Topic: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

Hello,

Recently upgraded my system to a Digiface USB and Ferrofish pulse 16 setup in my project studio.

I was wondering if adding a RME ADI-2 DAC FS for my Stereo Monitors would be worth it over using outputs on the
Pulse 16 for monitoring?

How would I connect RME ADI-2 DAC FS to my current setup?

Is this even possible?

I’m on windows 11 pro.

2 (edited by ramses 2025-01-03 18:16:49)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

I think so, simply try.

You can connect it to one of the four ADAT channels using SPDIF protocol. You can set all of them to SPDIF(o).

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/

I would use the Pro version. Its ports, feature set and ref levels are better suited for studio work.
Also gives you
- two equal headphone outputs if you want to A/B phones with the possibility to connect balanced phones
- more digital ports (also AES) and also digital outputs
- additionally analog inputs
- SRC (sample rate converter) can also be useful
- RME Bit test to be able to check for lossless monitoring path
- Very useful state overview to troubleshoot digital connections
- ear protection by slow ramp-up of volume
- Remembers the volume level, 0dB in TM FX can't hurt if your monitors are very loud
- reference levels which are common in the studio
- and all these nice features like auto ref level, dynamic loudness for listening/enjoying music also at low vol levels
- ...

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=32506

I would connect it to USB additionally, but only for management reason (fw update) and for remote controlling via "ADI-2 Remote" software.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, M-1620 Pro D, RayDAT, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

ramses wrote:

I think so, simply try.

You can connect it to one of the four ADAT channels using SPDIF protocol. You can set all of them to SPDIF(o).

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/

I would use the Pro version. Its ports, feature set and ref levels are better suited for studio work.
Also gives you
- two equal headphone outputs if you want to A/B phones with the possibility to connect balanced phones
- more digital ports (also AES) and also digital outputs
- additionally analog inputs
- SRC (sample rate converter) can also be useful
- RME Bit test to be able to check for lossless monitoring path
- Very useful state overview to troubleshoot digital connections
- ear protection by slow ramp-up of volume
- Remembers the volume level, 0dB in TM FX can't hurt if your monitors are very loud
- reference levels which are common in the studio
- and all these nice features like auto ref level, dynamic loudness for listening/enjoying music also at low vol levels
- ...

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=32506

I would connect it to USB additionally, but only for management reason (fw update) and for remote controlling via "ADI-2 Remote" software.


Excellent!

Many thanks smile

4 (edited by easyrider 2025-01-05 17:29:49)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

ramses wrote:

You can set all of them to SPDIF(o).

I have Ferrofish Pulse 16 connected to 4 adat on the Digiface , Audient ASP 880 connected to 5th Adat port…

Can I run adat and SPDIF at the same time?

As I need to send SPDIF out of the Digiface for the ADI 2 pro…as I understand it?

5 (edited by ramses 2025-01-05 17:54:38)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

What do you have now .. ADI-2 DAC or Pro FS, I become confused as subject and your text is mixing this, please clarify.

I don't understand what you mean with "5th ADAT port".
Could you kindly deliver a quick (maybe simple ASCII-) drawing, how the devices are connected?

ADI-2 * FS understands (automatically) both: ADAT and SPDIF protocol.

When ADAT is in use, the ADI-2 DAC/PRO FS picks automatically the 1st two channels out of the data stream.
But there would be problems with clock distribution recognizing sample rates over 48 kHz automatically.
With double and quad speed, port multiplexing is in place to achieve the bandwidth.
You need a 2ch protocol like AES or SPDIF where you have only two channels and where the sample can be detected, as there are only 2ch and the sample rate really switches between 44.1 - 192 kHz.

With ADAT and port multiplexing, you are bundling 2 or 4 ports of either 44.1 or 48 kHz to achieve the higher bandwidth which is needed to get 88.1 - 192 kHz.

Therefore, it is advised to use a 2ch protocol like AES or SPDIF to connect the ADI-2 * if you use sample rates over 48 kHz.
Maybe for playback of material in your music collection.

AFAIR - when using ADAT protocol - and if you have an ADI-2 Pro or ADI-2/4 Pro SE, then the device would pick the first two channels out of the ADAT stream for itself and the rest of the channels are unused, but would be forwarded transparently out on the ADAT port if you intend to connect other devices behind the ADI-2 Pro using ADAT.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, M-1620 Pro D, RayDAT, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10

6 (edited by easyrider 2025-01-05 19:49:14)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

ramses wrote:

What do you have now .. ADI-2 DAC or Pro FS,

I haven't bought the ADI 2 yet!

Here is my proposed setup to add the ADI 2 to what I currently have , Digiface, Pulse 16 and Audient ASP880.

https://i.imgur.com/GGXAR2G.jpeg

7 (edited by easyrider 2025-01-05 19:05:19)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

So OUTPUT 3 on the DIGFACE would be set to SPDIF for stereo main to ADI 2 the other DIGIFACE ports set to ADAT ?

Clock on DIGIFACE set to internal like it is now?

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

1) You cannot have different clocks in system. And if you switch to 192k, Ferrofish will be accesible as 4in/4out.
2) You need to clock Audient. You might clock it from Ferrofish using WC. But the both would have to be on, if Audient used.

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS

9 (edited by easyrider 2025-01-05 19:33:50)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

Kubrak wrote:

1) You cannot have different clocks in system. And if you switch to 192k, Ferrofish will be accesible as 4in/4out.

I meant that ADI 2 upsamples the 48k stream from the Digiface to 192k

2) You need to clock Audient. You might clock it from Ferrofish using WC. But the both would have to be on, if Audient used.

Everything is currently working as per diagram right now…clocked from the Digiface internal clock.I just haven’t bought, and added the ADI 2 yet.

10 (edited by ramses 2025-01-05 20:08:23)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

easyrider wrote:
Kubrak wrote:

1) You cannot have different clocks in system. And if you switch to 192k, Ferrofish will be accesible as 4in/4out.

I meant that ADI 2 upsamples the 48k stream from the Digiface to 192k

Thanks for the overview.

1. Usampling doesn't increase sound quality, the quality is determined by the source format.
2. Not sure whether the built-in SRC works in this direction, sry have no time to check in the manual.
3. Audient needs to be clock master or you need to implement WC between Ferro and Audient as Kubrak mentioned, then you can use the Digiface USB as master.

Another idea is to use the ADI-2 Pro FS as clock master, but then you need the Pro model with digital outputs.
Then you have FS clock as clock source.
Still you would need WC between Ferro and Audient.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, M-1620 Pro D, RayDAT, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10

11 (edited by easyrider 2025-01-05 20:43:00)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

1. Usampling doesn't increase sound quality, the quality is determined by the source format.

Thanks..Understood



2. Not sure whether the built-in SRC works in this direction, sry have no time to check in the manual.

I don't understand which bit this refers to?

3. Audient needs to be clock master or you need to implement WC between Ferro and Audient as Kubrak mentioned, then you can use the Digiface USB as master.

Just checked and I did connect the Ferrofish to the audient via WC, Apologies for the confusion.

I've now changed my diagram...I'm thinking that the ADI 2 DAC FS will suffice for my needs.

https://i.imgur.com/MYB8sfz.jpeg

12 (edited by vinark 2025-01-05 21:22:15)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

Yes it will work, but don't expect a massive or even audible change in audio quality, unless the ferrofish is rubbish (witch it is not of course).
The weakest points in monitoring, are the monitors and the room and maybe the ears and brain (ok this is a joke of sorts). Not converter or amp quality.
The weakest links in recording are again the room (also room noise floor) and mics and mic placement. again not the preamps or converters. Of course you need a suitable preamp if you have very quiet mics like ribbons. And of course the instrument and the players talent (not a joke)!
Cheers!!!!

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

13 (edited by ramses 2025-01-05 23:18:21)

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

easyrider wrote:
ramses wrote:

1. Usampling doesn't increase sound quality, the quality is determined by the source format.

I don't understand which bit this refers to?

Regarding your picture with 48 and 192 kHz together in one setup...

The only way to be able to use two different sample rates in a setup is by having an SRC (sample rate converter) in the setup.
I thought you know it and therefore wanted to use an ADI-2 Pro FS in the setup.
Hint: ADI-2 DAC FS has no built-in SRC, for cost reasons and as digital outputs are missing.

But you really need not to upsample, it is fully sufficient to stay at single speed for the whole setup.

ADI-2 Pro FS and ADI-2/4 Pro SE have a SRC for such cases

PC
|
|
UCX II---------AES---------->ADI-2 Pro-----SPDIF---------->DAT Recorder
       \<---------AES-------------/      ^     \<----SPDIF----------/
                                                    |
                                                 SRC
    Recording Project @44.1 kHz   |                 Device with a fix sample rate
         (Variable sample rate)         |                        of e.g. 48 kHz

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, M-1620 Pro D, RayDAT, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10

Re: Questions regarding RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Digiface

ramses wrote:
easyrider wrote:
ramses wrote:

1. Usampling doesn't increase sound quality, the quality is determined by the source format.

I don't understand which bit this refers to?

Regarding your picture with 48 and 192 kHz together in one setup...

The only way to be able to use two different sample rates in a setup is by having an SRC (sample rate converter) in the setup.
I thought you know it and therefore wanted to use an ADI-2 Pro FS in the setup.
Hint: ADI-2 DAC FS has no built-in SRC, for cost reasons and as digital outputs are missing.

But you really need not to upsample, it is fully sufficient to stay at single speed for the whole setup.

ADI-2 Pro FS and ADI-2/4 Pro SE have a SRC for such cases

PC
|
|
UCX II---------AES---------->ADI-2 Pro-----SPDIF---------->DAT Recorder
       \<---------AES-------------/      ^     \<----SPDIF----------/
                                                    |
                                                 SRC
    Recording Project @44.1 kHz   |                 Device with a fix sample rate
         (Variable sample rate)         |                        of e.g. 48 kHz

Thanks.