RME presents ADI-2 DAC 2-Channel DA Converter for Studio and Audio Enthusiasts

German manufacturer RME Audio announced its new ADI-2 DAC, a two-channel high-end digital/analog converter in a 9.5”/1HE housing, featuring outstanding audio quality and a wide range of conversion options. The new ADI-2 DAC is a further development of the renowned ADI-2 Pro AD/DA reference converter, and it is targeted at both studio professionals and audiophiles. Story updated with price info and availability information.

audioXpress September 217 featured a review of the RME ADI-2 Pro by Bennett Prescott and Stuart Yaniger. The sensational RME ADI-2 Pro Bi-Directional Converter with Dual Headphone Amps is a feature-packed update to the original RME ADI-2, providing incredibly precise audio quality and a host of innovative features that will appeal to both mastering engineers and high-end audio aficionados alike. For under $2,000 US,we get two powerful DSP engines and two powerful headphone amplifiers, plus the ability to work with PCM sample rates up to 768 kHz at 32 bits, and true native DSD support up to DSD256.

Prominent provider of voice-enabled controllers and music connectivity ICs, XMOS Ltd., has announced the appointment of Mark Lippett as President and Chief Executive Officer. Lippett, a 10-year veteran of XMOS, previously held VP Engineering and COO roles within the business. Prior to XMOS, he served as CTO of Ignios, and held engineering and marketing roles at Texas Instruments, Lucent and Madge Networks. Outgoing CEO, Nigel Toon, has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Targeting portable audio applications (smartphones, tablets, portable music players, headphones, etc.) Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has developed the AK4962, a new advanced 2-channel 32-bit Advanced Audio DAC with DSP, featuring 32-bit 4ch ADC with microphone/headphone receivers, line-amplifier, audio/voice DSP, asynchronous SRC and microcontroller interface. AKM also announced its AK4490EN 32-bit stereo premium D/A converter and dedicated clock generator, AK8157A, are now available.

It’s hard to keep track how semiconductor companies evolve given the pace of mergers, spin-offs and acquisitions. ON Semiconductor, a relatively young player in the industry but increasingly crucial for the audio industry, announced it will acquire one of the most iconic companies, Fairchild Semiconductor, for $2.4 Billion in Cash. The acquisition creates the global leader in the power semiconductor market, they say.

This year’s AES Product Design Track at the 137th Audio Engineering Society Convention in Los Angeles, combines two themes to bring a significant learning opportunity to audio engineering professionals; Theme 1 events are focused on audio design topics, while Theme 2 brings to AES the subject of product development in the age of global engineering and sourcing.