RME ADI-2 Pro EX Reference AD/DA Converter

The RME ADI-2 Pro EX is a reference-class AD/DA converter and headphone amplifier designed for engineers, mastering studios and discerning listeners who demand absolute transparency and flexibility. Building on the acclaimed ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition, it adds a refined chassis, upgraded headphone power, robust USB-C connectivity and advanced hardware protection, making it an ultra-reliable centrepiece for both professional and audiophile setups.

Combining high-end conversion, powerful dual headphone amps, multi-format digital I/O and deep DSP control in a compact desktop unit, the ADI-2 Pro EX comfortably replaces several separate devices. Whether you are tracking, mastering, measuring or simply listening, it delivers pristine PCM and DSD performance up to 768 kHz, with RME’s SteadyClock FS technology ensuring rock-solid clocking and jitter suppression.

Connectivity is comprehensive yet streamlined. Balanced and unbalanced analogue I/O, AES, SPDIF and ADAT digital formats, plus a fully class-compliant USB-C interface, make integration into studio, hi-fi and mobile rigs straightforward. The new trigger output lets you power compatible external amplifiers on and off in sync with the ADI-2 Pro EX, while the lockable power supply and advanced protection circuitry keep your system safe in demanding environments.

Operation is handled via a high-resolution IPS display with RME’s powerful on-board DSP. From 5-band parametric EQ and loudness compensation to binaural crossfeed and spectral analysis, you can tailor your monitoring chain precisely to your room, headphones and workflow, then store and recall your favourite setups at the touch of a button.

Reference Conversion for Studio and Audiophile Use

At the heart of the ADI-2 Pro EX are premium AKM converters: the AK5574 ADC and AK4493 DAC. Together they deliver ultra-linear, transparent conversion for both recording and playback, with sample rates up to 768 kHz and support for DSD record and Direct DSD playback. This makes the unit equally at home as a studio reference converter, a mastering-grade monitor controller or a high-end DAC in a hi-fi system.

Extreme Power Headphone Amplification

RME’s improved Extreme Power headphone stage ensures the full performance of the DAC reaches your ears, even with demanding low-impedance designs. Two independent front-panel headphone outputs provide exceptional headroom, low noise and precise control, with dedicated low and high power modes to match a wide range of headphones. RME’s Advanced Balanced mode offers a direct balanced signal path from DAC to headphones for even greater clarity and control.

Flexible Analogue and Digital Connectivity

The ADI-2 Pro EX is designed to slot into almost any signal chain. Two servo-balanced analogue inputs on combo XLR / TRS jacks handle line-level sources, while separate balanced XLR and unbalanced TRS outputs feed monitors, outboard or hi-fi systems. Optical SPDIF that also supports ADAT, plus coaxial SPDIF and AES via the supplied breakout cable, cover the most common digital formats. As a USB interface it offers both stereo and multichannel modes, with class-compliant operation for compatible iOS devices and driver support for macOS and Windows.

Deep DSP Control and Visual Feedback

RME’s powerful DSP engine and high-resolution IPS display give you detailed control over your monitoring chain. Per-output 5-band parametric EQ, bass and treble controls, adjustable loudness, binaural crossfeed and selectable AD/DA filters let you fine-tune your sound for speakers or headphones. Professional tools such as M/S processing, stereo width, phase reversal and RME’s 30-band spectral analyser provide precise visual feedback and make the ADI-2 Pro EX a versatile hub for both creative and technical work.

• Ultra-flexible Reference AD/DA Conversion - High-end AKM converters with sample rates up to 768 kHz and DSD record / Direct DSD playback deliver pristine, transparent audio for tracking, mastering and critical listening, so you hear exactly what is in your mix.
• Enhanced Extreme Power Headphone Outputs - Two powerful front-panel headphone outputs, with low and high power modes and Advanced Balanced operation, provide clean, controlled drive for everything from sensitive in-ears to demanding planar magnetics.
• Comprehensive Analogue and Digital I/O - Balanced and unbalanced analogue I/O, AES, SPDIF, ADAT and class-compliant USB-C connectivity make it easy to integrate the ADI-2 Pro EX into studio, hi-fi and mobile rigs without compromise.
• Advanced Hardware Protection and Control - Channel-independent DC protection, active PSU safeguards, a lockable USB-C port and a 12 V trigger output ensure reliable operation, protect connected gear and allow convenient power control of compatible external amplifiers.

General

• Product: RME ADI-2 Pro EX Reference AD/DA Converter
• Converter Type: 2-channel high-end AD/DA converter and headphone amplifier
• Sample Rates: Up to 768 kHz
• DSD Support: DSD record and Direct DSD playback (up to DSD256 / 11.2 MHz)
• Clocking: SteadyClock FS
• Operation Modes: Standalone converter, USB audio interface, multi-format digital converter

Analogue Inputs

• Inputs: 2 x servo-balanced analogue inputs
• Connectors: Combo XLR / TRS jacks
• Hardware Level Control: 4-stage input reference level selection

Analogue Outputs

• Main Outputs: 2 x balanced XLR, 2 x unbalanced TRS
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x Extreme Power stereo headphone outputs (front panel)
• Headphone Modes: Low and high power modes, Advanced Balanced operation available
• Hardware Level Control: 4-stage output reference level selection
• Output Design: DC-coupled outputs

Digital I/O

• ADAT: 1 x ADAT optical I/O (optical port also supports SPDIF)
• SPDIF: 1 x coaxial SPDIF I/O (via breakout cable), 1 x optical SPDIF I/O
• AES: 1 x AES I/O (via breakout cable, XLR)

USB and Control

• USB Port: RME USB-C (USB 2.0, lockable)
• USB Modes: Class compliant (UAC 2) and standard driver-based operation
• Computer Interface Modes: Stereo (2 in / 2 out) and multichannel (6 in / 8 out)
• Compatibility: macOS (class compliant), Windows (RME MADIface series driver), compatible iOS devices (class compliant)
• Remote: Remote control support
• Trigger Out: 12 V trigger output on 3.5 mm mono jack for switching compatible external devices

DSP and Monitoring

• EQ: 5-band parametric EQ per output
• Tone Controls: Adjustable bass and treble with quick access
• Additional Processing: Binaural crossfeed, adjustable loudness filter, selectable AD/DA filters
• Professional Tools: M/S processing, stereo width control, phase reversal
• Analysis: RME Spectral Analyser (30-band biquad filtered)
• Display: High-resolution IPS display with status, metering, warnings and guidance messages
• Settings: Full control and storage of all settings

Power and Protection

• Power Supply: External switched power supply with lockable connector (NT-RME-13)
• PSU Features: World-wide usable, semi-grounded design
• Protection: Channel-independent DC protection, advanced PSU protection with active circuitry for wrong polarity and overvoltage detection
• Chassis: Enlarged, ventilated chassis with improved cooling efficiency and chrome feet