RME DPS-2 & LNI-2 DC Review
RME DPS-2 & LNI-2 DC: Powering Your Studio with Unrivaled Clarity
Picture this: you’re in the final stages of a mix, tweaking the last details of a vocal or dialing in the perfect EQ for a kick drum. Everything sounds great—until you notice a faint hum or subtle noise creeping into your signal chain. The culprit? Often, it’s the power supply feeding your audio interface. Enter the RME DPS-2 and LNI-2 DC, two groundbreaking power solutions from RME Audio, launched in April 2024, designed to deliver ultra-clean 12V DC power to your gear. These units aren’t just accessories; they’re game-changers for producers, mastering engineers, and audiophiles who demand flawless audio performance. Let’s unpack what makes the DPS-2 and LNI-2 DC stand out and how they can elevate your studio workflow.
RME’s Legacy of Precision Meets Power Innovation
RME Audio has been a cornerstone of professional audio for nearly three decades, known for interfaces like the ADI-2 Pro FS R and Fireface UCX II, which set benchmarks for sound quality, low latency, and rock-solid reliability. The DPS-2 and LNI-2 DC extend that legacy into power management, addressing a critical but often overlooked aspect of audio production: clean, stable power. These units were developed in response to user requests for a linear power supply option for the ADI-2 series, but they’re versatile enough to enhance any 12V DC-powered device, from RME’s own converters to third-party hi-fi or pro audio gear.
The DPS-2 is a super-low-noise linear power supply, while the LNI-2 DC is an active DC filter and stabilizer with galvanic isolation. Both are housed in sleek, half-rack aluminum chassis styled to match the ADI-2 series, blending form and function. Priced at $1,299 for the DPS-2 and $649 for the LNI-2 DC, they’re premium investments, but their engineering and performance justify the cost for those seeking the ultimate in audio fidelity.
DPS-2: The Linear Power Supply Redefined
The DPS-2 is a masterclass in power supply design, replacing noisy “wall wart” adapters with a robust, linear solution. It features a 60VA toroidal transformer with isolation winding and magnetic shielding, ensuring hum- and noise-free operation even in environments with dirty mains. The DPS-2 offers two distinct outputs:
Linear Output: This traditional DC output uses multi-stage passive and active filtering, including a 30,000 µF capacitor bank, a ferrite choke, and a hybrid voltage regulator. It delivers a clean 12V DC signal at up to 2.5A, ideal for powering devices like the ADI-2 DAC FS or Fireface UCX II.
Green Output: Powered by RME’s proprietary µFilter technology, this output takes the pre-filtered linear signal and processes it through advanced active filters, achieving an ultra-low noise floor of just a few microvolts (µV). It uses remote sensing via a four-pin cable to monitor and adjust voltage at the device’s connector, eliminating load-dependent drops for perfect 12V delivery.
The DPS-2’s 2-stage HF and DC filters on the AC mains side further block interference, while a GND lift switch and ground terminal screw allow you to tackle ground loops without compromising safety. Two front-panel status LEDs monitor power, thermal conditions, and errors, and an AutoDark mode dims them for distraction-free sessions. The included 24-page manual, packed with measurement diagrams, is a testament to RME’s transparency and engineering rigor.
In real-world tests, the DPS-2 significantly reduced noise in critical setups. AudioXpress’s Stuart Yaniger noted that with the ADI-2 Pro FS R as a load, the DPS-2’s µFilter mode cleaned up noise humps and ultrasonic shelves, with only minimal spikes (-90dBV) at 1kHz and harmonics—inaudible in practice.
LNI-2 DC: The Ultimate DC Filter
The LNI-2 DC is a compact, portable active DC filter designed to clean up any 12V DC power source, from cheap wall warts to battery packs. Milled from a solid aluminum block, it’s rugged yet stylish, perfect for studio or mobile use. It accepts 9-18V DC inputs (2A nominal) and outputs a rock-solid 12V DC at 2A (3A peak), with a noise floor below 2µV, an output impedance of 0.012Ω, and load regulation within 0.2%.
Its two key features are:
Galvanic Isolation: This advanced technique separates the input and output ground, reducing leakage currents and capacitive coupling from 1nF to 35pF, blocking hum, buzz, and high-frequency noise. It’s a game-changer for noisy environments or setups with multiple power sources.
µFilter Technology: Like the DPS-2’s Green output, the LNI-2 DC’s µFilter uses a discrete linear regulator with soft-start, thermal overload, and short-circuit protection. Its sensor technology adjusts voltage at the connector, ensuring stable 12V delivery.
The LNI-2 DC includes two 1-meter DC cables (one lockable, one standard) and a ground terminal for flexible earthing. In testing, LowBeats’ Jürgen Schröder used the LNI-2 DC to power an RME Fireface UCX II in a vinyl-to-digital transfer setup with a “worst-case” noisy power supply. The result? No audible noise or interference, proving its effectiveness in challenging conditions.
Note: The LNI-2 DC is not recommended for the ADI-2/4 Pro SE, which can draw over 2A with low-impedance headphones, but it’s ideal for other ADI-2 models and devices up to 24W.
Sonic Benefits: Do They Really Make a Difference?
RME’s ADI-2 series already boasts stellar performance, with noise and distortion levels near the theoretical limits of human hearing. So, do the DPS-2 and LNI-2 DC make an audible difference? It depends on your setup. In clean studio environments with high-quality power (like Sound on Sound’s test setup), the improvements may be subtle—think -1dB better SNR or THD+N (e.g., -120.1dB vs. -119.5dB with the LNI-2 DC). However, in real-world scenarios with noisy mains, ground loops, or cheap power supplies, these units can eliminate hum, buzz, and artifacts, resulting in a cleaner, more transparent soundstage.
For hi-fi enthusiasts and mastering engineers, the DPS-2’s linear output and the LNI-2 DC’s isolation enhance analog sections of digital gear, like DACs and headphone amps, where power stability is critical. LowBeats noted that both units unlocked the “full sonic potential” of RME’s ADI-2 family, particularly in vinyl playback and high-resolution monitoring. Even non-RME gear benefits, as long as it runs on 12V DC.
Who Are They For?
The DPS-2 and LNI-2 DC are tailored for mastering engineers, hi-fi audiophiles, and producers working in critical listening environments. The DPS-2 is ideal for those replacing stock power supplies with a no-compromise linear solution, while the LNI-2 DC is perfect for mobile setups or cleaning up existing DC sources. Both shine in studios with complex signal chains or noisy power grids.
At $1,299, the DPS-2 is a significant investment, but its dual outputs and advanced filtering make it a long-term solution for multiple devices. The LNI-2 DC, at $649, is more accessible and portable, offering near-identical µFilter performance for single-device setups. Compared to competitors like iFi’s DC iPurifier2, RME’s units stand out with their sensor technology, galvanic isolation, and RME-grade build quality.
Why They’re Studio Must-Haves
As a producer, I’ve learned that the smallest details—like power quality—can make or break a session. The RME DPS-2 and LNI-2 DC are like insurance policies for your audio, ensuring every note, transient, and texture is captured and reproduced with absolute purity. Their meticulous engineering, from toroidal transformers to galvanic isolation, reflects RME’s obsession with perfection. Whether you’re mastering a chart-topping album or enjoying hi-fi playback at home, these power solutions let your gear shine, free from the shackles of noisy power.
Ready to take your audio to the next level? Plug into the DPS-2 or LNI-2 DC and experience the clarity you’ve been missing. Your ears—and your mixes—will thank you.