• Registered: 2026-08-17
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Topic: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Be patient with me.  I have a new-to-me ADI 2 DAC FS that I would really like to connect to my ipad.  I feel like I've tried everything suggested on the forum to no avail.  I have three weeks to return to the seller if defective.  I have:
1. Successfully used it with my laptop - so the USB connection and cables - oh so many cables work.

2.  Made sure that MIDI is on

3.  Loaded the latest firmware (the startup screen says its version 62)

4.  Tried no less than 5 cables of new and old vintage with and without adapters

5.  Tried to buy a USB C-B cable from RME directly (frustratingly - the B side uses a right-angle connector that interferes with the power cable)

6.  Tried a new iPad w/ USB-C interface, tried an older iPad with lightning interface and camera adapter

7.  Hunted through every conceivable iPad setting.  If I'm missing something - Apple has hidden it good.

8  Power cycled the heck out of both the iPads and the DAC

What am I missing?  Is it possible it's a hardware problem with the DAC?  I would really appreciate your input.

  • waedi
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Did the own loudspeakers of the iPad got silent when the ADI-2 is connected ?

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Thank you for responding.  The iPad speakers continue to function as though the iPad was not connected to anything and the connection diagnostic screen on the DAC refuses to acknowledge that anything is connected to USB.  Everything is fine when connected to a Windows laptop.

4 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2026-08-18 04:13:45)

  • waedi
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Connection has not established.
As you say it works fine with another computer, this points to the iPad having an issue.

The ADI-2 should show CC or iOS symbol in the display and the loudspeakers of the iPad should switch off.

And you did hit the USB ?

https://i.ibb.co/xtJYJcQw/usb.jpg

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

I tried two iPads - one a new one with USB-C and a second older model with lightning and camera adapter.  I tried input Auto and input USB - selected on both the device and using the remote control just now.

Thank you.

  • Registered: 2026-08-17
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

In every other respect the device has exceeded all of my expectations.

7 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2026-08-18 04:58:15)

  • waedi
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

You tried lots of cables, no need to say : its the cable try another cable...

The volume on the iPad is up ? The volume at the DAC is up ?

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

I tried a lot of cables, but I'm leaving the possibility open.  Since the one I ordered through RME Synthax was physically incompatible with the DAC, I was not able to close the door completely.  Unfortunately, I have not found any cables advertised as "Class Complaint - works with DACs".  My Amazon order history includes a Sweguard (the first I tried) and I ordered a UGreen based on someone mentioning that it worked for them.  One was a printer cable, another a scanner cable.  The last attempt was the RME.  If there is a cable that would eliminate this possible source of the problem (that doesn't cost $100, I will give it a shot.

Thanks

9 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2026-08-18 09:10:13)

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Do you have any other DAC to try with iPad and the same USB cable you do use with ADI-2?

If this works it's an ADI-2 issue, if not, it's a cable / iPad issue (*1).

BTW: MIDI "ON' at ADI-2 is only needed for RME ADI-2 Remote app to communicate.
Audio works without, just by plugging, with no extra measures.


(*1)
I have an iPad here that needs repair on the USB-C port, it stopped working even for charging and data transfer, due to mechanical stress from plugging/unplugging.
Such things happen.

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Have you got any other USB (audio) devices that you can connect for a test?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

It works for me with  adapter C/A  and the stock cable. No problem.https://i.postimg.cc/hPDrxWgT/IMG-20260818-133936.jpg

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

It's not the iPad - connected to another DAC and worked just fine.  Unfortunately, that was USB-C to USB-C.  I don't own another DAC that accepts USB-B.

The cable that came with the DAC looks relatively robust and could be stock, but since I purchased pre-owned I can' be sure.  I had to use a MFi certified USB A to C adapter with it.

I'm starting to believe it's the DAC.  It just seems like an odd failure where the unit still works with my PC.  I thought it was much more likely user error, but I'm running out of ideas.

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Would you happen to know anyone else with an iPad?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2026-08-17
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

I've also tried an older iPad with the lightning connection and a camera adapter and I've tried my USB-C iPhone.  No luck.

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Is the unit switched to Auto (I/O - Line Out - Settings - Source)?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2026-08-17
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

I've tried it both in AUTO and USB.

  • Registered: 2026-08-17
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

The cable that came with the DAC is USB-A to USB-B and is labeled "Monoprice".

  • Registered: 2026-03-05
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Before I had the connection prblem with the Remote app, I could NOT get any sound out of the ADI2 Pro FSR.

My problem was the IO/Analog Input/Ref Level was set to set to +24. After changing it to +4, I got sound out at a nice volume to headphones and speakers. It was so low that it was inaudible.

You might have to also change IO/Main Out 1/2/Ref Level to +4. I don't understand what all these settings do, so one of the two settings may not be required.

Also don't forget there is a Mute setting that should be OFF.

I am using this cable from Amazon that is working for me with the ADI2.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C9YDY3Y

Check out this thread where I was getting help with these settings.

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=43328
.

19 Reply by MC

  • MC
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

There are no settings that could disable the ADI-2 to be detected by the iPad. Also when connected there will be a message on the iPad screen, plus playback immediately changing to the ADI-2. Plus the ADI's State Overview shows USB, of course.

As none of this happens and the ADI works with a laptop, the used cable and iPad are most probably the cause. BUT it can not be ruled out that the USB input stage of the ADI is partly damaged, in a way that it now only works with some devices. That would be a very rare occurence, though.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

I appreciate everyone's help.  You've all been very supportive.

21 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2026-08-19 07:50:58)

  • KaiS
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

berryhill6 wrote:

...I had to use a MFi certified USB A to C adapter with it...

This adapter is the most suspect to cause the problem, besides the cable itself.
ADI-2 isn't cable-picky, I have a lot of inexpensive USB-C to USB-B cables, all of them work in the very same configuration.

As mentioned, if ADI-2 DAC works connected to a laptop, ADI-2 is not the cause.


If you just purchased ADI-2 used, to avoid any screwed settings from the previous owner, you should try a reset:

While powering up, push and hold the VOL button (NOT the VOLUME dial) and Encoder 1, until you see the message: “Reset done“.

User Setups and EQ Presets are not deleted.


Or a full factory reset:

While powering up, push and hold the VOL button (NOT the VOLUME dial) and Encoder 1 and Encoder 2, until you see the message: “Reset done“.

All user Setups and EQ Presets are deleted.
Take notes before, or store them through the RME ADI-2 Remote app, if you want to keep some.

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

berryhill6 wrote:

I've also tried an older iPad with the lightning connection and a camera adapter and I've tried my USB-C iPhone.  No luck.

Connecting to the iPhone with the same cable? How did you connect to Lightning?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

23 Reply by berryhill6 (edited by berryhill6 2026-08-20 02:33:49)

  • Registered: 2026-08-17
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

I tried the iPhone using a couple of USB-C to USB-B cables.  One was an Anker, the other Ugreen.  Neither high end by any stretch of the imagination, but I would have expected them to work.  I have used similar cables connecting my other DAC to my iOS devices. 

KaiS - thanks for the tip on the reset.  I had wondered why pressing the three encoders at the same time seemed like such an unreasonable feat of agility.  Unfortunately, it didn't help.

I have ordered the cable that Indy33 said worked on his/her unit.  As a bonus- it apparently has superpowers due to its unobtanium composition.  Since I know it works, it should decide the issue once and for all.  If the cable is the problem, I would respectfully suggest a sticky with a list of a few cables that are known to work.

24 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2026-08-20 06:24:10)

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

berryhill6 wrote:

I tried the iPhone using a couple of USB-C to USB-B cables.  ... 
I have used similar cables connecting my other DAC to my iOS devices. 

KaiS - thanks for the tip on the reset.  ...   Unfortunately, it didn't help.

One last question:
Which firmware number shows up when ADI-2 is booting? Maybe it's a stone-old one, albeit I don't know of any issues related to this.

At this point it looks like your ADI-2 DAC has a strange USB issue, working on PC, but not on iDevice.
If you double-checked other DACs do work with the same cable, and if you're inside a return window, I'd suggest to use it.

berryhill6 wrote:

... , I would respectfully suggest a sticky with a list of a few cables that are known to work.

Not necessarily, because ADI-2 is by no means USB-cable picky.
All of my various no-name cables do work.

KaiS's Website

25 Reply by berryhill6 (edited by berryhill6 2026-08-22 22:18:17)

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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

[Solved].  As improbable as it is, it was the DAC.  I ordered another one.  It showed up, I plugged the cheapest cable I own into it, and it immediately paired with the iPad, the remote app works splendidly, and it displays the correct sample rate.

I don't know what unholy music was played through the DAC previously, but it apparently damaged something in the input stage

Thank you all for your help.

26 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2026-08-23 03:09:46)

  • waedi
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Glad you found the culprit.
Let the other ADI-2 repair and sell it as refurbished for a good price.

repair by the RME service partner so they can tell what the issue was

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Unfortunately I need to return it to the seller now or not at all.   I don’t have any way of knowing how much the repairs will cost.

  • waedi
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Re: [Solved] Another new "i can't connect" topic

Ah thats good for you.

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue