Redesigned to surpass its predecessor, the RME ADI-2 FS is a two-channel AD/DA converter suitable for use as a stereo front-end in mixing situations. It's an AD/DA converter, headphone amplifier, S/PDIF or ADAT playback system, balanced-to-unbalanced converter and vice versa, and analog distribution amplifier, all in one easy-to-use half-rack unit.

The unit itself offers 24-bit / 192 kHz converting with 120 dB of dynamic range, as well as RME's powerful FS clocking system. This guards against jitter and ensures clarity upon playback and stereo capture from other ADCs. Its headphone amplifier boasts four times the power of the original model.

Servo-balanced analog inputs complement both balanced and unbalanced outputs to suit either monitoring scenario. You can use both XLR or 1/4" connections with the device. You can switch among +4, +13, and +19 dBu sensitivities at the input or output to better accommodate the analog source.

On the digital side, you'll find digital inputs for ADAT and coaxial S/PDIF. You can use a separately available adapter to go from S/PDIF to AES3, further bolstering the unit's flexibility. The unit comes with its own power supply, as well as a power cord.

2-Channel AD/DA Converter    Balanced to Unbalanced and Vice Versa    24-Bit / 192 kHz Audio Conversion    1 x High-Power Headphone Output    Supports ADAT, S/PDIF, AES/EBU    SteadyClock FS Conversion Technology    Selectable Analog Level    USB 2.0 Class Compliant    Mac OS X, iOS, Windows, Standalone    Included Power Supply & Cord

The ADI-2 FS also uses the conversion technology of the ADI-2 Pro: the AK557x family and the AK4490 not only offer 192 kHz and low distortion, but also a dynamic range of 120 dBA. As for clocking, the ADI-2 FS makes use of SteadyClock FS, RMEs clock technology for maximum jitter suppression and lowest self-jitter. It ensures a superb sound quality completely independent from the quality of the current reference clock.

The ADI-2 FS provides exciting digital connectivity. Its coaxial RCA S/PDIF I/O has a switchable Channel Status to make it fully AES/EBU compatible (cable adapter required). The optical TOSLINK I/Os can handle up to 192 kHz and also serve as ADAT I/O, even at 192 kHz. Operation with S/PDIF input and ADAT output or vice versa is supported, in both AD-DA and D-D mode.

With input selection set to DIG, the device works as a digital format converter with simultaneous monitoring. The AD converter is disabled, and the DA converter is still used for monitoring the digital input signal at the rear outputs and at the headphone output. A format conversion is possible between all options: ADAT, AES/EBU (with separately available adapter) and SPDIF coaxial with Professional or Consumer Status.

In ANA Mode, the device connects the analog output circuitry directly to the analog input circuitry. The DA converter is no longer active. The AD converter continues to convert the analog input signal to S/PDIF (AES) or ADAT, with the outputs S/PDIF coaxial and ADAT optical simultaneously available. This effectual bypass allows the ADI-2 FS to be used as an analog preamp. Gain and attenuation can be achieved via the level adjustment of input and output, or even fully variable when the VOL potentiometer is inserted. In this mode, the ADI-2 FS supports analog levels up to +22 dBu. Additionally, this mode can work as a converter from balanced to unbalanced signal, and vice versa.

The front-panel knob adjusts the volume of the headphone output. It can also be inserted into the rear signal path via a simple key combination, so that the rear line outputs can be variably adjusted in level as the phones output. The choice of three hardware levels stays available, thus allowing for a better matching of the desired levels on front and rear outputs.

The ADI-2 FS uses a down-scaled version of the ADI-2 Pro's Extreme Power output stage. With power up to 0.7 watts per channel, an output impedance of 0.1 ohm, a maximum output level of +19 dBu, and THD at -110 dB, the High Power circuitry is quite suitable for all your mixing needs. A relay ensures click-free on and off switching.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can i use the xlr outputs to my McIntosh c47 preamp even though it has a built in preamp? i want to utilize my preamp even though it has a built in preamp

A: Yes. The RCA Outputs are -10 level, so this may feed to a Pre-amp.

Q: 2. Is this the latest model with the ESS 9028 chip?

A: Yes, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768 kHz DA Converter stock at B&H, at the time of this writing, includes the latest version of the ESS D/A chip.

Q: 3. Is this RME ADI2 DAC the updated version that comes with the AK4493 AKM decoder?

A: Yes. This comes with the most recent AK4493 upgrade.

Q: 4. Can i use the xlr outputs to my Mcintosh c47 preamp even though it has a built in preamp?

A: Unfortunately not, if you use the XLR outputs, there is no way to bypass the preamps and connecting 2 preamps in series will generate feedback and low frequency rumble.

Q: 5. I would use this for the dac for a cd player , Can I also input a amplifier for using the headphone portion as well ?

A: The RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768 kHz DA Converter accepts digital input connections for converting to analog outputs. A CD player with digital outputs could potentially be connected in this manner.

Q: 6. How to get the front panel display out to a larger video display?

A: There is no way to connect the front panel display from the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE High-Performance Converter to a larger video display, but you can run the free RME Digicheck app on a Mac or Windows computer to be able to view the same metering from the spectral analyzer, as well as more options, on a large monitor connected to the computer. Additionally, an ADI 2 Remote app will be available soon that will enable full control from a computer.

Q: 7. What are the differences between this unit and their Pro version that costs $1999?

A: The ADI-2 Pro FS R model two balanced headphone outs, two analog combo XLR/TRS 1/4-inch inputs, optical SPDIF I/O that also understands ADAT, and coaxial SPDIF (RCA) and AES I/O (XLR) via an included breakout cable. These features make the Pro model more versatile and capable of being a high fidelity audio interface for a computer. The ADI2 DAC FS is an excellent DAC, with all of the DSP , equalization and digital to analog audio conversion quality you would expect from RME, but does not have the analog inputs or other extra features mentioned above.

Q: 8. Does this model use the AKM chipset?

A: The RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2-AD/4-DA 768 kHz, High-Performance Converter uses the ES9822Pro chip.

Q: 9. Can i hook this to an amp and powered subwoofer at tbe same time

A: It depends on the powered sub woofer. The DAC has just stereo left an right outputs, so it really does not behave like an A/V receiver that has a dedicated sub out. Rather, you would use a powered sub that has full-range left and right inputs, which would pass through the internal crossover, which is typically variable, and then pass thru a full range l/r signal output that you can then feed to your amp,

Q: 10. What is the DSD sampling rate?

A: The RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2-AD/4-DA 768 kHz, High-Performance Converter supports sample rates between 44.1 kHz and 768 kHz and DSD will not become active at sample rates below 176.4 kHz. The DSD rate changes with the chosen sample rate. Sample rates higher than 192 kHz and DSD128/256 are only available in 2-channel mode. At a sample rate of 768 kHz, which is the highest available sample rate, the DSD rate is 256.