Topic: ADI-2 Pro FS – AD/DA – 4ch DAC – 2ch ADC – no phones
I run a recording studio. We currently use an Antelope Orion 32 for conversion. We're considering an ADI-2 Pro FS to add higher quality DAC and ADC (4ch and 2ch, respectively) for mixing and mastering.
Some constructive criticism: the use of Phones 3/4 as a line output isn't addressed fully in the manual – it really deserves some commentary on using the High Power setting in conjunction with digital attenuation and external balancing. For people who don't need a headphone amp, a digital routing assignment that brings Output 3 to Phones 1/2 and Output 4 to Phones 3/4 would be a big selling point – it's basically the same as the current balanced phones option. Maybe this thread will help?
In my application, all inputs and outputs at the ADI must adhere to 0dBFS = +24dBu and be balanced. We have a balanced patchbay, the Orion is in it, and the ADI would need to sit about 25 cable-feet away from the patchbay. Thus the only digital methods that we can use to get from the Orion to the ADI are 110Ω XLR and ADAT. The Orion has multiple ADAT ins and outs, but only one S/PDIF in and out, all of which are currently unused.
From my reading of the ADI-2 Pro FS manual, my current understanding of AES/EBU to S/PDIF conversion, and my ability to DIY simple balancing circuits, here is a potential signal flow. I'd appreciate any comments or corrections.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GYLOp … bI7u1yaiY6
There is an alternate version of this that uses the optical S/PDIF input and output of the ADI (set to ADAT) for analog output 1/2 and analog input 1/2, respectively, but I am unclear on whether Phones 3/4 can output signal from the AES/EBU input under this condition.