RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2x4 AD/DA Converter

Discerning audiophiles and audio engineers in search of a flexible AD/DA will be impressed with the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2-AD/4-DA, a high-performance converter that supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz conversion with a signal-to-noise ratio of 123 dBA. The interface utilizes reference-quality components throughout with a powerful DSP that adds a ton of useful audio processing, including a 5-band EQ, fast bass/treble adjustment, and Crossfeed—a new concept in loudness sound control.

 

For analog I/O, the rear panel offers a pair of combo XLR-1/4" inputs and a pair of XLR outputs as well as a pair of 1/4" outputs. The front panel includes two stereo Extreme Power headphone outputs for easy balanced operation of all headphones, including IEMs via Pentaconn connector. For digital connections, the ADI-2/4 Pro SE includes a pair of optical SPDIF I/O, which also understands ADAT, as well as coaxial SPDIF (RCA) and AES I/O (XLR) via an included breakout cable. A wireless remote control, a 9-pin D-sub to dual XLR and dual RCA breakout cable, and a 40W power supply are also included.

 

RME's Latest AD/DA Converter

High-end AD/DA converter in professional studio quality

Double headphone amplifier in true high-end quality

USB DAC

High-end AD/DA frontend and headphone amp for iPad and iPhone

AD/DA frontend for measurement systems at up to 768 kHz sample rate

Multiformat converter (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) with monitoring

SPDIF/ADAT playback system

DSD record and playback solution

Vinyl player digitizing solution on highest level

New Technology

Newly developed circuit board

Improved specs and faster DSP for an outstanding transparent sound signature

Extreme power headphone amplifiers, including IEM power setting

Super low-noise 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced connection

Trigger out function for powering on/off external devices

RIAA mode for directly digitizing vinyl discs in highest quality

A Multitude of Devices

The ADI-2/4 Pro SE is a 2-channel analog input to digital and 4-channel digital to analog output converter in a half-rack (9.5") enclosure of 1 RU height. Latest 32-bit / 768 kHz converters offer up to 123 dBA signal-to-noise ratio. Reference class tech specs throughout are combined with an unprecedented feature set. A powerful DSP adds all kinds of useful audio processing, including 5-band parametric EQ, fast Bass/Treble adjustment, Crossfeed, and a new concept in Loudness sound control.

The ADI-2/4 Pro includes two servo-balanced analog inputs on combo XLR-1/4" jacks, two separate balanced and unbalanced outputs on XLR and TRS, two stereo Extreme Power headphone outputs on the front for easy balanced operation of all headphones, including IEMs via Pentaconn connector.

Also available are optical SPDIF I/O, which also understands ADAT as well as coaxial SPDIF (RCA) and AES I/O (XLR) via an included breakout cable.

With independent balanced outputs for Line and Phones, balanced phones no longer mute the rear outputs. Balanced Line and Balanced Phones outputs can be used simultaneously, even with different sources/signals. The balanced TRS in the back can be fed from Line 1/2 or Phones 3/4 signal path, perfect for handling insert effects during the mastering process.

A high-resolution IPS panel for the graphical operation surface eases operation even more and displays further functions provided by the DSP, namely Peak level meters, a 30-band analyzer in DIGICheck biquad filter technology, and a State Overview screen, listing the current states of SPDIF, AES, USB, and clock.

The USB 2.0 port is fully Class Compliant (UAC 2.0) a standard that is natively supported by operating systems like iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows 10 (since 1709), and is also used for firmware updates. Including an external switched power supply with lockable connector, the ADI-2/4 Pro can be easily powered from battery, opening up mobile applications as well as galvanically isolated use cases.

As a computer interface, the ADI-2/4 Pro offers a stereo (2 in / 2 out) and a multichannel mode (6 in / 8 out). Compatibility with macOS comes right out of the box. Under Windows, the ADI-2/4 Pro uses RME's MADIface series driver, for full WDM and ASIO compatibility and highest performance.

Extreme Power Headphones

RME’s developed Extreme Power headphone stage is now further improved and delivers incredible more powerful headphone outputs (2.1W unbalanced, 3.4W balanced at 32 ohms, per channel). With a Special IEM mode, the Lower Noise Extreme Power design adds additional IEM power states (High Power, Low Power, IEM) for full IEM compatibility.

All three phones outputs feature mute relay, overcurrent detection, DC protection, plug detection, and DSP control, like auto assigning volume, volume ramp up, auto balanced mode, dual phones mode, user interaction at overload detection, and low-impedance level meter auto scaling.

RME’s latest True Balanced mode realizes balanced phones operation independent from the XLR outputs. The device now features 2 balanced input channels and 4 balanced output channels. Balanced headphones only use DAC channels 3/4, and the rear outputs can still output an independent signal via DAC 1/2. In True Balanced mode, the ADI-2/4 Pro SE’s maximum output level rises to +7 dBu for IEM, +13 dBu for Low Power, +25 dBu for High Power. The signal-to-noise ratio stays unchanged.

Power and Flexibility

The new Trigger Out socket provides a 12V switching signal via 3.5mm mono jack plug, which can be used e.g. to switch power amps with Trigger In on and off together with the ADI-2/4 Pro.

In order to make operating the ADI-2/4 Pro SE as flexible as possible, the unit has a universal DC input socket, accepting voltages from 9.5 up to 15 Volts. An internal switching regulator of the latest technology with high efficiency (>90%) prevents internal hum noise by operating above audible frequencies. Internally, the switching regulator is followed by standard linear regulators, followed by super low-noise linear regulators. 

Shortly after the release of the original ADI-2 Pro, RME received many requests for digitizing vinyl records. Thanks to MM (Moving Magnet) compatibility, the ADI-2/4 Pro SE does not require an external preamplifier anymore and can directly connected to turntables. It has suitable input impedance, RIAA equalization, and the necessary preamplification.

Multi-Remote Support (MRC)

The ADI-2/4 Pro remote control 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 52 different functions and commands for maximum flexibility. To control the ADI-2/4 Pro SE, code table 3 needs to be activated, so that the SEL LED lights up in red color.

Additional Features

SteadyClock FS—reference class digital clocking

Excellent performance in all clock modes and high-quality analog conversion to hear your mix as it is, with lowest jitter and highest jitter immunity.

DigiCheck—The secret weapon of high-resolution audio measurements

 

RME audio interfaces not only provide you with a professional digital audio interface, but also with a free available software tool: DigiCheck, for metering, testing, measuring, and analyzing digital audio streams.