RME DSP System Multiface User Manual
User's Guide
Hammerfall® DSP System
Multiface II
Simply THE professional multitrack recording system!
TotalMix
™
24 Bit / 96 kHz 9
SyncAlign
Analog and Digital Audio I/O System
PCI, CardBus, PCI Express and ExpressCard Interface
8 + 8 + 2 Channels Analog / ADAT / SPDIF Interface
Hi-Power Hi-End Headphone Output
™
ZLM™ SyncCheck™
24 Bit / 96 kHz
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................6
2 Package Contents.....................................................6
3 System Requirements ..............................................6
4 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................7
5 First Usage – Quick Start
5.1 Connectors and Front Panel..................................7
5.2 Quick Start .............................................................8
Installation and Operation - Windows
6 Hardware Installation
6.1 PCI / PCIe Card .......................................................10
6.2 CardBus / ExpressCard ...........................................10
6.3 Notes on Power Supply ...........................................10
7 Driver and Firmware
7.1 Driver Installation .....................................................11
7.2 Driver Update...........................................................11
7.3 De-installing the Drivers...........................................11
7.4 Firmware Update .....................................................12
8 Configuring the Multiface II
8.1 Settings Dialog.........................................................13
8.2 Clock Modes – Synchronization...............................15
9 Operation and Usage
9.1 Playback...................................................................16
9.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS)....................................17
9.3 Notes on WDM.........................................................18
9.4 Channel Count under WDM.....................................19
9.5 Multi-client Operation...............................................19
9.6 Analog Recording.....................................................20
9.7 Digital Recording......................................................20
10 Operation under ASIO
10.1 General ................................................................21
10.2 Channel Count under ASIO.................................21
10.3 Known Problems..................................................22
11 Using more than one Hammerfall DSP .................22
12 DIGICheck Windows ...............................................23
13 Hotline – Troubleshooting......................................24
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Driver Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
14 Hardware Installation
14.1 PCIe Card .............................................................26
14.2 ExpressCard .........................................................26
14.3 Notes on Power Supply ........................................26
15 Driver and Firmware
15.1 Driver Installation.................................................27
15.2 Driver Update.......................................................27
15.3 Firmware Update .................................................27
16 Configuring the Multiface II
16.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................28
16.2 Clock Modes – Synchronization..........................30
17 Mac OS X FAQ
17.1 Round about Driver Installation ...........................32
17.2 MIDI doesn't work................................................32
17.3 Supported Sample Rates.....................................32
17.4 Repairing Disk Permissions.................................32
17.5 Channel Count under Core Audio .......................33
17.6 Various Information..............................................33
18 Using more than one Hammerfall DSP.................33
19 DIGICheck Mac........................................................34
20 Hotline – Troubleshooting .....................................34
Disconnect Mode, Connections and TotalMix
21 Disconnect Mode....................................................36
22 Analog Connections
22.1 Line Inputs ...........................................................36
22.2 Line Outputs.........................................................37
22.3 Phones.................................................................77
23 Digital Connections
23.1 ADAT ...................................................................38
23.2 SPDIF ..................................................................38
23.3 Word Clock ..........................................................39
23.4 MIDI .....................................................................39
24 Word Clock
24.1 Technical Description and Background...............40
24.2 Cables and Termination.......................................40
24.3 General Operation...............................................41
25 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring
25.1 Overview..............................................................44
25.2 The User Interface...............................................46
25.3 Elements of a Channel ........................................47
25.4 Tour de TotalMix..................................................47
25.5 Submix View........................................................49
25.6 Mute and Solo......................................................49
25.7 Quick Access Panel.............................................50
25.8 Presets.................................................................50
25.9 Monitor Panel.......................................................52
25.10 Preferences..........................................................53
25.11 Editing the Names ...............................................53
25.12 Hotkeys................................................................54
25.13 Menu Options.......................................................55
25.14 Menu Fader Groups.............................................55
25.15 Level Meter ..........................................................56
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26 TotalMix: The Matrix
26.1 Overview ..............................................................57
26.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................57
26.3 Usage...................................................................57
26.4 Advantages of the Matrix .....................................58
27 TotalMix Super-Features
27.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows only) ..............58
27.2 Selection and Group based Operation ................59
27.3 Copy Routings to other Channels........................59
27.4 Delete Routings....................................................59
27.5 Recording a Subgroup (Loopback)......................60
27.6 Using external Effects Devices............................61
27.7 MS Processing.....................................................62
28 TotalMix MIDI Remote Control
28.1 Overview ..............................................................63
28.2 Mapping ...............................................................63
28.3 Setup....................................................................64
28.4 Operation .............................................................64
28.5 Simple MIDI Control.............................................65
28.6 Loopback Detection.............................................66
Technical Reference
29 Technical Specifications
29.1 Analog..................................................................69
29.2 Digital ...................................................................69
29.3 Digital Inputs ........................................................70
29.4 Digital Outputs......................................................70
29.5 MIDI......................................................................70
29.6 General ................................................................71
30 Technical Background
30.1 Lock and SyncCheck...........................................71
30.2 Latency and Monitoring........................................72
30.3 DS – Double Speed .............................................73
30.4 AES/EBU – SPDIF...............................................74
31 Diagrams
31.1 Block Diagram Multiface II ...................................75
31.2 Connector Pinouts................................................76
Miscellaneous
32 Accessories.............................................................78
33 Warranty...................................................................79
34 Appendix..................................................................79
35 Declaration of Conformity......................................80
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User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
User's Guide
Multiface II
General
User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
5
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the RME Hammerfall DSP system. 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
Hammerfall DSP
The package contains drivers for Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8) and Mac OS X x86 (Intel).
Our high-performance philosophy guarantees maximum system performance by executing as
many functions as possible not in the driver (i.e. the CPU), but within the audio hardware.
at the very top of the range of computer-based audio interfaces.
2. Package Contents
Please check your Hammerfall DSP package contains each of the following:
PCI / PCIe Interface
• PCI card HDSP (rev 1.9 or up) or PCI Express Card (any revision)
• Quick Info guide
• RME Driver CD
• Cable IEEE1394, 4.5 m (15 ft)
CardBus / ExpressCard Interface
• CardBus or ExpressCard
• Quick Info guide
• RME Driver CD
• Cable IEEE1394, 4 m (13 ft)
• 12 V car cable
• Battery cable
• Power supply 12 V / 1.25 A and power cord
Multiface II
• I/O-box Multiface II
• Quick Info guide
• RME Driver CD
• 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft)
3. System Requirements
• Windows XP SP2 or up, Intel Mac OS X (10.5 or up)
• PCI Interface: a free PCI rev. 2.1 Busmaster slot
• PCI Express Interface: a free PCI Express slot, 1 Lane, version 1.1
• CardBus Interface: a free PCMCIA slot type II, CardBus-compatible
• Express Card interface: a free ExpressCard/34 slot
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4. Brief Description and Characteristics
• All settings can be changed in real-time
• Analog, ADAT and SPDIF I/Os can be used simultaneously
• Buffer sizes/latencies from 32 up to 4096 samples selectable
• 4 channels 96 kHz/24 bit record/playback via ADAT optical (S/MUX)
• 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
• 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
• Separate analog Line/hi-power headphone output for independent submix
• DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation
• TotalMix: 720 channel mixer with 40 bit internal resolution
5. First Usage – Quick Start
5.1 Connectors and Front Panel
The front of the Multiface II features a MIDI input and output, a stereo headphone output with
volume control, two switches to select the analog reference level, and several status LEDs.
MIDI IN and OUT are the MIDI input and output, realized as 5-pin DIN jacks.
The LEDs MIDI IN and OUT indicate sent or received data for the MIDI ports.
The Digital State LEDs (WC, SPDIF, ADAT) 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 8.2 / 16.2,
Clock Modes - Synchronization.
The red HOST LED lights up when the power supply or the computer is switched on, indicating
the presence of operating voltage. At the same time it works as Error LED, in case the I/O-box
has not been initialised, or the connection to the interface has been interrupted (Error, cable not
connected etc.) – it then flashes. After the firmware had been loaded the LED turns off, thus
signalling a proper operation.
ANALOG LEVEL has two switches with three positions each, to select the reference level of
the eight analog inputs and outputs on the rear.
Phones is a low impedance line output of highest quality, which can produce a sufficient volume undistorted even when used with headphones.
The volume of the phones output is adjusted with the knob VOL.
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The rear panel of the Multiface II has eight analog inputs and outputs, the Power socket (only
necessary with CardBus/ExpressCard operation), Word Clock input and output, and both digital
inputs and outputs ADAT and SPDIF.
ADAT 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 hammer symbol in
the Task Bar's system tray.
SPDIF I/O coaxial (RCA): Fully AES/EBU compatible by transformer-coupling and level adjustment. The Multiface accepts the commonly used digital audio formats, SPDIF as well as
AES/EBU.
Word Clock I/O (BNC). The word clock input is not terminated.
The hook serves as strain relief. Originally only thought of as power cable retention (feed cable
through it, or knot it around the hook), it's big enough to also handle some other cables of the
Multiface. The hook is mounted using a thread, therefore can be turned and even completely
removed.
5.2 Quick Start
After the driver installation (see chapter 7 / 15) connect the TRS-jacks with the analog signal
source. The input sensitivity can be changed with the switch ANALOG LEVEL INPUTS, 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 Multiface can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. The electronic input stage can handle balanced (TRS jacks) and unbalanced (TS jacks) input signals
correctly.
The Multiface's digital outputs provide SPDIF (AES/EBU compatible) and ADAT optical signals
at the corresponding ports.
On the analog playback side (the DA side), the switch ANALOG LEVEL OUTPUTS performs a
coarse adjustment of the analog output level of all rear analog outputs.
An additional stereo output is available on the front. The 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.
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User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
User's Guide
Multiface II
Driver Installation and Operation - Windows
User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
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6. Hardware Installation
6.1 PCI / PCIe Card
Before installing the card, please make sure the computer is switched off and the power
cable is disconnected from the mains supply. Inserting or removing the card while the computer is in operation can cause irreparable damage to both motherboard and card!
1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the computer.
2. Remove the computer's housing. Further information on how to do this can be obtained from
your computer’s instruction manual.
3. Important: Before removing the card from its protective bag, discharge any static in your
body by touching the metal chassis of the computer.
4. Insert the PCI card firmly into a free PCI slot, press and fasten the screw. OR: Insert the PCI
Express card firmly into a free PCI Express slot, press and fasten the screw.
5. Replace the computer's housing.
6. Reconnect all cables including the power cord.
7. Connect PCI card and Multiface using the supplied cable (IEEE1394). This is a standard
FireWire cable (6-pin).
6.2 CardBus / ExpressCard
Before inserting the CardBus or ExpressCard make sure the complete HDSP system is ready
for operation!
1. Connect the CardBus / ExpressCard with the Multiface using the supplied cable.
2. Insert the CardBus / ExpressCard into the appropriate slot.
3. Plug the power jack of the supplied switching power supply into the connector labelled AUX,
on the rear of the Multiface.
4. Connect power cord to power supply (if detachable), then plug the power supply into an AC
outlet. The green LED of the power supply and the red LED of the Multiface will light up.
5. Switch on the notebook and boot the operating system.
6.3 Notes on Power Supply
• The CardBus / ExpressCard do not deliver power to the Multiface. Therefore a hi-tech
switching power supply is included.
• The PCI / PCIe card operates as power supply for the Multiface via the FireWire cable. An
external power supply is not required.
The Multiface II draws a high startup current of more than 2 A during initialisation. Current at 12
Volt operating voltage: unloaded 720 mA (8.6 Watts), loaded 1 A (12 Watts). Supply voltage
range DC 8 V – 28 V, AC 8 V – 20 V.
The Multiface II has a higher power consumption than the original Multiface. Therefore the
Multiface II will only work with a HDSP PCI card revision 1.9 or higher!
While the Multiface causes a load of about 9 Watts to the PCI card, the Multiface II will cause a
load of about 12 Watts. The old HDSP PCI cards are not designed for such a load. The voltage
regulator found on the PCI card will switch off after a short time due to overheating. The HDSP
PCI revision 1.9 uses a more powerful regulator.
All PCI Express cards work with the Multiface II.
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User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
7. Driver and Firmware
7.1 Driver Installation
After the interface has been installed correctly (see 6. Hardware Installation), and the computer
has been switched on, Windows will recognize the new hardware component and start its
‘Hardware Wizard’. 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
\WDM on the RME Driver CD.
Windows now installs the driver of the HDSP system and registers it as a new
audio device in the system. After a reboot, the symbols of TotalMix and
Settings dialog will appear in the task bar.
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!
In Windows 7 Microsoft removed the automatic start of the Driver Software Update dialog. Therefore this dialog has to be started manually after the failed driver installation. Hit the Windows
key, type 'Device Manager', start the Device Manager by selecting it from the list and hit Enter.
The device is shown with a yellow warning symbol. Usually it is already found in the correct
category, Sound, Video and Game Controller (Plug & Play detects a multimedia device). Right
click on the device and select 'Update Driver Software' from the context menu.
The dialog Update Driver Software appears. Now follow the instructions given below.
7.2 Driver Update
When facing problems with the automatic driver update, the user-driven way of driver installation will work.
Under >Control Panel /System /Device Manager /Sound, Video and Game Controllers /RME
Hammerfall DSP /Properties /Driver< you'll find the 'Update Driver' button.
XP: 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.
Vista/7: Select 'Browse my computer for driver software', then 'Let me pick from a list of
device drivers from my computer', then 'Have Disk'. Now point to the driver update's direc-
tory.
This method also allows for the installation of older drivers than the currently installed ones.
7.3 De-installing the Drivers
A de-installation of the HDSP 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. Those entries can be removed from the registry through a software de-installation request. This request can be found
(like all de-installation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME Hammerfall
DSP (WDM)'.
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7.4 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates HDSP PCI, PCIe, CardBus and ExpressCard to the latest version. It requires an already installed driver.
Start the program hdsp_wdm_fut.exe (for all HDSP cards) or pcie_fut.exe (for all HDSPe
cards). The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the HDSP interface, and whether
it needs an update. If so, then please manually select if a PCI card (desktop computer) or a
CardBus card (laptop) shall be flashed. Next simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar
will indicate when the flash process is finished. The bar moves slowly first (program), then faster
(verify).
If more than one interface card is installed, all cards can be flashed by changing to the next tab
and repeating the process.
After the update the card needs to be reset. This is done by powering down and shutting off the
PC. A warm boot is not enough!
Note that the firmware update is done on the interface card, not on the Multiface. The firmware
of the Multiface is part of the driver, invisible, and loaded automatically during boot.
PCI card revision 1.8 or up (black PCB), CardBus with 6-pin FireWire connector, all PCIe
and ExpressCards
When the update unexpectedly fails (status: failure), the card's Safety BIOS will be used from
the next cold boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the card stays fully functional. The
flash process should then be tried again on a different computer.
All other PCI cards and CardBus with 15-pin flat connector
When the update fails (status: failure) the flash process should be repeated several times, until
no error message occurs anymore. If the failure message is displayed nonetheless, the interface will most probably no longer work when the computer is switched off and on again. The
interface then has to be re-programmed at the factory. We have invested a lot of work to prevent the system from getting in this state. If it happens despite our efforts, the best advice we
can give is to not switch off the computer! As long as it is not switched off the old programming
of the PCI/CardBus interface will stay active, and you can continue to work with the system
using the old drivers
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8. Configuring the Multiface II
8.1 Settings Dialog
Configuration of the HDSP system Multiface is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can be opened:
• by clicking on the hammer symbol in the Task Bar's notification area
The mixer of the Hammerfall DSP System (TotalMix) can be opened:
• by clicking on the mixer icon in the Task Bar's notification area
The hardware of the HDSP system 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:
• Latency
• Current sample rate
• Synchronization behaviour
• Configuration of digital I/Os
• State of input and output
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 tab About includes information
about the current driver and firmware
version of the Multiface II.
Buffer Size
The setting Buffer Size determines the latency between incoming and outgoing ASIO and WDM
data, as well as affecting system stability (see chapter 10.1).
Clock Mode
Sample Rate
Sets the currently used sample rate. Offers a central and comfortable way of configuring the
sample rate of all WDM devices to the same value, as since Vista the audio software is no
longer allowed to set the sample rate. However, an ASIO program can still set the sample rate
by itself.
During record/playback the selection is greyed out, so no change is possible.
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13
Clock Source
The unit can be configured to use its own clock (Internal = Master), or one of the input signals
(Word, SPDIF, ADAT). If the selected source isn't available (Input Status No Lock), the unit will
change to the next available one (this behaviour is called AutoSync). If none is available then
the internal clock is used. The current clock source is displayed as Current.
SPDIF In
Defines the input for the SPDIF signal. 'Optical' relates to the optical TOSLINK input, 'Coaxial' to
the RCA socket. TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information. In case these information are not required the feature should be turned off. The Sam-
ple Rate of the incoming SPDIF signal is displayed as well.
SPDIF Out
The SPDIF output signal is constantly available at the phono plug. After selecting 'Optical' it is
also routed to the optical TOSLINK output. For further details about the setting ‘Professional’,
‘Emphasis’ and ‘Non-Audio’ please refer to chapter 23.2.
SyncCheck
Indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (ADAT, SPDIF, Word
Clock), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync).
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
sample rate, the output word clock is 48 kHz.
I/O Box
Disconnect interrupts the communication between I/O-box and card. In case the Multiface has
been configured using the Settings dialog and TotalMix, Disconnect allows to use it StandAlone (without a connected computer), after a power supply has been attached.
I/O Box State
This field displays the current state of the I/O-box.
Error: I/O-box not connected or missing power
Detected: The interface has found an I/O-box and tries to load the firmware
Connected: Communication between interface and I/O-box operates correctly
Disconnected: Communication between interface and I/O-box has been interrupted, I/O-box
continues operation
Time Code
Time Code from the input ADAT Sync. Not available for the Multiface II.
The tab About includes two more, global options:
Lock registry
Default: off. Checking this option brings up a dialog to enter a password. Changes in the Settings dialog are no longer written to the registry. As the settings are always loaded from the
registry when starting the computer, this method provides an easy way to define an initial state
of the HDSPe AES.
Optimize Multi-client Mixing
Default: on. Unchecking this option might solve compatibility problems in seldom cases, but will
also introduce short noise burst when multi-client playback starts.
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8.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization
In the digital world, all devices must be either Master (clock source) or Slave (clock receiver).
Whenever several devices are linked within a system, there must always be a single master
clock.
A digital system can only have one master! If the HDSP’s clock mode is set to 'Master', all
other devices must be set to ‘Slave’.
The HDSP system utilizes a very user-friendly, intelligent clock control, called AutoSync. In
AutoSync mode, the system constantly scans the digital input for a valid signal. If any valid signal is found, the Multiface switches from the internal quartz (Clock Mode – Current Internal) to a
clock extracted from the input signal (Clock Mode – Current ADAT, SPDIF or Word). 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 clock mode Master.
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 Hammerfall DSP, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization
breaks down. To solve this problem switch the HDSP clock mode to Master (Clock Mode - Internal).
The HDSP ADAT and SPDIF input operate simultaneously. Because there is no input selector
however, the HDSP has to be told which of the signals is the sync reference (a digital device
can only be clocked from a single source). By selecting a Clock Source a preferred input is defined. As long as the unit sees a valid signal there, this input will be designated as the sync
source.
In some situations changing the clock mode can not be avoided. 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 clock from the ADAT. In this
case the Clock Source should be temporarily set to SPDIF.
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, ADAT, SPDIF), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). In the
field Clock Mode the clock reference is shown. See chapter 30.1.
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.
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9. Operation and Usage
9.1 Playback
The HDSP system 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, HDSP 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 off all system sounds (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 use onboard sound or any cheap sound card and select this one as Preferred Device in >Control
Panel /Multimedia /Audio< or >Control Panel /Sound /Playback<.
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 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’.
Note on Windows Vista/7
Since Vista the audio application can no longer control the sample rate under WDM. Instead the
user has to work himself through numerous settings (18 with the Multiface!), and to set the sample rate to the same value per stereo device.
Therefore the driver of the HDSP system includes a workaround: the sample rate can be set
globally for all WDM devices within the Settings dialog, see chapter 8.1.
:
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User's Guide HDSP System Multiface II © RME
9.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS)
AC-3 / DTS
When using popular DVD software player like WinDVD and PowerDVD, their audio data stream
can be sent to any AC-3/DTS capable receiver using the HDSP SPDIF output. For this to work,
the WDM SPDIF device has to be selected in >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<
or >Control Panel/ Sound/Playback<. Also check 'use preferred device only'.
The DVD software's audio properties now show the options 'SPDIF Out' or similar. When selecting it, the software will transfer the non-decoded digital multichannel data stream to the Fireface.
: This 'SPDIF' signal sounds like chopped noise at highest level. Try to avoid mixing and
Note
routing the signal to your loudspeakers, as they might get 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 Multiface. For this to work select the WDM
playback device ’Loudspeaker’ of the Multiface in
XP: >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<, and check 'Use only default devices'.
Additionally the loudspeaker setup, found under >Volume/ Speaker Settings/ Advanced< has to
be changed from Stereo to 5.1 Surround.
Vista/7: >Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback < as ‘Standard’. Additionally the loudspeaker setup,
found under >Configuration<, has to be changed from Stereo to 5.1 Surround.
PowerDVD's and WinDVD's audio properties now list several multichannel modes. If one of
these is selected, the software sends the decoded analog multichannel data to the Multiface.
TotalMix can then be used to play back via any desired output channels.
The typical channel assignment for surround playback is:
1 - Left
2 - Right
3 - Center
4 - LFE (Low Frequency Effects)
5 - SL (Surround Right)
6 - SR (Surround Left)
Note 1
: Setting the card to be used as system playback device is against our recommendations,
as professional interfaces should not be disturbed by system events. Make 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 HDSP card. This means when using AutoSync and/or word clock, the playback speed and pitch follows the incoming clock signal.
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9.3 Notes on WDM
The driver offers a WDM streaming device per stereo pair, like HDSP Multiface (1+2). WDM
streaming is Microsoft's current driver and audio system, directly embedded into the operating
system. WDM streaming is hardly usable 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.
Several programs do not offer any direct device selection. Instead they use the playback device
selected in Windows under
XP: <Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio>
Vista/7: <Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback>
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 to ASIO.
Because of the driver's multichannel streaming ability Sonar not only finds the stereo device
mentioned above, but also the 8-channel interleaved devices, and adds the channel number at
the end:
HDSP Multiface (1+2) is the first stereo device
HDSP Multiface (3+4) is the next stereo device
HDSP Multiface (1+2) 3/4 are the channels 3/4 of the first 8-channel interleaved device.
It is not recommended to use these special interleaved devices. Also note that it is not possible
to use one stereo channel twice (the basic and the interleaved device).
Multi-Channel using WDM
The WDM Streaming device Loudspeaker (Analog 1+2) of the RME driver can operate as usual
stereo device, or as up to 8-channel device.
An 8-channel playback using the Windows Media Player requires the speaker setup 7.1 Sur-
round. Configure as follows:
XP: >Control Panel /Sounds and Multimedia /Audio /Volume /Speaker Settings /Advanced <
Vista/7: >Control Panel /Sound /Playback /Loudspeaker /Configure <
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9.4 Channel Count under WDM
The HDSP system’s ADAT optical ports allow to record sample rates of up to 96 kHz using a
standard ADAT recorder. For this to work single-channel data is spread to two ADAT channels
using the Sample Multiplexing technique. This reduces the number of available ADAT channels
from 8 to 4.
When the HDSP system changes into Double Speed (88.2/96 kHz) mode the ADAT devices 5/6
and 7/8 are still found in the list, but no longer functional.
WDM Stereo device Double Speed
Analog (1+2) Analog (1+2)
Analog (3+4) Analog (3+4)
Analog (5+6) Analog (5+6)
Analog (7+8) Analog (7+8)
SPDIF SPDIF
ADAT 1 (1+2) ADAT 1 (1+2)
ADAT 1 (3+4) ADAT 1 (3+4)
ADAT 1 (5+6) ADAT 1 (5+6)
ADAT 1 (7+8) ADAT 1 (7+8)
Note: Under Vista/7 the analog outputs 1/2 show up as Loudspeaker.
9.5 Multi-client Operation
RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. Several programs can be used at the same
time. The formats ASIO and WDM can even be used on the same playback channels simultaneously. As WDM uses a real-time sample rate conversion (ASIO does not), all active ASIO
software has to use the same sample rate.
However, a better overview is maintained by using the channels exclusively. This is no limitation
at all, because TotalMix allows for any output routing, and therefore a playback of multiple software on the same hardware outputs.
Inputs can be used from an unlimited number of WDM and ASIO software at the same time, as
the driver simply sends the data to all applications 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 directly. Therefore DIGICheck is able to
analyse and display playback data from any software, no matter which format it uses.
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9.6 Analog Recording
For recordings via the analog inputs the corresponding record device has to be chosen (HDSP
Analog (x+x)).
The input sensitivity of the analog inputs can be adjusted using the front panel switch ANALOG
LEVEL INPUTS to meet the most often used studio levels, see chapter 22.1.
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 25).
An automated control of real-time monitoring can be achieved by Steinberg’s ASIO protocol
with RME’s ASIO drivers and all ASIO 2.0 compatible programs. When 'ASIO Direct Monitoring'
has been switched on, the input signal is routed in real-time to the output whenever a recording
is started (punch-in).
9.7 Digital Recording
Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is
present, digital I/O cards always need a valid input signal to start recording.
Taking this into account, RME added a
comprehensive I/O signal status display to
the HDSP system, showing sample
frequency, lock and sync status for every
input, and several status LEDs directly at
the unit.
The sample frequency shown in the fields
Clock Mode and Input Status is useful as a
quick display of the current configuration of
the unit and the 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, Hammerfall DSP displays the current sample frequency. This parameter
can then be changed in the application’s audio attributes (or similar) dialog.
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10. Operation under ASIO
10.1 General
Start the ASIO software and select ASIO Hammerfall DSP as the audio I/O device.
The Multiface supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM).
The Multiface’s MIDI I/O can be used with both MME MIDI and DirectMusic MIDI.
10.2 Channel Count under ASIO
At a sample rate of 88.2 or 96 kHz, the ADAT optical input and output operate in S/MUX mode,
so the number of available channels per port is reduced from 8 to 4.
: When changing the sample rate range between Single and Double Speed the number of
Note
channels presented from the ASIO driver will change too. This may require a reset of the I/O list
in the audio software.
Single Speed Double Speed
Analog 1 to 8 Analog 1 to 8
SPDIF L / R SPDIF L / R
ADAT 1 to 8 ADAT 1 to 4
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10.3 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. Raising the buffer size in the Settings dialog of
the HDSP system helps in most cases. It is also recommended to deactivate all PlugIns to verify
that these are not the reason for such effects.
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 Multiface
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!
The same applies when using more than one HDSP system - they all have to be in sync. Else a
periodically repeated noise will be heard.
RME supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM). Please note that not all programs support ADM
completely or error-free. The most often reported problem is the wrong behaviour of panorama
in a stereo channel.
In case of a drift between audio and MIDI, or in case of a fixed deviation (MIDI notes placed
close before or behind the correct position), the settings in Cubase/Nuendo have to be
changed. At the time of print the option 'Use System Timestamp' should be activated. The
HDSP system supports both MME MIDI and DirectMusic MIDI. It depends on the used application which one will work better.
11. Using more than one Hammerfall DSP
The current drivers support operation of up to three HDSPe AIO. All cards of the HDSP and
HDSPe system use the same driver, therefore can be used at the same time. 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 HDSP systems is set to clock mode Master, all others have to be set to clock
mode Slave, 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 their Settings dialogs.
• 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.
Note:
TotalMix is part of the hardware of each HDSP system. 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.
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12. DIGICheck Windows
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 5.34 operates as multi-client ASIO host, therefore can
be used in parallel to any software, be it WDM or ASIO, 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.
• Hardware Level Meter for Input, Playback and Output. Reference Level Meter freely con-
figurable, causing near zero CPU load, because calculated from the Fireface hardware.
• Vector Audio Scope. World wide unique Goniometer showing the typical afterglow of a
oscilloscope-tube. Includes Correlation meter and level meter.
• Surround Audio Scope. Professional Surround Level Meter with extended correlation
analysis, ITU weighting and ITU summing 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. Detailed analysis and display of SPDIF and AES/EBU Channel
Status data.
• Global Record. Long-term recording of all channels at lowest system load.
• Completely multi-client. Open as many measurement windows as you like, on any chan-
nels and inputs or outputs!
To install DIGICheck, go to the \DIGICheck directory on the RME Driver CD and run setup.exe.
Follow the instructions prompted on the screen.
DIGICheck is constantly updated. The latest version is always available on our website
www.rme-audio.com, section Downloads / DIGICheck.
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13. Hotline – Troubleshooting
The newest information can always be found on our website www.rme-audio.com, section FAQ,
Latest Additions.
The dialog 'New hardware component found’ does not appear:
• Check whether the CardBus card is completely inserted into the PCMCIA slot, or the PCI
interface is correctly inserted in the PCI slot.
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 has been switched to SPDIF. The ADAT 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 dis-
played in the Settings dialog.
• Check whether the HDSP system has been selected as recording device in the audio appli-
cation.
• 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’.
The Multiface II fails after a few minutes
• The Multiface II requires a HDSP PCI revision 1.9 or higher. Older HDSP PCI cards do not
deliver enough current for the new Multiface II.
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