User manual RME FIREFACE 800

User's Guide Fireface 800 The most powerful FireWire® audio interface ever! TotalMix 24 Bit / 192 kHz SyncAlign ® TM ZLM ® SyncCheck TM ® SteadyClock FireWire 800 / 400 Digital I/O System 10 + 16 + 2 Channels Analog / ADAT / SPDIF Interface 24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio 56 x 28 Matrix Router MIDI I/O Stand-Alone Operation MIDI Remote Control Stand-Alone MIDI Controlled Operation General Introduction ...............................................................6 Package Contents .....................................................6 System Requirements ..............................................6 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6 First Usage - Quick Start 5.1 Connectors and Front Panel ...................................7 5.2 Quick Start ..............................................................8 6 Accessories ...............................................................8 7 Warranty.....................................................................9 8 Appendix ....................................................................9 1 2 3 4 5 Installation and Operation - Windows Hardware Installation..............................................12 Driver and Firmware 10.1 Driver Installation .................................................12 10.2 Driver Update .......................................................13 10.3 Deinstalling the Drivers ........................................13 10.4 Firmware Update..................................................13 11 Configuring the Fireface 11.1 Settings dialog ­ General.....................................14 11.2 Settings dialog ­ DDS ..........................................17 11.3 Clock Modes - Synchronization............................18 11.4 Limit Bandwidth ....................................................19 12 Operation and Usage 12.1 Playback...............................................................20 12.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS) ................................21 12.3 Low Latency under MME......................................22 12.4 Notes on WDM .....................................................23 12.5 Multi-client Operation ...........................................24 12.6 Digital Recording ..................................................25 12.7 Analog Recording.................................................26 13 Operation under ASIO 2.0 13.1 General ................................................................26 13.2 Known Problems ..................................................27 14 Operation under GSIF.............................................27 15 Using more than one Fireface................................28 16 DIGICheck ................................................................29 17 Hotline ­ Troubleshooting 17.1 General ................................................................30 17.2 Installation ............................................................31 18 Diagrams 18.1 Channel Routing ASIO 96 kHz ............................32 18.2 Channel Routing MME 96 kHz.............................33 9 10 Installation and Operation - Mac OS X Hardware Installation..............................................36 Driver 20.1 Driver Installation .................................................36 20.2 Driver Update .......................................................37 21 Firmware Update .....................................................37 19 20 2 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME Configuring the Fireface 22.1 Settings Dialog ­ General.................................... 38 22.2 Settings Dialog ­ DDS ......................................... 41 22.3 Clock Modes - Synchronization ........................... 42 22.4 Limit Bandwidth.................................................... 43 23 Mac OS X FAQ 23.1 Round about Driver Installation............................ 44 23.2 MIDI doesn't work ................................................ 44 23.3 Supported Sample Rates..................................... 45 23.4 Repairing Disk Permissions................................. 45 23.5 FireWire Compatibility.......................................... 45 23.6 Various Information.............................................. 45 24 Hotline ­ Troubleshooting ..................................... 46 25 Diagram: Channel Routing at 96 kHz ...................... 47 22 Stand-Alone Operation, Connections and TotalMix Stand-alone Operation 26.1 10-channel AD/DA-Converter .............................. 50 26.2 4-channel Mic Preamp ......................................... 50 26.3 Monitor Mixer ....................................................... 50 26.4 Digital Format Converter ...................................... 50 26.5 Analog/digital Routing Matrix ............................... 50 27 Analog Inputs 27.1 Line Rear ............................................................. 51 27.2 Microphone / Line Front....................................... 51 27.3 Instrument ............................................................ 52 28 Analog Outputs 28.1 Line ...................................................................... 53 28.2 Phones................................................................. 53 29 Digital Connections 29.1 ADAT ................................................................... 54 29.2 SPDIF................................................................... 54 29.3 MIDI...................................................................... 55 30 Word Clock 30.1 Word Clock Input and Output .............................. 56 30.2 Technical Description and Background ............... 57 30.3 Cables and Termination....................................... 58 30.4 General Operation................................................ 58 31 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring 31.1 Overview .............................................................. 59 31.2 The User Interface ............................................... 61 31.3 Elements of a Channel ........................................ 62 31.4 Tour de TotalMix .................................................. 62 31.5 Submix View ........................................................ 64 31.6 Mute and Solo ...................................................... 64 31.7 Quick Access Panel ............................................. 65 31.8 Presets ................................................................. 65 31.9 Monitor Panel ....................................................... 67 31.10 Preferences........................................................ 67 31.11 Editing the Names.............................................. 68 31.12 Hotkeys .............................................................. 69 31.13 Menu Options..................................................... 70 31.14 Level Meter ........................................................ 71 26 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 3 TotalMix: The Matrix 32.1 Overview ..............................................................72 32.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................72 32.3 Usage ...................................................................72 32.4 Advantages of the Matrix .....................................73 33 TotalMix Super-Features 33.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows only) ..............73 33.2 Selection and Group based Operation ................74 33.3 Copy Routings to other Channels ........................74 33.4 Delete Routings....................................................74 33.5 Recording a Subgroup (Loopback)......................75 33.6 Using external Effects Devices ............................76 33.7 MS Processing .....................................................77 34 TotalMix MIDI Remote Control 34.1 Overview ..............................................................78 34.2 Mapping ...............................................................78 34.3 Setup ....................................................................79 34.4 Operation .............................................................79 34.5 Simple MIDI Control .............................................80 34.6 Loopback Detection .............................................80 34.7 Stand-Alone MIDI Control ....................................81 32 Technical Reference Tech Info ..................................................................84 Technical Specifications 36.1 Analog ..................................................................85 36.2 MIDI......................................................................86 36.3 Digital ...................................................................86 36.4 Digital Inputs ........................................................87 36.5 Digital Outputs......................................................88 36.6 Transfer Modes: Resolution/Bits per Sample ......88 36.7 General ................................................................88 37 Technical Background 37.1 Lock and SyncCheck ...........................................89 37.2 Latency and Monitoring........................................90 37.3 FireWire Audio .....................................................91 37.4 Number of Channels and Bus Load.....................93 37.5 DS ­ Double Speed .............................................93 37.6 QS ­ Quad Speed................................................93 37.7 AES/EBU ­ SPDIF ...............................................94 37.8 Noise Level in DS / QS Mode ..............................95 37.9 SteadyClock .........................................................95 38 Diagrams 38.1 Block Diagram Fireface........................................96 38.2 Connector Pinouts ...............................................97 35 36 4 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME User's Guide Fireface 800 General User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 5 1. Introduction Thank you for choosing the Fireface 800. This unique audio system is capable of transferring analog and digital audio data directly to a computer from practically any device. The latest Plug and Play technology guarantees a simple installation, even for the inexperienced user. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialog puts the Fireface 800 at the very top of the range of computer-based audio interfaces. The package contains drivers for Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, XP 64, Mac OS X and Mac OS X x86. Our high-performance philosophy guarantees maximum system performance by executing as many functions as possible not in the driver (i.e. the CPU), but directly within the audio hardware. 2. Package Contents Please check that your Fireface 800 package contains each of the following: · · · · · RME Driver CD Cable IEEE1394a (FW400), 4 m (13 ft) Power cord Manual 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft) 3. System Requirements · Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, Windows XP 64, Mac OS X (10.3 or higher) · 1 OHCI compatible FireWire Port 400 (1394a) or 800 (1394b) · Pentium III 866 MHz or better, G4 Dual 867 or better Note: Examples and detailed descriptions of suitable audio desktop systems can be found in the Tech Info RME Reference PCs: Hardware recommendations. Information on compatibility and performance of notebooks/laptops is included in RMEs Tech Infos about notebooks, HDSP System ­ Notebook Basics and Tests. A report about incompatible FireWire 800 controllers is found in the Tech Info FireWire 800 Hardware ­ Compatibility Problems. 4. Brief Description and Characteristics · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Enhanced Mixed Mode: Analog, ADAT and SPDIF I/O simultaneously usable 8 buffer sizes/latencies available: 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.1 / 3 / 6 / 12 / 17 / 23 ms All settings can be changed in real-time 8 channels 96 kHz/24 bit Record/Playback via ADAT optical (S/MUX) Clock modes slave and master Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode Word clock input and output TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring TotalMix: 1568 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals 1 x MIDI I/O, 16 channels high-speed MIDI 1 x Hi-power headphone output DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation 6 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 5. First Usage - Quickstart 5.1 Connectors and Front Panel The front of the Fireface 800 features an instrument input, microphone inputs and line inputs with gain pots, a stereo headphone output with volume pot, and several status LEDs. MIDI/I indicates MIDI data received by the MIDI input. MIDI/O indicates MIDI data sent to the MIDI output. The Digital State LEDs (WC, SPDIF, ADAT, TCO) indicate a valid input signal separately for each digital input. Additionally, RME's exclusive SyncCheck indicates if one of these inputs is locked, but not synchronous to the others, in which case the LED will flash. See also chapter 11.3/22.3, Clock Modes - Synchronization. The red HOST LED lights up when the Fireface 800 has been switched on, thus signalling the presence of operating voltage. At the same time it operates as error LED, in case the FireWire connection hasn't been initialised yet, or has been interrupted (error, cable not connected etc.). Phones is a low impedance line output of highest quality. It provides a sufficient and undistorted volume when used with headphones. The rear panel of the Fireface 800 features eight analog inputs and outputs, the power socket, and all digital inputs and outputs: ADAT1 I/O (TOSLINK) ADAT2 I/O (TOSLINK): Can also be used as optical SPDIF input and output, if set up accordingly in the Settings dialog. The Settings dialog is started by clicking on the fire symbol in the Task Bar's system tray. SPDIF I/O coaxial (RCA): Fully AES/EBU compatible by transformer-coupling and level adjustment. The Fireface 800 accepts the commonly used digital audio formats, SPDIF as well as AES/EBU. Word Clock I/O (BNC): A push switch allows to activate internal termination (75 Ohms). When termination is activated the yellow LED besides the switch lights up. IEC receptacle for mains power connection. The specially developed, internal hi-performance switch mode power supply makes the Fireface operate in the range of 100V to 240V AC. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 7 5.2 Quick Start After the driver installation (chapter 10 / 20) connect the TRS-jacks or the XLR connectors with the analog signal source. The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed in the Settings dialog (Input Level), assuring the highest signal to noise ratio will be achieved. Try to achieve an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the source's output level until the peak level meters in TotalMix reach about ­3 dB. The analog line inputs of the Fireface 800 can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. The electronic input stage can handle balanced (XLR, TRS jacks) and unbalanced (TS jacks) input signals correctly. The front's inputs signal level can be optimized using the Fireface's Gain pots. A Signal LED and a Clip LED help to find the correct level adjustment. The Fireface's digital outputs provide SPDIF (AES/EBU compatible) and ADAT optical signals at the corresponding ports. On the analog playback side (the DA side), a coarse adjustment of the analog output level at the rear jacks is available in the Settings dialog (Output Level). The output signal of channels 9/10 is available on the front. Their output level can be set using the VOL pot. This output is a very low impedance type, which can also be used to connect headphones. The function Store in Flash Memory (Settings dialog) and Flash current mixer state (TotalMix) allow to store the current settings into the Fireface 800. The unit then remembers all settings, and loads these automatically when switched on. With this, the Fireface 800 can be used standalone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of dedicated devices (see chapter 26). 6. Accessories RME offer several optional components for the Fireface 800: Part Number 36001 36002 36005 Description Firewire cable IEEE1394a 6M/6M, 1 m (3.3 ft) Firewire cable IEEE1394a 6M/6M, 3 m (9.9 ft) Firewire cable IEEE1394a 6M/6M, 4.5 m (15 ft) FireWire cable for any FireWire 400 device, both sides 6-pin male. Cable longer than 15 ft is not specified for FireWire. 36003 36004 36006 36007 36008 36009 Optical cable, TOSLINK, 0.5 m (1.6 ft) Optical cable, TOSLINK, 1 m (3.3 ft) Optical cable, TOSLINK, 2 m (6.6 ft) Optical cable, TOSLINK, 3 m (9.9 ft) Optical cable, TOSLINK, 5 m (16.4 ft) Optical cable, TOSLINK, 10 m (33 ft) Standard lightpipe with TOSLINK connectors, RME approved quality. TCOFF Time Code Option Fireface Time Code Option to be inserted in the rear slot, adding LTC and Video synchronization inputs to the Fireface, plus a LTC output. 8 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 7. Warranty Each individual Fireface 800 undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete test at RME before shipping. The usage of high grade components allow us to offer a full two year warranty. We accept a copy of the sales receipt as valid warranty legitimation. If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation or maltreatment - replacement or repair in such cases can only be carried out at the owner's expense. RME does not accept claims for damages of any kind, especially consequential damage. Liability is limited to the value of the Fireface 800. The general terms of business drawn up by Synthax Audio AG apply at all times. 8. Appendix RME news, driver updates and further product information are available on our website: http://www.rme-audio.com If you prefer to read the information off-line, you can browse through a complete copy of the RME website, found on the RME Driver CD (in the \rmeaudio.web directory). Manufacturer: IMM Elektronik GmbH, Leipziger Strasse 32, D-09648 Mittweida Trademarks All trademarks, registered or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. RME, DIGI96, SyncAlign, ZLM, SyncCheck, DIGICheck and Hammerfall are registered trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. TMS, TotalMix and Fireface are trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. Alesis and ADAT are registered trademarks of Alesis Corp. ADAT optical is a trademark of Alesis Corp. Microsoft, Windows 98 and Windows 2000/XP are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Steinberg, Cubase and VST are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. FireWire, the FireWire symbol and the FireWire logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Copyright © Matthias Carstens, 1/2006. Version 2.6 Current driver version: W2k/XP: 2.42, Mac OS X: 2.42, Firmware 2.47 Although the contents of this User's Guide have been thoroughly checked for errors, RME can not guarantee that it is correct throughout. RME does not accept responsibility for any misleading or incorrect information within this guide. Lending or copying any part of the guide or the RME Driver CD, or any commercial exploitation of these media without express written permission from RME Intelligent Audio Solutions is prohibited. RME reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 9 CE / FCC Compliance Statements CE This device has been tested and found to comply with the EN55022 class B and EN50082-1 norms for digital devices, according to the European Council directive on counterpart laws in the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility (EMVG). FCC This device has been tested and found to comply with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, part 15 for Class `B' digital devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this product in a residential environment will not result in harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment generates radio frequencies and, if not installed and used according to the instructions in the User's Guide may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of interference, which can be determined by turning the unit off and on again, please try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following measures: · Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference · Use power outlets on different branch circuits, or install AC line filters · Contact your local retailer or any qualified radio and television engineer FCC compliance statement: Tested to comply with FCC standards for home or office use. 10 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME User's Guide Fireface 800 Installation and Operation - Windows User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 11 9. Hardware Installation Desktop Computer · · Use the power cord to connect the Fireface with any suitable power outlet. Connect computer and Fireface using the supplied 6-pin FireWire cable (IEEE1394a). In case your computer does not have any FireWire port, PCI-cards providing multiple FireWire ports can be added easily. FireWire cards are available in your local computer shop. Power on the computer. Switch on the Fireface when Windows shows the desktop. · Notebook · · Use the power cord to connect the Fireface with any suitable power outlet. Connect computer and Fireface using the supplied 6-pin FireWire cable (IEEE1394a). In case your notebook does not have any FireWire port, CardBus-cards can be used to add them. In case your notebook does not have a 6-pin jack, or did not include a 6-pin to 4-pin adapter: such adapters are available in your local computer store, also as complete cable 4pin to 6-pin. Power-on the notebook. Switch on the Fireface when Windows shows the desktop. · 10. Driver and Firmware 10.1 Driver Installation After the Fireface has been switched on, (see 9. Hardware Installation) the green arrow symbol appears in the task bar (dialog Remove hardware) because Windows has detected an external hardware. Insert the RME Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive, and follow further instructions which appear on your computer screen. The driver files are located in the directory \Fireface W2k on the RME Driver CD. Windows now installs the driver of the Fireface 800 and registers it as a new audio device in the system. After a reboot, the symbols of mixer and Settings dialog will appear in the task bar (see above). The red Host error LED extinguishes. In case the warning messages 'Digital signature not found', 'Do not install driver', 'not certified driver' or similar come up: Don't listen to Microsoft, listen to us and continue with the installation. In case the Hardware Wizard does not show up automatically after installation of the card, do not attempt to install the drivers manually! An installation of drivers for non-recognized hardware will cause a blue screen when booting Windows! Possible reasons why a Fireface is not found automatically: · · The FireWire port is not active in the system (drivers of the FireWire PCI or CardBus card have not been installed) The FireWire cable is not, or not correctly inserted into the socket No power. After switching the Fireface on, at least the red Host error LED has to be lit. · 12 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 10.2 Driver Update RME driver updates often include a new fireface.inf file. To prevent Windows 2000/XP from using an old fireface.inf, or to copy some of the old driver files, be sure NOT to let Windows search for the driver! Instead tell Windows what to do. Under >Control Panel /System /Device Manager /Sound, Video and Game Controllers /RME Fireface 800/Properties /Driver< you'll find the 'Update Driver' button. Select 'Install from a list or specific location (advanced)', click 'Next', select 'Don't search I will choose the driver to install', click 'Next', then 'Have Disk'. Now point to the driver update's directory. This method also allows to install older drivers than the currently installed ones. 10.3 Deinstalling the Drivers A deinstallation of the Fireface's driver files is not necessary ­ and not supported by Windows anyway. Thanks to full Plug & Play support, the driver files will not be loaded after the hardware has been removed. If desired these files can then be deleted manually. Unfortunately Windows Plug & Play methods do not cover the additional autorun entries of TotalMix, the Settings dialog, and the registration of the ASIO driver. These entries can be removed from the registry by a software deinstallation request. This request can be found (like all deinstallation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME Fireface'. 10.4 Firmware Update The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Fireface 800 to the latest version. It requires an already installed driver. Start the program fireface_fut.exe. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the Fireface's frimware, and whether it needs an update or not. If so, then simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished (Verify Ok). If more than one Fireface is installed, all units can be flashed by changing to the next tab and repeating the process. After the update the unit needs to be reset. This is done by powering down the Fireface for a few seconds. Attention: the Fireface should not be switched off for less than 5 seconds, because Windows completely unloads the driver, which takes some time to finish. A reboot of the computer is not necessary. When the update fails (status: failure), the unit's second BIOS will be used from the next cold boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the unit stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again on a different computer. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 13 11. Configuring the Fireface 11.1 Settings dialog - General Configuration of the Fireface 800 is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can be opened: · by clicking on the fire symbol in the Task Bar's system tray The mixer of the Fireface 800 (TotalMix) can be opened: · by clicking on the mixer icon in the Task Bar's system tray The hardware of the Fireface 800 offers a number of helpful, well thought-of practical functions and options which affect how the card operates - it can be configured to suit many different requirements. The following is available in the 'Settings' dialog: · · · · · · · Input selection Level of analog I/Os Configuration of digital I/Os Synchronization behaviour State of input and output Current sample rate Latency Any changes made in the Settings dialog are applied immediately confirmation (e.g. by clicking on OK or exiting the dialog) is not required. However, settings should not be changed during playback or record if it can be avoided, as this can cause unwanted noises. Also, please note that even in 'Stop' mode, several programs keep the recording and playback devices open, which means that any new settings might not be applied immediately. The status displays at the bottom of the dialog box give the user precise information about the current status of the system, and the status of all digital signals. SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word Clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The AutoSync Ref display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. The string Errors is displayed only when transmission errors of PCI/FireWire are detected. The display will be reset on any start of a playback/record, i.e. set to zero and is thus no longer visible. More information can be found in chapter 37.3. 14 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME Buffer Size The setting Buffer Size determines the latency between incoming and outgoing ASIO and GSIF data, as well as affecting system stability (see chapter 13/14). Under Windows MME this setting determines the DMA buffer size (see chapter 12.3). GSIF and MME can be set from 48 to 256 samples. Above 256, only ASIO is effected Inputs Input selection for the channels 1, 7 and 8. Channel 1 can be the front instrument input, or the rear TRS jack, or both simultaneously. Channel 7/8 can be the front microphone input, or the rear TRS jack, or both simultaneously. Limit Bandwidth Allows to reduce the amount of bandwidth used on the FireWire bus. See chapter 11.4. All channels (default) activates all 28 input and output channels. Analog + SPDIF + ADAT1 disables channels 21­28 (ADAT2). Analog + SPDIF activates all 10 analog channels plus SPDIF. Analog 1-8 activates only the first eight analog channels. SPDIF In Defines the input for the SPDIF signal. 'Coaxial' relates to the RCA socket, 'ADAT2' to the second optical TOSLINK input. SPDIF Out The SPDIF output signal is constantly available at the phono plug. After selecting 'ADAT2' it is also routed to the second optical TOSLINK output. For further details about the settings `Professional', `Emphasis' and `NonAudio', please refer to chapter 29.2. SPDIF Freq. Displays the sample rate of the signal at the SPDIF input. Input Level Defines the reference level for the rear analog inputs 1-8. Output Level Defines the reference level for the rear analog outputs 1-8. Phantom Power Phantom power (48V) can be selected for each microphone input seperately. Instrument Options Drive activates 25 dB additional gain for maximum sustain and brute distortion. Lim. activates a soft-limiter with a threshold of ­10 dBFS. Note: The Limiter can only be switched off with input selection Front. Speaker Emulation removes low frequency noise and cuts off higher frequencies. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 15 Word Clock Out The word clock output signal usually equals the current sample rate. Selecting Single Speed causes the output signal to always stay within the range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz and 192 kHz sample rate, the output word clock is 48 kHz. SyncCheck SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The AutoSync Ref display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. Options Check Input verifies the current digital input signal against the settings in the record program. When de-activated a recording will always be allowed, even with non-valid input signals. Check Input is valid for MME only. SyncAlign guarantees synchronous channels when using MME multitrack software. This option should only be switched off in case the used software does not work correctly with SyncAlign activated. TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information of the SPDIF input. With Interleaved activated, WDM devices can be used as 8-channel devices (see chapter 12.5). Clock Mode The unit can be configured to use its internal clock source (Master), or the clock source pre-defined via Pref. Sync Ref (AutoSync). Pref. Sync Ref. Used to pre-select the desired clock source. If the selected source isn't available, the unit will change to the next available one. The current clock source and sample rate is displayed in the AutoSync Ref display. The automatic clock selection checks and changes between the clock sources Word Clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF, LTC and Video (LTC/Video when using the optional TCO module). System Clock Shows the current clock state of the Fireface 800. The system is either Master (using its own clock) or Slave (see AutoSync Ref). Read Flash Memory A click on this button causes all settings to change to the ones stored in the flash memory of the Fireface. Store in Flash Memory A click on this button transmits all current settings into the flash memory of the Fireface. Those settings then become active directly after power-on, and also in stand-alone operation. 16 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 11.2 Settings dialog - DDS Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in between. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision. DDS has been implemented into the Fireface with regard to the needs of professional video applications, as well as to maximum flexibility. The dialog DDS includes both a list of typical video frequencies (so called pull up/pull down at 0.1% and 4%) and two faders, which allow to freely change the basic sample rate in steps of 1 Hz (!). The DDS dialog requires the Fireface to be in clock mode Master! The frequency setting will only be applied to this one specific Fireface! Changing the sample rate in bigger steps during record/playback often results in a loss of audio, or brings up warning messages of the audio software. Therefore the desired sample rate should be set at least coarsely before starting the software. DDS Activates all settings of this dialog. Value Shows the sample rate as adjusted in this dialog. The sample rate is defined by the basic setting (Frequency), the multiplier, and the position of the activated fader. Frequency Sets a fixed basic sample rate, which can be modified by multiplier and fader. Freq. Multiplier Changes the basic sample rate into Single, Double oder Quad Speed mode. Coarse Fader for coarse modification of the basic sample rate. Click Active to activate it. Minimum step size 1 Hz. Fine Fader for fine modification of the basic sample rate. Click Active to activate it. Minimum step size 1 Hz. Notes on the faders A mouse click within the fader area, above or below the fader know, will move the fader with the smallest step size up or down. Holding the Ctrl key while clicking will cause the fader to jump to its center (0). User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 17 Application examples DDS allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From alignment to other sources up to creative effects ­ everything is possible.. DDS allows to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning. DDS allows to define a specific sample rate. This feature can be is useful in case the system randomly changes the sample rate ­ for unknown reasons. It also prevents a change from Double Speed (96 kHz) to Single Speed (48 kHz), which would cause configuration and routing problems by the changed amount of ADAT channels. 11.3 Clock Modes - Synchronization In the digital world, all devices must be either `Master' (clock source) or `Slave' synchronized to a master. Whenever several devices are linked within a system, there must always be a single master clock. The Fireface's intelligent clock control is very user-friendly, being able to switch between clock modes automatically. Selecting AutoSync will activate this mode. In AutoSync mode, the system constantly scans all digital inputs for a valid signal. If any valid signal is found, the Fireface switches from the internal quartz (System Clock ­ Mode displays 'Master') to a clock extracted from the input signal (System Clock - Mode displays 'Slave'). The difference to a usual slave mode is that whenever the clock reference fails, the system will automatically use its internal clock and operate in 'Master' mode. AutoSync guarantees that record and record-while-play will always work correctly. In certain cases however, e.g. when the inputs and outputs of a DAT machine are connected directly to the Fireface 800, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization breaks down. To remedy this, switch the Fireface's clock mode over to 'Master'. Remember that a digital system can only have one master! If the Fireface's clock mode is set to 'Master', all other devices must be set to `Slave'. The Fireface's ADAT optical and SPDIF inputs operate simultaneously. Because there is no input selector however, the Fireface 800 has to be told which of the signals is the sync reference (a digital device can only be clocked from a single source). Via Pref. Sync Ref (preferred synchronization reference) a preferred input can be defined. As long as the card sees a valid signal there, this input will be designated as the sync source. The Fireface has been equipped with an automatic clock source selection, which adopts the first available input with a valid digital signal as the clock reference input. If none of the inputs are receiving a valid signal, the card automatically switches clock mode to `Master'. The input currently used as sync reference is shown in the AutoSync Ref status field, together with its sample frequency. To cope with some situations which may arise in studio practice, defining a sync reference is essential. One example: An ADAT recorder is connected to the ADAT input (ADAT immediately becomes the AutoSync source) and a CD player is connected to the SPDIF input. Try recording a few samples from the CD and you will be disappointed. Few CD players can be synchronized. The samples will inevitably be corrupted, because the signal from the CD player is read with the (wrong) clock from the ADAT i.e. out of sync. In this case, Pref Sync Ref should be temporarily set to SPDIF. 18 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME If several digital devices are to be used simultaneously in a system, they not only have to operate with the same sample frequency but also be synchronous with each other. This is why digital systems always need a single device defined as `master', which sends the same clock signal to all the other (`slave') devices. RME's exclusive SyncCheck technology (first implemented in the Hammerfall) enables an easy to use check and display of the current clock status. SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word Clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The AutoSync Ref display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source (see chapter 37.1). In practice, SyncCheck provides the user with an easy way of checking whether all digital devices connected to the system are properly configured. With SyncCheck, finally anyone can master this common source of error, previously one of the most complex issues in the digital studio world. Thanks to its AutoSync technique and lightning fast PLLs, the Fireface 800 is not only capable of handling standard frequencies, but also any sample rate between 28 and 200 kHz. Even the word clock input, most often used in varispeed operation, allows any frequency between 28 kHz and 200 kHz. At 88.2 or 96 kHz: If the ADAT input has been selected in Pref Sync Ref, the sample frequency shown in the SPDIF Freq. field differs from the one shown in AutoSync Ref. The unit automatically switches to S/MUX mode here, because ADAT optical inputs and outputs are only specified up to 48 kHz. Data from/to a single input/output is spread over two channels, the internal frequency stays at 44.1 or 48 kHz. In such cases, the ADAT sample frequency is only half the SPDIF frequency. 11.4 Limit Bandwidth This option allows to reduce the amount of bandwidth used on the FireWire bus. A typical example is the use of the Fireface with a laptop. Only in rare cases both ADAT ports are needed, in many cases even both stay unused. The option Analog+SPDIF will reduce the amount of constantly (!) transferred data from around 5 MByte (10 in both directions) to only 2 MByte (4 in both directions). The FireWire connection will be more stable, reliable and robust, leaving additional bandwidth for other devices. At the same time the CPU and system load is reduced, as less channels have to be processed and to be transferred. In TotalMix, the deactivated software playback channels will be replaced with empty plates. More details are found in chapter 37.4. Available Settings All channels (default) activates all 28 input and output channels. Analog + SPDIF + ADAT1 disables channels 21­28 (ADAT2). Analog + SPDIF activates all 10 analog channels plus SPDIF. Analog 1-8 activates only the first eight analog channels. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 19 12. Operation and Usage 12.1 Playback The Fireface 800 can play back audio data in supported formats only (sample rate, bit resolution). Otherwise an error message appears (for example at 22 kHz and 8 bit). In the audio application being used, Fireface must be selected as output device. This can often be found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus under Playback Device, Audio Devices, Audio etc. We strongly recommend switching all system sounds off (via >Control Panel /Sounds<). Also HDSP should not be the Preferred Device for playback, as this could cause loss of synchronization and unwanted noises. If you feel you cannot do without system sounds, you should consider buying a cheap Blaster clone and select this as Preferred Device in >Control Panel /Multimedia /Audio<. The screenshot shows a typical configuration dialog of a (stereo) wave editor. After selecting a device, audio data is sent to an analog or digital (ADAT / SPDIF) port, depending on which has been selected as playback device. Increasing the number and/or size of audio buffers may prevent the audio signal from breaking up, but also increases latency i.e. output is delayed. For synchronized playback of audio and MIDI (or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox `Get position from audio driver'. The Fireface's ADAT optical interfaces support sample rates of up to 96 kHz using a standard ADAT recorder. Single-channel data at this frequency requires two ADAT channels, achieved using the Sample Multiplexing technique. This reduces the number of available ADAT channels from 8 to 4. Under Windows MME, channels are routed to ADAT devices in double-speed mode as follows: · Only the four stereo pairs of the device ADAT1 are available · The channels of the device ADAT2 are no longer available This kind of implementation allows a problem-free usage of both ADAT ports in Single and Double Speed, as the routing for ADAT1 doesn't change. However, the hardware spreads the data differently: · Channel 1 is transmitted via channels 1 and 2, channel 2 via 3 and 4 etc. · The ADAT2 port transmits channels 5 to 8 Please refer to the diagram in chapter 18.2. Routing for record and playback is identical. 20 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 12.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS) AC-3 / DTS When using popular DVD software players like WinDVD and PowerDVD, their audio data stream can be sent to any AC-3/DTS capable receiver using the Fireface's SPDIF output. For this to work, the WDM* SPDIF device of the Fireface 800 has to be selected in >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<. Also check 'use preferred device only'. (*In some cases MME is not supported) The DVD software's audio properties now show the options 'SPDIF Out', 'Use SPDIF' or 'activate SPDIF output'. When selecting these, the software will transfer the non-decoded digital multichannel data stream to the Fireface. This 'SPDIF' signal sounds like chopped noise at highest level. Therefore the Fireface 800 automatically activates the non-audio bit within the digital data stream, to prevent most SPDIF receivers from accepting the signal, and to prevent any attached equipment from being damaged. Multichannel PowerDVD and WinDVD can also operate as software decoder, sending a DVD's multichannel data stream directly to the analog outputs of the Fireface. All modes are supported, from 2 to 8 channels, at 16 bit resolution and up to 192 kHz sample rate. Up to 48 kHz, playback is also possible via the ADAT outputs of the Fireface. For multichannel playback, a WDM streaming* device, or the correct** MME playback device of the Fireface 800 has to be selected in >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<. Also check 'use preferred device only'. PowerDVD's audio properties now lists several multichannel modes. If one of these is selected, PowerDVD sends the decoded analog multichannel data to the Fireface. * The option Interleaved in the Settings dialog has to be activated. ** Certain MME playback devices of the Fireface support multichannel playback (Interleaved) with 2, 4, 6 and 8 channels: -- Fireface Analog (1+2): Up to 192 kHz, playback on the analog outputs 1-8 -- Fireface ADAT1 (1+2): Up to 48 kHz, playback on channels 13-20 -- Fireface ADAT2 (1+2): Up to 48 kHz, playback on channels 21-28 Thanks to TotalMix, the software's playback channels can be routed to any hardware outputs. Therefore a playback at 96 kHz using the analog outputs can also be done via both ADAT ports. This also removes a limitation in some software (like PowerDVD 5), which always uses channel 1 as first channel of a multichannel playback. The channel assignment using PowerDVD is: 1 - Left 2 - Right 3 - Center 4 - LFE (Low Frequency Effects) 5 - SL (Surround Left) 6 - SR (Surround Right) Note 1: Selecting the Fireface to be used as system playback device is against our recommendations on system optimization, as professional cards are not specialized to play back system sounds, and shouldn't be disturbed by system events. To prevent this, be sure to re-assign the selection after usage, or to disable any system sounds (tab Sounds, scheme 'No audio'). Note 2: The DVD player will be synced backwards from the Fireface. This means when using AutoSync and/or word clock, the playback speed and pitch follows the incoming clock signal. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 21 12.3 Low Latency under MME (Buffer Size Adjustment) Under Windows 95 or 98, the MME buffer size was nothing to worry about. Latencies below 46 ms were not possible. Meanwhile both computers and operating systems have become much more powerful, and with Windows 2000/XP latencies far lower can be used. SAWStudio and Sonar allowed to use such low settings from the start. Sequoia was updated in version 5.91, WaveLab in version 3.04. In the Settings dialog the DMA buffer size is set using the list box Buffer Size (Latency). Values between 48 and 256 samples are available. This setting is valid for MME, ASIO and GSIF at the same time, with values above 256 only effecting ASIO. Our test computers allow to use even 48 samples without clicks, but will show a higher basic CPU load then. Therefore we recommend to use at least 64 samples. Please note that this setting only defines the buffer size of the hardware. The true and effective latency is configured within the MME application! Attention: the DMA buffers must not be larger than the application's buffers. Playback will be stuttering and audio will be distorted. Example: when you set the Fireface to 256 you can't use 128 in any program. But setting the MME buffer to 128 allows to use 128 and all higher values within the software. Please also note that this is a you're welcome to try feature. We can't guarantee that you will be able to use 3 or 6 ms with MME. Simply check out by yourself which lowest setting your system and software allows. Some motherboards with insufficient PCI bandwidth (especially VIA based) suffer from crackling at settings below 512. Be sure to set the buffer size to 512 or higher in such a case (or get yourself a new motherboard...). 22 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 12.4 Notes on WDM The driver offers two devices per stereo pair, like Fireface Analog (1+2) and Fireface Analog (1+2) MME. Fireface Analog (1+2) The devices having no MME at the end are WDM Streaming Devices. WDM Streaming is Microsoft's current driver and audio system, directly embedded into the operating system. WDM Streaming is nearly unusable for professional music purposes, as all data is processed by the so called Kernel Mixer, causing a latency of at least 30 ms. Additionally, WDM can perform sample rate conversions unnoticed, cause offsets between record and playback data, block channels unintentionally and much more. Therefore, for general operation, RME recommend not to useWDM devices. WDM Streaming also replaces the former DirectSound. Synthesizers and Samplers, which achieved latencies below 10 ms using DirectSound, are forced to use WDM in Windows XP. And now operate at high latency. Meanwhile most of these programs support ASIO as low latency driver interface. Several programs do not offer any direct device selection. Instead they use the playback device selected in Windows under . Such software often requires the special functions provided by WDM, and therefore will operate better when using a WDM device. Please note that selecting the Fireface to be used as system playback device is against our recommendations, as professional interfaces should not be disturbed by system events. The program Sonar from Cakewalk is unique in many ways. Sonar uses the so called WDM Kernel Streaming, bypassing the WDM mixer, thus achieves a similar performance as ASIO and our MME driver (see below). The superior low latency operation that was originally expected from WDM Kernel Streaming has not become reality. This is not astonishing when analysing the driver model. Early reports about a sensational performance around 1 ms latency at up to 100% CPU load have been quickly revealed to be faulty drivers, operating at much higher latency than 1 ms. Meanwhile Sonar supports ASIO too. So simply test and try for yourself which driver interface will work better for you on your system. Information on multichannel WDM is found in chapter 12.5. Fireface Analog (1+2) MME The devices with the MME suffix bypass the Windows Kernel Mixer. This way, they achieve nearly the same performance as RME's previous (true) MME drivers. Also their behaviour (offsets, start/stop, multi-client) is identical. So when not using GSIF or ASIO, MME should be your preferred choice. A small note on ASIO and GSIF: these drivers are completely independent from WDM Streaming. They work and perform the same as our previous 'just WDM' drivers. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 23 12.5 Multi-client Operation RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. This means several programs can be used at the same time. Also all formats, like ASIO, MME and GSIF can be used simultaneously. The use of multi-client operation requires to follow two simple rules: · Multi-client operation requires identical sample rates! I.e. it is not possible to use one software with 44.1 kHz and the other with 48 kHz. · Different software can not use the same channels at the same time. If for example Cubase uses channels 1/2, this playback pair can't be used in Gigasampler/Studio (GSIF) nor under MME (WaveLab etc.) anymore. This is no limitation at all, because TotalMix allows any output routing, and with this a playback of multiple software on the same hardware outputs. Note that the inputs can be used at the same time, as the driver sends the data to all applications simultaneously. ASIO-Multiclient RME audio interfaces support ASIO multi-client operation. It is possible to use more than one ASIO software at the same time. Again the sample rate has to be identical, and each software has to use its own playback channels. Again the inputs can be used simultaneously. RME's sophisticated tool DIGICheck is an exception to this rule. It operates like an ASIO host, using a special technique to access playback channels already occupied. Therefore DIGICheck is able to analyse and display playback data from any software, no matter which format the software uses. Multi-Client and Multi-Channel using WDM The WDM Streaming devices of our driver can operate as usual stereo devices, or as 8-channel devices. The option Interleaved in the Settings dialog determines the current mode. Interleaved not active: The WDM devices operate as usual stereo devices. The multi-client operation works as described above with WDM, ASIO, MME and GSIF. Interleaved active: The WDM devices can also be used as 8-channel devices. Unfortunately the Kernel Mixer, active with any WDM playback, then always occupies and blocks 8 channels at once, even when WaveLab or the Media Player perform just a stereo playback (2 channels). So: If any stereo pair within an 8-channel group is used, the whole 8-channel group is blocked. As a result, no second stereo pair of this group can be used, neither with ASIO, MME nor GSIF. The Fireface provides three 8-channel groups: the analog inputs 1 to 8 and the two ADAT ports. Starting MME, ASIO or GSIF playback on any of the stereo pairs of an 8-channel group prior to starting a WDM playback will prevent the Kernel Mixer from opening the 8-channel device, as two of its channels are already in use. The Kernel Mixer then automatically reverts to open a stereo device for a stereo playback. Software which is capable of using more than one MME device usually uses the (WDM-) MME devices. A surround playback via Media Player should be possible without the need of reconfiguration. That's why the mode Interleaved is activated in the Settings dialog by default. 24 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 12.6 Digital Recording Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is present, digital interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording. Taking this into account, RME have included three unique features in the Fireface 800: a comprehensive I/O signal status display showing sample frequency, lock and sync status in the Settings dialog, status LEDs for each input, and the protective Check Input function. If a 48 kHz signal is fed to the input and the application is set to 44.1 kHz, Check Input stops the system from recording. This prevents faulty takes, which often go unnoticed until later on in the production. Such tracks appear to have the wrong playback rate - the audio quality as such is not affected. The sample frequency shown in the Settings dialog (see chapter 11.1, screenshot Settings) is useful as a quick display of the current configuration (the board itself and all connected external equipment). If no sample frequency is recognized, it will read `No Lock'. This way, configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. After selecting the required input, Fireface 800 displays the current sample frequency. This parameter can then be changed in the application's audio attributes (or similar) dialog. The screenshot on the right shows a typical dialog used for changing basic parameters such as sample frequency and resolution in an audio application. Any bit resolution can be selected, providing it is supported by both the audio hardware and the software. Even if the input signal is 24 bit, the application can still be set to record at 16-bit resolution. The lower 8 bits (and therefore any signals about 96dB below maximum level) are lost entirely. On the other hand, there is nothing to gain from recording a 16-bit signal at 24-bit resolution - this would only waste precious space on the hard disk. It often makes sense to monitor the input signal or send it directly to the output. This can be done at zero latency using TotalMix (see chapter 31). Currently two solutions exist which enable an automated control of real-time monitoring. ZLM (Zero Latency Monitoring) allows monitoring in Punch I/O mode - with this the system behaves like a tape machine. This method has been implemented in all versions of Samplitude (by Magix), and can be activated using the global track option 'Hardware monitoring during Punch'. As ZLM is limited to MME, this mode is no longer supported in the Fireface 800. The other solution is Steinberg's ASIO protocol with our ASIO 2.0 drivers and all ASIO 2.0 compatible programs (even Samplitude...). When 'ASIO Direct Monitoring' has been switched on, the input signal is routed in real-time to the output whenever a recording is started. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 25 12.7 Analog Recording For recordings via the analog inputs the corresponding record device has to be chosen (Fireface Analog (x+x)). Apart from the three reference levels, the Fireface has no means to change the input level. This would make no sense for the digital inputs, but also for the analog inputs one can do without it. It doesn't matter if the Fireface is operated at a mixing desk or a multichannel mic preamp, in either case the level can be controlled directly at the source to match the Fireface's sensitivity perfectly. The input sensitivity of the frontside analog inputs can be adjusted using their Gain pots to match any external source perfectly, see chapter 27.2. 13. Operation under ASIO 2.0 13.1 General Start the ASIO software and select ASIO Fireface as the audio I/O device. The 'ASIO system control' button opens the Fireface's Settings dialog (see chapter 11 / 22, Configuration). Fireface 800 supports 'ASIO Direct Monitoring' (ADM). Please note that currently Nuendo, Cubase and Logic either do not support ADM completely or error-free. Using emulated MIDI drivers often causes a drift and delay between audio and MIDI. You should use nonemulated (MME) MIDI ports in such a case. When the sample frequency is set to 88.2 or 96 kHz, the number of ASIO ADAT channels is reduced to 4 per ADAT port. At a sample rate of 176.4 or 192 kHz (Quad Speed Mode) the ADAT I/Os are no longer available. Nevertheless they will send out a synchronized ADAT signal at a quarter of the sample rate. The ASIO driver corrects the number of channels when changing from Single to Double or Quad Speed. The channel routing of both ADAT ports is shown in chapter 18.1 and 37.5. Some programs do not recognize the dynamic change of the number of ADAT channels, therefore do not operate correctly in Double and Quad Speed mode. A workaround is to use DDS. After having set the desired sample rate, the ASIO software recognizes the correct number of I/O channels directly when started. 26 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 13.2 Known Problems If a computer does not provide sufficient CPU-power and/or sufficient PCI-bus transfer rates, then drop outs, crackling and noise will appear. We recommend to deactivate all PlugIns to verify that these are not the reason for such effects. Additional hard disk controllers, both on-board and PCI based, aften violate the PCI specs. To achieve the highest throughput they hog the PCI bus, even in their default setting. Thus when working with low latencies heavy drop outs (clicks) are heard. Try to solve this problem by changing the default setting of the controller (for example by reducing the 'PCI Bus Utilization'). The above note on PCI is not an error in this manual: so far all FireWire controllers are connected to the PCI bus. Therefore the same problems known from PCI audio cards can occur with FireWire audio interfaces as well. Further information is found in chapter 37.3. Another common source of trouble is incorrect synchronization. ASIO does not support asynchronous operation, which means that the input and output signals not only have to use the same sample frequency, but also have to be in sync. All devices connected to the Fireface 800 must be properly configured for Full Duplex operation. As long as SyncCheck (in the Settings dialog) only displays Lock instead of Sync, the devices have not been set up properly! When using more than one Fireface 800, all Firefaces have to be in sync, see chapter 15. Else a periodicly repeated noise will be heared. 14. Operation under GSIF (Gigasampler Interface) Windows 2000/XP The GSIF interface of the Fireface 800 allows direct operation with Gigastudio, with up to 28 channels, 96 kHz and 24 bit. The new GSIF 2.0 is also supported with both audio and MIDI. Gigastudio requires a lot of a computer's CPU performance. Optimum performance is achieved with a stand-alone GSIF PC. The GSIF latency of the Fireface 800 can be set between 48 and 256 samples. Above 256, only the ASIO latency will rise. Such a setting can prevent performance problems on slower machines when using ASIO and GSIF at the same time. Please note that the W2k/XP driver fully supports multi-client operation, including the combination MME/ASIO. So for example Cubase, Gigastudio and Sonar can be used simultaneously, provided each of these programs use audio channels exclusively on the Fireface 800. For example ASIO could use channels 1/2 and Gigastudio (with GSIF) channels 3/4 simultaneously, and so on. Simultaneous operation of GSIF and ASIO requires to use different channels. For example, if Cubase uses tracks 1/2 these tracks can not be used by Gigastudio. Common Problems Please note that Gigastudio is running unexpectedly in the background (thus blocking its assigned audio channels), as soon as the Gigastudio MIDI ports are used ­ even when Gigastudio itself hasn't been started. This causes a lot of confusion, as the driver seems to behave completely buggy, and the user does not recognize the simple reason for it ­ for example simultaneous operation of ASIO and GSIF on the same channels. If Gigastudio starts up properly, loads gig files too, but won't play at all even when using the virtual keyboard: Go to Hardware/Routing and select a valid MIDI input port. Note that blank is not valid, but is. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 27 15. Using more than one Fireface 800 The current driver supports up to three Fireface 800. All units have to be in sync, i.e. have to receive valid sync information (either via word clock or by using AutoSync and feeding synchronized signals). · If one of the Firefaces is set to clock mode Master, all others have to be set to clock mode AutoSync, and have to be synced from the master, for example by feeding word clock. The clock modes of all units have to be set up correctly in the Fireface Settings dialog. If all units are fed with a synchronous clock, i.e. all units show Sync in their Settings dialog, all channels can be used at once. This is especially easy to handle under ASIO, as the ASIO driver presents all units as one. · When using all channels of more than one Fireface 800, a FireWire 800 interface is necessary. FireWire 400 will usually not suffice for operating more than one Fireface. When using only one Fireface 800, a FireWire 800 interface does not provide any performance advantages, especially does not help to achieve lower latency. But connecting a hard drive to the Fireface (hub functionality), FireWire 800 will immediately increase performance and reliablility. · The cabling of FireWire 800 units is critical. In real world operation, it is not unusual that all Firefaces have to be connected directly to the 1394b ports of the computer, using cables of similar length. A long cable from the computer to the first Fireface, and a short one from the first to the second Fireface can cause problems. More information about numbers of channels and bus load can be found in chapter 37.4. The driver takes care of the numbering of all Firefaces, so that it doesn't change. The unit with the lowest serial number is always 'Fireface (1)'. Please note: · If the Fireface (1) is switched off, Fireface (2) logically turns to the first and only Fireface. If Fireface (1) is switched on later, the numbering changes and the unit becomes Fireface (2) immediately. The driver has no control on the numbering of the WDM devices. Therefore it might happen that the WDM devices (2) are mapped to unit (1), especially when switching on more Firefaces during a Windows session. A reboot with all Firefaces already operational should solve this problem. · Note: TotalMix is part of the hardware of each Fireface. Up to three mixers are available, but these are separated and can't interchange data. Therefore a global mixer for all units is not possible. 28 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 16. DIGICheck The DIGICheck software is a unique utility developed for testing, measuring and analysing digital audio streams. Although this Windows software is fairly self-explanatory, it still includes a comprehensive online help. DIGICheck 4.4 operates as multi-client ASIO host, therefore can be used in parallel to any software, be it WDM, MME, ASIO or GSIF, with both inputs and outputs (!). The following is a short summary of the currently available functions: · Level Meter. High precision 24-bit resolution, 2/10/28 channels. Application examples: Peak level measurement, RMS level measurement, over-detection, phase correlation measurement, dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratios, RMS to peak difference (loudness), long term peak measurement, input check. Oversampling mode for levels higher than 0 dBFS. Supports visualization according to the K-System. · Vector Audio Scope. World wide unique Goniometer showing the typical afterglow of a oscilloscope-tube. Includes Correlation meter and level meter. · Spectral Analyser. World wide unique 10-, 20- or 30-band display in analog bandpass-filter technology. 192 kHz-capable! · Bit Statistics & Noise. Shows the true resolution of audio signals as well as errors and DC offset. Includes Signal to Noise measurement in dB and dBA, plus DC measurement. · Totalyser. Spectral Analyser, Level Meter and Vector Audio Scope in a single window. · Channel Status Display. Detailled analyzis and display of SPDIF and AES/EBU Channel Status data. · Completely multi-client. Open as many measurement windows as you like, on any channels and inputs or outputs! As known from the TotalMix level meters, the Fireface calculates Over, Peak and RMS levels of all channels directly in hardware. Using these data as source of the Level Meter's display, the resulting CPU load is limited to the graphics routines ­ and is near zero on todays computers: · Meter Bridge: Select Hardware Input, Hardware Playback or Hardware Output as source (F3). DIGICheck now receives all level data directly from the hardware with near zero CPU load. To install DIGICheck, go to the \DIGICheck directory on the RME Driver CD and run setup.exe. Follow the instructions prompted on the screen. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 29 17. Hotline ­ Troubleshooting 17.1 General The newest information can always be found on our website www.rme-audio.com, section FAQ, Latest Additions. The input signal cannot be monitored in real-time · ASIO Direct Monitoring has not been enabled, and/or monitoring has been disabled globally. The 8 ADAT channels don't seem to work · The optical output ADAT2 has been switched to SPDIF. As can be seen in the block diagram, all channels and their assignments still exist, but the optical transmitter has been disconnected from ADAT2 and is now fed from the SPDIF output (channels 11/12). The ADAT2 playback devices are still usable by routing and mixing them in TotalMix to other outputs. Playback works, but record doesn't · Check that there is a valid signal at the input. If so, the current sample frequency is displayed in the Settings dialog. · Check whether the Fireface 800 has been selected as recording device in the audio application. · Check whether the sample frequency set in the audio application (`Recording properties' or similar) matches the input signal. · Check that cables/devices have not been connected in a closed loop. If so, set the systems's clock mode to Master. Crackle during record or playback · Increase the number and size of buffers in the `Settings' dialog or in the application. · Try different cables (coaxial or optical) to rule out any defects here. · Check that cables/devices have not been connected in a closed loop. If so, set the system's clock mode to `Master'. · Increase the buffer size of the hard disk cache. · Activate Busmaster mode for the hard disks. · In case of a recently done BIOS update of the motherboard: Propably 'Load BIOS Defaults' was loaded instead of 'Load Setup Defaults'. This sets the 'PCI Latency Timer' to 0 (default: 32). · Check the Settings dialog for displayed Errors. Low Latency ASIO operation under Windows 2000/XP on single CPU systems: · To use ASIO at lowest latencies under Windows 2000/XP even when only having one CPU, the system performance has to be optimized for background tasks. Go to Control Panel/System/Advanced/Performance Options. Change the default 'Applications' to 'Background tasks'. The lowest usable latency will drop from 23 ms to around 3 ms. Driver installation and Settings dialog/TotalMix work, but a playback or record is not possible · While recognition and control of the device are low bandwidth applications, playback/record needs the full FireWire transmission performance. Therefore, defective FireWire cables with limited transmission bandwidth can cause such an error scheme. 30 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 17.2 Installation After the driver installation the Fireface 800 is found in the Device Manager (), category 'Sound, Video and Gamecontroller'. A double click on 'RME Fireface 800' starts the properties dialog. The well known entry 'Resources' does not exist, because the Fireface is an external device connected to the FireWire Controller. The latter can be used to check interrupt and memory range. The newest information on hardware problems can always be found on our website www.rmeaudio.com, section FAQ, Hardware Alert: about incompatible hardware. In case the Hardware Wizard does not show up automatically after installation of the card, do not attempt to install the drivers manually! An installation of drivers for non-recognized hardware will cause a blue screen when booting Windows! Possible causes for a Fireface not found automatically: · · · · The FireWire port is not active in the system (drivers of the FireWire PCI or CardBus card have not been installed) The FireWire cable is not, or not correctly inserted into the socket No power. After switching the Fireface on, at least the red Host error LED has to be lit. The PCI FireWire card is defective A report about incompatible FireWire 800 controllers is found in the Tech Info FireWire 800 Hardware ­ Compatibility Problems. The Tech Info FireWire 800 under Windows XP SP2 includes detailed information about FireWire problems after the installation of Service Pack 2. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 31 18. Diagrams 18.1 Channel Routing ASIO at 96 kHz This diagram shows the signal paths in ASIO double speed mode (88.2 / 96 kHz). The devices available via the ASIO driver have been designed to avoid conflicts in normal operation, which is why the second ADAT device has been omitted. Record and playback are identical. 32 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 18.2 Channel Routing MME at 96 kHz This diagram shows the signal paths in MME double speed mode (88.2 / 96 kHz). The devices available via the MME wave driver have been designed to avoid conflicts in normal operation, which is why the second ADAT device has been omitted. Record and playback are identical. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 33 34 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME User's Guide Fireface 800 Mac OS X ­ Installation and Operation User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 35 19. Hardware Installation Desktop Computer · · · Use the power cord to connect the Fireface with any suitable power outlet. Connect computer and Fireface using the supplied 6-pin FireWire cable (IEEE1394a). Power on the computer, then switch on the Fireface. Notebook · · · Use the power cord to connect the Fireface with any suitable power outlet. Connect computer and Fireface using the supplied 6-pin FireWire cable (IEEE1394a). Power on the notebook, then switch on the Fireface 800. 20. Driver 20.1 Driver Installation After the Fireface has been switched on, (see 19. Hardware Installation) install the drivers from the RME Driver CD. The driver files are located in the folder Fireface. Installation works automatically by a double-click on the file fireface.mpkg. RME recommends to download the latest driver version from the RME website! If done, the procedure is as follows: Double-click onto fireface_xx.gz to expand the archive file to fireface_xx.tar and the folder Fireface, which includes the driver file fireface.mpkg. Installation works automatically by a double-click on this file. During driver installation the programs Settings dialog and Fireface mixer (TotalMix) will also be installed. Both programs start automatically as soon as a Fireface is detected. They stay in the dock when exited, and remove themselves automatically from the dock when the Fireface is removed. Reboot the computer when installation is done. Possible reasons why a Fireface is not found after driver installation: · · The FireWire port is not active in the system (drivers of the FireWire PCI or CardBus card have not been installed) The FireWire cable is not, or not correctly inserted into the socket No power. After switching the Fireface on, at least the red Host error LED has to be lit. · 36 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 20.2 Driver Update In case of a driver update it's not necessary to remove the old driver first, it will be overwritten during the installation. Exception: driver update from version 1.0. Remove the former Settings dialog and TotalMix from the Login Items, and delete both files from your hard drive! This driver version did not have the features AutoLoad, Dock Lock and AutoRemove. Therefore one has to make sure that both programs have been removed from the system, to prevent the old Settings dialog and TotalMix from being loaded. 21. Firmware Update The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Fireface 800 to the latest version. It requires an already installed driver. Start the program Fireface Flash. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the Fireface's firmware, and whether it needs an update or not. If so, simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished (Verify Ok). If more than one Fireface is installed, all units can be flashed by changing to the next tab and repeating the process. After the update the unit needs to be reset. This is done by powering down the Fireface for a few seconds. A reboot of the computer is not necessary. When the update fails (status: failure), the unit's second BIOS will be used from the next cold boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the unit stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again on a different computer. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 37 22. Configuring the Fireface 22.1 Settings Dialog - General Configuring the Fireface is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can be opened by clicking on the fire icon in the dock. The mixer of the Fireface (TotalMix) can be opened by clicking on the mixer icon in the dock. The Fireface's hardware offers a number of helpful, well thought-of practical functions and options which affect how the card operates - it can be configured to suit many different requirements. The following is available in the 'Settings' dialog: · · · · · · Input selection Level of analog I/Os Configuration of digital I/Os Synchronization behaviour State of input and output Current sample rate Any changes performed in the Settings dialog are applied immediately - confirmation (e.g. by exiting the dialog) is not required. However, settings should not be changed during playback or record if it can be avoided, as this can cause unwanted noises. The status displays at the bottom of the dialog box give the user precise information about the current status of the system, and the status of all digital signals. SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word Clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The AutoSync Ref display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. The string Errors is displayed only when transmission errors of PCI/FireWire are detected. The display will be reset on any start of a playback/record, i.e. set to zero and is thus no longer visible. More information can be found in chapter 37.3. 38 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME Inputs Input selection for the channels 1, 7 and 8. Channel 1 can be the front instrument input, or the rear TRS jack, or both simultaneously. Channel 7/8 can be the front microphone input, or the rear TRS jack, or both simultaneously. Level In Defines the reference level for the rear analog inputs 1-8. Level Out Defines the reference level for the rear analog outputs 1-8. Instrument Options Drive activates 25 dB additional gain for maximum sustain and brute distortion. Lim. activates a soft-limiter with a threshold of ­10 dBFS. Note: The Limiter can only be switched off with input selection Front. Speaker Emulation removes low frequency noise and cuts off higher frequencies. Phantom Power Phantom power (48V) can be selected for each microphone input separately. SPDIF In Defines the input for the SPDIF signal. 'Coaxial' relates to the RCA socket, 'ADAT2' to the second optical TOSLINK input. SPDIF Out The SPDIF output signal is constantly available at the phono plug. After selecting 'ADAT2' it is also routed to the second optical TOSLINK output. For further details about the settings `Professional', `Emphasis' and `Non-Audio', please refer to chapter 29.2. SPDIF Freq. Displays the sample rate of the SPDIF (or AES) input signal. Word Clock The word clock output signal usually equals the current sample rate. Selecting Single Speed causes the output signal to always stay within the range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz and 192 kHz sample rate, the output word clock is 48 kHz. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 39 Clock Mode The unit can be configured to use its internal clock source (Master), or the clock source predefined via Pref. Sync Ref (AutoSync). AutoSync Ref. Displays the current clock source and sample rate of the clock source. Pref. Sync Ref. Used to pre-select the desired clock source. If the selected source isn't available, the system will change to the next available one. The current clock source and sample rate is displayed in the AutoSync Ref display. The automatic clock selection checks and changes between the clock sources Word Clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF, LTC and Video (LTC/Video when using the optional TCO module). SyncCheck SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The AutoSync Ref display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source. System Clock Shows the current clock state of the Fireface 800. The unit is either Master (using its own clock) or Slave (AutoSync Ref). Limit Bandwidth Allows to reduce the amount of bandwidth used on the FireWire bus. See chapter 22.4. All channels (default) activates all 28 input and output channels. Analog + SPDIF + ADAT1 disables channels 21­28 (ADAT2). Analog + SPDIF activates all 10 analog channels plus SPDIF. Analog 1-8 activates only the first eight analog channels. Read (Flash Memory) A click on this button causes all settings to change to the ones stored in the flash memory of the Fireface. Store (in Flash Memory) A click on this button transmits all current settings into the flash memory of the Fireface. Those settings then become active directly after power-on, and also in stand-alone operation. 40 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 22.2 Settings dialog - DDS Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in between. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System is based on a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision. DDS has been implemented into the Fireface with regard to the needs of professional video applications, as well as to maximum flexibility. The dialog DDS includes both a list of typical video frequencies (so called pull up/pull down at 0.1% and 4%) and two faders, which allow to freely change the basic sample rate in steps of 1 Hz (!). The DDS dialog requires the Fireface to be in clock mode Master! The frequency setting will only be applied this one specific Fireface! Changing the sample rate in bigger steps during record/playback often results in a loss of audio, or brings up warning messages of the audio software. Therefore the desired sample rate should be set at least coarsely before starting the software. DDS Activates all settings of this dialog. Value Shows the sample rate as adjusted in this dialog. The sample rate is defined by the basic setting (Frequency), the multiplier, and the position of the activated fader. Frequency Sets a fixed basic sample rate, which can be modified by multiplier and fader. Freq. Multiplier Changes the basic sample rate into Single, Double oder Quad Speed mode. Coarse Fader for coarse modification of the basic sample rate. Click Active to activate it. Minimum step size 1 Hz. Fine Fader for fine modification of the basic sample rate. Click Active to activate it. Minimum step size 1 Hz. Notes on the faders A mouse click within the fader area, above or below the fader know, will move the fader with the smallest step size up or down. Holding the Ctrl key while clicking will cause the fader to jump to its center (0). User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 41 Application examples DDS allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From alignment to other sources up to creative effects ­ everything is possible.. DDS allows to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning. DDS allows to define a specific sample rate. This feature can be is useful in case the system randomly changes the sample rate ­ for unknown reasons. It also prevents a change from Double Speed (96 kHz) to Single Speed (48 kHz), which would cause configuration and routing problems by the changed amount of ADAT channels. 22.3 Clock Modes - Synchronization In the digital world, all devices must be either `Master' (clock source) or `Slave' synchronized to a master. Whenever several devices are linked within a system, there must always be a single master clock. The Fireface's intelligent clock control is very user-friendly, being able to switch between clock modes automatically. Selecting AutoSync will activate this mode. In AutoSync mode, the system constantly scans all digital inputs for a valid signal. If any valid signal is found, the Fireface switches from the internal quartz (System Clock ­ Mode displays 'Master') to a clock extracted from the input signal (System Clock - Mode displays 'Slave'). The difference to a usual slave mode is that whenever the clock reference fails, the system will automatically use its internal clock and operate in 'Master' mode. AutoSync guarantees that record and record-while-play will always work correctly. In certain cases however, e.g. when the inputs and outputs of a DAT machine are connected directly to the Fireface 800, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization breaks down. To remedy this, switch the Fireface's clock mode over to 'Master'. Remember that a digital system can only have one master! If the Fireface's clock mode is set to 'Master', all other devices must be set to `Slave'. The Fireface's ADAT optical and SPDIF inputs operate simultaneously. Because there is no input selector however, the Fireface 800 has to be told which of the signals is the sync reference (a digital device can only be clocked from a single source). Via Pref. Sync Ref (preferred synchronization reference) a preferred input can be defined. As long as the card sees a valid signal there, this input will be designated as the sync source. The Fireface has been equipped with an automatic clock source selection, which adopts the first available input with a valid digital signal as the clock reference input. If none of the inputs are receiving a valid signal, the card automatically switches clock mode to `Master'. The input currently used as sync reference is shown in the AutoSync Ref status field, together with its sample frequency. To cope with some situations which may arise in studio practice, defining a preferred sync reference is essential. One example: An ADAT recorder is connected to the ADAT input (ADAT immediately becomes the AutoSync source) and a CD player is connected to the SPDIF input. Try recording a few samples from the CD and you will be disappointed. Few CD players can be synchronized. The samples will inevitably be corrupted, because the signal from the CD player is read with the (wrong) clock from the ADAT i.e. out of sync. In this case, Pref Sync Ref should be temporarily set to SPDIF. 42 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME If several digital devices are to be used simultaneously in a system, they not only have to operate with the same sample frequency but also be synchronous with each other. This is why digital systems always need a single device defined as `master', which sends the same clock signal to all the other (`slave') devices. RME's exclusive SyncCheck technology enables an easy to use check and display of the current clock status. SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word Clock, ADAT1, ADAT2, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The AutoSync Ref display shows the input and frequency of the current sync source (see chapter 37.1). In practice, SyncCheck provides the user with an easy way of checking whether all digital devices connected to the system are properly configured. With SyncCheck, finally anyone can master this common source of error, previously one of the most complex issues in the digital studio world. Thanks to its AutoSync technique and lightning fast PLLs, the Fireface 800 is not only capable of handling standard frequencies, but also any sample rate between 28 and 200 kHz. Even the word clock input, most often used in varispeed operation, allows any frequency between 28 kHz and 200 kHz. At 88.2 or 96 kHz: If the ADAT input has been selected in Pref Sync Ref, the sample frequency shown in the SPDIF Freq. field differs from the one shown in AutoSync Ref. The unit automatically switches to S/MUX mode here, because ADAT optical inputs and outputs are only specified up to 48 kHz. Data from/to a single input/output is spread over two channels, the internal frequency stays at 44.1 or 48 kHz. In such cases, the ADAT sample frequency is only half the SPDIF frequency. 22.4 Limit Bandwidth This option allows to reduce the amount of bandwidth used on the FireWire bus. A typical example is the use of the Fireface with a laptop. Only in rare cases both ADAT ports are needed, in many cases even both stay unused. The option Analog+SPDIF will reduce the amount of constantly (!) transferred data from around 5 MByte (10 in both directions) to only 2 MByte (4 in both directions). The FireWire connection will be more stable, reliable and robust, leaving additional bandwidth for other devices. At the same time the CPU and system load is reduced, as less channels have to be processed and to be transferred. In TotalMix, the deactivated software playback channels will be replaced with empty plates. More details are found in chapter 37.4. Available Settings All channels (default) activates all 28 input and output channels. Analog + SPDIF + ADAT1 disables channels 21­28 (ADAT2). Analog + SPDIF activates all 10 analog channels plus SPDIF. Analog 1-8 activates only the first eight analog channels. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 43 23. Mac OS X FAQ 23.1 Round about Driver Installation The driver with the file suffix gz provided by RME is a compressed TAR archive. TAR bundles multiple files and folders into one file, but does not save memory space nor download time. Both TAR and gz are supported natively by OS X, a double click on the file is all you need to do. Older browsers do not recognize gz as an archive, loading the file as a document. This results in a cryptic looking text within the browser window. Downloading the file can be done via the right mouse key, Save Target as. Despite this procedure, some older browsers like Netscape 4.78 will not save the file correctly - the archive will be corrupted. The driver consists of a package file (pkg), which contains various folders and files, similar to TAR. A double click will start the OS X installer. To save you the hassle of installing both audio and MIDI drivers separately, the Fireface driver contains an additional meta package (mpkg), that points to the single packages. Those single packages are not shown in the Finder, as they reside within the invisible folder '.contained_packages'. Only the mpkg is visible. Important: an installation can only be done with the complete folder. If only the mpkg is copied to a different place, it will not find the single driver packages! The actual audio driver appears as a kernel extension file. The installer copies it to >System/ Library/ Extensions<. Its name is FirefaceAudioDriver.kext. It is visible in the Finder, allowing you to verify date and driver version. Yet, in fact this again is a folder containing subdirectories and files. Nonetheless, this 'driver file' can be removed by simply dragging it to the trash bin. This can be helpful in case a driver installation fails. An incomplete installation can currently (10.3.2) only be detected indirectly: The installation routine does not open a message window with a note about a restart of the computer. This indicates that the driver file was not copied and the driver was not installed! Several users have observed that the installation routine occasionally stops and no longer works correctly. This can be fixed by removing the corresponding extension file prior to installation. In some cases, also (or only) a repair of the disk permission will help. We have also received reports saying the driver update could not be installed on the system disk - shown red crossed during the installation. Repairing permission may also help here. If not, we're sorry, but have to recommend to contact Apple. Our driver has no knowledge of folders, disks etc., the installation is handled completely by the OS X installer. 23.2 MIDI doesn't work In some cases MIDI does not work after the installation of the Fireface driver. To be precise, applications do not show an installed MIDI port. The reason for this is usually visible within the Audio MIDI Setup. It displays no RME MIDI device, or the device is greyed out and therefore inactive. Mostly, removing the greyed out device and searching for MIDI devices again will solve the problem. If this does not help, we recommend manual removal of the MIDI driver and reinstallation of the complete driver. Otherwise repairing permissions may help. The Fireface MIDI driver is a plugin. During installation it will be copied to >Library/ Audio/ MIDI Drivers<. It's name is Fireface MIDI.plugin. The file can be displayed in the Finder and also be removed by simply dragging it to the trash bin. 44 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 23.3 Supported Sample Rates RME's Mac OS X driver supports all sampling frequencies provided by the hardware. This includes 32 kHz and 64 kHz, and even 128 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz for the analog and SPDIF I/Os. But not every software will support all the hardware's sample rates. For example Spark does not display 32 kHz and 64 kHz. The hardware's capabilities can easily be verified in the Audio MIDI Setup. Select Audio devices under Properties of: and choose the Fireface. A click on Format will list the supported sample frequencies. If the unit is in clock mode Master, selecting a sample rate will immediately set the device to this frequency, which can be verified in the Fireface's settings dialog (System Clock). Format thus allows you to activate any sampling frequency quickly and easily (but DDS is even faster ­ see chapter 22.2). 23.4 Repairing Disk Permissions Repairing permission can solve problems with the installation process - plus many others. To do this, launch Disk Utility located in Utilities. Select your system drive in the drive/volume list to the left. The First Aid tab to the right now allows you to check and repair disk permissions. 23.5 FireWire Compatibility RME's Fireface 800 should be fully compatible to any FireWire port found on Apple Mac computers. This is not true for older models like the G3 Pismo, as their FireWire controller is not OHCI compatible. Although we tested compatibility with lots of models, total compatibility can not be guaranteed. In case of trouble please contact RME. 23.6 Various Information The driver has been tested under 10.3 only. Older versions of OS X are not and will not be supported. Via >System Preferences/ Audio-MIDI Setup< the hardware can be configured for the system wide usage. Programs that don't support card or channel selection will use the device selected as Standard-Input and Standard-Output. (Soundstudio, Mplayer, Amplitube etc.). In the lower part of the window, the audio hardware's capabilities are shown and can be changed in some cases. On the record side no changes are possible. Programs that don't support channel selection will always use channels 1/2, the first stereo pair. To access other inputs use the following workaround with TotalMix: route the desired input signal to output channels 1/2. Hold the Ctrl key down and click on the labels AN1 and AN2 in the third row. Their labels turn red, the internal loop mode is active. Result: the desired input signal is now available at input channel 1/2, without further delay/latency. Since OS X 10.3 playback can be configured freely and to any of the available playback channels. This is done via Speaker Setup. Even multichannel playback (Surround, DVD Player) can be set up easily. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 45 Multicard Operation OS X supports more than one audio device. Their simultaneous usage within one program had been limited to Motu's Digital Performer until 10.3.9. Since 10.4 (Tiger) Core Audio offers the function Aggregate Devices, which allows to combine several devices into one, so that a multidevice operation is now possible with any software. The Fireface driver adds a number to each unit, so they are fully accessible in any multicardcapable software. 24. Hotline ­ Troubleshooting The newest information can always be found on our website www.rme-audio.com, section Support, Macintosh OS. A report about incompatible FireWire 800 controllers is found in the Tech Info FireWire 800 Hardware ­ Compatibility Problems. The unit and drivers have been installed correctly, but playback does not work: · Is Fireface 800 listed in the System Profiler? (Vendor ID 2613, 800 MB/s). · Has Fireface been selected as current playback device in the audio application? The 8 ADAT channels don't seem to work · The optical output ADAT2 has been switched to SPDIF. As can be seen in the block diagram, all channels and their assignments still exist, but the optical transmitter has been disconnected from ADAT2 and is now fed from the SPDIF output (channels 11/12). The ADAT2 playback devices are still usable by routing and mixing them in TotalMix to other outputs. Playback works, but record doesn't: · Check that there is a valid signal at the input. If so, the current sample frequency is displayed in the Settings dialog. · Check whether the Fireface 800 has been selected as recording device in the audio application. · Check whether the sample frequency set in the audio application (`Recording properties' or similar) matches the input signal. · Check that cables/devices have not been connected in a closed loop. If so, set the systems's clock mode to `Master'. Crackle during record or playback: · Increase the number and size of buffers in the application. · Try different cables (coaxial or optical) to rule out any defects here. · Check that cables/devices have not been connected in a closed loop. If so, set the system's clock mode to `Master'. · Check the Settings dialog for displayed Errors. Possible causes for a Fireface not working · · The FireWire cable is not, or not correctly inserted into the socket No power. After switching the Fireface on, at least the red Host error LED has to be lit. Driver installation and Settings dialog/TotalMix work, but a playback or record is not possible · While recognition and control of the device are low bandwidth applications, playback/record needs the full FireWire transmission performance. Therefore, defective FireWire cables with limited transmission bandwidth can cause such an error scheme. 46 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 25. Diagram: Channel Routing at 96 kHz This diagram shows the signal paths in double speed mode (88.2 / 96 kHz). The channels of the second ADAT port have no function anymore in Core Audio, but are used by the hardware to transmit data at double sample rate. Signal routing is identical for record and playback. User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 47 48 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME User's Guide Fireface 800 Stand-Alone Operation, Connections and TotalMix User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME 49 26. Stand-alone Operation The Fireface 800 has an internal memory to permanently store all configuration data. These are: Settings dialog Sample rate, clock mode Master/Slave, configuration of the channels and the digital I/Os. TotalMix The complete mixer state. The Fireface loads those settings directly after power-on. A simple, yet useful application is to store the correct clock mode, avoiding wrong clocking and noise disturbances in a complex setup, caused by wrong synchronization. Usually the unit will be configured by the Windows driver, so for the time between power-on of the computer up to the loading of the Windows driver its state might be wrong. This total configuration feature in stand-alone operation - without any connected computer turns the Fireface into lots of dedicated devices. Here are some ideas: 26.1 10-Channel AD/DA-Converter When loading TotalMix' factory default 1 into the unit, the Fireface becomes a high quality 10channel AD/DA-converter, which also provides a monitoring of all 8 DA-channels via channels 9/10 (Preset 2: also monitoring all 10 inputs). A small modification allows for a monitoring of all I/Os via the SPDIF I/O. 26.2 4-Channel Mic Preamp Use TotalMix to route the four microphone inputs directly to the analog outputs. This turns the Fireface 800 into a 4-channel microphone preamp. The AD- and DA-conversion will cause a small delay of the signals of around 0.4 ms (at 192 kHz, see chapter 37.2). But this is not really relevant, as it is the same delay that would be caused by changing the microphone's position by about 14 centimeter (5.6 inches). 26.3 Monitor Mixer TotalMix allows ANY configuration of all I/Os of the Fireface. For example, set up the device as monitor mixer for 10 analog signals, 16 digital via ADAT and 2 via SPDIF. Additionally, TotalMix lets you set up ANY submixes, so all existing outputs can be used for different and independent monitorings of the input signals. The perfect headphone monitor mixer! 26.4 Digital Format Converter As TotalMix allows for any routing of the input signals, the Fireface 800 can be used as ADAT to SPDIF converter, ADAT to two ADAT splitter, and SPDIF to ADAT converter. 26.5 Analog/digital Routing Matrix The Matrix in TotalMix enables you to route and link all inputs and outputs completely freely. All the above functionalities are even available simultaneously, can be mixed and combined in many ways. Simply said: the Fireface 800 is a perfect analog/digital routing matrix! 50 User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME