Rme ADI-2 FS User Manual
User's Guide
ADI-2
The Analog Tool with Digital Spice
SyncAlign
SyncCheck
Intelligent Clock Control
SteadyClock FS
FS
Hi-Precision 24 Bit / 192 kHz
2-Channel AD / DA-Converter
AES / SPDIF / ADAT Interface
High Power² Headphone Output
Advanced Feature Set
AES/EBU
192 kHz / 24 Bit Interface
Contents
1 Introduction ...............................................................3
2 Supplied Contents ....................................................3
3 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................3
4 Power Supply.............................................................4
5 First Usage - Quick Start ..........................................5
6 Inputs and Outputs
6.1 Line In XLR / TRS ..................................................6
6.2 Line Out XLR..........................................................6
6.3 Line Out TRS .........................................................7
6.4 Variable Output Level.............................................7
6.5 Phones ...................................................................7
6.6 Digital Inputs ..........................................................8
6.7 Digital Outputs........................................................9
7 Clock Section...........................................................10
8 Digital Pass-Through (DIG) ....................................11
9 Analog Pass-Through (ANA)..................................11
10 Technical Specifications
10.1 Analog ..................................................................12
10.2 Digital ...................................................................12
10.3 Digital I/O .............................................................13
10.4 General ................................................................13
11 Technical Background
11.1 Noise Level in DS/QS Modes ..............................14
11.2 SteadyClock .........................................................14
12 Controls and Connectors .......................................15
13 Connector Pinouts ..................................................16
14 Block Diagram .........................................................17
15 Accessories .............................................................18
16 Warranty...................................................................18
17 Appendix ..................................................................19
18 Declaration of Conformity ......................................20
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User's Guide ADI-2 FS © RME
1. Introduction
With the ADI-2 FS, RME introduces the successor to the renowned ADI-2. Although the ADI-2
FS has been completely redesigned – for example with the complete analog input stage of the
award-winning ADI-2 Pro - it still has the same, easy operation and I/Os as its predecessor.
During its development some useful improvements were also added. The step-less adjustment
of the rear output level can be activated directly on the front instead of internal jumpers. The
new ANA option, which realizes an analog bypass from the analog input to the analog output,
gives the ADI-2 FS a cornucopia of applications beyond AD and DA conversion. And naturally
the ADI-2 FS comes with RME's latest SteadyClock.
Mute relays on XLR and Phones Out and four times the output power at the headphone output
with only 0.1 ohm output impedance make the ADI-2 FS, among other things, an ideal, lowpriced supplement to all RME interfaces up to the ADI-2 Pro. The ADI-2 FS provides these
devices with two additional analog inputs and outputs and an additional headphone output.
The ADI-2 FS is a high quality, yet highly flexible and universally applicable tool. Advanced
circuit technology combined with latest integrated circuits result in a unique and outstanding
device, meeting highest quality standards. The ADI-2 FS will excite you even after many years
of operation. The ADI-2 FS works as:
x AD/DA converter in professional studio quality
x Powerful headphone amplifier with analog and digital input
x Multi-format converter (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) with monitoring
x SPDIF/ADAT playback system
x Analog impedance converter
x Analog level adaptation
x Analog balanced converter (unbalanced to balanced)
x Analog distribution amp
2. Supplied Contents
Please check that your ADI-2 FS package contains each of the following:
x ADI-2 FS
x User's guide
x External switched power supply, lockable connector, DC 12 V 24 W
x Power cord
3. Brief Description and Characteristics
The ADI-2 FS 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 120 dBA dynamic range. This
value is not only printed in the brochure – it is what the unit achieves in real-world operation.
The servo-balanced analog inputs and dedicated balanced and unbalanced outputs are fitted
with both XLR and 1/4" TRS/TS jacks. The unit's analog input stage uses a fully balanced and
DC-coupled circuit design, for highest phase accuracy at lowest roll-off.
The Hi-Power² headphone output provides reference sound. The digital inputs and outputs are
available as SPDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible), SPDIF optical and ADAT optical.
User's Guide ADI-2 FS © RME
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To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level, RME's ADI-2 FS includes
electronic switches, which give control over input and output level via two keys from the front
plate, for a perfect adaptation to the levels +4 dBu, +13 dBu and +19 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 FS provides 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 technology guarantees exceptional performance in
all clock modes. Thanks to a highly efficient jitter suppression, the AD- and DA-conversion
always operates on highest sonic level, being completely independent from the quality of the
incoming clock signal.
4. Power Supply
In order to make operating the ADI-2 FS as flexible as possible, the unit has a universal DC
input socket, accepting voltages from 6 Volts* up to 15 Volts. An internal switching regulator of
the latest technology with high efficiency (> 90%) prevents internal hum noise by operating
above audible frequencies. Internally this regulator feeds further high.efficiency switching
regulators and super low-noise linear regulators. Therefore the ADI-2 FS achieves its technical
specs even with less optimal power supplies. Or in other words: the choice of power supply is
not critical.
Still the unit includes a high-quality switching power supply, 12 V / 2 A, which not only accepts
any mains voltage between 100 V and 240 V (usable world-wide), but is also fully regulated
against voltage fluctuations and suppresses line noise. Additionally it only weights 150 g in spite
of its high power of 24 Watts.
The DC input of the ADI-2 FS also allows for the use of a rechargeable lead-battery or LiPo
instead of a power supply, for completely independent mobile operation and ground isolation. A
matching connection cable (power jack to terminals 6.3 mm) is available from RME. Special
power banks in the range of 10,000 mAh and up can be found equipped with a 12 V output.
These offer a perfect solution for mobility as well as ground isolated operation, for small money.
* The highly efficient, internal switching power supply actually enables operation of the ADI-2
FS from 6 Volts. When used with batteries or rechargeable batteries, but also with other power
supplies (e.g. 9 Volts), there is a very low switch-off threshold and thus high operational
reliability. In continuous operation, however, the typical operating voltage should not fall below 9
volts. An overvoltage fuse is activated if the operating voltage exceeds 15 Volts. Since the fuse
may be destroyed, input voltages higher than 15 Volts must be avoided.
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User's Guide ADI-2 FS © RME
5. First Usage - Quick Start
Connect the TRS-jacks or the XLR connectors with the analog signal source. Change the input
sensitivity by pressing ANALOG INPUT - LEVEL until the input level is sufficient to avoid noisy
operation. Also 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 FS can be used with signals from +4 dBu up to +19 dBu.
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 FS can be used as SPDIF, AES/EBU and ADAT optical source.
The button DIG OUT determines the current format:
x ADAT: The optical TOSLINK output operates in ADAT mode. Included support for S/MUX4
enables sample rates up to 192 kHz. The coaxial output continues to send out SPDIF.
x 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/EBU. The same signal is
found at the optical output.
x 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), simply choose the desired digital input by pressing
DIG IN. The analog output level is set by pressing ANALOG OUTPUT - LEVEL.
The output signal of the DA-converter is also available on the front, in the same quality as on
the rear. The level can be changed in a stepless way using the VOL pot. This output is both
powerful and has a very low output impedance to connect and enjoy even insensitive
headphones.
The button ANALOG INPUT - LEVEL offers a fourth state (DIG). This state activates a digital
pass-through mode with analog monitoring (DA-converter), with the AD-converter not in use.
The level meters show the audio level of the digital input signal.
The button ANALOG OUTPUT - LEVEL offers a fourth state (ANA). This state activates an
analog loop-through mode with digital monitoring (AD-converter), with the DA-converter not in
use.
The button ANALOG OUTPUT - LEVEL also offers the option of switching the VOL knob into
the rear output signal path, for variable adjustment of the rear output level. This is done by
pressing and holding the button for 2 seconds. The active function is visualized by dimmed
OUTPUT LEVEL LEDs.
The ADI-2 FS stores all current settings and automatically activates them when the device is
turned on.
Transferring digital data into a computer is best done using RME's digital audio interfaces.
These interfaces for PCI, PCI Express, USB and Thunderbolt come with drivers for all popular
operating systems, and are highly respected worldwide.
User's Guide ADI-2 FS © RME
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6. Inputs and Outputs
6.1 Line In XLR / TRS
The ADI-2 FS has two analog line inputs that can operate with levels up to +19 dBu. The electronic input stage uses a servo balanced design which handles unbalanced (TS jacks) and balanced signals (TRS / XLR) correctly, automatically adjusting the level reference.
When using unbalanced cables with the XLR inputs, pin 3 of the XLR jack should be connected to ground. Otherwise noise may occur, caused by the unconnected negative input of
!
the balanced input.
To use the inputs as unbalanced RCA: simply insert a standard TS male to RCA female
adapter. Now any RCA / Cinch cable can be easily used with the ADI-2 FS.
One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic
range within the best operating level. Therefore the ADI-2 Pro internally uses hi-quality electronic switches, which allow for a perfect adaptation to the four most often used levels +4 dBu,
+13 dBu and +19 dBu.
Level Meter
The 2-channel level meter with 6 LEDs each offers a useful display and check of input level and
overloads. The LEDs make use of different brightness for different levels, so levels in between
are easy to read out. This technology allows the ADI-2 FS to visualize a range of –80 dBFS up
to –3 dBFS using only 5 LEDs.
The red OVR LED lights up dimmed at -2 dBFS, more bright at –1 dBFS. Reaching 0 dBFS it is
fully lit. A peak hold function of one second ensures better visualization whenever the highest
level is reached.
The table shows the level definition of
the Level Meter, based on 0 dBFS. The
actual input level in dBu can be calculated by adding the offset caused by the
current choice of Input Level. Set to +19
dBu add 19 dB, at +4 dBu a value of 4
dB has to be added.
6.2 Line Out XLR
The ADI-2 FS has two balanced, short circuit protected, low impedance line outputs, available
as XLR jacks on the rear of the unit.
The XLR line outputs do not operate servo balanced! When connecting unbalanced equipment, make sure pin 3 of the XLR output is not connected. A connection to ground might
!
cause a decreased THD (higher distortion) and increased power consumption!
To maintain an optimum level for devices connected to the analog outputs and to maximize the
signal to noise ratio, the ADI-2 FS internally uses hi-quality electronic switches, which allow for
a hardware-based adaptation to the maximum levels +4 dBu, +13 dBu and +19 dBu. For a
variable control via the VOL pot see chapter 6.4.
LED Dim Medium Bright
OVR -2 -1 0
-3 dB -5 -4 -3
-6 dB -8 x -6
-12 dB -24 -18 -12
-30 dB -45 x -30
-60 dB -80 x -60
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User's Guide ADI-2 FS © RME
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