RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE - RIAA mode measurements

[DrCWO]

It would be nice to have native bridge device support, instead of having to rely on the radio station input and incurring additional latency for that.

Unfortunately, the latency remains even when using the audio API. You really only save on setting up the radio station.

Software comes with recurring costs and keeps changing, possibly into a direction you can't live with.

If you get a lifetime license from Roon and also for my Roon Extensions there are no recurring costs.
Maybe your Windows host has to be upgraded some day but Roon offers the Roon Rock image for Intel NUC that is updated by Roon for no cost.

I'm also wondering if I can somehow take the analog input on the RME, apply RIAA, than use that as an input interface on my PC for recording,

With rooPlay you can record while playing the analog input. Plug in a USB stick or hard drive, lower the needle and the entire record ends up on the USB stick as FLAC.With rooPlay you can record while playing the analog input. Plug in a USB stick or hard drive, lower the needle and the entire record ends up on the USB stick as FLAC.
All this is described in detail in the rooExtend-Box Manual in my download area.

In theory, do all of the rooExtend plug-ins require a separate physical box?

Yes, either a Raspberry Pi (DIY) or the rooExtend-Box.

The separate box has an advantage too though, assuming the electronics are quiet. I could run the Roon core somewhere else and remove the PC from the hifi rack.

That's exactly how it's intended because the Raspberry Pi or the rooExtend-Box are fanless and therefore quiet. If you then use a USB power supply that has no grounding, this solution also prevents any ground loop!

That just leaves the best way to generate my filters, the time investment for Acourate might be unrealistic for me in the short term.

I don't know where you live, but in Germany I can do this for you locally


Best DrCWO