Thanks Ramses--this is the information I was looking for.  I had indeed read that the ADI2 will automatically put itself in the correct mode.

It sounds like it will work in the way I thought, but it's useful to know that the MADIface ASIO driver may be worth trying in Cubase and that DIGIcheck can also be used.

I'm very happy to work out all the details when I receive the item, but I just wanted to ensure that it can be used as a basic interface without great difficulty.  Thanks for clarifying this.

Matt

Actually Ramses, one other thing vaguely related to this--in terms of ideal setup, the manual (e.g. in the tech specs) says the XLR outputs are switchable to different levels but implies the rear TS outputs are not (instead giving a maximum output level of +19dBu).

I appreciate it's always preferable to use XLR due to being balanced, but if the above is correct, it sounds like the XLR outputs on the ADI2 are additionally superior quality due to having switchable output levels depending on volume level.  Is this correct?

On the other hand, the manual recommends using TS to RCA adapters to connect to a hifi.  Assuming my hifi power amp has (unbalanced) RCA connectors, will I be getting the best quality possible by doing this?  I'm just trying to determine whether I ideally need to order TS to RCA adapters or XLR to RCA adapters.

Thanks.

Matt

This is Good!

I live in a rather "driverless" World, and just hoped Ramses (our Resident Connectivity Expert) would drop in, and provide the Proper Guidance.

@1992... You're OK with Ramses advice.

Have Fun!

Curt

See chapter 33.2

Hello KaiS,

Sorry, but I think you didn't read the thread completely. Matt also wanted to record with the ADI-2 Pro and is considering getting Cubase or similar and using DIGIcheck (see post#3). In that case it is recommended to install and use the ASIO driver.

Then I think it is also the wrong strategy to always orientate on the worst products and to implement workarounds ("do not install the ASIO driver -> CC mode, use native Windows driver"), if such a product either has no ASIO support or this has defects and e.g. does not support the change of the sample rate cleanly. At this moment it's not even clear whether Matt intends to use such products.

It would IMHO be better, more consistent and would help all customers much better over time if one would approach the technical support of these manufacturers in such a case and buy the product only when such shortcomings are fixed.

Here's a positive example in that regards: Steven Mayall (MusicBee) fixed this in his player within a very short time (after getting informed by me that something doesn't work as expected). Now I can play music tracks with different sample rates and also mix them in my (Auto-) playlists using the RME ASIO driver without any issue. And this good support for a non-commercial product, free of charge...

In addition, installing the ASIO driver has the following advantages in operation:

• advised / best practise approach when recording / using a DAW product (which is the case here)

• you can use the excellent audio analysis software suite DIGIcheck from RME, which is free of charge (it's planned to evaluate/use GlobalRecord)

• you can use Global Record (DIGIchec), which has the advantage of already being included free of charge for Windows user, which is very sparing with computer resources (CPU, memory) compared to other recording products

• bypasses the Windows sound infrastructure entirely

• high quality, usually fewer latency

• needed to be able to perform firmware upgrades

• very useful to have the CRC check in the driver to be able to check whether you have USB transport errors due to bad USB cable or using a not so good USB port on your computer

As for the question about the reference planes, I actually wanted to show him a good trick that you can read such things very well from the manual chapter 33. Now you've ruined the show for me and he may not have been able to enjoy this learning effect because you've already told him everything ... nee nee nee

It’s pro and contra.
If you want to use Tidal, Qubuz and the like the non-capability of RME’s driver to switch samplerates is a major issue.
There are several threads on the topic in this forum.

For occasional recording of some synths a full blown DAW is overkill if one doesn’t intend to go further on this path.
Even Cubase works without ASIO BTW.

Answering a simple question with a hint to the manual WITHOUT giving the simple answer isn’t my style, sorry for you show

To say it clear - I do use ASIO, almost exclusively, in my studio.

But I don’t use my ADI-2 Pro there and I wouldn’t use anything or any configuration that doesn’t automatically follow the project samplerate, too dangerous in pro level production IMO.

Hey guys, thanks for all the thoughts on this.  To be clear, I have a home studio full of high quality equipment and have recorded and mixed semi-professionally for many years (on Cubase).

My questions more relate to the deeper ADI2 features, to ensure it will do what I need.  I'm pleased to say that my questions have been answered.  I now just need to explore the product (and manual) further in person when I receive it.  Fortunately, I almost always use 44.1khz for recording and listening, and tend to keep my setup very simple, so hopefully that will reduce the chance of potential sample rate issues with ASIO.

Matt