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FFACE800WIN
User Manual
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Rme FFACE800WIN User Manual

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®
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User's Guide
Fireface 800
The most powerful FireWire audio interface ever!
24 Bit / 192 kHz üü
SyncAlign
FireWire 800 / 400 Digital I/O System
TotalMix
ZLM® SyncCheck®
SteadyClock
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
56 x 28 Matrix Router
MIDI I/O
Stand-Alone Operation
Inhalt
1 Introduction............................................................ 4
2 Package Contents.................................................. 4
3 System Requirements ............................................ 4
4 Brief Description and Characteristics................... 4
5 Hardware Installation............................................. 5
6 Driver Installation
6.1 Windows 2000/XP................................................. 5
6.2 Driver Update ........................................................ 6
6.3 Flash Update ......................................................... 6
6.4 Deinstalling the Drivers ......................................... 6
7 First Usage - Quick Start........................................ 7
8 Configuring the Fireface
8.1 Settings dialog – General ...................................... 8
8.2 Settings dialog – DDS ..........................................11
8.3 Clock Modes - Synchronization.............................12
9 Operation and Usage
9.1 Conections ...........................................................14
9.2 Playback ..............................................................15
9.3 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS).................................16
9.4 Low Latency under MME......................................17
9.5 Notes on WDM.....................................................18
9.6 Multi-client Operation ...........................................19
9.7 Digital Recording..................................................20
9.8 Analog Recording.................................................21
10 Using more than one Fireface..............................21
11 Operation under ASIO 2.0
11.1 General ..............................................................22
11.2 Known Problems ................................................22
12 Operation under GSIF ...........................................23
13 Stand-alone Operation
13.1 10-channel AD/DA-Converter .............................24
13.2 4-channel Mic Preamp........................................24
13.3 Monitor Mixer .....................................................24
13.4 Digital Format Converter ....................................24
13.5 Analog/digital Routing Matrix..............................24
14 Analog Inputs
14.1 Line Rear ...........................................................25
14.2 Microphone / Line Front......................................25
14.3 Instrument..........................................................26
15 Analog Outputs
15.1 Line....................................................................27
15.2 Phones...............................................................27
16 Digital Connections
16.1 ADAT .................................................................28
16.2 SPDIF ................................................................28
16.3 MIDI ...................................................................29
17 Word Clock
17.1 Word Clock Input and Output .............................30
17.2 Technical Description and Background...............31
17.3 Cables and Termination......................................32
17.4 General Operation..............................................32
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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18 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring...................... 33
18.1 Elements of the Surface .................................... 34
18.2 Tour de TotalMix ............................................... 35
18.3 Submix View ..................................................... 36
18.4 Mute and Solo ................................................... 36
18.5 Hotkeys ............................................................. 36
18.6 Quick Access Panel ........................................... 37
18.7 Presets.............................................................. 38
18.8 Menu Options.................................................... 39
18.9 Level Meter ....................................................... 40
19 The Matrix
19.1 Elements of the Surface.................................... 41
19.2 Usage................................................................ 41
19.3 Advantages of the Matrix................................... 42
20 TotalMix Super-Features
20.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring...................................... 42
20.2 Selection and Group based Operation............... 43
20.3 Copy Routings to other Channels ...................... 43
20.4 Delete Routings ................................................. 43
20.5 Recording a Subgroup (Loopback) .................... 44
21 DIGICheck............................................................. 45
22 Hotline – Troubleshooting
22.1 General............................................................. 46
22.2 Installation......................................................... 47
22.3 FireWire Audio.................................................. 47
23 Accessories.......................................................... 48
24 TECH INFO ........................................................... 48
25 Warranty ............................................................... 49
26 Appendix............................................................... 49
27 Technical Specifications
27.1 Analog............................................................... 50
27.2 Digital................................................................ 51
27.3 Digital Inputs ..................................................... 52
27.4 Digital Outputs................................................... 53
27.5 MIDI.................................................................. 53
27.6 Transfer Modes: Resolution/Bits per Sample..... 53
28 Technical Background
28.1 Lock and SyncCheck......................................... 54
28.2 Latency and Monitoring ..................................... 55
28.3 DS – Double Speed ........................................... 56
28.4 QS – Quad Speed............................................. 56
28.5 AES/EBU – SPDIF............................................ 57
28.6 Noise Level in DS / QS Mode............................ 58
28.7 SteadyClock...................................................... 58
29 Diagrams
29.1 Block Diagram Fireface..................................... 59
29.2 Channel Routing ASIO 96 kHz .......................... 60
29.3 Channel Routing MME 96 kHz........................... 61
29.4 Connector Pinouts............................................. 62
30 CE / FCC Compliance........................................... 63
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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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/XP and Mac OS X. 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), 4.5 m (15 ft)
• Power cord
• Manual
• 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft)
3. System Requirements
• Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, Mac OS X (10.3 or higher)
• FireWire Interface: a free FireWire Port 400 (1394a) or 800 (1394b)
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
• All settings can be changed in real-time
• 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
• 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
• Enhanced ZLM 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
• 1 x Hi-power headphone output
• DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation
• TotalMix: 1568 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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5. 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 any supplied 6-pin to 4-pin adapter: such adapters are available in your local computer store, also as complete cables 4-pin to 6-pin.
• Power on the notebook. Switch on the Fireface when Windows shows the desktop.
6. Driver Installation
6.1 Windows 2000/XP
After the Fireface has been switched on, (see 5. Hardware Installation) the green arrow symbol appears in the task bar (dialog Remove hard- ware) 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.
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6.2 Driver Update
RME's 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.
6.3 Flash 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. 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 card stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again on a different computer.
6.4 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'.
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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7. First Usage - Quick Start
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 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 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 signals 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 stand-alone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of dedicated devices (see chapter 13).
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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8. Configuring the Fireface
8.1 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.
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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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 11). Under Windows MME this setting determines the DMA buffer size (see chapter 9.4). GSIF and MME can be set from 48 to 256 samples. Abvove 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 10.4.
All channels (default) activates all 28 input and output channels. Analog + SPDIF + ADAT1 disables channels 21–28 (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 ‘Non-Audio’, please refer to chapter 16.2.
SPDIF Freq.
Displays the sample rate of the SPDIF (or AES) input signal.
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. Speaker Emulation removes low frequency noise and cuts off higher frequencies.
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.
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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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 Auto- Sync 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, the WDM devices can also be used as 8-channel devices (see chapter 9.6).
Clock Mode
The card 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 system will change to the next available one. The current clock source and sample rate is dis­played in the AutoSyncRef 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 (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.
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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8.2 Settings dialog - DDS
Usually soundcards and audio interfaces get their internal clock (master mode) from 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 the Fireface in this mode!
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).
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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.
8.3 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). The Fireface has been equipped with AutoSync, an automatic clock source selection, which adopts the first available input with a valid digital signal as the clock reference input. The input currently used as sync reference is shown in the AutoSync Ref status field, together with its sample frequency.
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, oth­erwise the other inputs will be scanned in turn. If none of the inputs are receiving a valid signal, the card automatically switches clock mode to ‘Master’.
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.
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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 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.
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 In field differs from the one shown in AutoSync Ref. The card automati­cally switches to its Sample Split 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.
8.4 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 seldom 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 additonal 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 corre­sponding software playback channels will be replaced with empty plates.
Available Settings
All channels (default) activates all 28 input and output channels. Analog + SPDIF + ADAT1 disables channels 21–28 (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
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9. Operation and Usage
9.1 Connectors - Display
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 separately for each digital input a valid input signal. 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 8.3, 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, which can produce a sufficient undis­torted volume also when used with headphones.
The rear panel of the Fireface 800 features 8 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 accord-
ingly in the Settings dialog. SPDIF I/O coaxial (RCA): Fully AES/EBU compatible by transformer-coupling and level ad-
justment. The SPDIF input is selected via the Settings dialog, started by clicking on the fire symbol in the
Task Bar's system tray. The Fireface 800 accepts the commonly used digital audio formats, SPDIF as well as AES/EBU.
Wordclock I/O (BNC): A push switch allows to activate internal termination (75 Ohms). IEC receptable for 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 abso­lutely short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctua­tions, and suppresses mains interference.
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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9.2 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 to the right shows a typical configuration dialog as displayed by a (stereo) wave editor. After selecting a device, audio data is sent either 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 Split 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 ADAT1 port are available
• The ADAT2 port is 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 31. Routing for record and playback is identical.
User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME
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9.3 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 (MME is not supported by every soft­ware) has to be selected in 'Control Panel/Sounds and Multimedia/Audio'. Also check 'use pre­ferred device only'.
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 - SR (Surround Right) 6 - SL (Surround Left)
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').
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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.
Note 3: In WinDVD 5 and 6, a channel-separated 5.1 playback using the Fireface requires a change in the registry. Start regedit, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / InterVideo / DVD5 (or 6) / AUDIOCHAN, and set its value to 4 (hexadecimal). Additionally select 'Waveout' as Audio Renderer in the Audio configuration dialog.
Warning: Changes to the registry are done at your own risk. Danger of complete data loss!
9.4 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 trash the motherboard…).
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9.5 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 Control Panel/Sounds and Multimedia/Audio. 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 9.6.
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.
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9.6 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 8­channel 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.
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