RME FFUC User manual
User's Guide
24 Bit / 192 kHz 9
SyncAlign
Fireface UC
Portable USB Audio at its best!
™
ZLM™ SyncCheck™
TotalMix
™
SteadyClock
™
USB 2.0 Digital I/O System
8 + 8 + 2 Channels Analog / ADAT / SPDIF Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
36 x 18 Matrix Router
2 x MIDI I/O
Stand-Alone Operation
MIDI Remote Control
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................6
2 Package Contents.....................................................6
3 System Requirements ..............................................6
4 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6
5 First Usage - Quick Start
5.1 Connectors and Front Panel ...................................7
5.2 Quick Start ..............................................................8
Installation and Operation - Windows
6 Hardware Installation..............................................10
7 Driver and Firmware
7.1 Driver Installation .....................................................10
7.2 Driver Update...........................................................11
7.3 De-installing the Drivers...........................................11
7.4 Firmware Update .....................................................11
8 Configuring the Fireface UC
8.1 Settings Dialog – General ........................................12
8.2 Settings Dialog – Pitch .............................................14
8.3 Settings Dialog – Gain .............................................15
8.4 Settings Dialog – LTC ..............................................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
9.8 Clock Modes - Synchronization ...............................21
10 Operation under ASIO
10.1 General ................................................................22
10.2 Channel Count under ASIO .................................22
10.3 Known Problems ..................................................23
11 Using more than one Fireface................................23
12 DIGICheck Windows ............................................... 24
13 Hotline – Troubleshooting......................................25
Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
14 Hardware Installation..............................................28
15 Driver and Firmware
15.1 Driver Installation .................................................28
15.2 Driver Update.......................................................29
15.3 Firmware Update..................................................29
16 Configuring the Fireface
16.1 Settings Dialog – General ....................................30
16.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization ...........................32
17 Mac OS X FAQ
17.1 Round about Driver Installation............................33
17.2 MIDI doesn't work ................................................33
17.3 Repairing Disk Permissions .................................33
17.4 Supported Sample Rates.....................................33
17.5 Channel Count under Core Audio........................ 34
17.6 Various Information ..............................................34
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
18 Using more than one Fireface ............................... 35
19 DIGICheck Mac........................................................ 35
20 Hotline – Troubleshooting ..................................... 36
Stand-Alone Operation, Connections
21 Stand-alone Operation
21.1 Front Panel Operation .........................................38
21.2 8-channel AD/DA-Converter ................................ 39
21.3 2-channel Mic Preamp......................................... 39
21.4 Monitor Mixer ....................................................... 39
21.5 Digital Format Converter...................................... 39
21.6 Analog/digital Routing Matrix ............................... 39
22 Analog Inputs
22.1 Line Rear ............................................................. 40
22.2 Microphone / Line Front ....................................... 40
22.3 Instrument / Line Front......................................... 41
23 Analog Outputs
23.1 Line ...................................................................... 42
23.2 Phones (7/8) ........................................................ 42
24 Digital Connections
24.1 ADAT ................................................................... 43
24.2 SPDIF .................................................................. 43
24.3 MIDI .....................................................................44
25 Word Clock
25.1 Word Clock Input and Output ..............................45
25.2 Technical Description and Background............... 46
25.3 Cables and Termination....................................... 47
25.4 General Operation ...............................................47
TotalMix FX
26 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring
26.1 Overview .............................................................. 50
26.2 The User Interface ............................................... 52
26.3 The Channel ........................................................53
Settings.............................................................. 55
26.4 Section Control Room.......................................... 56
26.5 The Control Strip.................................................. 57
26.5.1 View Options................................................ 58
26.5.2 Snapshots - Groups..................................... 59
26.5.3 Channel Layout – Layout Presets................ 59
26.5.4 Scroll Location Marker ................................. 61
26.6 Preferences.......................................................... 62
26.7 Settings ................................................................ 63
26.7.1 Mixer Page................................................... 63
26.7.2 MIDI Page .................................................... 64
26.7.3 OSC Page.................................................... 65
26.8 Hotkeys and Usage .............................................66
26.9 Menu Options....................................................... 67
27 The Matrix
27.1 Overview .............................................................. 68
27.2 The User Interface ...............................................68
27.3 Usage................................................................... 68
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28 Tips and Tricks
28.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows) ......................69
28.2 Copy a Submix ..................................................... 69
28.3 Delete a Submix ................................................... 69
28.4 Doubling the Output Signal ..................................69
28.5 Recording a Submix - Loopback..........................70
28.6 MS Processing .....................................................71
29 MIDI Remote Control
29.1 Overview ..............................................................72
29.2 Mapping ...............................................................72
29.3 Setup ....................................................................73
29.4 Operation .............................................................73
29.5 MIDI Control .........................................................74
29.6 Loopback Detection .............................................74
29.7 OSC (Open Sound Control) .................................75
29.8 Stand-Alone MIDI Control .................................... 76
Technical Reference
30 Technical Specifications
30.1 Analog ..................................................................78
30.2 MIDI......................................................................79
30.3 Digital ...................................................................79
30.4 Digital Inputs ........................................................79
30.5 Digital Outputs......................................................80
30.6 General ................................................................80
31 Technical Background
31.1 Lock and SyncCheck ...........................................81
31.2 Latency and Monitoring........................................82
31.3 USB Audio............................................................83
31.4 DS – Double Speed .............................................84
31.5 QS – Quad Speed................................................84
31.6 AES/EBU – SPDIF ............................................... 85
31.7 Noise Level in DS / QS Mode .............................. 86
31.8 SteadyClock ......................................................... 86
32 Diagrams
32.1 Block Diagram Fireface UC .................................87
32.2 Connector Pinouts................................................88
Miscellaneous
33 Accessories.............................................................90
34 Warranty...................................................................90
35 Appendix.................................................................. 91
36 Declaration of Conformity......................................92
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
User's Guide
Fireface UC
General
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
5
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Fireface UC. This unique audio system is capable of transferring
analog and digital audio data directly to a computer from practically any source. 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 UC at the
very top of the range of computer-based audio interfaces.
The package contains drivers for Windows XP / Vista / 7 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 directly within the audio hardware.
2. Package Contents
Please check that your Fireface UC package contains each of the following:
• Fireface UC
• Cable USB 2.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
• MIDI breakout cable
• Power supply
• Manual
• RME Driver CD
• 1 optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft)
3. System Requirements
• Windows XP SP or up, Intel Mac OS X (10.6 or up)
• 1 USB 2.0 port
• Computer with at least Pentium Core 2 Duo CPU
4. Brief Description and Characteristics
• Enhanced Mixed Mode: Analog, ADAT and SPDIF I/O simultaneously usable
• Buffer sizes/latencies from 48 up to 8192 samples selectable
• All settings can be changed in real-time
• 4 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
• SteadyClock: Jitter-immune, super-stable digital clock
• DDS technology for free setting of the sample rate
• TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
• TotalMix: 648 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
• SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels
• SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals
• Word clock input and output
• 2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed MIDI
• 1 x Hi-power headphone output
• DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
5. First Usage – Quick Start
5.1 Connectors and Front Panel
The front of the Fireface UC features instrument, microphone and line inputs, a stereo
line/headphone output, a rotary encoder with 7 segment display, and several status and MIDI
LEDs.
The Neutrik combo jacks of the
Mic/Line inputs can be used via
XLR and 1/4" TRS plugs. Both
inputs display overload (CLIP),
signal presence (SIG) and phantom power (48V) via green, red
and yellow LEDs.
Inputs 3/4, INST/LINE, accept both a balanced line signal as well as an unbalanced instrument
signal via 1/4" TRS plug.
The rotary encoder serves to set the input and output levels directly at the unit. This is not only
useful in stand-alone operation, but for example also when setting up the monitor volume.
Pushing the knob changes the encoder from CHANNEL to LEVEL mode and back. Pushing the
knob for more than a second activates either the single channel or stereo setup mode.
The 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 9.8/16.2,
Clock Modes - Synchronization.
The red HOST LED lights up when the
Fireface UC has been switched on. It
operates as error LED, in case the USB
connection hasn't been initialised yet, or has
been interrupted (error, cable not connected
etc.).
The yellow MIDI LEDs indicate MIDI data
received or sent, separately for both inputs
and outputs.
Phones is a low impedance line output of highest quality. It provides a sufficient and undis-
torted volume even when used with headphones.
The rear panel of the Fireface UC features four analog inputs, six analog outputs, the power
socket, and all digital inputs and outputs.
SPDIF I/O coaxial (RCA): AES/EBU compatible. The Fireface UC accepts the commonly used
digital audio formats, SPDIF as well as AES/EBU.
ADAT I/O (TOSLINK):
The unit automatically
detects SPDIF or ADAT
input signals. The optical
output can operate as
ADAT or SPDIF output,
depending on the current
setting in the Settings
dialog.
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
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Word Clock I/O (BNC): A push switch activates internal termination (75 Ohms). When termina-
tion is activated the yellow LED beside the switch lights up.
MIDI I/O: Provides two MIDI inputs and outputs via the included breakout cable.
USB 2.0: USB socket for connection to the computer.
POWER (switch): Turns the Fireface UC on and off.
Socket for power connection. The
included hi-performance switch
mode power supply makes the
Fireface operate in the range of
100V to 240V AC. It is shortcircuit-proof, has an integrated
line-filter, is fully regulated against
voltage fluctuations, and
suppresses mains interference.
5.2 Quick Start
After the driver installation (chapter 7 / 15) connect the TRS jacks or the XLR jacks with the
analog signal source. The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed in the Settings
dialog (Gain/Level), assuring the highest signal to noise ratio will be achieved. Try to achieve an
optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the source’s output level until the peak
level meters in TotalMix reach about –3 dB.
The analog line inputs of the Fireface UC can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. The
electronic input stage can handle balanced (XLR, TRS jacks) and unbalanced (TS jacks) input
signals correctly.
The front's inputs signal level can be optimized using the Fireface's rotary encoder. 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 (Gain/Level/Line Out).
The output signal of channels 7/8 is available on the front. Their output level can be set using
the rotary encoder. This output is a very low impedance type, which can also be used to connect headphones.
The Fireface UC remembers all settings, and loads these automatically when switched on. With
this, the Fireface UC can be used stand-alone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of
dedicated devices (see chapter 21).
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
User's Guide
Fireface UC
Installation and Operation - Windows
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
9
6. Hardware Installation
• Connect the power supply to the Fireface and then to any suitable power outlet. Power-on
the Fireface with the rear power switch.
• Check the correct firmware version by a double click on the rotary encoder button. The
display PC means Windows, the display AP means Mac. The double click automatically
switches between both versions. Note: a change of state is only possible when the unit is
not connected to the computer.
• Connect computer and Fireface using the supplied USB cable.
• Windows detects the new hardware as Fireface UC Win (serial number) and asks for
drivers.
7. Driver and Firmware
7.1 Driver Installation
After the Fireface has been recognized, (see 6. Hardware Installation) the hardware assistant
finds a Fireface UC Win (serial number). Please note the Win. If Mac is displayed the unit has
to be disconnected from the computer and its firmware has to be changed to Win (see above)
prior to installing the drivers.
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_USB on the
RME Driver CD.
Windows now installs the driver of the Fireface UC 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. The red Host error LED extinguishes.
In case the Hardware Wizard does not show up automatically after connecting the Fireface,
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. The-
refore this dialog has to be started manually after the failed driver installation. Hit the Win 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.
Possible reasons why a Fireface is not found automatically:
• The USB port is not active in the system (check the Device Manager)
• The USB cable is not, or not correctly inserted into the socket
• No power. After switching the Fireface on, at least the 7 segment display has to be lit.
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
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
Fireface UC/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 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 de-installation request. This request can be found (like all
de-installation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME Fireface USB'.
7.4 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Fireface UC to the latest version. It requires
an already installed driver.
Start the program fut_usb.exe. The
Flash Update Tool displays the current
revision of the Fireface UC's firmware,
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).
A reboot of the computer is not
necessary.
When the update fails (status: failure), the
unit's Safety BIOS will be used from the
next boot on, the unit stays fully
functional. The flash process should then
be tried again.
The Safety BIOS can also be activated manually: Push the rotary encoder button while switching on the unit. This method is also useful to temporarily deactivate a newer firmware. With
pressed button the older version of the firmware will be loaded.
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8. Configuring the Fireface
8.1 Settings Dialog - General
Configuration of the Fireface UC is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can be
opened:
• by clicking on the fire symbol in the Task Bar's notification area
The mixer of the Fireface UC (TotalMix) can be opened:
• by clicking on the mixer icon in the Task Bar's notification area
The hardware of the Fireface UC 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
• Configuration of digital I/Os
• Current sample rate
• Synchronization behaviour
• State of input and output
• Level of analog I/Os
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 precise
information about the current
status of the system, and the
status of all digital signals.
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 13/14).
The string Errors does not refer to buffer errors, but USB transmission errors. The display will
be reset on any start of a playback/record. More information can be found in chapter 35.3.
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
Output Format
Word
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.
Optical
The optical TOSLINK output can operate as ADAT or SPDIF output. The Channel Status is
fixed to Consumer state.
: The optical input detects the incoming format automatically.
Note
SPDIF coax.
The coaxial SPDIF output can have the Channel Status Consumer or Professional. For further
details please refer to chapter 24.2.
Options
SPDIF In - TMS
TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information from the
SPDIF input signal.
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 this is no longer supported to
be done by the audio program. However, an ASIO program can still set the sample rate by itself.
At ongoing record/playback the selection is greyed out, so no change is possible.
Clock Source
The unit can be configured to use its own clock (Internal = Master), or one of the input signals
(Word, Optical, SPDIF coax., LTC = Slave). If the selected source isn't available, the unit will
change to the next available one (AutoSync). If none is available then the internal clock is used.
The current clock source is displayed to the right.
Pitch
More information on Pitch is available in chapter 8.2.
Input Status
Indicates for each input (Word, optical, SPDIF coax.) whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No
Lock), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The second row shows the sample
frequency measured by the hardware. In Clock Mode the clock reference is shown. See also
chapter 31.1.
The About tab includes information about the current driver version as well as the current firm-
ware version of the Fireface UC.
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
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8.2 Settings Dialog - Pitch
Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a
quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in between. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital
Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision.
DDS has been implemented into the Fireface with regard to the needs of professional video
applications, as well as to maximum flexibility. The section Pitch includes both a list of typical
video frequencies (so called pull up/pull down at 0.1% and 4%) and a fader to freely change the
basic sample rate in steps of 1 Hz (!) over a range of +/- 5%.
The Pitch function requires the Fireface to be in clock mode Master! The frequency setting
will only be applied to this one specific Fireface!
Changing the sample rate 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.
Coarse
Coarse modification in steps of 50 Hz is
done by clicking with the mouse to the left
and right of the fader knob.
Fine
Fine modification in steps of 1 Hz is done by
using the left/right cursor keys.
Reset
Ctrl key plus left mouse click.
Application examples
Pitch 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.
Pitch enables you to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match
instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning.
Pitch allows for the change of the sample rate of all WDM devices at the same time. Since Vista
this is no longer possible via the audio program, thus requires a manual reconfiguration of all
WDM devices. Changing the sample rate from the Settings dialog solves this problem. As the
change within the system requires some time, record/playback should not be started immediately, but not before 5 seconds after a change.
Tip: the current CPU load can be used to determine if the audio subsystem has finished the re-
configuration.
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
8.3 Settings Dialog – Gain
The tab Gain has options to change the reference level of some channels. The gain of channels
1 to 4 is adjustable per channel within the TotalMix FX settings panel (click the wrench symbol).
Level
Line In
Defines the reference level of the rear analog inputs 5-8. The available settings are -10 dBV, +4
dBu and LoGain.
Line Out
Defines the reference level of the rear analog outputs 1-6. The available settings are -10 dBV,
+4 dBu and HiGain.
Phones
Defines the reference level of the analog outputs 7/8. The available settings are -10 dBV, +4
dBu and HiGain.
8.4 Settings Dialog - LTC
The Fireface UC can extract position information as APP (ASIO Positioning Protocol) from
Timecode (LTC, SMPTE) received at the analog input 4.
A detected Timecode is shown as time information in the LTC In field. The analog input signal
needs a specific level: slowly reduce the level until the display stumbles or completely fails.
Then increase the level by 10 dB.
The field Input State will show further details of the Timecode.
Basically Timecode can also be used as clock source. However, the calculation of the position
information is less precise then. Recommended is a clocking of the Fireface UC with a clock
signal (for example Word) directly from the device that sends the Timecode.
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9. Operation and Usage
9.1 Playback
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 as Playback Device, Audio Devices,
Audio etc.
We recommend switching all system sounds off (via >Control Panel /Sound<). Also Fireface
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
using the on-board sound device or buying a cheap Blaster clone and select this as Preferred
Device in >Control Panel /Multimedia /Audio< or >Control Panel /Sound /Playback<.
The screenshot shows a typical configuration dialog. After selecting a device, audio data is sent
to an analog or digital (ADAT / SPDIF) port, depending on which has been selected as playback
device.
Increasing the number and/or size of audio buffers may prevent the audio signal from breaking
up, but also increases latency i.e. output is delayed. For synchronized playback of audio and
MIDI (or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox ‘Get position from audio driver’.
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, and to set the sample rate to the same
value per stereo device.
Therefore the driver of the Fireface UC 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 Fireface UC © RME
9.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS)
AC-3 / DTS
When using popular DVD software players like WinDVD and PowerDVD, their audio data
stream can be sent to any AC-3/DTS capable receiver using the Fireface's SPDIF outputs. For
this to work, the WDM SPDIF device of the Fireface UC 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 Fireface. For this to work select the WDM playback device ’Loudspeaker’ of the Fireface 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 Fireface.
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 Left)
6 - SR (Surround Right)
: Selecting the Fireface to be used as system playback device is against our recommen-
Note 1
dations, as professional interfaces should not be disturbed by system events. Make sure to reassign the selection after usage or to disable any system sounds (tab Sounds, scheme 'No
audio').
Note 2
: The DVD player will be synced backwards from the Fireface. This means when using
AutoSync and/or word clock, the playback speed and pitch follows the incoming clock signal.
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
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9.3 Notes on WDM
The driver offers one WDM streaming device per stereo pair, like ADAT 1+2 (Fireface UC).
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 as ASIO
(see below).
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:
Fireface Analog (1+2) 1/2 is the first stereo device
Fireface Analog (1+2) 3/4 are the channels 3/4 of the first 8-channel interleaved device.
Fireface Analog (3+4) is the next stereo device
It is not recommended to use these special interleaved devices. Also 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 Fireface’s ADAT optical interface offers sample rates of up to 192 kHz using a standard
ADAT recorder. For this to work single-channel data is spread to two or four ADAT channels
using the Sample Multiplexing technique. This reduces the number of available ADAT channels
from 8 to 4 or 2 per ADAT port.
Whenever the Fireface changes into Double Speed (88.2/96 kHz) or Quad Speed mode
(176.4/192 kHz) all devices no longer available vanish automatically.
WDM Stereo devices Double Speed Quad Speed
Fireface UC Analog (1+2) Fireface UC Analog (1+2) Fireface UC Analog (1+2)
Fireface UC Analog (3+4) Fireface UC Analog (3+4) Fireface UC Analog (3+4)
Fireface UC Analog (5+6) Fireface UC Analog (5+6) Fireface UC Analog (5+6)
Fireface UC Analog (7+8) Fireface UC Analog (7+8) Fireface UC Analog (7+8)
Fireface UC SPDIF Fireface UC SPDIF Fireface UC SPDIF
Fireface UC AS (1+2) Fireface UC AS (1+2) Fireface UC AS (1+2)
Fireface UC ADAT (3+4) Fireface UC ADAT (3+4) Fireface UC ADAT (3+4)
Fireface UC ADAT (5+6) Fireface UC ADAT (5+6) Fireface UC ADAT (5+6)
Fireface UC ADAT (7+8) Fireface UC ADAT (7+8) Fireface UC ADAT (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 (Fireface UC Analog (x+x)).
The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed via the Settings dialog (Gain/Level) in
three steps so that the recording is done with optimized levels. A further improvement is possible by slowly raising the source’s output level until the peak level meters in TotalMix reach
about –3 dB.
The input sensitivity of the frontside analog inputs can also be adjusted directly at the Fireface
via the rotary encoder knob. A Signal LED and a Clip LED help to find the correct level adjustment.
More information is found in chapter 22.2 and 22.3.
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 26).
An automated control of real-time monitoring can be achieved by Steinberg’s ASIO protocol
with RME’s ASIO drivers and any ASIO 2.0 compatible program. 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 interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording.
Taking this into account, RME added a
comprehensive I/O signal status display
showing sample frequency, lock and sync
status in the Settings dialog, and status LEDs
for each input to the Fireface UC.
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, Fireface UC displays the current sample frequency. This parameter can
then be changed in the application’s audio attributes (or similar) dialog.
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9.8 Clock Modes - Synchronization
In the digital world, all devices must be either Master (clock source) or Slave (clock receiver).
Whenever several devices are linked, there must always be a single master clock.
A digital system can only have one master! If the Fireface’s clock mode is set to 'Internal',
all other devices must be set to ‘Slave’.
The Fireface UC utilizes a very user-friendly, intelligent clock control, called AutoSync. In Auto-
Sync 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 (Clock Mode – Current Internal) to a clock
extracted from the input signal (Clock Mode – Current ADAT etc). 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 UC, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization breaks
down. Remedy: switch the Fireface clock mode to Master (Clock Source – Internal).
The Fireface UC's ADAT and SPDIF inputs operate simultaneously. Because there is no input
selector, the Fireface UC has to be told which one of the signals is the sync reference (a digital
device can only be clocked from a single source). The Clock Source selection is used to define
a preferred input for the automatic clock system. This input will stay active as long as a valid
signal is found.
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, the Clock Source should be set tem-
porarily to SPDIF.
RME’s exclusive SyncCheck technology (first implemented in the Hammerfall) enables an easy
to use check and display of the current clock status. Input Status indicates whether there is a
valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each input (Word Clock, ADAT, SPDIF and LTC), or if there is a
valid and synchronous signal (Sync). In the field Clock Mode the clock reference is shown (Cur-
rent…). See chapter 35.1.
Under WDM the Fireface will (has to) set the
sample rate. Therefore the error shown to the
right can occur. A stable signal with a sample
rate of 32 kHz is detected at the ADAT input
(Sync), but Windows audio had been set to
44100 Hz before. The red color of the text
label signals the error condition, and prompts
the user to set 32000 Hz manually as sample
rate. Under ASIO the audio software sets the
sample rate, so that such an error can not
happen. If the input sample rate is different
then there will be no Sync indication.
With RME’s AutoSync and 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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10. Operation under ASIO
10.1 General
Start the ASIO software and select ASIO Fireface USB as the audio I/O device or the audio
driver.
Fireface UC supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM).
The Fireface UC supports 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 outputs operate in S/MUX mode,
so the number of available channels is reduced from 8 to 4.
At a sample rate of 176.4 and 192 kHz, the ADAT optical input and outputs operate in S/MUX4
mode, so the number of available channels is limited to 2.
: when changing the sample rate range between Single, Double and Quad Speed the num-
Note
ber of 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 Quad Speed
Fireface UC Analog 1 to 8 Fireface UC Analog 1 to 8 Fireface UC Analog 1 to 8
Fireface UC SPDIF L / R Fireface UC SPDIF L / R Fireface UC SPDIF L / R
Fireface UC AS 1 to 2 Fireface UC AS 1 to 2 Fireface UC AS 1 to 2
Fireface UC ADAT 3 to 4 Fireface UC ADAT 3 to 4 Fireface UC ADAT 3 to 4
Fireface UC ADAT 5 to 6 Fireface UC ADAT 5 to 6 Fireface UC ADAT 5 to 6
Fireface UC ADAT 7 to 8 Fireface UC ADAT 7 to 8 Fireface UC ADAT 7 to 8
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10.3 Known Problems
If a computer does not provide sufficient CPU-power and/or sufficient USB-bus transfer rates,
then drop outs, crackling and noise will appear. Such effects can be avoided by using a higher
buffer setting/latency in the Settings dialog of the Fireface UC. Furthermore PlugIns should be
deactivated temporarily to make sure they do not cause these problems.
More information can be found in chapter 31.3.
Another common source of trouble is incorrect synchronization. ASIO does not support asynchronous operation, which means that the input and output signals not only have to use the
same sample frequency, but also have to be in sync. All devices connected to the Fireface UC
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 Fireface UC. They all have to be in sync. Else a
periodically repeated noise will be heard.
Fireface UC supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM). Please note that not every program sup-
ports 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 Fireface UC supports both MME MIDI and DirectMusic MIDI. It depends on the used application
which one will work better.
11. Using more than one Fireface
The current driver supports up to three Fireface UC. All units have to be in sync, i.e. have to
receive valid sync information (either via word clock or by using AutoSync and feeding synchronized signals).
• If one of the Firefaces is set to clock mode Master, all others have to be set to clock mode
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 the Fireface Settings dialog.
• If all units are fed with a synchronous clock, i.e. all units show Sync in their Settings dialog,
all channels can be used at once. This is especially easy to handle under ASIO, as the
ASIO driver presents all units as one.
The driver takes care of the numbering of all Firefaces, so that it doesn't change. The unit with
the lowest serial number is always 'Fireface (1)'. Please note:
• If the Fireface (1) is switched off, Fireface (2) logically turns to the first and only Fireface. If
Fireface (1) is switched on later, the numbering changes and the unit becomes Fireface (2)
immediately.
• The driver has no control on the numbering of the WDM devices. Therefore it might happen
that the WDM devices (2) are mapped to unit (1), especially when switching on more Firefaces during a Windows session. A reboot with all Firefaces already operational should
solve this problem.
Note
: TotalMix is part of the hardware of each Fireface. Up to three mixers are available, but
these are separated and can't interchange data. Therefore a global mixer for all units is not
possible.
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When using more than one Fireface UC the USB bus might get overloaded. To prevent this
connect all units to different USB busses. This should be possible without further hardware as
many popular USB 2.0 interfaces come as twins, which can be checked in the Device Manager
as follows:
• Connect the Fireface UC to a USB port
• Start the Device Manager, View set to ‘Devices by Connection’
• Expand ACPI x86-based PC, Microsoft ACPI compatible System, PCI bus
Here you usually find two entries of a USB2 Enhanced Host Controller. All USB devices are
connected via a Root Hub, the Fireface UC will show up here too. By a simple reconnection to
other ports this view lets you check to which one of the two controllers the Fireface is connected
to. And with two units, if they use the same controller or not.
This information can also be used to makes sure that an external USB hard drive will not interfere with the Fireface UC, by ensuring its connection to a different bus (controller).
Especially with laptops it can be seen that all internal devices and all sockets are connected to
the same controller, and that the second controller is not used at all. Then all units operate on
the same bus and fight against each other for bandwidth.
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 5.5 operates as multi-client ASIO host, therefore can be
used in parallel to any software, 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.
Vertical and horizontal mode. Slow RMS and RLB weighting filter.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.
• 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!
• Totalyser. Spectral Analyser, Level Meter and Vector Audio Scope in a single window.
• Surround Audio Scope. Professional Surround Level Meter with extended correlation
• ITU1770/EBU R128 Meter. For standardized loudness measurements.
• 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.
• 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
13.1 General
The newest information can always be found on our website www.rme-audio.com, section FAQ,
Latest Additions.
Important: Check that the correct (PC = Windows, AP = Mac) firmware is loaded by a double-
click on the rotary encoder.
The input signal cannot be monitored in real-time
• ASIO Direct Monitoring has not been enabled within the DAW, and/or monitoring has been
disabled globally (TotalMix Options).
The 8 ADAT channels don’t seem to work
• The optical output has been switched to 'SPDIF'. As can be seen in the block diagram, all
channels and their assignments still exist, but the optical transmitter has been disconnected
from ADAT. 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 displayed in the Settings dialog.
• Check whether the Fireface UC has been selected as recording device in the audio application.
• Check whether the sample frequency set in the audio application (‘Recording properties’ or
similar) matches the input signal.
• Check that cables/devices have not been connected in a closed loop. If so, set the system’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’.
• Check the Settings dialog for displayed Errors.
Driver installation and Settings dialog/TotalMix work, but a playback or record is not possible
• While recognition and control of the device are low bandwidth applications, playback/record
needs the full USB transmission performance. Therefore, defective USB cables with limited
transmission bandwidth can cause such errors.
After the flash process the Fireface UC does not start correctly
• Pushing the rotary encoder while switching on the unit will load the Safety BIOS. The flash
process should then be repeated, maybe even on a different computer.
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
User's Guide
Fireface UC
Mac OS X – Installation and Operation
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
27
14. Hardware Installation
• Connect the power supply to the Fireface and then to any suitable power outlet. Power-on
the Fireface with the rear power switch.
• Check the correct firmware version by a double click on the rotary encoder button. The
display PC means Windows, the display AP means Mac. The double click automatically
switches between both versions. Note: a change of state is only possible when the unit is
not connected to the computer.
• Connect computer and Fireface using the supplied USB cable.
• Mac OS X detects the new hardware as Fireface UC Mac (serial number).
15. Driver and Firmware
15.1 Driver Installation
After the Fireface has been connected, (see 14. Hardware Installation) install the drivers from
the RME Driver CD. The driver files are located in the folder Fireface_USB. Installation works
automatically by a double-click on the file Fireface USB.pkg.
RME recommends downloading the latest driver version from the RME website. If done, the
procedure is as follows:
A double-click onto driver_usb_mac.zip expands the archive file to Fireface USB.pkg. Instal-
lation works automatically by a double-click on this file.
During driver installation the programs Fireface USB Settings and Fireface USB Mixer (To-
talMix) are copied to the Applications folder. It is recommended to link these two programs to
the Dock so that they are always available.
A reboot of the computer is not required.
Possible reasons why a Fireface UC is not found after driver installation:
• The USB port is not active in the system (check in System Profiler, USB)
• The USB cable is not or not correctly inserted into the socket
• No power. After switching the Fireface on, at least the 7 segment display has to be lit.
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