German audio interface specialists RME Audio, announced two new solutions designed to improve the performance of its ADI-2 series of converters in critical applications. The RME DPS-2 is a super low noise linear audio power supply with a unique µfilter and sensor technology that adds a wide range of unique and highly useful features such as offering two differently filtered outputs. The second product is the LNI-2 DC, an active DC filter with galvanic isolation.
RME is recognized by audio professionals that work in multichannel environments and always recognized the outstanding quality of the brand’s hardware in their multiple generations, from the days of Firewire interfaces to USB and Thunderbolt. One day, the company launched the RME ADI-2 and ADI-2 Pro family of two-channel converters and headphone amps, providing incredibly precise audio quality and a host of innovative features that immediately conquered a new spectrum of users, from mastering engineers and high-end audio aficionados to audio engineers looking for a high quality USB audio solution for testing.
The announcement of external linear power supply and active DC filter will be shocking for the brand’s professionals users, who have never dreamed that anyone would care to require anything else that isn’t already built-in into the ADI-2 converters. But in the world of high-end audio and more critical applications that care about measurements and not if you can listen to the difference or not, these units have been requested and RME apparently decided to take the matter into their own hands.
Both new solutions will cost less than existing esoteric designs that are commonly available in the high-end market, and are scheduled to be available from June 2024.
DPS-2 Power Supply
The new RME DPS-2 is an exceptional linear power supply that boasts not only impressive technical data but also a wide range of unique and highly useful features, offering two differently filtered outputs. The output Linear is a traditional DC output but is equipped with multi-stage passive and active filtering including a 30,000 μF capacitor bank, a ferrite choke as well as an active output filter with a hybrid voltage regulator.
The second output is based on RME’s proprietary μFilter technology. Here the signal from the pre-filtered Linear output is also processed by highly efficient active filters to achieve an exceptionally clean DC output with just a few µV (micro-volts) noise. In addition the output has sensor technology, which measures and adapts the output voltage directly at the DC connector of the supplied DC cable. As a result the output impedance and load regulation are extremely low, thus ensuring a clean output voltage of +12.0 V at 2.5 A load, completely avoiding any load-dependent voltage drops.
The additional use of both a 2-stage HF filter and DC filter on the AC mains side enables the DPS-2 to deliver optimum performance without interference noise. This is also ensured by the 60 VA audio toroidal transformer with additional isolation winding and magnetic tape shielding, guaranteeing absolutely hum- and noise-free operation in any situation.
If necessary the GND lift switch can be used to disconnect DC ground from PE (protective earth) for eliminating humming or buzzing noises. In this case safety is not affected since the primary part and the housing stay firmly connected to PE of the power inlet. In addition the DPS-2 comes with a ground terminal screw connection to earth other devices or to use an earthing other than PE for the audio power supply.
The DPS-2 features two status LEDs on the front to provide a quick overview of the operating modes and error conditions (power, thermal and power overload, undervoltage, short, active output). Via a recessed push switch on the front panel users can enable an AutoDark mode with LEDs only lit on power on and errors.
Another unique feature is the 24-page manual, which shows the technical data in detail using many measured values, illustrated with measurement diagrams. It also contains background information on linear and switching power supplies.
LNI-2 DC Filter with Galvanic Isolation
The second unit is an active DC filter in a compact and portable design. The LNI-2 DC provides isolation, regulation and filtering of output signals from any 12 volt DC power source, enabling a remarkable improvement in DC voltage stability while providing an ultra-clean 12V power source. This results in an enhanced audio signal and sound quality avoiding humming, buzzing and other noises that can be caused by power supplies or dirty mains power.
The LNI-2 DC is based on two key features: galvanic isolation and RME’s exclusive μFilter. The galvanic isolation significantly reduces the leakage current usually associated with switching power supplies. At the same time the capacitive coupling between input and output is reduced from typically 1 nF (nano-farad) to less than 35 pF (pico-farad) to prevent noise from the leakage current.
The μFilter (micron filter) of the LNI-2 DC consists of a discrete Ultra Low Noise linear regulator with extremely low noise output of only a few μV (micro-volt), soft start, thermal overload, short circuit protection and sensor technology.
The LNI-2 DC handles power sources from 9-18V DC (input) and provides a fixed, perfect voltage of 12.0 V at 2 A at the lockable output socket. This is ensured by the µFilter’s integrated sensor technology, which checks and compares the output voltage directly at the DC connector of the supplied 4-wire cable, thus completely avoiding any load-dependent voltage drops.
Two status LED at the top of the unit signal existing input and output voltage and overload. As further special feature the ground of the DC output can optionally be connected to PE, ground or other devices ground via a ground terminal screw to solve ground cabling issues.
The 17-page manual shows the technical data in detail using many measured values illustrated with measurement diagrams. It also contains background information on linear and switching power supplies.
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