RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE Reference AD/DA Converter with Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers and Remote (Black Edition)

Styled in a black finish, the RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE is a versatile reference-class AD/DA converter that can be used as a USB audio interface, a USB DAC with Extreme Power headphone amplifiers, or as a format converter 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 analog/digital recording, PCM/DSD recording and playback, precise audio measurements, or use as a high-fidelity front-end and headphone amp for iPhone/iPad or other mobile devices.

The ADI-2 Pro FSR BE is equipped with six input sources and eight output paths for simultaneous 2-channel analog-to-digital input conversion and 4-channel digital-to-analog output conversion. The I/O options include two servo-balanced analog line inputs, two separate balanced and unbalanced analog 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 and 768 kHz and delivers a flat frequency response with an impressive 124 dBA signal-to-noise ratio. The company's SteadyClock technology 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 optimized for low- and high-impedance headphones. They feature an Advanced Balanced mode which delivers a balanced signal path from the DAC straight to the headphones with optimized frequency response and a maximum output level of +28 dBu. A powerful DSP adds all kinds of useful audio processing, including a 5-band parametric EQ, fast bass/treble adjustment, crossfeeding, and a sophisticated loudness function.

The ADI-2 Pro FSR BE features a high-resolution ISP panel, which eases operation and displays signal metering of all I/Os, current digital states of S/PDIF, AES, USB, a 30-band analyzer, and more. The display features an AutoDark mode that automatically turns off all LEDs and the display after ten seconds of user inactivity. An included remote control provides access to 52 functions and commands.

The unit can be used as a standalone and operated with three push-button encoders and four buttons to access dedicated menus.

Key Features

• High-fidelity reference-class 32-bit / 768 kHz AD/DA converter
• 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)
• Multiformat converter (AES, S/PDIF, ADAT) with monitoring function solves any clocking problems between formats
• Low Latency AD/AD converters with low-latency filters offer super-fast conversion
• Versatile iPhone/iPad DAC
• High-end AD/DA front end for audio measurements
• High-resolution display for graphic operation with Peak Level meters, 30-band analyzer, State Overview screen for listing current states of SPDIF, AES, USB and clock
• AutoDark mode automatically turns off all LEDs and the display after ten seconds of user inactivity
• 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 multichannel level meters, Analyzer, Bit Statistics and Noise, ITU1770 meter, Goniometer, Surround Level Meter, Totalyser
• Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and any device that supports class-compliant USB audio
• Uses RME's MADIface series driver with Windows for full WDM and ASIO compatibility and highest performance

High-Resolution Audio

• 2-channels A/D converter, 4-channels D/A converter
• 32-bit / 768 kHz digital audio
• Supports all sample rates between 32 kHz and 768 kHz
• 124 dBA signal-to-noise ratio
• SteadyClock with femtosecond clock technology ensures perfect jitter reduction and stable clocking with internal or external clock signal
• Digital signal processing with 5-band parametric EQ, fast bass/treble adjustment, binaural crossfeed, spectral analysis, and loudness sound control

Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers

• Two independent Extreme Power driver circuits with two stereo D/A converters “ optimized 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 EQ 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 optimized frequency response, super-low output impedance (0.2 Ohms), and a maximum output level of +28 dBu

Connectivity

• Two servo-balanced analog inputs on combo XLR/TRS jacks
• Two separate balanced and unbalanced analog 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 / analog in to analog out this mode is active when neither a digital input signal nor a USB input is detected
• AD/DA Converter Mode (analog in to all digital outs, digital in to all analog 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 (Analog 1/2, AES, S/PDIF) of recording, 8 channels (Analog 1/2/3/4, AES, S/PDIF) of playback, and works as iPad front-end at up to 192 kHz sample rate