• Registered: 2023-12-21
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Topic: RME ADI-2. XLR & RCA Outputs.

Hi. I'm new to the group. Contemplating purchasing a RME ADI-2.
What I would like to know is can you use the XLR  & RCA Outputs simultaneously.
IE: XLR to the Active's & RCA to the sub.
Thanks Andrew

  • KaiS
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Re: RME ADI-2. XLR & RCA Outputs.

Ridefast555 wrote:

…can you use the XLR  & RCA Outputs simultaneously.
IE: XLR to the Active's & RCA to the sub…

Yes, both are active at the same time on ADI-2 DAC.

XLR and RCA have the exact same signal quality.


Depending on the mains’ and sub’s models, using the sub’s low cut filters for the mains might make sense too:
ADI-2 DAC -> XLR or RCA cables -> [subwoofer in / filtered out] -> XLR or RCA cables -> main speakers.

KaiS's Website

  • 24U
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Re: RME ADI-2. XLR & RCA Outputs.

I have tried XLR to power amp and RCA's to sub today and they were active. But the signal output from RCA at very low level and XLR fixed becasue of using the Direct DSD functionality to bypass DSP.
Tried to consult the manual how to change output level. Or if I may, I am probably exceptionally stupid. I have had problems every time I tried to consult the manual so far, having owned my RME 4 years now.
Now, How do I arrange the output from XLR stereo and RCA stereo, with Direct DSD active så that levels just differ a couple of dB? If the very kind person who feel up to explain this to me, also could wright the pages where in the manual this is described, that would be the ultimate treat :-), but not alla essential. I am perfectly happy just to learn how to.
Thanks in advance.

Do not follow the stream, re-directs if beneficial for SQ ;-)

4 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-09-25 00:08:42)

  • KaiS
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Re: RME ADI-2. XLR & RCA Outputs.

XLR is 6 dB hotter than RCA, by hardware design, see manual pages 20, 38, 54, 64.
This relationship is intentional and cannot be changed.

Other than the level difference, XLR and RCA carry the exact same signal and quality.


If you want to control the volume of DSD signals, switch off “DSD direct”, see manual page 27, and pages 34 and 35 for more detailed information.

KaiS's Website

  • 24U
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Re: RME ADI-2. XLR & RCA Outputs.

KaiS wrote:

XLR is 6 dB hotter than RCA, by hardware design, see manual pages 20, 38, 54, 64.
This relationship is intentional and cannot be changed.

Other than the level difference, XLR and RCA carry the exact same signal and quality.


If you want to control the volume of DSD signals, switch off “DSD direct”, see manual page 27, and pages 34 and 35 for more detailed information.

Thanks! Then I know. <3

Do not follow the stream, re-directs if beneficial for SQ ;-)