RME ADI-2 Pro EX is the next-generation reference converter built on the foundation of the ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition, now with a redesigned chassis, upgraded headphone output power and comprehensive hardware protection circuits that address real-world reliability demands. In a single desktop unit it covers AD/DA conversion at studio reference level, dual headphone amplification, multi-format digital I/O (AES, S/PDIF, ADAT), DSD recording and direct DSD playback up to DSD 256 (11.2 MHz), and a measurement-grade frontend running up to 768 kHz PCM. The clock architecture and ultra-linear analog stages carry over unchanged — the same bedrock that made the ADI-2 Pro line a standard reference in mastering and acoustic measurement environments.
Hardware Protection Built for Production Reality
Channel-independent DC protection means a fault in one channel cannot take out the other — and cannot damage connected speakers or headphones. The fuse-less active PSU protection circuit detects reverse polarity and overvoltage before they reach the electronics, a meaningful step up from passive fuse-based designs. The TS trigger output lets you sequence power to external amplifiers or monitors automatically, removing the manual on/off ritual that protects speaker drivers. The lockable USB-C connector (USB 2.0, no bus power) with a 1.8 m cable included prevents accidental disconnection mid-session. The bundled NT-RME-13 power supply is semi-grounded to cut leakage current while avoiding ground loops — relevant in any studio with multiple grounded devices.
Dual Headphone Monitoring and Measurement Frontend
Increased output power in both unbalanced and balanced mode means the ADI-2 Pro EX drives low-impedance IEMs and high-impedance planar headphones without clipping the output stage at usable listening levels. Two independent headphone outputs with separate EQ, crossfeed and level control allow a recording engineer and a musician to monitor entirely different mixes simultaneously from one box. The 768 kHz PCM ceiling makes it a capable frontend for acoustic measurement and transducer testing, replacing standalone measurement hardware in many workflows. Compatibility with the new RME RM19-III rackmount bracket integrates the unit into 19" racks without adapters.
KEY FEATURES
- All-in-one: AD/DA converter + USB audio interface + dual headphone amplifier
- PCM up to 768 kHz; DSD 64/128/256 recording and direct DSD playback (up to 11.2 MHz)
- Channel-independent DC protection — new dedicated hardware circuit
- Fuse-less active PSU protection against reverse polarity and overvoltage
- Lockable USB-C connector (USB 2.0, no bus power) — 1.8 m cable included
- TS trigger output for synchronized power control of external gear
- Increased headphone output power in unbalanced and balanced mode
- Digital I/O: AES/EBU, S/PDIF (coaxial and optical), ADAT
- Redesigned larger chassis with improved ventilation and chrome feet
- Compatible with RME RM19-III 19" rackmount
- Bundled NT-RME-13 power supply — semi-grounded, universal voltage
- Class Compliant USB — driverless operation on macOS, iOS and Linux
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: reference AD/DA converter with USB interface and dual headphone amplifier
- Maximum PCM sample rate: 768 kHz
- DSD support: DSD 64 / 128 / 256 — record and direct playback (max. 11.2 MHz)
- Analog I/O: 2x XLR balanced, 2x TRS jack balanced
- Headphone outputs: 2x independent (front: 6.3 mm jack; rear: 4-pin XLR or 6.3 mm jack)
- Digital I/O: AES/EBU (XLR), S/PDIF coaxial (RCA) and optical (TOSLINK), ADAT optical
- USB: USB 2.0, lockable USB-C connector, no bus power operation
- Trigger output: TS (3.5 mm jack) for synchronized external device power control
- Hardware protection: per-channel DC protection, fuse-less active PSU protection
- Power supply: external; NT-RME-13 included (semi-grounded, universal voltage range)
- OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux (Class Compliant)
- Included software: TotalMix FX
- Rack compatibility: RME RM19-III (optional)
