RME ADI-2 Pro EX USB AD/DA Converter and Headphone Amplifier

A New Experience in Sound and QualityThe ADI-2 Pro EX represents the next evolution of RME’s all-in-one reference converter concept. Building on the proven design of the ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition, the new ADI-2 Pro EX offers professional users the famous, comprehensive functionality of the previous reference converter, but now updated with a redesigned chassis, enhanced output performance, and further comprehensive hardware protection.

Like the ADI-2 Pro, the ADI-2 Pro EX combines several devices in one: a high-end studio-quality AD/DA converter, a dual headphone amplifier, a multi-format converter (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) with monitoring features, a DSD recording and playback converter as well as an AD/DA frontend for audio measurements with up to 768 kHz sample frequency. With this range of functions, the new ADI-2 Pro EX presents itself as one of the most flexible converters on the market. The new ADI-2 Pro EX is equipped with the AK5574 analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) and the AK4493 digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

Amazing Features • Larger chassis with ventilation: Refined design and improved cooling efficiency, matching the ADI-2/4 Pro look.
• Upgraded with chrome feet from the ADI-2 DAC FS, adding a refined touch to the desktop setup.
• Lockable USB-C connection: Modern and robust (USB 2.0, no bus power), 1.8 m cable included.
• TS trigger output: Allows synchronized power control for external gear or amplifiers.
• Increased Phones output power in unbalanced and balanced mode.
• Channel-independent DC protection: New hardware circuit for maximum reliability.
• Advanced PSU protection: Fuse-less active circuitry detects and prevents wrong polarity and overvoltage conditions.
• Includes lockable NT-RME-13: Light-weight, world-wide usable, universal power supply.

an outstanding choiceAs the most flexible converter available, the ADI-2 Pro EX offers balanced/unbalanced analogue I/Os, double Extreme Power headphone outputs, SteadyClock FS, 4-stage hardware input and output level control, DSP-based signal processing, external power supply operation, Class Compliant USB compatibility, sample rates up to 768 kHz as well as DSD record and Direct DSD playback (256 / 11.2 MHz).

Analogue or DigitalThe ADI-2 Pro EX includes two servo-balanced analogue inputs on combo XLR / TRS jacks, two separate balanced and unbalanced outputs on XLR and TRS, 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. This universal set of I/O options offers superior quality and flexible connectivity to those who take a no-compromise approach to audio.

The USB C port is fully Class Compliant (UAC 2) for connection with compatible iOS devices, and is also used for firmware updates. Including an external switched power supply with lockable connector, the ADI-2 Pro EX can be easily powered from battery, opening up mobile applications as well as galvanically isolated use cases.

As a computer interface the ADI-2 Pro EX 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 Pro EX uses RME's MADIface series driver, for full WDM and ASIO compatibility and highest performance. The new Trigger Out socket provides a 12 V switching signal via 3.5 mm mono jack plug, which can be used e.g. to switch power amps with Trigger In on and off together with the ADI-2 Pro EX.

easy accessRME have incorporated many unique features, not found on any comparable devices, like 5-band parametric EQs for fully individual phones compensation, adjustable Bass/Treble controls with quick access, a binaural crossfeed function, adjustable loudness filter, selectable AD/DA filters, four discrete I/O reference levels, auto reference level setting, auto balanced phones mode, and many more. The display is not only used to control the unit, but also shows warning and guidance messages.

Professional features such as M/S Processing, stereo width and phase reversal up to full control and storage of all settings are included, as well as RME’s famous Spectral Analyzer, a 30-band biquad filtered analysis tool offering unprecedented musical visualization, perfectly complementing the high-resolution IPS display.

pristine audioRME further improved the Extreme Power headphone output stage to ensure the full performance of its premium DAC is available at the headphone outputs, including with demanding low-impedance headphones. The design delivers exceptionally clean, detailed sound while incorporating comprehensive protection and power management features. Dedicated low and high power modes ensure optimal performance across a wide range of headphone types.

For balanced headphone operation, RME created its proprietary Advanced Balanced mode, which goes beyond conventional balanced designs. It provides a direct balanced signal path from the DAC to the headphones, improving overall audio performance through enhanced signal quality, optimized frequency response, and greater consistency across components.

Refined designThe ADI-2 Pro EX continues RME’s tradition of uncompromising converter design: stable clock architecture, ultra-linear analogue stages and sonic transparency at the highest level. Its numerous use cases make it an ideal choice in many fields, from the home user appreciating innovative solutions offering highest sound quality, the studio owner asking for reference AD/DA conversion, the Hi-Fi enthusiast demanding a flexible yet high-end headphone amplifier, up to the industry using the portable device as front-end for measurement systems.

MRCThe ADI-2 Pro EX 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. There is no other converter or comparable device with such a sophisticated, easy to use and at the same time versatile remote control!