• Registered: 2023-10-04
  • Posts: 13

Topic: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Hello There,

I am trying to decide which unit would be best for my needs. Between the Black Edition and Special Edition ADI-2 Pro.

Okay, here is my use case.  I am a Music Producer/Musician and would like to use it for the purpose of Production, mixing and mastering.  Mainly for much better conversion and headphone amp, than my current interface 'Apollo Twin'. I carryout a lot of my work on headphones. I also use the Audient Nero monitor controller in my setup.

Currently my monitors:-  Neumann Kh80's, NS10's are both connected to the Audient Nero via outputs and then the Apollo Twin is connected to SRC1 input of the Audient Nero.

I would like to know if I were to connect the ADI-2 Pro to the SRC2 input of the Audient Nero, would this compromise the quality of the conversion?

If this will not be the case then I would go ahead with the Black Edition, which offers great savings over that of the 2/4!  My only reason for going with the 2/4 would be if the conversion quality would suffer using the Nero and therefore I would indeed require the additional two outputs of the 2/4 to connect both sets of monitors (Kh80's and NS10's).

Any help or advice anyone could provide I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-12-26 23:47:11)

  • KaiS
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Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Based on the information about the work-style and circumstances you gave, it’s hard to do a qualified recommendation.

One important question, Mac or Windows.
On Mac the Apollo Twin and ADI-2 can happily be used together as “Aggregate Devices”, see ADI-2/4 Pro SE’s manual page 64, 65.


Furthermore there’s no other way than listening to find out if the Audient controller audibly degrades the sound quality.
Technically every extra signal step incorporates some losses, but are those important for the result?


For some use cases ADI-2/4 Pro SE can replace the Audient controller completely.
You can have 2 pairs of monitors connected to it, and three headphones outs – up to 2 independent stereo signals at the same time.

ADI-2 Pro FS differs in the connectivity, can do more or less the same but a bit less convenient:
- No independent 2nd rear line out.
- 2nd pair of monitors can be connected to front PH 3/4 output only (with no sound quality compromise).
- Balanced phones out (really not needed for studio work) occupies both DA-channels and outputs PH 1/2 and PH 3/4, and no Pentaconn.


The Audient controller has the advantage of it’s studio style hardware control layout.
ADI-2’s Front panel + IR Remote (and ADI-2 Remote app) can replace most of that if your OK with such a user interface.
IR Remote buttons can be configured for certain tasks, like switching monitors.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2023-10-04
  • Posts: 13

Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Thanks so much KaiS for taking the time to reply-I really appreciate it.

Ok, well I am using a MacBook Pro M3 with the Apollo Twin and so the aggregate device option you mention, I will definitely have to read up on.

I do understand it is difficult to know for sure without trying it out to see how it affects the conversion quality, but guess I was hoping/wondering if anyone else was using a similar workflow.  Although, you have provided me with really good information here, so thank you.

My preference would be to continue working with the Audient Nero, as I love the layout and workflow at my fingertips! But of course not if it is going to impact sound noticeably.  I wasn't aware that a 2nd pair of monitors could be connected to phones 3/4 on the Black Edition (as you kindly mentioned), so that is interesting to know. Although, I am less keen to switch to working with a remote control if possible.   I would also like to know whether the phones output 1/2 can be used at the same time as using main monitors at the back of unit or 3/4.  i.e. can I monitor via speakers and headphones simultaneously? 

Many thanks in advance.

4 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-12-27 00:35:20)

  • KaiS
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Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Angelface wrote:

… I would also like to know whether the phones output 1/2 can be used at the same time as using main monitors at the back of unit or 3/4.  i.e. can I monitor via speakers and headphones simultaneously?

Both ADI-2 “Pro” designated models have 2 independent stereo DA-channels with DSP and volume control.
That’s the max of independent analog destinations they can feed.

You can have independent speakers on 1/2 and phones on 3/4 or vice versa, but not both independent on 1/2 at the same time.
You can switch 1/2 between speakers and ‘phones and get automatic switching of the whole set of all DSP parameters like level, EQ, crossfeed etc. while doing so.

Do you listen with headphones AND speakers at the same time?


Regarding Audient Nero quality:
That’s a general Audient quality question you might find info somewhere else too (and unfortunately likely a lot of “audiophile“ mumbo-jumbo).

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2023-10-04
  • Posts: 13

Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Thanks once again for your response, which I do appreciate. Can I ask do you use either of these ADI-2 models in your setup?  And if so are using two sets of monitors also?

Thanks for the very helpful info you have provided. In answer to your question. Yes, it is not uncommon for me to listen to a set of monitors (at low levels) whilst also using headphones.  But if I am correct in my understanding this does not seem possible with the ADI-2 Pro FS BE. Or have i misunderstood?!

  • KaiS
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Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

It is possible to listen with ‘phones and speakers at the same time, through ADI-2 Pro.
There are 2 independent stereo channels 1/2 and 3/4, each with headphones outs, and 1/2 with line outs.

You can even store different listening configurations in presets and circle through them with single button’s pushes.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2023-10-04
  • Posts: 13

Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Thanks once again KaiS!  I appreciate you confirming this.

So,  it is looking like the ADI-2 Pro FS BE should be sufficient for my needs. Although, the 2/4 SE  does offer slightly more flexibility. But I am not sure for  the additional outlay whether I can justify it.

8 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-12-27 14:49:51)

  • KaiS
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Re: ADI-2 Pro & 2/4 - Help!

Angelface wrote:

…Although, the 2/4 SE  does offer slightly more flexibility. But I am not sure for  the additional outlay whether I can justify it.

It would pay off if you decide to retire Audient Nero.

ADI-2/4’s main advantage for your case is the flexible use of it’s rear TRSs as independent secondary Line out for the 2nd pair of monitors.

KaiS's Website