WHY did I buy THIS RME INTERFACE?!?

[@MK-fw4to]

Hell yes to the interface/converter shootout!

[@lemoralisateur]

Yes ! They're such an underated piece of equipment as far as content goes !

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

I agree with MK, something with samples we can download and compare, maybe running the same track through the different converters multiple times to hear any degradation?

[@clouded-wav]

yesss

[@LafemmebearMusic]

Agree let’s go!!

[@griffgoldsteinreference]

Agreed!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

RME has never let me down :)

[@georgebarry8640]

I know you are a straight shooter, and so I appreciate you weighing in on this. I,too, have never had an issue with my RME interface.

[@Whiteseastudio]

MOTU has let me down, so its great to hear that I’m making a good choice 😊

[@kaustik185]

@@Whiteseastudio just bought a motu.... still an upgrade from the scarlett :D

[@QbanThunder]

@@Whiteseastudio MOTU isn’t the company it once was. My friend is the audio recording gear manager for a big music store and he told me for every 5 MOTUs they sold, 3 would get returned defective. So, my friend went with the Apollo and I didn’t care for it or the hype so I went with an RME, thanks to Glenn Fricker’s videos.😊🙏🤘

[@mattiazuliani]

@@Whiteseastudio I have 24 ai and 24 ao, and I quite often hear some clicks and pops which are in playback and not in the recording. I changed USB cables, I isolated with rings, I tried to increase bandwith hence latency, but randomly they appears. Also going in and out is almost a pain in the butt for the same reason. Do you have any experience with that? Any suggestions? Thanks mate!

[@KazrogPlugins]

We’ve always used (and recommended) RME here in the Kazrog lab. No BS, no sponsorship, they just make the best stuff period.

[@zpurpz]

You make amazing plugins ! When is Iron part 2 coming out ? Also, i had a license to Synth warmer and then lost it :(

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@johnspear7962]

I would love to see more videos about this topic of audio converters and how they can affect the audio quality perception it's outputting. Great video and very interesting topic.

[@bigdap100]

🧐Essentially boutique converters and/or clocks allow you to see clearer and deeper into the music, the mechanics of the clock and the analog stages inside the converter is mainly why it sounds better...and of course the power supply. They also improve the resolution of your plugins, microphones, and monitors. This is a great tool for mixing and mastering but if you are a producer singer songwriter keep using what you're using, it will get the job done wonderfully.... Now when you start thinking about spending money on plugins and maybe the UAD platform... trust me....just buy the converter...I'd rather have a $2,000 converter and beautiful sounding stock plugs than $2000 worth of decent sounding UAD plugins any day.

[@johnspear7962]

​@@bigdap100Thank you for your reply! Would you by chance know if the Komplete Audio 6 by Kontakt or the UR22C by Steinberg (Both Audio Interfaces I have) could do the same thing as the audio converter shown in the video can or are those two separate things? Thank you as always, cheers!

[@bigdap100]

@@johnspear7962 the NI and the Steinberg converters will not match the resolution of the ADI-2 but you can still master with it and it will still sound good if you already know how to master. You can achieve higher resolution at higher clock speeds like 192khz and you will hear a difference but it still won’t match the RME. You can also use internal oversampling with plugins that have that feature like Melda and DDMF Meta Plugin that will help also. If you want to get into mastering converters you can step up to a Black Lion Revolution 2x2, it doesn’t match the RME but you can step up for like $300 B-Stock and you will hear a difference. After that you can buy a used Lavry or Mytek or even a Hilo...But I would skip those and buy the Apogee Symphony Desktop for all in one production and post production needs and the mic pres are top shelf digital pres. I prefer Prism Sound but their gear has climbed up significantly in price...however there is a used Orpheus on Reverb for around $1600. The other alternative is something like a Black Lion Audio Micro Clock MKiii, it is boutique level but it will provide the least amount of utility for your overall studio needs. Lastly there is the ADI headphone version it is a few hundred dollars cheaper and can be bought used under a grand.

[@johnspear7962]

​@@bigdap100 Nice, I appreciate you so much for the super in-depth information! I'll for sure look into the Revolution 2x2 as a starting point into dipping my toes into higher resolution sound for the price but will return to this comment down the line to upgrade! Thank you again so much, high resolution quality audio is something I'm really excited about getting into and experiencing! :)

[@bigdap100]

@@johnspear7962 I went to Reverb and found a Lyra 2 for sale for a very good price....in the picture uploaded to the listing was the Lyra in great condition but guess what was sitting on top of it in the same picture.... a Black Lion Revolution. Lol, see I told you dude The Revolution has created a nice little interface that sits right in the middle of the entry level and the boutique...but for an entry level price. Great Preamps, HP Amp, and it has a really good clock inside.

[@terrygray7465]

Finally purchased an RME Babyface Pro FS last year and it's the best interface I've ever owned - and I've owned a lot of them throughout the years (Focusrite, Audient, Avid, etc). The drivers are rock solid and the thing sounds phenomenal.

[@imagesofstyle]

Same: it's a great piece of equipment, even in class-compliant mode. In fact, CC mode was a factor in buying it, because my workstations run Linux. Bought it because of their reputation, staying because the Babyface FS lives up to it.

[@digitalmarketinghumans]

Yep 100% agree. Same here. I may never turn back now. RME for life!!

[@Fraeg]

RME babyface pro fs owner here as well. Absolutely love it

[@joserancel6255]

@VICTORY B STUDIO wich diferences has this interface of the review with the UCX-UCXII ?

[@tuneunleashed]

Don't know which one to get between the Babyface Pro FS or the UCX ii

[@belleepoque4597]

I have a very tiny home studio, in an alcove of my apartment, completely not properly optimized, it's what I have to work with, and I bought a fireface ucx ii, and..... it made a noticeable difference in the sound quality of my home studio productions. My setup is far from professionally optimized and the RME interface instantly made everything sound so much better. If you can afford an RME interface, do it. It will be worth every penny, and then some.

[@quantumsound2423]

Recently upgraded from UAD Apollo to RME babyface FS. Just wow, not only it sounds better but the drivers and software are rock solid

[@soundgenius9226]

yea but its ancient 2.0 usb lol I'll pass and wait on usb4

[@massivebeatzz]

Yeah the old Apollos are too colored. The new ones X6, X8 , different story.

[@1972OGTony]

@@soundgenius9226 You don't need much bandwidth for audio interfaces or converters going back in forth from your computer and RME writes solid drivers with arguably the lowest latency in the game.

[@AndrewCCM]

@@massivebeatzz I just exchanged my X8 for a UFX+... For me, it was not as much the sound quality, but the ADAT/Expandability that the RME offered over the UAD for the price. I needed 24ch of i/o and was going to have to purchase another X8 or X16 since the Apollos only allow a single 8 channels of ADAT regardless of sample rate. With the RME, I can add some lesser ADAT devices to both sets and get myself to 24 more easily and less expensive. I did keep my Octo Satellite though, so I still have some DSP for the plugins...

[@massivebeatzz]

@@AndrewCCM That sounds like a pretty good move!

[@k.ollektiv]

I paired this one with an Audeze LCD-X and i have never heard music as good before! So direct, clean, detailed, authentic and still nice to listen to. I had the same thought like you: change all the system to RME? It is awesome how stable it works with my computer. If you switch the computer on and off and change cables, and have fun just pulling out the USB cable an putting it back in 50 times - the RME is always in the right mode within a millisecond and without making any noises. I love that!

[@tbronzwaer]

I also use the ADI-2 with Audeze cans and love it - have you checked out the oratory1990 EQ curves?? If not, try inputting those values into the ADI-2 EQ and watch it take the Audeze to yet another level...

[@PerKiilstofte]

Thanks for this. I was just wondering if I should invest in this for my LCD-X's.

[@bits-bytes]

Yes it's a nice combination indeed. With a tight bass (Rob Katz told, even better compared to his Stax). I cross tested LCD-2, -3, -X with a few others. My preference was the LCD-3. The only issue for me was that the wood broke, but this has been serviced. Other issue is that the Alcantara ear-pads are not available anymore from Audeze anymore and they made a difference in sound. I got now luckily other earpad replacements from Dekoni. I am satisfied now with "Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin" ear-pads which cost around €98 in Germany. If you buy in the US, you can get sometimes special offers from them. Nothing for me, tax/customes would have come on top .. no real advantage anymore.

[@k.ollektiv]

@@tbronzwaer thank you, i will try!

[@Aquiiin]

@@zweiklangmusic has the Anubis EQ? I think the converters sound quite sterile and clinical, compared to the hapi 2020 even a bit gritty in the transients

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

I bought into RME about ten years ago, and I have never looked back. It's not just the high-high end converter you bought. Every unit I've purchased from them has that same, tight sound. They're just excellent, all around. The drivers are flawless. Just fine products.

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@MarcoPrimeau]

Hey Welcome to the RME family.. I have the old Fireface 800 powering my headphone amps while being a backup and I use a Fireface UFX as main interface.. RME are the best about driver support and their realtime mixer (Totalmix fx) is very handy. . . BTW the 800 was made in 2001 and still runs like a charm.. Have Fun ! !

[@cassmyers]

When looking at desktop interfaces for my mobile recording rig I've been putting together, I was initially convinced I wanted to buy an Apollo Twin. Their marketing has been everywhere for years and I had come to assume they were the gold standard of desktop audio interfaces. I fell into a gear review rabbit hole as we often do, and stumbled across endless positive reviews for RME interfaces and their drivers. After a few hours of reading, I decided to go with a Babyface Pro FS instead and it's been great. Everything just feels cleaner. I was afraid I'd suffer from lack of inputs, but tying in my old 18i20 via ADAT was really simple. My first impressions with RME are super solid.

[@edmo-l4d]

I have had an Apollo Twin for many years. The whole ecosystem is a big turn off for me. I hate looking at that huge list of plugins in my DAW that I am never going to use but I am forced to keep on my computer. The constant marketing to demo and sell more plugins. Discounts that are not really discounts at all. Also, thinking of switching to RME and going with a more minimalist setup of things I know and use.

[@williampryor9742]

I switched to RME this year, purchased a secondhand fireface UFX and its absolutely killer.

[@xXValomatXx]

I have been using RME interfaces since I started home producing back in the days and never had any problem. Atm I use the UCX II and it satisfies all my needs. I clearly recommend to check RME out...

[@originunknown3209]

I’ve been using RME sound cards for 15 years! Absolutely first rate!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dekatronmusic524]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and information with the world. You are a great KZbin presenter / audio engineer and funny as well. May God be with you in all that you do!!

[@caseylockwood5512]

RME is, and has always been, the safest bet in the entire game, their stuff just works, and it works damn well. You do pay for it though, thats the only caveat. They know their worth.

[@bits-bytes]

Indeed, look at used market ... You still see oldest firewire interfaces being sold to a decent price and some use them simply for AD and DA. And then the long term driver support and you do not have to pay for new things like: TotalMix FX, FX overhaul, TotalMix Remote, etc etc. And you get real serious manuals in two languages (except for the new AVB product line). Worth every penny!

[@TazzSmk]

in the long run, RME ends up cheapest choice, because the driver support feels like eternal, no worries with whatever clunky operating systems come up in future as well as whatever new interface comes up to be used with legacy computer system - this level of flexibility and hassle-free experience is well worth it :)

[@blakecasimir]

Buy cheap, buy twice. RME is worth it.

[@partialobject]

There are exceptions. The BF I got two years ago didn't work at higher buffer sizes on both my Macs and in both DAWs I tried it. Support was absolutely useless - the guy claimed the RME couldn't be the problem and did zero tests on his side. I ended up getting and Apogee Duet and the problem vanished. It's a shame, because the BF sounded super nice. After this episode, I won't ever buy from them again.

[@BeauStephenson]

I mean, I agree with you, but the price for performance is so much bang for your buck, it's stupid.

[@Bthelick]

RME user for 20 years. I actually made money on the last unit it held its value so well! . They support the drivers forever, the units last forever, the drivers are their own not farmed out like many companies, and are rock solid too, the software is the most flexible of any brands I've tried / seen and the sound quality is truly great for the money. they look expensive to some people but its actually very cheap economy when you consider they last over a decade no problem.

[@VST2323]

question: i want to connect the apollo x6 to the ufx ii and use the ad/da of the ufx ii so i can record with the unison plugin with the ad/da of the rme is it possible to do this?

[@paul.j.diwiak]

RME is great! Especially the drivers! I only got the RME Babyface Pro (I think the cheapest one by RME), but even with this one you can hear a huge difference!

[@zwsh89]

I guarantee Dan Worall could explain in great detail exactly what is going on at the sample-capture level, perhaps an opportunity for these two KZbin influence legends to join forces?

[@zwsh89]

(Join forces *once again* I should say! Who didn’t love when Dan guest hosted an episode?!)

[@JanneF]

Yes to the shoutout. I used RME pci-cards in my studio and RME Babyface as mobile Interface. Before that i used other -very qualified brands - but, RME kicks them all.

[@ardierr.2525]

just like me , i use adi 8 qs with raydat and babyface pro fs with my laptop, i wonder how "fast" is the adi 2 pro fs in latency in asio mode and how different the converter are from the adi 8 qs

[@cesjr]

I love my ADI-2 Pro for music listening. I mainly use this as a DAC/headphone amp, plus able to switch to powered monitors. Question: If I wanted to use the ADI-2 Pro as a recording interface, could I simply add something like the RME QuadMic II? Microphone > QuadMic II > ADI-2 Pro > Computer. Any disadvantages going this route, instead of a dedicated recording interface like the Fireface UCX II (minus the extra ins/outs). Thanks!

[@ChrisLeverMusic]

does anyone know how the converters on this compare to the ADI-2 FS?

[@hemantishwaran5741]

I have Genelec 8351b's and use the RME for connection to them. For cabling, I started with XLR but switched to AES because it sounds better (maybe 5% improvement). So why use the RME you might ask since I’m fully digital? Many reasons it turns out. Number #1, I connect my turntable to RME (analog to digital and then digital all the way thereafter). Number #2, even with GLM room correction, I like the option of adding parametric EQ and treble and bass as the need arises. So I can have no parametric EQ or I can have EQ and importantly I can do this from the comfort of the remote (using the new features available from RME firmware update). Finally Number #3, don’t overlook the fantastic FS steady clock that takes over once you connect to the RME. The steady clock is what makes RME so famous.

[@simonemarcuzzi926]

I own the ADI-2 DAC FS which is basically an ADI-2 Pro without the AD conversion capability. Stellar unit with both speakers and headphones. My unit features the ESS converter because I bought it after the worldwide semiconductor shortage; RME posted a video a while ago to explain this fact and how to tell what converter your unit is equipped with if you're interested in this kind of technicalities. Regardless, it sounds awesome no matter the chip used.

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

This could be a dumb question but I still haven’t figured out yet - what is the crucial difference between AD/DA converter such as this one(ADI-2 PRO FS) and audio interface such as Fireface UCX? They are essentially both AD/DA converters that can work with computer. So what’s the difference? Is converter simply better at converting? When “converter” doesn’t have USB-out I understand the difference because it doesn’t work with computer (such as DAW) but when it has - what’s the difference?

[@Sajid_Sarker]

Best thing about this converter is you can hear so much detail even in low volume!

[@SXTWLVE]

any vidoes to hear this?

[@zerotoninemusic5957]

Wietze, does is have balanced outputs you say? I read the outputs next to the XLR are TS and not TRS balanced?

[@JonasTatit]

Hi, congratulations on the channel! I already have an Apollo 6x here. I'm thinking about buying the RME adi-2 pro fs. Do you think the difference in my monitoring would be obvious and significant? I already have a well-maintained room. I work with mixing and mastering. Thank you for your attention!

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@manykzdj792]

U can keep apollo for uad plugins if u need to

[@thaexception3406]

I bought the UFX II - latest version last month and it was enough for me to not use and maybe sell my Apollo X6. A bigger difference in the AD when testing my rap vocals (my main reason to test) than the DA just listening to my music and music from Apple Music. Noticeable differences either way so maybe even more with the product you’re considering.

[@JulianChown]

Can't go wrong wtih RME! I LOVE my ADI2 Pro FSR too, which is alongside a pair of Neuman KH310 monitors, NS10s and Auratones 😀. The ADI2 Pro FSR has 4x4 ins and outs and is a little mission to setup, though RME are amazing with helping there if need be. So glad you're enjoying the amazingly precise sound too which for me was a major stepup from my faithful Fireface 800, which am still using for synth inputs . Am patching vocals directly to the ADI2 through pres, which works beautifully. I love the headphone monitoring too directly out of this, which is something else!!!

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@tbronzwaer]

Possibly my favorite piece of gear ever. I use it with the Audeze LCD-4z, and as you say, it sounds brilliant; then I discovered oratory1990's EQ curves for headphones, which I can't recommend enough. The ADI-2's excellent built-in EQ allows me to get much, much more out of the Audeze's, and THEN I discovered the ADI-2 also does loudness correction, i.e., at lower volumes, our ears perceive less high/low freqs, so you have to EQ the signal at lower volumes to compensate, and the ADI-2 can do this automatically. All of this put together makes it unbelievably good for monitoring. I recently fried mine by accidentally plugging in the wrong PSU, and just bought a new one - couldn't be without it! (Fortunately they were able to repair my old one for free, just a cheap diode got burned out.)

[@bits-bytes]

Recommendation: check out LCD-3 (optional: with Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin ear-pads). I am not sure, whether there is so much difference between LCD-3 and LCD-4 that it justifies the price difference. I would cross check.

[@MattisRinsche]

is there a way to connect a alternative pair of monitors?

[@groovedealerfeaturing-ashl6476]

Long time RME user here, ZERO complaints! Rock solid, superb build quality, sounds fantastic!

[@ravichandran4589]

I am new user of RME ADI 2 DAC FS. I got it just to feed thru my preamp by XLR and preamp to power amp. Pure music listening for my home audio reasonably high end. My exp so far is its very distinct in mid range. Vocal and high frequency. Bass is normal. But one can adjust the eq. I use it with ref volume at 13 and volume at -4.5. All digital connections are thru RME. SPIDF Sound stage is not very large but my listening area is not acoustically treated. I m still evaluating it as an audio chain dac. It certainly sounds clean compared to the preamp with a built in dac. Probably a Bluetooth receiver with this would make it more desirable for hifi users and a sub woofer out. Thx for reading

[@unc1589]

So yeah I bought one. In a treated room with Focals this thing is amazing. Gotta get used to the clarity lol. Playing older mixes reveals many mistakes. The headphone outs feed hardware samplers with detailed audio that gets warmed up and sent back in. Individual 5 band EQs on all outputs make for some interesting scenarios. Super deep menu’s on a DAC is a very good thing. Your video reminded me that I may wanna look into a DAC just to make sure I’m getting the best out of my room and boy was I right! The filters make a huge contribution. Bravo!

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@AntiTeatarMusic]

Got the same ADDA thanks to this video ! indeed a huge upgrade to the monitor transparency. Thanks for this review.

[@davidgriffin79]

0:42 Yes. I have Benchmark DAC 3L as my main headphone DAC (and the Benchmark DAC1 for my speaker setup). I've got the ADI-2 DAC FS (effectively the ADI-2 Pro FS without the bells and whistles) in my bedroom headphone system; I would say that through single-ended the ADI trounces the 3L, through balanced, its the other way round (for whatever reason the 3L sounds crap through single ended - the DAC 1 doesn't, hence it's in my speaker setup). However, comparing best with best, I prefer the ADI-2 DAC FS to the Benchmark 3L and its nearly a third the price.

[@bits-bytes]

When doing comparisons you need to compare at exactly the same volume level because of psychoacoustic effects. For our ear/brain louder sounds better, therefore the loudness war in music industrie. If you plug headphones symmetric then you have automatically a higher volume. Another story/problem is, the bias that you have if you do not perform a blind test. Next thing is that the analog implementation is very important with a DAC. The ADI-2 DAC and Pro offer 4 different reference levels which make it possible to have a very high SNR and Dynamic over a range of 20dB. If you reduce the volume on other DACs by 20dB or more, then you have automatically 20+dB less SNR and dynamics. Next thing is the auto reflevel feature, which always ensures that that the best reflevel is being chosen. Even PEQ, B/T settings and dynamic loudness settings are calculated for this. Furthermore you can perform a Bittest to ensure / check for lossless operation end-to-end from player up to close before the D/A conversion. And there are so many more features, steadyclock reducing jitter and a driver where you can check for CRC (USB transport errors) to be sure that the connection is ok. ALL that has a certain price .. and no other DAC has this many useful feature which make all in all the roundest package ever for a DAC. A DAC with studio features and advanced innovative features.

[@davidgriffin79]

@@bits-bytes " If you reduce the volume on other DACs by 20dB or more, then you have automatically 20+dB less SNR and dynamics" All very interesting, theoretically, but in practice I set the ADI-2 to +19dBu permanently since the relay clicks and volume jumps as the devices switched gain levels is annoying; and as the manual correctly states: "it is unlikely that any noise will be audible, changing the Ref Level" which is a statement of the obvious given the worst case S/N for the +19dBu setting, at a reduction of 20dB on the volume, is 97dB. There are a lot of toys on the ADI-2 which will ultimately have little to no effect on the perceived audio. However, the one extraordinary useful tool on the ADI is the 5-band parametric equaliser, which has twenty programmable slots; I've used two slots, one for a pair of Dan Clark Audio Aeon RTs and the other slot for a pair of HeddPhones. The Benchmark DAC 3L doesn't have the toys that the ADI does, but it's still a very good pro/semi-pro DAC and through balanced-out is the better DAC. I don't use "balanced headphones" since the whole concept is a silly gimmick and the the headphone amplifiers I use (I don't use the headphone out of the ADI) are more than capable of providing both current and voltage to easily and fully power all my headphones "single ended".

[@Ricksterpt]

I have the Aura Lynx N 16 chznnel I really wonder if the RME is better? Thanks...

[@jgfjfgjfhjf]

I've been using this thing (well, the "dac", not "pro", but they are basically the same thing, but "dac" haven't got ADC stage) for couple of years - incredible piece of gear, not only does it sound great (especially with the non-oversampling filter), but also has onboard dsp for room and loudness correction, and hrtf for headphones.

[@breezyoakk]

pardon me, what is rtmf?

[@jgfjfgjfhjf]

@@breezyoakk Sorry, for whatever reason I've made a mistake, I meant "hrtf", which stands for head related transfer function

[@breezyoakk]

@@jgfjfgjfhjf thanks! :)

[@stevenewtube]

Hi. Great news, this should do you well. I have owned a Fireface 800 for for a long time but have now just purchased the new 802 model. One thing that makes these more solid sounding is the steady clock. This seems to keep the jitter down. I love these converters.

[@thewaxbiscuit]

As someone with an RME UFX± it's nice to see RME get some love.

[@jeffblack5024]

I invested in an expensive RME HDSPe AES card for my PC and (apart from having to shave a bit off of a breakout cable to fit my case) the quality has improved tremendously. Latency is a non-issue as well now. You get what you pay for.

[@SakariKaripuro]

Been really happy with my RME Fireface UCX - only goes up to 192k, but the sound is smooth and conversion and features are great. not busy buying replacement / upgrade yet.

[@natevirtual]

"only"? Dude, that frequency difference is negligible to the human ear. I'd say 192k is overkill. That said, what I love about RME is they keep updating firmware on 20 year old equipment! Not like greedy Universal Audio...

[@TheBucknessofficial]

i LOL'd at "only"

[@ThePdeHav]

I too would like to see more videos about the RME and other converters. Happy New Year

[@IntiniOfficial]

I recently got a RME UFX+ and it performs beautifully indeed. I wrote to them to ask some questions and they kindly replied. I feel their company focus on performance, reliability and long term support.

[@adl0815]

Made the switch from UAD Apollo X4 to Babyface Pro FS and I really could hear a difference. UAD just sounds more low mids boosted and warmer (less highs). Guess they try to mimic a somewhat "analog" sound, but I just found it to be a bit muddy sounding and less clear, compared to ultra clean sound of the Babyface Pro FS. Also I can go way lower latency wise with the Babyface, mind you that I'm on windows and UADs windows driver just aren't comparable to RMEs windows driver. Happy I made the switch, also because Babyface runs bus powered, so it's a truly mobile setup with my laptop.

[@1972OGTony]

"UAD just sounds more low mids boosted and warmer (less highs)." That's the sound of bad converters lol it can't reproduce the sound going into it.

[@TazzSmk]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the important thing - the REMOTE control - I have ADI-2 DAC and the remote control is SOO USEFUL being able to dim or mute, listen further away being able to change volume or switch input sources, it's a completely new level of workflow for me :) also with recent firmware updates, both ADI-2 Pro FS R and ADI-2 DAC feature own internal loopback via usb, so it's easily possible to record computer output back into a DAW, which is super useful even for things like advanced analysis (scope, LUFS etc..) with RME DigiCheck or any other software like Ozone Insight etc....

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@fredscofield180]

Ive been in love with RME for years. Just the cleanest ive ever found.

[@davidcache6802]

NOICE, i have the adi 2 pro fs. and I LVOE IT!

[@meomarte]

Back when I had Tascam FW-1082 I had trouble hearing what I was doing because the converters were shitty. Then got a Cambridge Audio DACmagic to help with monitoring chain. It was great. Now with RME, no problem. So the DACmagic does conversion from UFX and Oppo to hifi receiver. Every sound everywhere, anytime.

[@bobsmoot8454]

I vote yes, do an interface shootout, if you please. I’ve been using a RME-UFX from 2010, it’s reliable and works flawlessly with no hiccups. My impression of my unit is it’s super clean - aka little distortion and if any guessing odd order, a little lean sounding, great width but depth not so great, and the sound is “quick”. I’ve been intrigued about picking up one of these for 2 channel work. Thanks for your thoughts about this piece, RME for the semi pro market is absolutely killer stuff.

[@RGMDG]

Just bought one of these last week along with an RME UCX II Interface. The sound is amazing.. The headphone amps on the ADI-2 Pro FS are outstanding too. I'd tell you to enjoy, but I already know you are.. Peace..

[@kadiummusic]

Damn... now you're making me think I need one. I use a Clarett 4 pre and I think it sounds fine but I not sure about the headphone outputs. Looking forward to a shootout.

[@levondarratt787]

Why waste your money? The headphone AMP, per RME's website are the same on the UCX II and ADI-PRO FS, LolZ! Middle of the pack by the way - Many audiophile garden headphone amps from the audiophile community trumps the RME stuff.

[@kadiummusic]

@@levondarratt787 What do you use for headphones?

[@RGMDG]

@@kaankucuk1612 Really it is such a subjective question I don’t know anyone can give you the answer you are looking for. My advice is (if possible) go to a high end audio store and listen to a lot of DACs with your IEMs. Only YOU can decide what sounds best to you. Best of luck in your search. As a side note, I couldn’t be happier with my RME ADI Pro FS. Great sound through my speakers and headphones.

[@LaminarSound]

I would go on the RME forum. I used to have questions and Mathias and other from RME were VERY responsive and active there.

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@jensbuchholtz7880]

I have two of these for monitoring mains and subwoofers (via Audio Vero Acourate & Convolver digital crossover) in my mastering studio and a UFX as central hub. Couldn't recommend RME products more! Great build, great quality, excellent drivers and community&support!

[@audiunt]

What I don't understand is where the DSP for the monitoring sits in the path. The new converter suggests that the speaker amps are directly connected to the new RME. Otherwise the better quality DA conversion wouldn't make sense. If there is DSP in between RME and the speaker amps for calibration, that would be digital DSP won't it? So there will be a second time AD/DA conversion? So how is this all wired up?

[@RenardeauGuy]

Are the analog inputs also suitable for a guitar signal? Because of this!!! The ADI-2 Pro has two analog line inputs that can operate with levels up to +24 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.

[@BluffMunkey]

I made the switch to RME about 10 years ago and would NEVER go back to anything else at this point. I'm currently running a UFX2, and the depth of excellence means it would be difficult to downgrade to another brand. The software alone is such a giant leap ahead compared to the alternatives. In terms of support, I've always found them to be superb, especially on their own forums. It's possible they're snowed under right now, as far as I'm aware they're revamping the entire lineup with new chips because of the global chip shortage.

[@BluffMunkey]

Furthermore, I did try MOTU for a while and it was a fucking disaster. Terrible build quality, constant connection issues (across two identical models) and a completely non existent support service unless you lived in the USA. Horrendous company.

[@imslicc]

how would you compare RME UFX with some other A/D converters like LYNX and such?

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

@@imsliccLynx slightly better to my ears but RME also have the best drivers which needs to be taken into account

[@BluffMunkey]

@@imslicc Like for like the Lynx products are in a completely different price bracket than RME. Subjectively a lot of people prefer the sound of Lynx vs RME, but the differences are subtle. As a package, the RME is a far more sensible buy for most users, and arguably all home users.

[@bigdap100]

I still use the trusty RME UFX mk1....not a single issue for 10 years. Its not my daily driver but it is the ultimate problem solver.

[@jaifarrell]

I have the DAC only version of this unit, and it's superb! It shouldn't be underestimated how much of a difference the analogue side of AD/DA equipment plays a role in the overall performance. Pure AD/DA conversion has been developed and improved upon for a very long time now, and it's unusual to find even off-the-shelf chips that do a poor job. The way these components are integrated into the greater product however, still rely on the expertise of the engineers designing them to maximise performance. Drivers and control software are also a big deal. An investigation into the differences between cheap and expensive digital equipment would be cool, but I think discussion about digital audio in general needs to be done with great care. I'm not saying that you fall under this category, but there are many misconceptions about how digital audio actually works, even in the professional world, and these misconceptions are sometimes repeated by very reputable personalities. The videos and articles by Monty Montgomery are some of the best I have come across when it comes to explaining digital audio, and of course there are others too. Happy new year!

[@PylonRecordsdotcom]

I don't we can put the new Akai Mpc machines in the group of standard AD/DA converters for 2023, they have managed to wreck this brand and everything it has stood for.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

So many people say that you cannot hear the difference between good converters and average converters and that’s complete garbage. When I went from a focusrite liquid sapphire to my apogee, the difference was immediately obvious. The stereo image was so crystal clear, you could close your eyes and place every instrument. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@URanInTheUglyForest]

I bought the ADI 2 Pro FS a few months ago. The price is a big pill to swallow, but I have zero regrets. It has many features that I don't currently use, but its nice to have them when needed.

[@manykzdj792]

Rme adi-2 pro better than antelope amari?

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I wonder if the software side is a big part of the sound. Lots of interfaces/converters have pretty much similar PCB designs with similar quality components but still sound very different. The only thing left to me is not slacking the software/microcontroller bits.

[@hidjedewitje]

The quality of components is hard to judge. Things like X7R capacitors look very similar to C0G capacitors, while their measured performance is very different. In addition to that, it's not just the quality of components, it's also the implementation of the components. In addition to that, some aspects are very tricky to measure. Close in phase noise is very difficult to measure (or takes a very long time), this leads to phase modulation in the output signal. Tools like the audio precision CAN measure jitter, but the jitter spec of the APx555 is in the order of 100ps and that's integrated from 700Hz (I believe). Hence it can't really measure jitter that is very close to the carrier. Sites like ASR show a very good initial measurement, but for the true performance you have to look deeper.

[@gjkoolen]

The filters before (digital) and after (analog) the DAC's are important to correct for the sampling errors (sin(x)/x) and usually are poorly implemented because most people don't notice the difference in sound when they buy an interface. Also the circuitry for the internal (headphone) amps must have an intrinsic low output impedance. I believe those are the two main differences that make these RME's stand out. Interesting video!

[@hidjedewitje]

@@gjkoolen The filters are indeed really important. The analog output filter is typically a lot easier to design due to oversampling (and thus not so steep order is needed, 4th order for instance is sufficient). The digital filters that are present in oversampling DAC's on the other hand do influence the sound a lot, but they don't necessarily have to be a sinc filter. They don't have to be linear phase, they just need very steep attenuation while keeping very good pass band behaviour. Most manufacturers don't even bother designing their own and just use the default selection available in the DAC chip. I hate to dissapoint, but RME also does this. They just use the filters built in the AK4493. Also, regardless of what Wietse said, the filters ARE still necessary at 384kHz. Low output impedance is indeed important, but a damping ratio of ~10-15 is more than sufficient. It's also fairly easy to accomplish by applying feedback. The challenge is in keeping it low while keeping the device short circuit protected and keeping it consistent with frequency. RME actually intentionally adds a ~1Ohm resistor to prevent the output stage from shorting, this is infact harmless, because the typical headphones impedance is >16Ohms. The outputimpedance typically rises from 10-1000Hz onwards. This is because the output impedance is actually inductive due to the finite loopgain of the outputstage. This is only moderately important, because the headphone impedance will also increase with frequency (above fundamental resonance).

[@lipk8494]

Could you please do a comparison? "ADDA Audio Interface" vs the "ADI-2Pro ADDA Converter"? I can not find any on KZbin or the internet...

[@garret765]

Switched to RME 6 months ago. Didn't want to pull the trigger because of the price. Now I wish I would have gone RME from the start. On windows I find they have the best drivers and stabilty.

[@theapexview9800]

Could somebody with experience with id14 say the ADI-2 DAC is an absolute sound upgrade as a monitor controller? is it worth the money? Feeding some HEDD monitors.

[@MichaelSupryn]

Still looking for the converter shoot out! 😃❤️

[@JohnnyFehr]

Welcome on the RME family :-) I have UFX ii by the way why you not bought an UFX II fwhich has the same price range but with lots of I/Os ?

[@thecelturianworldofacousti5707]

Does it support has a midi converter ,the one thing you did mention is the 13 pin connector at the front.

[@channel-ls4uv]

Ja man! Goed dat je bent geswitcht. Heb er al een sinds 2017 en ben nog steeds net zo enthousiast over deze conversion wizard! Veel luister plezier🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@Stick3x]

I just purchased and RME Baby face pro FS. Cannot wait to start using it.

[@jfilbert]

My personal curiosity is how much better that sounds than my old RME Fireface 400. The headphone output on my SPL 2Control was a big step up from my previous phone amp but the humble RME headphone out blows it away and the mic inputs are as good or better sounding than my Line Audio unit with no coupling caps, etc. RME just a pro outfit all around.

[@Biffinnbridge]

Just for monitoring? Could the signal not be sent back into the daw?

[@NeNNoPromo]

I have also RME adi-2 fs, great product. Can you get more deep video about settings for monitoring?

[@Themosaicsound]

I remember first hearing the difference between two converters. I had an old mbox2 and upgraded to a mbox3 and it sounded like i took a blanket off my speakers. The difference was incredible. Technology has come along way

[@Galaxis-X]

I have one maybe stuped question but i mix it mainly on VSX Headphones because i don't trust my room and Monitors , will i benefit from DAC like this to improve my overall sound at the final stage of mixing ?

[@NulsNuls]

running a pair of JBL 305P with a sub with presonus audio box i one ...so what to upgrade first?

[@marc8vino]

Don't you need a word clock to sync with interface while recording and playback?

[@ulrikslgaard-nielsen5035]

Thanks for this. Good to hear that you approve of RME :) I'm looking at the RME M-32 AD PRO and DA PRO with the HDSPe MADI FX for when I build my new 200 square meters studio. For monitors I think I'll go for the Focal Trio 11be or a Dynaudio Core system.

[@S7V7N_SEAS]

I just got one and i'm trying to figure out how to set it up with my focusrite clarett usb. All my gear is connected to the clarett and i want to use the adi-2 as my ad/da and feed my monitors. IF you can make a video on the setup it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@Zeitstill_music]

Hey what's the exact model of your LG Monitor?

[@Beorninki]

This was very interesting!!!!!!!! I like that usually speakers are weakest link, then amplifier and after that interface.

[@Yannleon_video]

Used to own RME, and was a big fan for almost 15 years. Sounded great, but had a few bad experiences with support, and a few time, they were quite condescending. I switched to UAD, and I must admit, it sounds a bit less precise... but the support is A1, and it works flawlessly. So... screw RME in the end. By the way, you might take a look / ears to Lynx Aurora (n). My top is : 1) Lynx aurora (n), 2) UAD, 3) RME.

[@jonathankessler9853]

+1 to the interface/converter shootout! I’ve been looking at getting some new converters mostly because I’m wanting to upgrade my headphone system but I figured if I’m gonna spend the money might as well also just upgrade my conversion and the RME has been catching my eye. My room’s pretty well treated for what it is, I run a pair of Adam Audio A5X’s and I’ve got them tuned through an Antelope system so I think I’m at a point where upgrading my converters might not be such a bad thing.

[@ManManGambino]

Can i connect my outboard gear to the rme ufxiii

[@johnwave2827]

Just letting you know I'd love to see! Got a RME UFX, and love it.

[@Edgerrin23]

Absolutely I would love to see more of these Interface / converter videos.

[@phonotique3799]

Did you check out the Merging Audio Anubis? I love mine ... It's so transparent, clean and has a more i/o s

[@focuspixvideoaudioservices68]

The designer of funktion one live sound speakers, the guy who designed turbosound, Tony Andrews once spoke in an article about this very thing with regard digital mixers in live sound. He also mentioned the catch up process in filtering High end with sample rates is a major problem. He stated that to eliminate bad filtering one needs to sample at least 384kz. So you are correct there... He lives up the road from me in the UK I'll see if I can get him to elaborate more... The article is floating about but can't find it right now.. Thanks malc.

[@Peterjdjdjdjdjfjfj]

Hey bro you said you have motu converters and are using this rme to monitor , how do you connect your motus to this device? Through adat? And if so how many adat channels does this Rme support?

[@PeterJaquesMusic]

Just chiming in late here. I just picked up an RME Fireface UCX II, to be my new main tracking interface. Even though my monitoring (Kali LP6 monitors, not ideal room) is decidedly not high end, I am hearing a *big* difference in the monitoring, vs my previous, a Focusrite Clarett 4Pre TB (which were supposed to have excellent converters, for the price). The soundstage and detail are *noticeably* improved. I wasn't even expecting an improvement, and wasn't even listening for one, but it just struck me because it was obvious. And the Fireface isn't even on the level of the DAC you just picked up... All in all, an excellent upgrade. Plus, they still support products that came out *18 years ago*, so we don't have to worry about premature obsolescence.

[@chrisovid]

When are you going to do a interface/converter shootout?

[@disengage5147]

Does anyone own a Lavry DA11 DAC? I am thinking of upgrading it to this unit as it has very good specs and reviews. Is it worth it? I still think my 15 yr old "long in the tooth" Lavry sounds great especially when I coupled it with the Audiolab 9000CDT. But, the DA11 has a poor USB input, although that is not important to me as I play CDs only. I may start downloading some hi-res 24bit/96KHz files and burn to CD. So, would I be wasting my money for an upgrade to the RME? From what I have read so far there have been no major advancements in digital audio conversion over the last 10-15 years.

[@PaulAnnis]

RME are just solid and sound great, would never go back.

[@cashmerecat9269]

I have a question. Currently I am using UAD 6176 preamp, Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core, Focusrite Carlett 1810 USB..If I bought this RME ADI-2 Pro FS R..can I use it as Audio Interface and DAC at the same time? I am using Cubase DAW..can I connect my preamp to Antelope..and Antelope to RME (as DAC and Audio Interface)? Thanks.

[@ronallen2458]

If you do a shootout, I think you should make friends with Julian Krause and do it together. That would be awesome.

[@lastdaysguitar]

I was just going to suggest this as well! :)

[@levondarratt787]

all the European disgruntlers and fact checkers..lol.... plus Paul Third - and the holy trinity of consumer protection is complete!

[@bdduke1]

As I've switched to newer interfaces over the years, its clear that newer analog and digital components are improving / performing better and that translates into clearer stereo imaging and less mud and/or brightness. IMO this is very obvious on PC laptop audio where they are trying to save money on cheap DA converters and not so great analog stages. I've got a motu M4 here and its obvious when I compare it to other onboard laptop audio. These question(s) you raise in this video go right to the heart of "What is going on and why is it such a big difference" ? I hope you will cover 1) what is going on with the analog stage on RME 2) what is RME's SteadyClock and how does this compare to Motu's clock ? 3) how does DC Coupled Outputs affect the sound ? 4) what does Black Lion Audio do to a MOTU interface that makes them sound better ? I suspect the real answer here is that RME over the years have really paid attention to feedback from pro customers and spent money on R&D to understand the "sound" of different implementations. Looking forward to your follow-up video.

[@nickdegange5869]

So question as somebody who mixes and is looking at the ADI line: If you are only using the Pro FS in your monitoring path why not just get the ADI-2 FS DAC?

[@Whiteseastudio]

The DAC has an ESS chip, the ADDA version has an AKM chip ;-)

[@D.3TH13R]

I’ve owned a few high end converters, Prism, Crane Song, Lynx and was really impressed with the ADI-2 Pro FS R. The headphone amp with the extreme power and crossfeed option is probably the best Ive heard with my Heddphones. The transients / impulse response had a similar feel to Crane Song’s Solaris which has been my favorite DAC. Love the different filter options, Slow and NOS at higher sample rates in particular. Very wide 3d image. My only wish is that it had word clock and dedicated digital I/O instead of using a dongle but as a standalone unit its great.

[@lindsaywebb1904]

Yep The lack of word clock is a huge buzz kill

[@michaels5166]

How was the Prism and the Lynx?

[@D.3TH13R]

@@michaels5166 I love them both. Just for clarity I’m referring to the Prism Lyra 2 and Lynx Hilo. I sold my Hilo not at all because I disliked it but just because I was looking to try something different after a few years. Both have very similar imaging and transient response in my opinion. The Hilo has a very flat sound. Both have a very center image, whereas the RME felt much more wide. The Hilo has finer control over volume than the Prism. Both headphone amps are decent but not as good as the RME. The Prism is my main interface.

[@michaels5166]

@@D.3TH13R Thank you.I have a hybrid system,moving from mostly analog to an equal amount of digital,and I wanted clarity over most anything else.I got the Wami 24 for almost nothing,pristine,yet I know I need something more modern.I use a lot of samplers,and I want to stream mixshows.So it's basically turntables,live instruments,samplers,MiDi Interfaces,a few synths,one totally analog,etc.

[@johnisrael5183]

Im currently 3 channles with my UAD Volt 1 Mono fro Vocals and 2 for Stereo Mastering with my Rack Gear and SoundCraft LX7II, I need to jump to 6, adding 3 More, for my LIN76, LIN2A, AND Warm Audio Tube Tech compressors im going to get......for 3 more Mono buses for Drums, Baselines and Instrument bus mixdowns, so the Moto...Im going to have to go with that one.....

[@Krypt666Norway]

Running UFX II now for normal workflow. Had digi96, fireface800, uc and ucx before. ADI-2 Pro is used as AD converters from turntable RIAA directly to Genelec DSP monitors. I run a digiface USB to sum optical source to DD coversion on the ADI-2 Pro. Did a whole record in 2017 only using Fireface800+octapre. RME works flawless to me. And they got the best 2nd hand prices 👌🏻

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

Nice ! did you notice a difference in conversion between ucx (i have this) and ucx II ? I m used to insert hardware while mixing and i m wondering if a better conversion DA AD would be really better for this or if ucx I is enough

[@principedegales7092]

hello to process audio with external hardware in loopbacks are the adi recomended? i have an apollo x8 and i notice sone colour , i dont know i think maybe i need something better? thanks