RME’s new ADI-2/4 Pro EX USB-DAC combines upgraded ESS conversion, the latest SteadyClock EX technology and a range of tools for mixing, mastering and high-resolution audio archiving, and is ‘a significant evolution of RME’s reference-class converter and mastering hub’.
At the heart of the reference-class conversion and monitoring hub are its new ESS converters – the ESS9823Pro ADC and ESS9039Q2M DAC – bringing improved noise and distortion performance, and better clarity, precision and transparency over the previous model.
The analogue inputs have an signal-to-noise ratio of up to 127dBA, with THD of 0.000045% and THD+N of 0.000112%, with channel separation exceeding 130dB. The analogue outputs achieve up to 12dBA signal-to-noise ratio, with THD of 0.0000316% and THD+N of 0.00011%. Maximum XLR output level reaches +26.5dBu, providing substantial headroom for professional studio equipment. That headroom is particularly valuable when feeding high-end analogue processors, consoles and monitoring systems.
The high-quality balanced analogue inputs and outputs provide the performance required for critical recording and playback, while digital connectivity includes AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, and an optical input compatible with Adat. USB-C connectivity also allows the ADI-2/4 Pro EX to operate as a standalone, class-compliant audio interface with any DAW, or integrate with an existing interface-based system via Adat.
The unit can sit at the heart of a hybrid setup, providing conversion between a DAW and external analogue processors, while also serving as a high-quality headphone and monitor controller. Its onboard parametric EQ, configurable routing and extensive monitoring options add further flexibility, allowing engineers to tailor the listening environment and signal path to suit individual workflows.
RME’s software remote also provides comprehensive access to the unit’s settings, routing, EQ and monitoring functions directly from a Mac or PC, while the customisable wireless remote allows for essential controls when the device is racked away from the listening position.
The ADI-2/4 Pro EX also features powerful headphone amplification. Its balanced headphone output delivers up to 3.85W/channel into 32Ω, with up to 1.15W/channel into 300Ω, while selectable output modes help accommodate different headphone types and sensitivities.
Integrated RIAA equalisation makes the ADI-2/4 Pro EX a capable solution for both vinyl fans and professional archivists. Vinyl archiving becomes surprisingly straightforward, allowing for compatible Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges to be connected directly to its analogue inputs. Selectable input gain and balanced input impedance options add further flexibility, including 47kΩ and 94kΩ settings for compatible cartridge configurations.
The ADI-2/4 Pro EX takes care of the necessary RIAA equalisation internally, with accuracy of better than ±0.05dB across 20Hz–20kHz. Its adjustable gain accommodates different cartridge output levels, while the input meters make it easy to check recording levels and avoid overload.
Alternatively connecting line-level outputs to the ADI-2/4 Pro EX and leaving the internal RIAA processing switched off allows the ADI-2/4 Pro EX to serve as a recording device with audio software determining the recording format. For high-resolution PCM archiving, sample rates up to 192 Hz are supported when using the internal RIAA mode, making it possible to create exceptionally detailed digital transfers of vinyl.