Connectivity and Features

• 2 x Phono/Line input

• 1 x ADAT I/O

• 1 x SPDIF I/O

• 1 x AES I/O

• RME USB-C

• 1 x Phones or Balanced Pentaconn

• 4 x Line Output

• Class Compliant Mode

• Remote

• SteadyClock EX

• DC-coupled Outputs

• 2 Year RME Factory Warranty PLUS an Additional Year on Pro Audio Toys!

RME's latest AD/DA converter is:

• A high-end AD/DA converter in professional studio quality

• A double headphone amplifier in true high-end quality

• A USB DAC like no other - the most versatile and capable one around

• A high-end AD/DA frontend and headphone amp for iPad and iPhone

• An AD/DA frontend for measurement systems at up to 768 kHz sample rate

• A multi-format converter (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) with monitoring

• An SPDIF/ADAT playback system

• A DSD record and playback solution

• A vinyl player digitizing solution on highest level

A Multitude of Devices compressed in one Housing

The ADI-2/4 Pro EX is a 2-channel analog input to digital and 4-channel digital to analog output converter in a half-rack (9.5") enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 32 bit / 768 kHz converters offer up to 127 dBA signal to noise ratio. Reference class tech specs throughout are combined with an unprecedented feature set. A powerful DSP adds all kinds of useful audio processing, including 5-band parametric EQ, fast Bass/Treble adjustment, Crossfeed, and a new concept in Loudness sound control.

The ADI-2/4 Pro EX includes two servo-balanced analog inputs on combo XLR / TRS jacks, two separate balanced and unbalanced outputs on XLR and TRS, two stereo Extreme Power headphone outputs on the front for easy balanced operation of all headphones, including IEMs via Pentaconn connector.

Also available are optical SPDIF I/O, which also understands ADAT, as well as coaxial SPDIF (RCA) and AES I/O (XLR) via an included breakout cable. This universal set of I/O options offers superior quality and flexible connectivity to those who take a no-compromise approach to audio.

With independent balanced outputs for Line and Phones, balanced phones no longer mutes the rear outputs. Balanced Line and Balanced Phones outputs can be used simultaneously, even with different sources/signals. The balanced TRS in the back can be fed from Line 1/2 or Phones 3/4 signal path, perfect for handling insert effects during the mastering process.

A high resolution IPS panel for the graphical operation surface eases operation even more, and displays further functions provided by the DSP, namely Peak level meters, a 30-band analyzer in DIGICheck biquad filter technology, and a State Overview screen listing the current states of SPDIF, AES, USB and clock.

As a computer interface the ADI-2/4 Pro EX offers a stereo (2 in / 2 out) and a multichannel mode (6 in / 8 out). Compatibility with macOS comes right out of the box. Under Windows the ADI-2/4 Pro EX uses RME's MADIface series driver, for full WDM and ASIO compatibility and highest performance.

Extreme Power Headphones - The new Reference in Accuracy and Dynamic Range

RME’s developed Extreme Power headphone stage is now further improved and delivers incredible more powerful headphone outputs. With a Special IEM mode, the Lower noise Extreme Power design adds additional IEM power states (High power, Low power, IEM) for full IEM compatibility.

All three phones outputs feature mute relay, over-current detection, DC protection, plug detection and DSP control, like auto assigning volume, volume ramp up, auto balanced mode, dual phones mode, user interaction at overload detection, and low impedance level meter auto scaling.

RME’s True Balanced mode realizes balanced phones operation independent from the XLR outputs. The device features 2 balanced input channels and 4 balanced output channels. Balanced headphones only use DAC channels 3/4 and the rear outputs can still output an independent signal via DAC 1/2. In True Balanced mode the ADI-2/4 Pro SE’s maximum output level rises to +7 dBu for IEM, +13 dBu for Low Power, +25 dBu for High Power. The signal to noise ratio stays unchanged.

Latest-Generation ESS Conversion

The ADI-2/4 Pro EX features RME's latest converter design with the ES9823Pro A/D converter and ES9039Q2M D/A converter, delivering improved signal-to-noise ratio, lower distortion and even greater conversion accuracy. Combined with RME's optimized analog circuitry and SteadyClock EX technology, the unit continues to provide transparent conversion and exceptional clock stability.

Enhanced Connectivity

A new lockable USB-C connector replaces the previous USB connection while maintaining USB 2.0 compatibility. The robust connector ensures a secure connection in mobile and studio environments, and a matching 1.8 m USB-C cable is included. The USB-C port is fully Class Compliant (UAC 2.0) a standard that is natively supported by operating systems like iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows 10 (since 1709), and is also used for firmware updates. Including an external switched power supply with lockable connector, the ADI-2/4 Pro EX can be easily powered from battery, opening up mobile applications as well as galvanically isolated use cases.

Advanced Protection Circuitry

The hardware has been further refined with several new protection features. A channel-independent DC protection circuit safeguards each headphone output individually, while a new active fuse-less power supply protection system detects incorrect polarity and overvoltage conditions before damage can occur. To improve installation flexibility, the ADI-2/4 Pro EX now includes a dedicated ground terminal for connecting turntables or providing an earth connection where required. The unit is also compatible with the new RM19-III rackmount adapter.

SteadyClock EX: Factory-Calibrated Clock Precision

SteadyClock FS has been expanded with factory calibration of the internal clock to an accuracy of ±1 ppm. In addition, users can adjust the internal sampling rate by ±50 ppm in 0.1 ppm increments, allowing precise synchronization with external equipment even without a dedicated word clock connection—an approach RME refers to as "Sync without Sync."

Extended Analog Performance

The analog input section has also been significantly extended. Reference levels now reach down to -35 dBu, allowing direct connection of dynamic microphones and supporting many additional recording applications. RIAA equalization is now available in Line mode (0 dB gain), enabling the use of external phono preamps while simplifying integration of moving coil cartridge systems. Selectable balanced input impedances of 94 kΩ and 47 kΩ provide optimal matching for balanced moving magnet cartridges. The higher SNR of the updated DAC further improves the already very low phones output noise floor with the lower reference levels, in both unbalanced and balanced mode.

Extended Linear Analog Range (ELAR)

The ADI-2/4 Pro EX features a refined version of its predecessor's (ADI-2/4 Pro SE) Extended Linear Analog Range (ELAR) technology, designed to preserve the maximum signal integrity throughout the complete analog signal path. ELAR combines the outstanding performance of RME’s latest converter architecture with carefully optimized filtering to achieve outstanding transparency and an exceptionally linear frequency response. The result is reference-grade audio quality that retains a remarkably analog purity while offering full DSP flexibility for versatile sound shaping.

Greater Monitoring Flexibility

The ADI-2/4 Pro EX further extends its flexible monitoring capabilities by allowing ADAT channels 3/4 to be selected directly as the headphone source. This provides additional routing options for digital monitoring and simplifies a variety of recording, mixing and playback workflows without requiring external routing solutions.

 More Outstanding Features

DigiCheck - The Secret Weapon of High Resolution Audio Measurements

RME Audio interfaces not only provide you with a professional digital audio interface, but also with a free available software tool: DigiCheck, for metering, testing, measuring and analyzing digital audio streams.