Congratulations on your purchase of a ADI-2. This hi-quality analog to digital and digital to analog converter includes AES/SPDIF and ADAT optical digital interfaces. It represents a sophisticated, highly flexible and universal tool. Advanced circuit technology combined with latest integrated 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 / 1.25 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 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 electronic 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 guarantess 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.
• 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
regulator 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 between 8 and 20 V AC. Given the power supply can deliver the current needed.
The supplied high-quality switching power supply, 12 V / 1.25 A, not only accepts any mains
voltage 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 15 Watts.
The large voltage range of the ADI-2 also allows for the use of a rechargeable lead-battery
instead 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 LCR122R2PG battery, 12 V 2.2 Ah, can operate the ADI-2 for 4 hours.
Connect the TRS-jacks or the XLR connectors with the analog signal source. Change the input
sensitivity by pressing INPUT - LEVEL until the input level is sufficient to avoid noisy operation.
Try to achieve an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the source’s output
level until the yellow –3 LEDs light up.
The analog line inputs of the ADI-2 can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks
correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB.
The digital output of the ADI-2 can be used as SPDIF, AES/EBU and ADAT optical source. The
key OUTPUT sets the format:
• ADAT: The optical TOSLINK output operates in ADAT mode. Included support for Sample
Split (S/MUX) enables sample rates up to 96 kHz.
• PRO: The output signal carries the Channel Status Professional. The physical output level
at the RCA connector is raised, making the signal compatible to AES-3 and AES/EBU. The
same signal is found at the optical output.
• CON: The output signal carries the Channel Status Consumer. The physical output level at
the RCA connector is lowered. The same signal is found at the optical output.
On the analog playback side (the DA side), you just have to choose the desired digital input by
pressing DIGITAL - INPUT. A coarse correction of the analog output level can be done by
pressing OUTPUT LEVEL.
The output signal of the DA-converter is also available at the front, in the same quality as on
the back. The level can be changed stepless using the VOL pot. The very low impedance type
output even allows for a connection of headphones.
The ADI-2 stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is
turned on.
Transferring digital data into a PCI bus equipped computer is best done using RME's digital
interface cards of the Hammerfall® series. These hi-quality cards come with drivers for all
popular operating systems. They have a world wide reputation as ultimate solution for master
and multitrack tasks.