ADI-2 Remote 2.2 Loopback ?

ADI-2 Remote is irrelevant here (it's just a control interface); you need to refer to the converter's own user manual. ADI-2 Pro FS R does have the loopback function for each output, and it's described in chapter 17.4.3 of its manual. I see no reason for the ADI-2 Pro EX not having it as well.

Thanks for the answers

Indeed I thought it was software related, but missed it was related to the software.
If ADI 2 Prod FS R have it should be ok then. I'll search for the manual.

I'll keep my Babfyface , but is has some issue (i created this post for it https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=43463 ).
(Well tbh actuallly I leaved my home for two weeks and I didn't had the issue since my return 4 days ago, maybe it solved with the latest windows update or something else).

I'm not sure to understand, if I connect my babyface (or buy an ARC USB) it makes total mix usable with the ADI-2 ex input/ouput ?
If so it's good news, as the ARC USB is not that expensive so if my babyface is really broken I could do this if I miss Total Mix.

PS : I plan to use it in USB mode, I produce music on PC only and my main goal is to have the best headphone output ever for my Audeze mm-500 (planar magnetic) with less cable as possible to minimise the audio path, so direct USB to headphone seems the best to me. As I was really happy with my Babyface since 15 years I want to stick with RME.

Ok thanks, I understand.
I'll mostly use ADI-2 Pro Ex and keep my old Babyface around if I need it

About the loopback the chapter 17.4.3 of the manual talks about it so it should be ok
https://rme-audio.de/downloads/adi2proex_e.pdf

May I ask, do you fear sound degradation (you won't have any due to digital transport of audio data through ADAT/SPDIF), or is there another reason you would not consider setting it up this way right from the start?

In my experience, it is best to have something "ready for use" to be able to react directly to any demand. Then you can be certain that it works, as the setup is in use every day.

Otherwise, you will always have to complete the setup steps before being able to use it. If you only use it seldom, you might forget one detail or another, and I am certain that this won't lead to a good user experience.

Plugging and unplugging ADAT is usually a no-brainer, but if you do it too hastily, you might break the ADAT port door in an unlucky case.

Thanks @waedi for the precision about the Loudness that may influence the loopback sound, it was a little late I didnd't payed attention to it !
At first I'm looking for the most "vanilla sound", no EQ or any effect, but I admit I'm curious about the Crossfeed and Loudness options.
I often work with low level to economise my ears as I work with headphone most of the time, the Loudness bass auto-boost at low level may compensate perception on such volume.

I repeat my proposal to use Babyface in combination with ADI-2 FS R BE.

With this, you are getting all of your requirements together in the best possible way.

Loopback Recording

Loopback recording through TotalMix FX (Babyface) is much easier to use.
You only need to push the loopback button on an output, and you will have the loopback signal on the corresponding input for recording with the DAW or any other program.
Then you can still use the ADI-2 PRO EX for monitoring with dynamic loudness and crossfeed without having those DSP effects on the recording, which is usually not wanted.

Read Chapter 17.4.3 of the ADI-2 Pro EX manual: https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/adi2proex_e.pdf

"Loopback includes all FX from the menu Main Output 1/2 and Phones 3/4 Settings: Mono, Width, M/S-Proc, Phase Invert, and Crossfeed, as well as EQ, B/T, and Loudness. However, the latter is still dependent on the output Volume setting and the VOL-Ref, although the level of the USB recording signal is not changed by VOLUME. This is correct as the current sound of the analog path is recorded 1:1. But unlike most other settings, Loudness can go unnoticed in this case and change the recording unintentionally. It is recommended to deactivate Loudness in such cases"

At the same time, you will be able to use dynamic loudness and Crossfeed for your headphones whenever you like without having to pay attention to it when doing loopback recordings.

Turning off EQing quickly (key remapping)

With the key remapping, you can assign the EQ key so that all EQing (B/T, PEQ, dynamic loudness, Crossfeed) can be turned off on demand (toggle), which is sometimes very useful if you want to listen to the original signal. I am using it currently a lot for headphone and earpad comparisons. If you press the key longer, you will have the original functionality of the key.

Reliable restore of TotalMix FX and ADI-2 Pro EX settings

Regarding setup in the living room and your fear that somebody will screw up the setup, no worries.

Both devices give you easy functions to recall a stored setup:
- In TotalMix FX it is called a "workspace", additionally you have 30 Workspace Quick Select slots, more to this later.
- The ADI-2 PRO EX has 9 "memory slots".

If you have a PC, additionally, I recommend you getting a good working disk imaging program like Macrium Reflect Home, which can make a disk image of your system disk and restore the state of last week, yesterday, or this morning 1:1 so that you can work again no matter what has been screwed up and by whom; Windows updates can also cause harm.

The TotalMix FX workspace saves everything (except Preferences (F2)): the size and location of the TotalMix FX window, the snapshots, and channel settings, the current routing.

Then you can place it on your computer's disk so that it will be part of your backup procedures.
Additionally, I recommend saving it to Workspace Quick Select Slot #1, then you can restore your workspace with a simple key combination ALT-1 (Apple: Option-1).
Whenever you think somebody screwed something up in TotalMix FX, press ALT-1 (Option-1) to restore the workspace "easiest" from WQS and done.

Backing all of TM FX settings, including preferences

If you want to back up everything, including preferences, this has to be done by a backup program like Macrium Reflect Home or by using software like FreeFileSync to mirror the TotalMix FX folder to a backup location.
I mean the TotalMix FX folder in your Windows user profile which has all those files
C:\Users\<loginname>\AppData\Local\TotalMixFX

I wrote a blog article, which gives you more insight into the content of the TotalMix FX folder in the Windows user profile, including a recommendation for backup and restore:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … nd-backup/

Backup/Restore of ADI-2 Pro EX settings

A similar thing you can do with the ADI-2 Pro EX. Save the configuration to one of the nine "memory slots".
Whenever you think somebody screwed something up on the ADI, restore the config from a memory slot.
This can be performed easily either at the device itself or by using the ADI-2 Remote software.

ADI-2 Pro EX - operational things - useful Key Remapping

In my blog article for the integration of the reference converters (https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/) I am giving you already a worked-out key remapping that has proven to be useful over the years:

The mapping again in text form:
- VOL key: Toggle View -> for switching between the displays, also useful when using the remote control
- I/O key: Toggle Ph/Line -> for switching between active monitors (1/2) and headphones (3/4)
- EQ key: EQ+B/T+Ld 1-4 -> for toggling EQ related stuff on/off (except Crossfeed)
- SETUP key: Mute all -> little "safety knob" to turn off the volume for monitoring

My TotalMix FX Preferences (F2)

Here are my current TotalMix FX preferences (F2), just in case they might be useful to you as well: