User's Manual

User’s Guide ADI-2 DAC v2.2 © RME

5.5 Playback

In the audio application being used, the ADI-2 DAC must be selected as output device. It can

often be found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus, as Playback Device, Audio De-

vices, Audio etc. After selecting a device, audio data is sent to the ADI-2 DAC and available at

its analog outputs.

Increasing the number and/or size of audio buffers and/or buffer size may prevent the audio

signal from breaking up or having drop outs.

5.6 Digital Recording

In digital audio, it is mandatory for a unit like the ADI-2 DAC to be in total sync to the external

digital device, as so called clock slave. Taking this into account, RME added a comprehensive

I/O signal status display to the ADI-2 DAC, showing sample frequency, lock and sync status in

the State Overview screen and the bottom status bar.

The sample frequency shown in the State Overview screen is useful as a quick display of the

current configuration of the unit and the connected external equipment. If no sample frequency

is recognized, it will show - - (No Lock).

This way, configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. After con-

necting it the ADI-2 DAC displays the internal and external sample rate. This parameter can

then be changed in the application’s audio attributes (or similar) dialog.

To enable the recording of the SPDIF input via USB go to I/O, Source, and select either USB

(Rec opt.) or USB (Rec coax). Record SPDIF optical and Record SPDIF coaxial activate the full

duplex operation with USB: The respective SPDIF signal is clock source and can be recorded

via USB. The analog output signal is now the current USB playback, no longer the SPDIF input

signal. For this to work the USB playback sample rate must be identical to the SPDIF input sig-

nal.

6. Power Supply

In order to make operating the ADI-2 DAC as flexible as possible, the unit has a universal DC

input socket, accepting voltages from 9.5 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 the switching regulator is followed by standard linear regu-

lators, followed by super low-noise linear regulators. Therefore the ADI-2 DAC 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 DAC 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.