RME ADI-2 Pro EX – Reference conversion, more power
The ADI-2 Pro EX is the next step in RME's reference ADI-2 line: an AD/DA converter, USB interface and headphone amp built for mastering desks and critical listening. It keeps the AK5574 and AK4493 conversion to 768 kHz and DSD, but moves to a lockable USB-C connection, a stronger dual headphone stage for high-impedance headphones, and a larger, better-ventilated chassis. A reference desktop converter, available at Soundium.
Key Features
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Reference AD/DA conversion: Clean capture and playback up to 768 kHz via AK5574 and AK4493, with DSD record and Direct DSD playback.
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Dual Extreme Power headphone outputs: Balanced and unbalanced, with extra headroom for high-impedance headphones.
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Full analog and digital I/O: Balanced/unbalanced XLR/TRS plus SPDIF optical, SPDIF coaxial and AES digital I/O.
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Lockable USB-C: Class Compliant connection that stays put on a busy desk, with a 1.8 m cable included.
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Protected power: Fuse-less active circuit guards against wrong polarity and overvoltage.
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SteadyClock FS and 4-stage level control: Low-jitter clocking with hardware reference levels.
Customer Benefits
On a mastering desk the ADI-2 Pro EX gives you a reference path in and out of the box, so what you hear matches what you print. The larger, ventilated chassis runs cooler through long sessions, and the included NT-RME-13 supply is semi-grounded to keep ground loops out of a connected rig. With two Extreme Power headphone outputs, you can check a mix on sensitive IEMs and on demanding studio headphones without swapping amps.
Quick Specs
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ADC: AK5574
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DAC: AK4493
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Max PCM rate: 768 kHz
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DSD: DSD256 / 11.2 MHz
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USB: USB-C, Class Compliant (UAC 2), lockable
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Headphone outputs: 2 x stereo Extreme Power (balanced and unbalanced)
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Power supply: NT-RME-13, external, semi-grounded
What's in the Box
- RME ADI-2 Pro EX
- NT-RME-13 power supply
- USB-C cable (1.8 m)
Ideal For
- Mastering and mixing reference conversion
- Critical headphone listening on high-impedance models
- High-resolution PCM and DSD playback
Compatibility
Class Compliant over USB-C with macOS, Windows and iOS hosts, and runs as a standalone AD/DA converter without a computer.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Reference conversion to 768 kHz with DSD record and playback
- ✅ Two Extreme Power outputs drive sensitive and high-impedance headphones
- ✅ Lockable USB-C and power connectors stay seated on a busy desk
- ✅ Wide analog and digital I/O in a compact half-rack box
- ⚠️ External power supply required, with no USB bus power
- ⚠️ The deep on-device menu takes a moment to learn
If your room needs one converter that handles tracking, mastering and reference headphone listening at the same standard, the ADI-2 Pro EX earns its desk space. Find the ADI-2 Pro EX at Soundium.
