1992 wrote:I have just ordered an ADI2 Pro, which I want to use primarily in DAC mode in my hifi, and to occasionally record synths and other sources (using pre-amps). I have seen people recommend using the ADI2 with another device (e.g. UCX), which I will probably do at some point in the future.
A recording interface with TotalMix FX gives you more flexibility in terms of routing, loopback recording, creating very nice customizeable submixes and monitoring. A combination of ADI-2 Pro and a RME recording interface works great. You can read about this e.g. here in my blog:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … our-Setup/
For pure recording of a track the ADI-2 Pro is sufficient, though.
1992 wrote:For now though, I will be using the ADI2 in "interface" mode. As I am new to RME, I am a little confused about which software I will use to do this.
This has nothing to do with RME. Simply lack of basic knowlegde in that area, but no problem.
Install the RME MADIface driver fpr the ADI-2 Pro and the you can use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for recording (or any other audio recording program which supports ASIO drivers). For the pure purpose of recording you can even use Global Record, one of the tools of DIGIcheck audio analysis software suite from RME, which is free of charge. But the handling with a not too complex DAW program might be easier. There are several DAWs available: Cubase, Protools, Reaper, Studio One, ... See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation
1992 wrote:I am on Windows, so will it just show up in the volume settings, once the drivers are installed? And then detailed settings are controlled physically on the ADI2? Or is there RME software that can be used on the computer? If it makes any difference for integration, I currently have a Focusrite Forte and Echo Audiofire8.
As I said. Install the MADIface ASIO driver. Then in the recording application (one that supports ASIO, e.g. a DAW) you need to load this particular ASIO driver.
ASIO driver because this fully bypasses the Windows Audio System because the Windows kernel mixer might degrade audio quality. With an ASIO driver the application can directly access the device with a very low latency.
1992 wrote:Thanks for the help in understanding the details of how the ADI2 can be used--it's a capable but also slightly complicated box it seems!
Yes and no ;-) If you read the intro chapters of documentation then you should have read, that most settings are automatically chosen e.g. based on the connection. If you connect the device e.g. via USB cable, then it enters automatically USB mode and you can record and playback with the recording application by selecting the (installed) ASIO driver. That's more or less all.
I wanted to encourage you not to be deceived by the many possibilities of the device, the operation is not more difficult than with other devices, it can only do more ;-)
The good thing, you don't have to understand and use everything straight away. The basic operation is the same as with other devices, in some places even easier due to the automatic selection of the operating mode.
BTW .. RME still writes excellent manuals in the old style with block diagrams and often a picture says more than 1000 words. By the way, the manual contains a lot of useful information. It is simply a pleasure to let the information sink in and to learn a lot.
At the beginning you get a very nice overview and then the information become more and more detailed.
Best is to download the latest version of the PDF document from the RME server:
IF you device is the old ADI-2 Pro, then use these files:
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2pro_d.pdf
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2pro_e.pdf
ADI-2 Pro FS:
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_d.pdf
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_e.pdf
Latest Model ADI-2 Pro FS R BE:
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profsr_d.pdf
https://www.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profsr_e.pdf
If you are list, which device you have, this sticky from me lists the different models sorted by release date:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=32506
If you have any remaining question, don't hesitate to ask.
BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13