RME ADI-2 [9/17] Headphones

User's Guide ADI-2 © RME

7.3 Headphones

The PHONES output on the front is fed from the DA-converter too. Although this output is not

balanced, it still offers the same outstanding technical specifications as the rear outputs (e.g.

119 dBA SNR), so can be used as high quality Line output as well ( see chapter 12, Connector

Pinouts).

The level of the headphone output can be changed in a stepless way using the VOL pot. The

special hi-power output design (30 Ohms) is not only of a very low impedance type, but also

offers high headroom at up to +19 dBu output level.

7.4 Digital Inputs

The ADI-2 has a coaxial and an optical digital input.

The button INPUT sets the desired input active.

The digital input format is detected automatically. Be it AES, SPDIF or ADAT, further settings at

the ADI-2 are not necessary. In case of ADAT optical only channels 1 and 2 are converted to

analog, channels 3 to 8 are ignored.

To receive signals in AES/EBU format,

an adapter cable is required. Pins 2 and

3 of a female XLR plug are connected

individually to the two pins of a phono

plug. The cable shielding is only con-

nected to pin 1 of the XLR - not to the

phono plug.

The ground-free design, with transformers for digital inputs and outputs, offers a trouble-free

connection of all devices along with perfect hum rejection.

The ADAT optical inputs of the ADI-2 are fully compatible with all ADAT optical outputs. RME's

unsurpassed Bitclock PLL prevents clicks and drop outs even in extreme varipitch operation,

and guarantees a fast and low jitter lock to the digital input signal. A usual TOSLINK cable is

sufficient for connection.

SPDIF Double/Quad Speed

Both the coaxial and optical input support all sample rates between 32 and 192 kHz directly.

They operate in the so called Single Wire mode.

ADAT Double/Quad Speed

At sample rates above 48 kHz (Double/Quad Speed) ADAT uses Sample Multiplexing (S/MUX)

to be able to operate at up to 192 kHz. The data of the channels 1 and 2 will be transmitted

using channels 1/2 and 3/4 (S/MUX), or channels 1 to 8 (S/MUX4). The ADI-2 can receive and

recombine data into 2 channels 96 kHz from all S/MUX compatible devices, like the Hammer-

fall, HDSP and ADI-8 series from RME.

Emphasis

The ADI-2's DA-converter supports Emphasis. This control information, only found in

SPDIF/AES signals, causes the converter to reduce treble. (Note: this technology was used in

the early days of digital audio, and is no longer used since years).

The button INPUT LEVEL offer s a fourth state (LEDs off). In this mode the ADI-2 operates

as Insert DA Converter. The Level Meter show the audio level of the digital input signal,

which is passed-through from input to output.