• Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Topic: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

I'm delighted to have taken delivery of my new BFP FS. It's a stunning piece of kit.

Although I was probably overdue an upgrade, the purchase was prompted by Focusrite's withdrawal of support for their Saffire Firewire interfaces, pending the MS Windows 'Version 2004' update.

I'm looking forward to enjoying the RME's pristine mic pre's, going forward, however, I am regularly called upon to 'drop in' a couple of lines on an existing project -- I mainly track vocals for commercials, and regularly a client will change their phone number, URL, etc.

In the interest of continuity, it would be great to be able to press the Focusrite into service, on occasion. The Saffire Pro 24 DSP has a coaxial SPDIF output and features 'stand alone' mode.

I'm hoping that, via a coax/TOSlink converter maybe, I might be able to record through the Focusrite, should the need arise.

I just wondered if anyone has any experience/observations on such a setup...

Thanks.

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Hello!

Yes, you can do it!

Just don't forget to configure the BF Pro FS, accordingly, in the settings,

i.e. set the "Optical Input" to 'S/PDIF'(unless the BF autodetects the input, so there won't be a need for that) and "Clock Source" to 'Optical In' .

If you want the BF Pro FS to be Clock Master, you should, also, connect a regular Toslink cable from BF Optical Out to the Focusrite Optical In!

In this situation, the BF Pro's settings should be set like this:
"Optical Out" set to 'S/PDIF' and "Clock Source" to 'Internal'

Hope, this helps!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

That's great news! Thanks so much, MHK!

Regarding setting clock source, I'm guessing that the BFP FS, with its femtosecond accuracy, would be the preferable choice as Master?

Best wishes.

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

You 're welcome!!

Regarding setting clock source, I'm guessing that the BFP FS, with its femtosecond accuracy, would be the preferable choice as Master?

Yes!
Also, this way, you won't have to change sample rates, manually, on the Focusrite! It will be changed automatically based on project sample rate!

Best wishes to you, as well !

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Terrific!

Thank you, again.

  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Hello again,

I'm so nearly there...

The BFP is receiving input from the Focusrite (Saffire Pro 24 DSP), via SPDIF (AS 1) and the Focusrite is accepting the BFP as the clock source via ADAT.

My problem is how to configure TotalMix FX/Cubase in order to record the mic through the Focusrite.

I kind of figured that if I sent the AS 1 input to one of the unused ADAT outputs (e.g. ADAT 3) and selected that as my input source in Cubase, that might work. But, it doesn't seem to coming through.

Any ideas?

Thanks, in advance.

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Hello!

Just set AS1 as the Input in Cubase!
If you want to monitor through TMFX, select your Main Output by clicking on it and then raise the fader for AS1 to taste!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Thanks, once again, MHK for your super-fast response!

As I look at the VST settings for ASIO Fireface USB in Cubase, I can see four analogue inputs (1 through 4) and four ADAT inputs (1 through 4). No AS 1. :-(

9 Reply by MetalHeadKeys (edited by MetalHeadKeys 2020-08-12 16:54:38)

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

You 're welcome, polymnio!!

Try setting ADAT1 or ADAT2 as Input in Cubase !

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632

10 Reply by MetalHeadKeys (edited by MetalHeadKeys 2020-08-12 17:15:45)

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

ADAT1 should reflect AS1 and ADAT2, AS2.

It's because you are using Optical S/PDIF, but the ASIO Driver reports the ADAT Stream of channels(1-8@44/48K, 1-4@88/96K).
Since Optical S/PDIF is stereo, you can only use the first two of the ADAT Stream, i.e ADAT1 and ADAT2!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

I'll give that a go. Thanks.

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Ok!

Waiting for update!!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Success!

Thanks, so much, for your help MHK!

I don't think I'd have got there without it!

  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

One more question, if I may...

SPDIF In: TMS in or out?

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

irrelevant...

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

polymnio wrote:

Success!

Thanks, so much, for your help MHK!

I don't think I'd have got there without it!


Aah, great!
You're welcome!!

One more question, if I may...

SPDIF In: TMS in or out?

Of course, you may!
Out. It won't, possibly, make a difference as it's required for reading markers from CDs and DAT recorders as explained here:

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=16444

at post #4 by Daniel Fuchs from RME

If, by any chance, you notice any difference in sound quality(which I don't think will happen), turn TMS On again!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

TMS can and does not affect the audio signal....

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

18 Reply by MetalHeadKeys (edited by MetalHeadKeys 2020-08-13 22:12:48)

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

@RME Support

Thanks for the info!!
I must have been typing my reply when you posted earlier!

So,
@polymnio

It doesn't really matter if you have it checked or unchecked!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Thank you, gentlemen.

  • Registered: 2020-10-16
  • Posts: 5

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

So followed your instruction on my RME Babyface Pro LS and Focusrite Liquid Sapphire LS56. It locks and syncs but when I use the RME as master and I change from 41k to 48k the the LS56 does not change settings.  However, if I use the LS56 as master the RME changes the sample rate without any problem.  Can you shed some light on this?

21 Reply by polymnio (edited by polymnio 2020-10-17 12:11:04)

  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

Perhaps MetalHeadKeys, or some other kind soul, can come to your rescue. All I would say is, that my Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 seems to be accepting its 'slave' status without a murmur. It no longer has a data cable attached to the PC -- don't know if that's material...

22 Reply by MetalHeadKeys (edited by MetalHeadKeys 2020-10-17 17:53:18)

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

I 'm here! smile

Hi, Polymnio! How are you?

@fmartin09
Do you, also, have a second cable connected from the BF ADAT Out to the LS56's ADAT In or SPDIF In port?

EDIT: Are you using ADAT or SPDIF from the Saffire?
         If you are using SPDIF, you need to set that at the LS56's 'Sync Source'
         or if you're using ADAT, you need to set 'ADAT1' at the LS56's 'Sync Source' setting

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-07-31
  • Posts: 11

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

I'm good thanks, MetalHeadKeys. :-) I trust the same goes for you.

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

polymnio wrote:

I'm good thanks, MetalHeadKeys. :-) I trust the same goes for you.

You 're welcome, Polymnio!! Yeah, I 'm good, as well !!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632
  • Registered: 2020-10-16
  • Posts: 5

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

First of all thanks for helping.  Yes, I do have ADAT cables going in and out and I have tried both Optical Input options you suggested.  I think the LS56 doesn't play nice with other interfaces.  Too bad because I'd love to keep it but not syncing is an issue for me as I open sessions that are older and recorded in at lower sample rates...


MetalHeadKeys wrote:

Hello!

Yes, you can do it!

Just don't forget to configure the BF Pro FS, accordingly, in the settings,

i.e. set the "Optical Input" to 'S/PDIF'(unless the BF autodetects the input, so there won't be a need for that) and "Clock Source" to 'Optical In' .

If you want the BF Pro FS to be Clock Master, you should, also, connect a regular Toslink cable from BF Optical Out to the Focusrite Optical In!

In this situation, the BF Pro's settings should be set like this:
"Optical Out" set to 'S/PDIF' and "Clock Source" to 'Internal'

Hope, this helps!

26 Reply by MetalHeadKeys (edited by MetalHeadKeys 2022-02-15 06:47:51)

  • Registered: 2019-10-01
  • Posts: 675

Re: Connecting Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP to Babyface Pro FS via SPDIF

You 're welcome, fmartin09!

I don't know how the LS56 interacts with Windows, but if it reports "Sync" status with the BF Pro FS then perhaps it 's a Windows "thing".
If it shows up in the windows sound devices, you could try disabling it.

Also, if you have the BF Pro Optical Output connected to the the LS56 's Optical SPDIF Input, don't forget to set it to "SPDIF".
The same applies for ADAT!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632