any lighting for totally discreet operation. Using the remote will switch the screen back on again for 3 seconds, allowing you to see the control change, before disappearing again.
Small touches like these has seen the RME ADI-2 DAC FS quickly rise to become an important player in the Hi-Fi market, with a flood of positive reviewers praising the clean conversion RME is already so well known for in the world of studios and live audio.
Read one of many outstanding reviews of the ADI-2 DAC FS
Click here for more on the RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Multi Remote Control
As previously touched on, both the ADI-2 DAC FS and ADI-2 Pro FS R come complete with RME’s brand new Multi Remote Control.
Unlike many remotes, the MRC is no mere afterthought. Versatile by design, the MRC provides buttons for standby on/off, volume, balance, bass and treble, input selection (optical, coaxial, USB), mute, on/off loudness, bass/treble and EQ. In addition, there are four programmable buttons that provide access to various functions and commands for maximum flexibility.
ADI-2 Series: Reference-class sound for the studio and beyond.
With truly reference-class sound and thoughtful feature sets, each member of the ADI-2 family helps to solidify RME as a developer of outstanding AD/DA converters for both studio and domestic users.
Whatever the application, the RME ADI-2 Series delivers the performance, features and flexibility for upgrading any audio setup to reference-class, high-end AD and DA conversion.
If you’d like to know more about any of RME’s audio interfaces, soundcards, AD/DA Converters or microphone preamps, give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team or to arrange a demo.
You can also contact us here.
