• Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Topic: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

I've been a VERY happy user of an ADI-2 PRO FS R Black Edition for some time, but I've used it entirely in AD/DA mode, and haven't really dived into using the remote or any of the software.

I'm just about to re-arrange some studio furniture, and I'm hoping I can reduce the amount of gear I need down by having the ADI-2 work as a monitor controller.

I'm currently using an analog monitor controller to switch between speakers. My plan is to instead use the ADI in USB mode to send to one set of monitors using AES, and another set via the analog outputs. I'm currently using SPDIF so the ADI can connect with another multichannel interface, and I'd like to keep working like this if possible.

In USB Class Compliant mode I would like it so:

- Analog A/D Inputs -> SPDIF Out (to go to my other multichannel interface)
- ADAT/SPDIF in -> Analog D/A Outputs OR AES (to do my monitor switching)

Can I create device setups in ADI-2 Remote to do the switching and volume control? Or would I need to use the ADI-2 as my sole interface, and use a DAW to do all the required routing?

Thanks in advance.

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-09-03 17:57:09)

  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,523

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

You can store and use a “Setup” for each purpose.
A Setup stores the complete ADI-2 configuration.

Read manual page 29 (DAC), 30 (Pro) or 29 (2/4 Pro SE).

Loading certain “Setups” can be assigned to a button’s push on the device or IR Remote.
Read manual page 26 (DAC), 28 (Pro) or 30 (2/4 Pro SE).

Watch out:
The  “Remap key” configuration is part of each individual “Setup” and needs to be set for each individual “Setup”.
This can be used to toggle through 2 or more Setups with one single button.


Works like this:
As the button assignment isn’t global, but part of each “Setup”, you can even have different assignments to the same button in each Setup - a nice feature that we can use for the following:

Choose ONE single button that you usually don’t need.
In Setup 1 assign: “load Setup 2”
In Setup 2 assign: “load Setup 1”
Now this single button toggles between both Setups.


This method can be extended to load even more Setups if needed, like:
In Setup 1 assign: “load Setup 2”
In Setup 2 assign: “load Setup 3”
In Setup 3 assign: “load Setup 4”
In Setup 4 assign: “load Setup 1”
Now the single button circles through Setup 1-4, clever, isn’t it?!


As for loading Setups ADI-2 asks for confirmation, a double-push is needed to execute the load.
Holding the button more than 1s, the button‘s original function is available.
Therefore I typically assign the SETUP button to load Setups – sic!

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

KaiS wrote:

You can store and use a “Setup” for each purpose.
A Setup stores the complete ADI-2 configuration.

Read manual page 29 (DAC), 30 (Pro) or 29 (2/4 Pro SE).

Loading certain “Setups” can be assigned to a button’s push on the device or IR Remote.
Read manual page 26 (DAC), 28 (Pro) or 30 (2/4 Pro SE).

Watch out:
The  “Remap key” configuration is part of each individual “Setup” and needs to be set for each individual “Setup”.
This can be used to toggle through 2 or more Setups with one single button.


Works like this:
As the button assignment isn’t global, but part of each “Setup”, you can even have different assignments to the same button in each Setup - a nice feature that we can use for the following:

Choose ONE single button that you usually don’t need.
In Setup 1 assign: “load Setup 2”
In Setup 2 assign: “load Setup 1”
Now this single button toggles between both Setups.


This method can be extended to load even more Setups if needed, like:
In Setup 1 assign: “load Setup 2”
In Setup 2 assign: “load Setup 3”
In Setup 3 assign: “load Setup 4”
In Setup 4 assign: “load Setup 1”
Now the single button circles through Setup 1-4, clever, isn’t it?!


As for loading Setups ADI-2 asks for confirmation, a double-push is needed to execute the load.
Holding the button more than 1s, the button‘s original function is available.
Therefore I typically assign the SETUP button to load Setups – sic!

Thanks for the reply! That all makes sense about the different setups, and is how I am hoping to do things. I'm just struggling with assigning the routing as my brain is WAY more used to a traditional mixer type layout, or a matrix.

Ideally my Setup's would be:

- Setup 1: Analog In (USB In 1-2) -> SPDIF out (USB Out 7-8)
               SPDIF in (USB In 5-6) -> AES out (USB Out 5-6) , PH1-2, PH3-4 (USB Out 1-2. 3-4)

- Setup 2: Analog In (USB In 1-2) -> SPDIF out (USB Out 7-8)
               SPDIF In (USB In 5-6) -> Analog Out, PH1-2, PH3-4 (USB Out 1-2. 3-4)

I can't see where I would route this, without using a DAW? Or is there a workaround by changing the states of Mute's and Digital Out Source? Ideally I'd just have these 2 setups stored, and then I'd switch using the IR remote.

I'll go over the manual again.

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,182

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

Ideal is IMHO still a combination of recording interface and TM FX DSP router.
Then you add the ADI only for the monitoring.

A Digiface USB will already do for only €444.
A RayDAT (PCIe card) would also give you AES and other options for €599.
Ideal would be UCX II giving you ADAT, AES and also DURec, RoomEQ (also Crossfeed).

See my blog article how easy it is to integrate the reference converter into your setup.
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/

And then you have both, TotalMix FX and the features of the reference converter.
Also TotalMix Remote for remote controlling TM FX from another PC via network.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

ramses wrote:

A Digiface USB will already do for only €444.

I've been looking at these for a few reasons but it would introduce more problems than I currently have now. I'll look again and have a think about how I could make it work - the issue comes when needing to combine ADAT inputs and SDPIF. The expansive I/O gets used up fast, and then I'd still need to work out an optimal way of switching monitors and volumes with a remote.

Ideal would be UCX II giving you ADAT, AES and also DURec, RoomEQ (also Crossfeed).

ramses wrote:

Ideal would be UCX II giving you ADAT, AES and also DURec, RoomEQ (also Crossfeed).

This is definitely an option too, POSSIBLY the simplest way to go, although it would be quite a big investment (including a remote/controller) in order to just switch monitors. I think if its going to look like its going to cost around £2000, I'd be better off using a monitor controller like I am already.

Ideally I can find a way to do the switching within the ADI-2 PRO FS R BE on its own, it seems like it has the I/O for it (its just whether the software allows the routing). Otherwise finding a monitor controller that fits a better form might be preferable.

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,182

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

You are right. I only wanted to mention it so that you have options and can think about the options, what fits best for you.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,523

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

The bottleneck for your preferred configuration is the split of ADI-2 Pro’s AES / SPDIF outs.
These are linked together in all “Modes” except USB Class Compliant Multi-channel mode.
Accessing them separately therefore is possible via USB (DAW etc.) only.

See manual pages 39-43.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

I picked up a Dangerous Source in the meantime but I can't say I'm particularly thrilled with it (already sent it back because the L and R channels were out of balance). I was hoping it would be possible to toggle the thru behaviour of the AES on there too but its a bit limited.

So it seems my best options are really to find an appropriate RME interface.

All I really need is a few ports of ADAT in and out, AES in and out, and ideally SPDIF in and out. The main issue I'm having is these seem to be shared on a lot of interfaces, and then several have a lot of features that I don't need - mic preamps, instrument inputs.

Digiface USB could almost work, but I'd need a ton of adapters to get things to and from Toslink. In that scenario I think I'd rather just spend a little more.

What would be the oldest unit that still supports the current ARC remote (and total mix), and offers a good amount of digital I/O?

9 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2024-09-17 12:34:40)

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,522

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

ARC works for every interface, you can go back to Fireface 400 or Multiface.

What is your computers ports ? USB-2 / USB-3 / Firewire / PCIe ?

My opinion : Do yourself a favor and buy a new device.
Get a UCX ll
It has all requested features and those features you don't need (at the moment) will not bother you.
And it keeps value, you will always be able to sell it for a good price.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

waedi wrote:

ARC works for every interface, you can go back to Fireface 400 or Multiface.

What is your computers ports ? USB-2 / USB-3 / Firewire / PCIe ?

My opinion : Do yourself a favor and buy a new device.
Get a UCX ll
It has all requested features and those features you don't need (at the moment) will not bother you.
And it keeps value, you will always be able to sell it for a good price.


Thanks.

I have an iMac Pro but I suspect when the M4 Mac Studios come along I’ll switch soon. I have lots of docks and ports available, I’d rather avoid firewire though.

UCXII looks cool but I feel like for what it costs I’d rather go for the 802 FS and have the extra ADAT ports (I can combine more of my studio gear at the same time), no breakout cable and other extras. And the difference in price between 802 FS and UFXII kind of makes the UFX more appealing.

I’ll look closely at the UCXII again just to be sure.

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,182

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

The UCX II has some interesting features from the flagship devices UFX II and UFX III.
DURec, Display, Mic Preamps with 75 dB Gain.

If I were you, I would either choose UCX II or UFX II and skip 802 FS.

802 FS has not the same mic pres with 75 dB gain range, no DURec and has analog knobs for preamps and I think also headphones. Some people like it, I personally dislike it because it is against the very nice concept, to be able to store all settings digitally in TotalMix FX.

You can use my Excel for comparing the different products:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

Here is information how to integrate an ADI-2 Pro / DAC into your setup with a recording interface (preferable RME with TotalMix FX): https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

ramses wrote:

The UCX II has some interesting features from the flagship devices UFX II and UFX III.
DURec, Display, Mic Preamps with 75 dB Gain.

If I were you, I would either choose UCX II or UFX II and skip 802 FS.

802 FS has not the same mic pres with 75 dB gain range, no DURec and has analog knobs for preamps and I think also headphones. Some people like it, I personally dislike it because it is against the very nice concept, to be able to store all settings digitally in TotalMix FX.

They are all nice features, but I already have way too many preamps and have no need for built in ones (nor DURec, or the display).

There is a UCX II for £1100 here that i’m going to think about. I just wonder if the UFX is worth spending a little more on, I prefer the form factor and extra I/O is never a bad thing in a studio.

802 falls in between but if one came up used at a good price I think it would offer what I need. At new prices it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Thanks for the spreadsheet, i’ll look closely at that too and try and plan something.

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,522

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

easstudios wrote:

There is a UCX II for £1100 here that i’m going to think about.

This is a new from a store, right ? It's the price for a new unit.
If it's a used one without warranty, stay away and order a new one.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2024-09-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Help with ADI-2 PRO FS Setup

waedi wrote:
easstudios wrote:

There is a UCX II for £1100 here that i’m going to think about.

This is a new from a store, right ? It's the price for a new unit.
If it's a used one without warranty, stay away and order a new one.

Yeah that was new. Although I just found out the place I bought the Dangerous Source from is now a dealer for new RME too so I’m going to order from him. Expensive week