RME
RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
Best reference-grade converter for professional studio engineers and discerning audiophiles.
The RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition is a high-end AD/DA converter, USB DAC, and dual headphone amplifier designed for professional studio and audiophile use. It offers exceptional sound quality with a 768 kHz PCM/DSD conversion rate, ultra-low noise floor, and transparent sound signature. Featuring versatile connectivity including analog, ADAT, SPDIF, and AES/EBU, it serves as a reference converter, a powerful headphone amplifier with Extreme Power outputs, and a highly capable USB interface. Its advanced DSP processing, high-resolution display, and comprehensive remote control enhance user experience and flexibility.
$2249.10
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 733
Best Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+61%
Above average
Analog Inputs
XLR/TRS combo jacks, servo-balanced
/ XLR/TRS combo jacks, servo-balanced
Who it's for
- Audiophiles demanding absolute transparency and sonic accuracy
- Studio professionals needing a versatile, all-in-one signal processing hub
- Listeners seeking precise control over their unique acoustic environment
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists prioritizing value over professional-grade performance
- Casual users preferring a simple, plug-and-play audio experience
- Minimalists requiring only basic playback without advanced routing options
Performance breakdown
Conversion Accuracy
Reference-grade AD/DA conversion provides unmatched transparency for critical listening tasks.
Headphone Drive Power
Extreme Power outputs effortlessly drive even the most demanding high-impedance headphones.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive digital and analog I/O options integrate seamlessly into any professional setup.
DSP Functionality
Advanced onboard processing offers precise EQ and spectral analysis without external software.
Clocking Stability
SteadyClock III technology virtually eliminates jitter for pristine, artifact-free audio reproduction.
Interface Usability
High-resolution display and remote control simplify complex routing and monitoring adjustments.
Key Specs
Analog Inputs
XLR/TRS combo jacks, servo-balanced
Analog Input Sensitivity
+24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4 dBu at 0 dBFS
Analog Input Digital Gain Adjustment
0 dB to +6 dB
Analog Input SNR @ +13/19/24 dBu
120 dB RMS (unweighted), 124 dBA
Analog Input Frequency Response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB
5 Hz – 20.5 kHz
Analog Input Frequency Response @ 768 kHz, -3 dB
< 1 Hz – 180 kHz
Analog Input THD @ -1 dBFS
-116 dB, 0.00016 %
Analog Output
Balanced/unbalanced stereo outputs on XLR and TS
Features
- Reference-class AD/DA conversion up to 768 kHz and DSD256
- Dual Extreme Power headphone outputs with advanced balanced mode
- Highly versatile connectivity including analog, digital, and USB
- Advanced DSP for features like EQ, spectral analysis, and more
- High-resolution IPS display with intuitive controls and status messages
- SteadyClock III for superior clocking stability and jitter reduction
- Class Compliant USB for seamless integration with computers and iOS devices
- Includes a comprehensive multi-function remote control (MRC)
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition for its unparalleled audio quality and robust, reliable performance. Users frequently highlight the pristine sound reproduction, noting its transparency and detail across various applications. The device's exceptional build and stable operation instill high confidence, making it a cornerstone for serious audio enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its sophisticated engineering delivers a truly premium listening and recording experience, justifying its position as a top tier audio solution.
Know before you buy
Yes, the device is fully Class Compliant, meaning it works seamlessly with iOS devices via a standard USB camera adapter. It is a popular choice for mobile recording and high-fidelity playback on the go.
The dual 'Extreme Power' outputs are designed to drive almost any headphone on the market with ease. With 1.5 Watts per channel and an output impedance of just 0.1 Ohms, it provides ample headroom and clean power for even the most demanding planar magnetic or high-impedance models.
On macOS, it is plug-and-play due to its Class Compliant design. For Windows, RME provides a dedicated driver that offers the best performance and lowest latency for professional audio production.
Absolutely. The built-in DSP allows for sophisticated parametric EQ, bass and treble adjustments, and crossfeed settings. You can save these settings as presets to perfectly tailor the frequency response to your specific headphones or room acoustics.
Yes, the unit accepts a 12V DC input, making it compatible with external battery packs. This is a great feature for field recording or audiophiles who want to isolate the device from potential noise in their home power grid.
SteadyClock III is RME's proprietary clocking technology that ensures extremely low jitter, regardless of the quality of the incoming digital signal. It keeps the conversion process precise, resulting in a cleaner, more stable soundstage.
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$2249