RME Audio ADI-2 User manual

User's Guide
ADI-2
SyncAlignTM
SyncCheckTM
Intelligent Clock ControlTM
SteadyClockTM
Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 192 kHz
2-Channel AD / DA-Converter
AES / SPDIF / ADAT Interface
Hi-Power Hi-End Headphone Output
AES/EBU
192 kHz / 24 Bit Interface

2 User's Guide ADI-2 © RME
Contents
1 Introduction ...............................................................3
2 Supplied Contents ....................................................3
3 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................3
4 Technical Specifications
4.1 Analog Specs.........................................................4
4.2 Digital Specs..........................................................5
4.3 Digital Interface......................................................5
5 Power Supply.............................................................5
6 First Usage - Quick Start..........................................6
7 Inputs and Outputs
7.1 Analog Inputs.........................................................7
7.2 Analog Outputs ......................................................8
7.3 Headphones...........................................................9
7.4 Digital Inputs ..........................................................9
7.5 Digital Outputs......................................................10
8 Clock Section...........................................................11
9 Noise Level in DS / QS Mode .................................12
10 SteadyClock.............................................................12
11 Controls and Connectors.......................................13
12 Connector Pinouts..................................................14
13 Firmware ..................................................................14
14 Block Diagram.........................................................15
15 Warranty...................................................................16
16 Appendix..................................................................16

User's Guide ADI-2 © RME 3
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a ADI-2. This hi-quality analog to digital and digital to ana-
log converter includes AES/SPDIF and ADAT optical digital interfaces. It represents a sophisti-
cated, highly flexible and universal tool. Advanced circuit technology combined with latest inte-
grated circuits result in a unique and outstanding device, meeting highest quality standards. The
ADI-2 will excite you even after many years of operation.
2. Supplied Contents
Please check that your ADI-2's package contains each of the following:
•ADI-2
•User's guide
•Power supply 12 V / 2 A and power cord
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The ADI-2 is a 2-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter in a half-rack (9.5")
enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit / 192 kHz converters offer up to 119 dBA dynamic ratio.
This value is not only printed in the brochure - thanks to our Low Jitter Design it is available with
every sold unit.
The servo balanced analog inputs and outputs are fitted with both XLR and 1/4" TRS jacks. The
signal path from the jacks to the ADC is completely symmetrical. Both signal paths A/D and D/A
are internally DC-coupled, for highest phase accuracy at lowest roll-off. The hi-power/hi-end
headphone output provides reference sound. The digital inputs and outputs are available as
AES/EBU, SPDIF coaxial and optical, as well as ADAT optical.
To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level, RME's ADI-2 includes elec-
tronic switches of the latest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the
audio path. Two switches on the front panel let you control input and output level for a perfect
adaptation to the most often used standards -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Two compact level meters
provide 6 LEDs each. Multiple brightness stages and peak hold functionality make reading and
adjusting input levels easy and convenient.
The ADI-2 can provide all sample rates between 32 kHz and 192 kHz. The unique Intelligent
Clock Control technology (ICC) offers a flexible operation with internal clock and the digital input
signals. Furthermore, RME's SteadyClock guarantees exceptional performance in all clock
modes. Thanks to a highly efficient jitter suppression, the AD-conversion always operates on
highest sonic level, being completely independent from the quality of the incoming clock signal.

4 User's Guide ADI-2 © RME
4. Technical Specifications
•Power supply: external switching power supply, 100 - 240 V AC, 20 Watts
•Accepted power supply voltage: DC 8 V – 28 V, AC 8 V – 20 V
•Current at 12 V: 670 mA (8 Watts)
•Dimensions including rack ears (WxHxD): 265 x 44 x 165 mm (10.5" x 1.73" x 6.5")
•Dimensions without rack ears/handles (WxHxD): 218 x 44 x 155 mm (8.6" x 1.73" x 6.1")
•Weight: 1 kg ( 3.3 lbs)
•Temperature range: +5° up to +50° Celsius (41° F up to 122°F)
•Relative humidity: < 75%, non condensing
4.1 Analog Specs
AD
•Resolution AD: 24 bit
•Signal to Noise ratio: 110 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA
•Frequency response AD @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz - 21.5 kHz
•Frequency response AD @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz – 45.3 kHz
•Frequency response AD @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz - 74 kHz
•THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %
•THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
•Crosstalk: > 110 dB
•Maximum input level AD: +19 dBu
•Input: XLR or 1/4" TRS, electronically balanced
•Input impedance: 10 kOhm
•Input sensitivity switchable: +4 dBu, -10 dBV, Lo Gain
•Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu
•Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
•Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV
DA
•Resolution DA: 24 Bit
•Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 116 dB RMS unweighted, 119 dBA @ 44.1 kHz (unmuted)
•Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 1 Hz – 21.1 kHz
•Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 1 Hz – 43.5 kHz
•Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 1 Hz – 70 kHz
•THD: -103 dB, < 0.0007 %
•THD+N: -100 dB, < 0.0001 %
•Crosstalk: > 110 dB
•Maximum output level DA: +19 dBu
•Output: XLR and 1/4" TRS, servo balanced
•Output impedance: 75 Ohm
•Output level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
•Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu
•Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
•Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV
DA - Stereo Monitor Output (Phones)
•as DA, except:
•Output: 6.3 mm stereo TRS, unbalanced
•Output impedance: 30 Ohm

User's Guide ADI-2 © RME 5
4.2 Digital Specs
•Clocks: Internal, ADAT In, SPDIF In
•Low jitter design: < 1 ns in PLL mode, all inputs
•Internal clock: 800 ps jitter, random spread spectrum
•Jitter suppression of external clocks: about 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
•Effective clock jitter influence on AD and DA conversion: near zero
•PLL ensures zero dropout, even at more than 100 ns jitter
•Digital Bitclock PLL for trouble-free varispeed ADAT operation
•Suppoerted sample rates: 30 kHz up to 200 kHz
4.3 Digital Interface
•Digital inputs and outputs ground-free transformer coupled
•Formats: optical (TOSLINK), RCA (SPDIF, AES/EBU compatible)
•High-sensitivity input stage RCA: < 0.2 Vpp input level
•Output voltage RCA Consumer 0.8 V, Professional 2.3 V
5. Power Supply
In order to make operating the ADI-2 as flexible as possible, the unit contains a switching regu-
lator of the latest technology, which not only has a high efficiency (> 90%), but also prevents
internal hum noise by operating beyond 100 kHz. Another advantage: the ADI-2 accepts any
power supply with voltages between 8 and 28 V DC, no matter which polarity, and even be-
tween 8 and 20 V AC. Given the power supply can deliver the current needed.
The supplied high-quality switching power supply, 12 V / 2 A, not only accepts any mains volt-
age between 100 V and 240 V (usable world-wide), but is also fully regulated against voltage
fluctuations. Additionally it only weighs 150 g in spite of its high power of 20 Watts.
The large voltage range of the ADI-2 also allows for the use of a rechargeable lead-battery in-
stead of a power supply, for completely independent mobile operation. A matching connection
cable (power jack to terminals 6.3 mm) is available from RME. A Panasonic LC-R122R2PG
battery, 12 V 2.2 Ah, can operate the ADI-2 for 4 hours.