RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE High-Performance 2-AD/4-DA Converter, 768 kHz

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 U height. Latest 32 bit / 768 kHz converters offer up to 123 dBA signals 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 / TRS 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. This universal set of I/O options offers superior quality and flexible connectivity to those who take a no-compromise approach to audio.

With independent balanced outputs for Line and Phones, balanced phones no longer mutes 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.

RME’s developed Extreme Power headphone stage is now further improved and delivers incredible more powerful headphone outputs (2.1 Watts unbalanced, 3.4 Watts 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, over-current 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.

Even more Flexible and Powerful
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-2/4 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 Volts 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. Therefore, the ADI-2/4 Pro SE achieves its technical specs even with less optimal power supplies. Or in other words: the choice of power supply is not critical.

Shortly after the release of the original ADI-2 Pro we 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.

Extended 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. There is no other converter or comparable device with such a sophisticated, easy to use and at the same time versatile remote control. 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.

Key Features

• 2 x Phono/Line input
• 1 x ADAT I/O
• 1 x SPDIF I/O
• 1 x AES I/O
• USB 2.0
• 1 x Phones or Balanced Pentaconn
• 4 x Line Output
• Class Compliant Mode
• Remote
• SteadyClock FS
• DC-coupled Outputs
• A high-end AD/DA converter in professional studio quality
• A double headphone amplifier in true high-end quality
• A USB DAC like no other - the most versatile and capable one around
• A high-end AD/DA frontend and headphone amp for iPad and iPhone
• An AD/DA frontend for measurement systems at up to 768 kHz sample rate
• A multi-format converter (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) with monitoring
• An SPDIF/ADAT playback system
• A DSD record and playback solution
• A vinyl player digitizing solution on highest level

Technical Specifications

Analog Inputs
XLR/TRS
Input
XLR and 6.3 mm TRS jack, servo-balanced
Input impedance @ 1 kHz, balanced
90 kOhm, unbalanced: 45 kOhm
Input sensitivity switchable
+24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +7 dBu, +1 dBu @ 0 dBFS
Digital Trim Gain range
0 dB up to +6 dB, in steps of 0.5 dB
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +13/19/24 dBu
>120 dB (AES17), >123 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +7/+1 dBu
>120 dB (AES17), 123 dBA
Frequency response* @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB
0.4 Hz - 20.4 kHz
Frequency response* @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB
0.2 Hz - 45.5 kHz
Frequency response* @ 192 kHz, -1 dB
0.15 Hz - 90.9 kHz
Frequency response* @ 384 kHz, -1 dB
0.15 Hz - 182 kHz
Frequency response* @ 768 kHz, -1 dB
0.15 Hz - 348 kHz
THD @ -0.5 dBFS
> -130 dB, 0.0000316 %
THD+N @ -0.5 dBFS
-119 dB, 0.000112 %
Channel separation
> 130 dB @ 1 kHz
* DC Filter None. With Filter RME @ -1 dB: < 0,5 Hz
RIAA Mode via TS
RIAA deviation 20 Hz - 20 kHz
< ±0.05 dB
Input impedance
45 kOhm @ 1 kHz, input capacitance 150 pF
Sensitivity
+14 dB: 20 mV, +20 dB: 10 mV, +26 dB: 5 mV
Sensitivity
+32 dB 2.5 mV, +38 dB: 1.25 mV
Additional 0 to +6 dB Gain in steps of 0.5 dB via Trim Gain
Maximum input level @ +14 dB
11.1 mV, -13 dBu
Maximum input level @ +20 dB
22.3 mV, -19 dBu
Maximum input level @ +26 dB
44.5 mV, -25 dBu
Maximum input level @ +32 dB
89.0 mV, -31 dBu
Maximum input level @ +38 dB
178 mV, -37 dBu
Digital headroom in all Gains, related to sensitivity
15 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), 20 Hz-20 kHz, +14/20 dB Gain
88 dB, 92 dBA
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), 20 Hz-20 kHz, +26 dB Gain
80.5 dB, 85 dBA
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), 20 Hz-20 kHz, +32 dB Gain
74 dB, 78.5 dBA
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), 20 Hz-20 kHz, +38 dB Gain
68 dB, 73 dBA
THD+N, 20 Hz-20 kHz, +14/+20 dB
-88 dB, 0.004 %
THD+N, 20 Hz-20 kHz, +26 dB
-81.5 dB, 0.0084 %
THD+N, 20 Hz-20 kHz, +32 dB
-74 dB, 0.019 %
THD+N, 20 Hz-20 kHz, +38 dB
-69 dB, 0.035 %
Analog Outputs
1/2 XLR
Maximum Output Level
+26.5 dBu @ 0 dBFS
Output level switchable
+24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +7 dBu, +1 dBu @ 0 dBFS
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +7/+13/19/24 dBu
120 dB (AES17), 123 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +1 dBu
119 dB (AES17), 120 dBA
Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB
0 Hz - 21 kHz
Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB
0 Hz - 44.9 kHz
Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB
0 Hz - 90 kHz
Frequency response @ 384 kHz, -1 dB
0 Hz - 181 kHz
Frequency response @ 768 kHz, -3 dB
0 Hz - 285 kHz
THD @ 0 dBFS
< -120 dB, 0.0001 %
THD+N @ 0 dBFS
-116 dB, 0.00016 %
Channel separation
> 130 dB
Output impedance @ 1 kHz @ +24/+19/+13 dBu
213 Ohm
Output impedance @ 1 kHz @ +7/+1 dBu
113 Ohm
1/2 TS (rear)
As output XLR, but
Output
6.3 mm TRS jack, impedance-balanced
Maximum output level
+21.5 dBu @ 0 dBFS
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +19/13 dBu
120 dB (AES17), 123 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +7 dBu
119 dB (AES17), 121 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +1 dBu
118 dB (AES17), 118 dBA
Output impedance @ 1 kHz
balanced 213 Ohm, unbalanced 106 Ohm
Phones 1/2, Phones 3/4
As Output 1/2 TRS, but
Output
6.3 mm TRS stereo jack, unbalanced
Maximum output level
+21.5 dBu @ 0 dBFS
Output impedance
0.1 Ohm
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +19 dBu (Hi-Power)
120 dB (AES17), 122 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +7 dBu (Lo-Power)
119 dB (AES17), 121 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +1 dBu (IEM)
118 dB (AES17), 120 dBA
Output level at 0 dBFS, Ref Level +19 dBu, load 100 Ohm or up
+21.5 dBu (9.2 V)
Minimum load impedance IEM @ +1 dBu
4 Ohm
Minimum load impedance Lo-Power @ +7 dBu
8 Ohm
Minimum load impedance Hi-Power @ +19 dBu
24 Ohm
THD @ +20 dBu, 32 Ohm load (1.9 Watts)
-124 dB, 0.000057 %
THD+N @ + 20 dBu, 32 Ohm load (1.9 Watts)
-118 dB, 0.00011 %
Max power @ 0.001% THD
2.1 W per channel
Channel separation 20 Hz - 20 kHz
80 dB @ 32 Ohm
Balanced Phones mode
As before, but
Maximum output level
+27.5 dBu (18.4 V) @ 0 dBFS
Output levels switchable
IEM +7 dBu, Lo-Power +13 dBu, Hi-Power +25 dBu
Output levels switchable
IEM 1.73 V, Lo-Power 3.46 V, Hi-Power 13.8 V
Output impedance
0.2 Ohm
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +25 dBu
120 dB (AES17), 122 dBA
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) @ +13 / +7 dBu
119 dB (AES17), 121 dBA
Minimum load impedance IEM @ +7 dBu
8 Ohm
Minimum load impedance Lo-Power @ +13 dBu
12 Ohm
Minimum load impedance i Hi-Power @ +25 dBu
40 Ohm
Max power @ 0.001% THD
4 W per channel
Channel separation
> 130 dB @ 1 kHz
Digital Inputs
General
Lock Range
28 kHz - 200 kHz
Jitter suppression
> 50 dB (> 1 Hz)
Accepts Consumer and Professional format
AES/EBU
1 x XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
Input sensitivity 1.0 Vpp
SPDIF coaxial
1 x RCA, transformer-balanced, according to IEC 60958
High-sensitivity input stage (< 0.3 Vpp)
AES/EBU compatible (AES3-1992)
SPDIF optical
1 x optical, according to IEC 60958
ADAT compatible
Digital Outputs
AES/EBU
1 x XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
Output level 2.7 Vpp
Format Professional according to AES3-1992 Amendment 4
Single Wire mode, sample rate 28 kHz up to 200 kHz
SPDIF coaxial
1 x RCA, according to IEC 60958
Output level
0.75 Vpp
Format Consumer SPDIF according to IEC 60958
Single Wire mode, sample rate 28 kHz up to 200 kHz
SPDIF optical
1 x optical, according to IEC 60958
Format Consumer (SPDIF) according to IEC 60958
Sample rate 28 kHz up to 200 kHz
Digital
Clocks
Internal, AES In, SPDIF In, ADAT In
Jitter suppression of external clocks: > 50 dB (> 1 Hz)
Effective clock jitter influence on AD and DA conversion: near zero
PLL ensures zero dropout, even at more than 100 ns jitter
Additional Digital Bitclock PLL for trouble-free varispeed ADAT operation
Supported sample rates for external clocks
32 kHz up to 200
Internally supported sample rates
44.1 kHz up to 768 kHz
General
Included power supply
external switching PSU, 100 - 240 V AC, 3.3 A, 40 Watts
Standby power consumption DC 12 V
170 mW
Standby power consumption AC 230 V
280 mW
Idle power consumption
14 Watts, Max. power consumption: 30 Watts
Idle current at 12 V
1.16 A
Dimensions (WxHxD)
215 x 44 x 160 mm (8.5” x 1.73” x 6.3”)
Weight
1.2 kg (2.2 lbs)
Temperature range
+5° up to +40° Celsius (41° F up to 112°F)
Relative humidity
< 75%, non-condensing