Headphone DAC+Amp Combo - Audio Engineer

[Kumabear]

Hey All

Just wanted to make sure I am on the right track here.

I am an audio engineer, primarily doing live mixes at a fixed venue where the mixing console is in a pretty sub optimal position to mix from accurately, my process has been sound check in the room to confirm and then monitor the main mix during the show in a set of Audeze LCD-XC 2021 closed back headphones, which have been EQ'd to closely match the sweet spot of the room. I am very happy with the audio performance and sound match to the room.

Audio pipeline: Mixing console SPDIF output > MiniDSP Flex Digi > SMSL Su9n > Topping A30pro

I would like to move to something a bit more convenient and with a couple of extra features I am missing right now.

1. Native AES digital input. The new console we are moving to loses the SPDIF in place of AES, I have got a passive converter (actually built it myself) but that's added yet another thing to haul around, SPDIF also from what i understand doesn't carry clocking information and while its not really caused me issues so far but it might be nice.

2. it would be nice to consolidate DSP, DAC, Headphone Amp into one box, I find I often don't setup everything again at home since it feels like too much effort taking it all back and forwards

3. I would like something with "loudness" referenced off output level for when I use it at home so I can enjoy music at lower sound levels, unsure if i would use it but I'd really love to try it.

I have so far narrowed down my choice to:

ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition​

ADI-2-Pro FS R BE - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions

RME Audio Professional Live, Studio, Recording and Broadcast Solutions. Unrivalled Quality, Performance & Stability MADI Interfaces, Converters & Preamps.

rme-audio.de

Is there anything else on the market that can achieve what I am trying to do that I might have missed at an equal or lower price?

 

[unpluggged]

SPDIF also from what i understand doesn't carry clocking information

How does it work then?

Is there anything else on the market that can achieve what I am trying to do that I might have missed at an equal or lower price?

No, there is not. Only the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE offers this feature set at any price level. You might want to consider it for its more flexible output routing (the TRS jacks on the back can output either channels 1/2 or channels 3/4, which can be useful for connecting a separate analog mastering chain), for additional analog reference levels on the line outputs and on the HP outs (it includes a lower gain setting that can be useful for the higher-sensitivity IEMs), for RIAA processing in the DSP.

That being said, the ADI-2 series' PEQ was not intended for room correction purposes. It's primarily a tool for mastering workflows, or it can be used to EQ headphones. That's why you might want to keep using the miniDSP for room correction, or add an RME recording interface with room EQ feature, such as the UCX II, alongside the ADI-2 Pro.