RME ADI-2 Pro EX

RME ADI-2 Pro EX Product Details

Description

RME ADI-2 Pro EX - All-in-one reference converter for highest demands

Are you looking for a compact, professional converter that combines high-quality AD/DA conversion, flexible connection options, powerful headphone outputs and precise control functions in one device? The RME ADI-2 Pro EX was developed precisely for users who don't want to compromise on sound quality, reliability and functionality. As the next evolution of RME's all-in-one reference converter concept, the ADI-2 Pro EX builds on the proven design of the ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition and extends it with a redesigned housing, improved output power and more comprehensive hardware protection.

The RME ADI-2 Pro EX presents itself as a particularly versatile solution for different applications. It combines several devices in one compact format: a high-end AD/DA converter in professional studio quality, a dual headphone amplifier, a multi-format converter with AES, SPDIF and ADAT including monitoring function, a DSD recording and playback converter as well as an AD/DA front-end for audio measurements with up to 768 kHz sample rate. The RME ADI-2 Pro EX is aimed at users who are looking for a flexible and precise control center for professional audio applications.

Manufacturer and concept of the RME ADI-2 Pro EX

With the ADI-2 Pro EX, RME consistently continues its proven converter technology. The focus is on stable signal processing, precise analog technology and sonic transparency at the highest level. The device was designed for professional users, but is also suitable for demanding home users, studio owners, hi-fi enthusiasts and industrial measurement applications. It is this broad focus that makes the RME ADI-2 Pro EX one of the most flexible converters on the market.

The EX version brings important improvements in hardware and usability. This includes a larger housing with ventilation, which is designed for a well thought-out design and improved cooling performance. Visually, it matches the look of the ADI-2/4 Pro and the chrome feet of the ADI-2 DAC FS add a classy touch to the desktop setup. The lockable USB-C port also underlines the professional claim, as it has a modern and robust design. It works with USB 2.0, is not used for bus power supply and a 1.8 m long cable is included in the scope of delivery.

Technical details and connection options

The RME ADI-2 Pro EX is equipped with two servo-balanced analog inputs via XLR/jack combo socket. In addition, there are separate balanced and unbalanced outputs as XLR and jack as well as two Extreme Power stereo headphone outputs on the front panel. For digital applications, an ADAT-compatible optical SPDIF I/O, coaxial SPDIF via RCA and AES I/O via XLR are available via the supplied cable whip. These comprehensive connection options allow high-quality and flexible signal transmission without compromise.

The USB-C connection is Class Compliant according to UAC 2 and enables connection to compatible iOS devices. It is also used for firmware updates. In addition to power supply via the supplied external power supply unit with lockable plug, battery-powered operation is also possible. This makes the RME ADI-2 Pro EX suitable for mobile applications as well as for galvanically isolated applications.

Computer interface and professional integration

As a computer interface, the RME ADI-2 Pro EX offers a stereo mode with 2 In and 2 Out as well as a multi-channel mode with 6 In and 8 Out. It is directly compatible with Mac OS X. Under Windows the ADI-2 Pro EX uses RME's MADIface series drivers to provide full WDM and ASIO compatibility and highest performance. This allows the device to be flexibly integrated into different production environments.

Another new feature is the trigger-out socket. It provides a 12-volt switching signal via a 3.5 mm mono jack plug, which can be used to switch power amplifiers with Trigger In on and off together with the ADI-2/4 Pro, for example. For setups with external equipment or amplifiers, this offers a practical option for synchronized power control.

Operation, sound control and display

RME has equipped the ADI-2 Pro EX with numerous special functions that enable individual and precise sound control. These include 5-band parametric EQs for completely individual sound adjustments, an adjustable bass/treble control with quick access, a binaural crossfeed function, an adjustable loudness filter, selectable AD/DA filters, four discrete I/O reference levels, auto reference level switching and auto balanced headphone operation.

The display is not only used to operate the device, but also shows warnings and operating aids. Professional functions such as M/S processing, stereo width and phase inversion are also available. In addition, the RME ADI-2 Pro EX offers full control over all settings including memory function. The RME Spectral Analyzer complements the operating concept as a 30-band analysis tool with biquad filter and offers a musical visualization on the high-resolution IPS display.

Extreme Power headphone outputs

The Extreme Power headphone output stage has been further improved so that the full performance of the premium DAC is also available at the headphone outputs. This even applies to demanding headphones with low impedance. The design delivers a clean and detailed sound and combines this with comprehensive protection and power management features. Special modes for low and high power ensure that different types of headphones can be operated optimally.

For balanced headphone operation, RME has developed the proprietary Advanced Balanced mode. This goes beyond conventional balanced designs and offers a direct balanced signal path from the DAC to the headphones. This enhances overall audio performance through improved signal quality, optimized frequency response and greater consistency between components.

Purchase recommendation for the RME ADI-2 Pro EX

The RME ADI-2 Pro EX is recommended for anyone who needs a particularly versatile and precise audio tool. Its combination of reference AD/DA conversion, high-quality headphone outputs, multi-format conversion, DSD recording and playback as well as measurement front-end function makes it a powerful solution for professional and demanding private applications. For those looking for a reference conversion in the studio, the RME ADI-2 Pro EX is a powerful center for conversion and control.

The RME ADI-2 Pro EX is also of interest to hi-fi enthusiasts looking for a flexible high-end headphone amp with extensive customization options. Home users benefit from innovative solutions with high sound quality, while industrial applications can use the portable device as a front end for measurement systems. With its extended hardware protection, lockable USB-C port, lockable power supply and improved output power, the EX version offers advanced features for reliable operation in different scenarios.

Features:

• Larger case with ventilation: Sophisticated design and improved cooling performance to match the look of the ADI-2/4 Pro.
• Upgraded with chrome feet from the ADI-2 DAC FS, adding a classy touch to the desktop setup.
• Lockable USB-C connector: Modern and robust (USB 2.0, no bus power supply), a 1.8 m cable is included.
• TS trigger output: Enables synchronized power control for external equipment or amplifiers.
• Increased output power at the headphone output in unbalanced and balanced mode.
• Channel-independent DC protection: New hardware circuitry for maximum reliability.
• Enhanced power supply protection: Fuseless, active circuitry detects and prevents wrong polarity and overvoltage.
• Includes lockable NT-RME-13: Lightweight universal power supply for worldwide use. Partial earthing to dissipate leakage current, also prevents earth loops.
• Compatible with new RM19-III 19" rackmounts.