1 (edited by ramses 2024-08-18 15:26:49)

Topic: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

As questions about the various models are frequently asked, here you will find the most important differences and release dates for the various ADI-2 DAC/Pro models up to the ADI-2/4 Pro SE.

This time I added changes between "ADI-2 Pro FS R BE" and "ADI-2/4 Pro SE" in particular to the comment section.
When I have more time, this information will move to the blog article to give this list a more unique look, again.

Please note: some browsers (Firefox, …) display the picture below too tiny, in this case, use this download link and open the downloaded file with a JPG viewer (or directly in Firefox, depends on your settings):
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/22bkk2uq … c&dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/22bkk2uqkyr1i5rxe69nv/ADI-2-Pro-DAC-ADI-24-Pro-SE-Models-Differences-and-Release-Dates-v007.jpg?rlkey=p6vhr5wn350dzxgn53fux92lc&dl=1


ADI-2 DAC and Firmware v35 vs. v39

If you have the ADI-2 DAC FS with AKM chip, stay with v35, v39 is only required for the new model with ESS chip.

MC: "Yep, the 39 has zero changes for non-ESS DACs. That's why it is not released as an official update — no need to update at all. The new DACs ship with that firmware." (-> https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.ph … 2#p173092)

More details about the devices …

Including links to interesting YouTube videos, see my blog: https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … ses-EN-DE/
Many thanks, Curt962, for reviewing the English version.

Excel Sheet "RME Reference Converter - Overview Volume, Levels, SNR"

Here an Excel Sheet (v4) which gives you an overview of Volume, Reference Levels, SNR and Auto Ref Level ranges:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/attachme … v004-xlsx/

Last Changes:
v4- Added values for the TRS outputs of ADI-2/4 Pro SE and ADI-2 Pro FS R BE.
v3- Volume setting: added unit "[dBr]" to make clear, that Auto Rev Level is activated and dB is "dB relative".

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Ramses,

Very nice overview of the RME Product Line-Up.  Perhaps RME would consider making it a "Sticky"

Well done Friend!

Curt

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

3 (edited by ramses 2021-02-21 09:11:34)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Thanks Curt.

Regarding the "Mod edit" / *) comment
Matthias? You renamed ADI-2 DAC FS to ADI-2 DAC and added the comment.

But if I am not mistaken, the product with the new DAC CHIP AK4493 and new MRC has been renamed to "ADI-2 DAC FS".
And ADI-2 DAC FS is also the new name of the latest product on Webserver.
https://www.rme-audio.de/de_adi-2-dac.html

So I tend to say the entry for the 11/19 model needs to be restored to "ADI-2 DAC FS".

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

ramses wrote:

Thanks Curt.

Regarding the "Mod edit" / *) comment
Matthias? You renamed ADI-2 DAC FS to ADI-2 DAC and added the comment.

But if I am not mistaken, the product with the new DAC CHIP AK4493 and new MRC has been renamed to "ADI-2 DAC FS".
And ADI-2 DAC FS is also the new name of the latest product on Webserver.
https://www.rme-audio.de/de_adi-2-dac.html

So I tend to say the entry for the 11/19 model needs to be restored to "ADI-2 DAC FS".

I have the old version and it has clearly ADI-2 DAC FS written on it.

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Shikyo wrote:
ramses wrote:

Thanks Curt.

Regarding the "Mod edit" / *) comment
Matthias? You renamed ADI-2 DAC FS to ADI-2 DAC and added the comment.

But if I am not mistaken, the product with the new DAC CHIP AK4493 and new MRC has been renamed to "ADI-2 DAC FS".
And ADI-2 DAC FS is also the new name of the latest product on Webserver.
https://www.rme-audio.de/de_adi-2-dac.html

So I tend to say the entry for the 11/19 model needs to be restored to "ADI-2 DAC FS".

I have the old version and it has clearly ADI-2 DAC FS written on it.

Old version in what regards exactly ? No MRC, no AK4493 (without SD LD D/A filter) ?

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

ramses wrote:
Shikyo wrote:
ramses wrote:

Thanks Curt.

Regarding the "Mod edit" / *) comment
Matthias? You renamed ADI-2 DAC FS to ADI-2 DAC and added the comment.

But if I am not mistaken, the product with the new DAC CHIP AK4493 and new MRC has been renamed to "ADI-2 DAC FS".
And ADI-2 DAC FS is also the new name of the latest product on Webserver.
https://www.rme-audio.de/de_adi-2-dac.html

So I tend to say the entry for the 11/19 model needs to be restored to "ADI-2 DAC FS".

I have the old version and it has clearly ADI-2 DAC FS written on it.

Old version in what regards exactly ? No MRC, no AK4493 (without SD LD D/A filter) ?

Right. There's no model called "ADI-2 DAC". Both the 4490 and 4493 versions are called "ADI-2 DAC FS".

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Thanks for the table. Would it be possible to add the reference of each model, for instance the ASIN?

I am interested to buy the latest ADI-2 DAC FS, but I am never sure I will not be shipped the oldest. Websites are not always describing well the product, and not including the chip, and pictures cannot be trusted.

8 (edited by ning 2021-02-21 11:44:24)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

AixiA wrote:

Thanks for the table. Would it be possible to add the reference of each model, for instance the ASIN?

I am interested to buy the latest ADI-2 DAC FS, but I am never sure I will not be shipped the oldest. Websites are not always describing well the product, and not including the chip, and pictures cannot be trusted.

You need to see the box at least. the new model has the new remote drawn.
see the following two unbox blogs and you can easily tell the difference:
http://pamati-i.blogspot.com/2018/03/rm … boxed.html
http://www.techreflex.net/rme-adi-2-dac-fs-review/

9 (edited by ramses 2021-02-21 12:25:41)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Changes / Added Info:
- Excel Screenshot (better formatting of text)
- Auto Dark Mode
- Analog and Digital Input and Outputs
- ASIN for most interesting devices: ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 DAC FS and ADI-2 Pro FS R BE

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

ramses wrote:

Old version in what regards exactly ? No MRC, no AK4493 (without SD LD D/A filter) ?

Exactly that one.

11

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

@Ramses: having two names in that table for the ADI-2 DAC confuses people and is not correct. As said the ADI-2 DAC has always been a ADI-2 DAC FS, on its packaging and the front plate and the manual. Simple reason is that the DAC was the first RME unit with SteadyClock FS. Please change that back.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

12 (edited by ramses 2021-02-22 13:15:10)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Ok no problem, done.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Hi Ramses,

On my iPhone I don‘t see the table, just a white line.
Maybe you add the pure text form below, even if it‘s not looking so nice?!

14 (edited by ramses 2021-02-22 22:21:58)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

KaiS wrote:

Hi Ramses,

On my iPhone I don‘t see the table, just a white line.
Maybe you add the pure text form below, even if it‘s not looking so nice?!

Hi KaiS,

below the image I provided now two links: HTML and JPEG. Do they work both for you ?

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

ramses wrote:
KaiS wrote:

Hi Ramses,

On my iPhone I don‘t see the table, just a white line.
Maybe you add the pure text form below, even if it‘s not looking so nice?!

Hi KaiS,

below the image I provided now two links: HTML and JPEG. Do they work both for you ?

The jpeg can be loaded.
Looks nice.

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Ramses!   

It seems that RME DID make your breakdown of the products a Sticky!

Well Done again!!

Nice Work

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Any idea when the next DAC chip update will be?

18 (edited by ramses 2021-03-08 08:15:58)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Still not good enough for you or why do you ask ? wink

The ADI-2 Pro FS R BE just came out last year and brought now both product lines
fully in synch in terms of features like: remote, black design, auto-dark, fs-clock.

Now there are only things like more pro related functions, routings, ports, number of DA chips, analog inputs, that make the price difference ...

BTW .. like any other vendor ...
RME doesn't leak such information before the product is being advertized officially for obvious reasons you may ask of course, but tbh .. nobody can / will give you an answer.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

What is there to update anyway, the AKM AK4493 is pretty recent and there's not really any meaningful benefit going with their more expensive offerings. It'll take a while to see AKM develop and announce a new chip to dethrone the AK4493 especially with the fire incident at their factory.

The only meaningful upgrades I can foresee are more efficient and powerful FPGA and DSP chips to extend flexibility even further. Room correction and 10(+) band PEQ come to mind.

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Well, while a new DAC chip may improve some non-audible measurements there are other things at least HiFi users could benefit from.
1. Add WiFi to enable app support and control the ADI-2 remotely
2. Additional line level inputs or Phono M/M, M/C input, relay controlled to get rid of my pre-amp and my phono pre-amp
3. I could even envision a streaming option to further reduce my HiFi stack :-)
4. All this may require a bigger chassis which would provide the opportunity to add a larger display.
Anyway, the ADI-2 Pro FS R BE is a great device!
Maybe all this would even mandate for a new more HiFi oriented device.

Just my two cents after having spent quite some time with the ADI-2 DAC FS and ADI-2 Pro FS R BE.

ADI-2 Pro FS R BE

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

In below post Ramses mentioned that ADI-2 DAC FS with ASIN Amazon number B081CWQXGD was released on 12/17.  When I look up this same ASIN number at amazon, the release date shows up as December 2019. This listing shows a model with newer remote.  Which one is correct?  Was this a typo?
ASIN B07B6C8PF6 looks like it was released March 2018 according to Amazon and it shows a model with an older remote.
Just want to ensure folks are making buying decisions based on the correct info.
-Krystian

ramses wrote:

As this has been asked quite often, here the differences and release dates of the different ADI-2 DAC/Pro models so far:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8bp93ylxxff011l/ADI-2%20Pro%2BDAC%20Models%20-%20Differences%20and%20Release%20Dates.jpg?dl=1


If your browser should have problems to load/display the JPEG file directly from Dropbox, then please try the links below:
HTML format: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qfs2p99rv1agl … s.htm?dl=1
JPEG format: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8bp93ylxxff01 … s.jpg?dl=1

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Hallo.
Wenn ich einen gebrauchten ADI 2 DAC kaufe , hab ich die Möglichkeit unabhängig von der Fernbedienung zu checken das es auch wirklich der Neueste ist? Softwareseitig evtl?

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

butch111 wrote:

Hallo.
Wenn ich einen gebrauchten ADI 2 DAC kaufe , hab ich die Möglichkeit unabhängig von der Fernbedienung zu checken das es auch wirklich der Neueste ist? Softwareseitig evtl?

Überprüfen, ob der AK4493 eingebaut ist.
Das sieht man am zusätzlichen (6.) digitalen Filter Typ: SD LD (Short Delay Low Dispersion).

Beispielsweise beim ADI-2 Pro FS R BE in den Einstellungen zu finden unter:
    IO -> Main Output 1/2 -> Settings -> D/A Filter -> SD LD

Siehe auch folgende Kapitel in den jeweiligen Handbüchern:

ADI-2 DAC FS:
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2dacr_d.pdf
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2dacr_e.pdf
-> Kapitel 12.1 unter "DA Filter" -> SD LD
-> Kapitel 31.4 unter "DA Impulsantworten" -> SD LD

ADI-2 Pro FS R BE:
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profsr_d.pdf
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profsr_e.pdf
-> Kapitel 14.1   unter "DA Filter" -> SD LD
-> Kapitel 34.11 unter "DA Impulsantworten" -> SD LD

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

24 (edited by weme 2021-05-03 22:08:06)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

@ramses
We have two different devices. If you would create two tables, there would be enough free columns for later additions.

Two tables: Table "ADI-2 PRO" /// Table "ADI-2 DAC FS":

You name your table "... Differences and Release Dates". The columns "SRC", "Digital Inputs", "Analog Inputs", "Digital Outputs" make no sense, as there are no changes here. Such technical features could - as already done - be added at the end of the table. The column "Model" would no longer be necessary. For the "ADI-2 DAC FS", the column "Auto Dark" can be omitted. ...

I don't like the advertising (column ASIN - ... Standard Identification Number) especially for this US company. This company also sends buyers uninspected used equipment (Return of a buyer). I have read that it was not your idea.
Useful information would be better:
For example, companies in the EU offer a three-year warranty. ...

Interesting (especially for analysts) could be a table with serial numbers:
Model /// Serial no.: /// Newly purchased (mm/yy)
It is noticeable that there is an extremely frequent "0" in the 5th position (12345678) of the "ADI-2 DAC FS". Furthermore, there are many serial numbers that have the suffix "B".

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Weme, many thanks for your suggestions.
The list is intentionally sorted by date to also show the evolution of the series of ADI-2 * converters. Otherwise the focus is on main technical differences / features.
Sorry, but I have no plans to add details in terms of serial number information or to detail warranty information of different countries.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

When buying an ADI-2 FS, how to check it is the 12/17 or 11/19 version ?
It seems that some resellers are still selling the older one without telling it.

27 (edited by ramses 2021-05-30 20:49:58)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

EDIT: I think I misunderstood your question, because I thought you really mean the ADI-2 FS (that was a typo from you, because this is an existing but different product).

The easiest way is to call your dealer to ask upfront. Otherwise buy it and send it back if its not the desired piece of HW.
If it's Amazon marketplace, then complain about the dealer later.
Sorry I have no other idea. At the end all can be wrong, the picture, the ASIN (a copy paste failure) and what not.
Therefore I prefer to buy from sellers I know or where positive reviews indicate, that the shop makes a good job.
Amazon has at least a good service and good working return procedures to also get the money back quickly.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Let's say I buy it : how can I check I have the latest one : Is there a part number written somewhere.
My actual idea is to plug it on my linux and list usb devices expecting to have AK4493 written somewhere...

29 (edited by ramses 2021-05-30 23:03:57)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

elapouya wrote:

Let's say I buy it : how can I check I have the latest one : Is there a part number written somewhere.
My actual idea is to plug it on my linux and list usb devices expecting to have AK4493 written somewhere...

You can easily check this on the device itself

    IO -> Main Output 1/2 -> Settings -> D/A Filter -> SD LD

SD LD is the new D/A filter. If you find this D/A filter for selection, then you have the latest ADI-2 DAC/Pro with the AK4493.
See also post #23: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.ph … 84#p169784

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

30 (edited by ramses 2021-06-22 15:21:53)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

New blog article about the history of ADI-2 Pro/DAC and some other interesting additional information.

Currently only in german available, english version is in work:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … ses-EN-DE/

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Now available in English and German: https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … ses-EN-DE/

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Ramses,

What a fine informational resource you've assembled!  A rather large effort on your part that will prove most useful to RME users both Present, and Future.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with you on a facet of your presentation. 

Viele Dank!

Curt

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

1. updated with information about current ADI-2 DAC FS
2. also updated blog article https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … ses-EN-DE/

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Ist nicht die Auto Dark Funktion beim ersten ADI-2 Pro per Firmware realisiert worden? Meiner ist von April 2017 und das Display wird dunkel geschaltet.

35

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Und nur das. Bei späteren Geräten werden alle Lichter ausgeschaltet.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

The latest firmware update tool has installed version 39 (May 2021) on my ADI-2 DAC FS (AK4493 version) but there is no changelog or any mention of any changes over the previous version (35). Does anyone know what's changed?

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

mediummanting wrote:

The latest firmware update tool has installed version 39 (May 2021) on my ADI-2 DAC FS (AK4493 version) but there is no changelog or any mention of any changes over the previous version (35). Does anyone know what's changed?

probably due to https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=33421

38

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Yep, the 39 has zero changes for non-ESS DACs. That's why it is not released as official update - no need to update at all. The new DACs ship with that firmware.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Corrected a typo in the table

+) ADI-2 DAC with AK4493 and ES9028Q2M are according to RME sonically not distinguishable. The ESS version has a small C at the end of the serial number sticker. ESS has a filter called "Brickwall" instead of AK4493's "Short Delay Low Dispersion". All other filters (SD Sharp, SD Slow, Sharp, Slow, NOS) are identical.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

40

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Clreaned up this thread for it to stay useful. Posts about PCBs have been moved to the other (now locked) thread. Please refrain from further posting about that topic.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

MC wrote:

Clreaned up this thread for it to stay useful. Posts about PCBs have been moved to the other (now locked) thread. Please refrain from further posting about that topic.

Could you please post the link of the locked thread? Thanks .

42 (edited by Topanga_Dreams 2021-12-27 07:01:40)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

I am concerning upgrading to an ADI 2 PRO FS R somewhere in the future or maybe earlier ;-), because of improving home-studio mixes (headphones/monitor). Am I right to assume, that the ADI 2 DAC is mainly for HI-FI consumers and the ADI 2 PRO FS R speaks to both, studio users and Hi-Fi? The discontinued ADI 2 PRO was developed mainly for studio purposes, right?

One remaining question: What’s the difference between the anniversary ADI 2 PRO FS R model and the current one?

Thanks in advance,

Thorsten

P.S. I forgot to mention the gaming market, but that’s not my kind of business ;-)

Mac Mini M2 Pro 16GB RAM - RME FIREFACE 802 - LOGIC PRO

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

> The discontinued ADI 2 PRO was developed mainly for studio purposes, right?

Yes. The Pro was original developed for studio but as soon as it was released RME found the Hifi communities love it. So RME striped down the device and developed the DAC model to target that market.

> One remaining question: What’s the difference between the anniversary ADI 2 PRO FS R model and the current one?
There's no anniversary Pro FS R. There's only Pro Anniversary Edition which is the same hardware as Pro but with a beautiful outlook.
Later RME upgraded the Pro's clock and released the Pro FS, and the current Pro FS R is the updated Pro FS with a remote (where the R is from).
In terms of functionalities they are exactly the same. Later models have higher specs as the chips are also upgraded (because previous chip is EOL and no longer available).

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

ning wrote:

> The discontinued ADI 2 PRO was developed mainly for studio purposes, right?

Yes. The Pro was original developed for studio but as soon as it was released RME found the Hifi communities love it. So RME striped down the device and developed the DAC model to target that market.

> One remaining question: What’s the difference between the anniversary ADI 2 PRO FS R model and the current one?
There's no anniversary Pro FS R. There's only Pro Anniversary Edition which is the same hardware as Pro but with a beautiful outlook.
Later RME upgraded the Pro's clock and released the Pro FS, and the current Pro FS R is the updated Pro FS with a remote (where the R is from).
In terms of functionalities they are exactly the same. Later models have higher specs as the chips are also upgraded (because previous chip is EOL and no longer available).


Thanks!

Regarding the PRO FS R, there are two seperate analog Out‘s in the back (2 x XLR + 2 x 1/4“), so I assume you can connect two separate pairs of monitors? When I look at the connection scheme of Ramses here

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … ases-EN-DE

it seems the second analog out (1/4“) is left unused. Is there also an independent volume control for that kind of setup (connecting two pairs of speakers)?

Also, it seems to be possible to insert outboard gear like an analog compressor to the analog inputs.

Mac Mini M2 Pro 16GB RAM - RME FIREFACE 802 - LOGIC PRO

45 (edited by ning 2021-12-27 16:06:49)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

>  there are two seperate analog Out‘s in the back (2 x XLR + 2 x 1/4“), so I assume you can connect two separate pairs of monitors?

You can but they are sending the same signal (1/2). There's no rear output for channel 3/4.
To me that's the only thing I feel short -- it could be a much more useful device otherwise.
You can, however, get output from HP 3/4. It works as an stereo unbalanced out, or can work as a mono balanced out.

> it seems the second analog out (1/4“) is left unused. Is there also an independent volume control for that kind of setup (connecting two pairs of speakers)?

No.

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

ning wrote:

>  there are two seperate analog Out‘s in the back (2 x XLR + 2 x 1/4“), so I assume you can connect two separate pairs of monitors?

You can but they are sending the same signal (1/2). There's no rear output for channel 3/4.
To me that's the only thing I feel short -- it could be a much more useful device otherwise.
You can, however, get output from HP 3/4. It works as an stereo unbalanced out, or can work as a mono balanced out.

> it seems the second analog out (1/4“) is left unused. Is there also an independent volume control for that kind of setup (connecting two pairs of speakers)?

No.

Thanks!

I might consider the question of an additional DAC year but the ADI-2 PRO FS R will be On top of my list.

Mac Mini M2 Pro 16GB RAM - RME FIREFACE 802 - LOGIC PRO

47 (edited by Topanga_Dreams 2022-02-12 04:31:26)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

I assume this question comes up many times, but I was not able to find an (suitable) answer for myself.
I am wondering if the second analog output at the back (TSR) can be used to connect outboard gear like a mastering compressor? My aim is to go out of the ADI 2 Pro via analog output (D/A conversion inside the ADI) and return the analog signal back into the ADI, where it is converters again and goes out to the speakers/headphones.
This should be possible, or?
Thanks

Mac Mini M2 Pro 16GB RAM - RME FIREFACE 802 - LOGIC PRO

48 (edited by KaiS 2022-02-12 09:45:25)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Topanga_Dreams wrote:

I assume this question comes up many times, but I was not able to find an (suitable) answer for myself.
I am wondering if the second analog output at the back (TSR) can be used to connect outboard gear like a mastering compressor? My aim is to go out of the ADI 2 Pro via analog output (D/A conversion inside the ADI) and return the analog signal back into the ADI, where it is converters again and goes out to the speakers/headphones.
This should be possible, or?
Thanks

ADI-2 Pro has two stereo DA-Converters, designated 1/2 and 3/4.

DAC 1/2 goes to the linked outputs: back hardlinked XLR+TRS, and front PH 1/2.
There‘s automatic Line / ‘Phones switching, with automatic changed different settings for each available, by plugging the ‘phones.
DAC 1/2 is best used for monitoring through speakers and headphones.

DAC 3/4 goes to PH 3/4.
For max. flexibility I suggest to use DAC 3/4 as output to your mastering chain.

49 (edited by Topanga_Dreams 2022-02-12 15:01:19)

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

KaiS wrote:

ADI-2 Pro has two stereo DA-Converters, designated 1/2 and 3/4.

DAC 1/2 goes to the linked outputs: back hardlinked XLR+TRS, and front PH 1/2.
There‘s automatic Line / ‘Phones switching, with automatic changed different settings for each available, by plugging the ‘phones.
DAC 1/2 is best used for monitoring through speakers and headphones.

DAC 3/4 goes to PH 3/4.
For max. flexibility I suggest to use DAC 3/4 as output to your mastering chain.

Thanks for your reply! That’s good news.

And the TRS output on the back is also balanced?

Mac Mini M2 Pro 16GB RAM - RME FIREFACE 802 - LOGIC PRO

Re: ADI-2 Pro/DAC, 2/4 Pro SE - Models, Differences and Release Dates

Topanga_Dreams wrote:

...

And the TRS output on the back is also balanced?

User Guide wrote:

21.2 Line Out TRS 1/2
The ADI-2 Pro has two impedance balanced, short-circuit protected analog Line outputs ... Using a stereo (TRS) jack the output uses two 100 Ohm resistors internally to achieve impedance balancing. Using an unbalanced mono (TS) jack ring is connected to ground automatically, the output then operates unbalanced.

Ralf
(ADI-2 Pro FS with ThinkPad Yoga L13, Dynaudio Focus 600 XD or Focal Clear — and a lot of Jazz)