1 Topic by lukas_trips (edited by lukas_trips 2021-01-20 15:46:11)

  • From: Argentina
  • Registered: 2021-01-20
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Fireface UCX: USB 3.0 or Firewire 400 (through thunderbolt port) ?

I recently acquired a new RME Fireface UCX device to perform a live set with 3 instruments and different midi controllers. I use a DAW under a Macbook Pro Mid 2015 with two USB 3.0 and two Thunderbolt ports.

I would like to know your opinions, experiences or recommendations about to use the UCX through USB 3.0 or Firewire 400 port in terms of performance. For the Firewire 400 port I need to use two adapters (Thunderbolt --> Firewire 800, Firewire 800 --> Firewire 400) and I didn’t find any clear information about the UCX performance under this situation (many adapters between both ports) in comparison with direct USB port usage.

My idea is to use the UCX Firewire 400 port in order to make available the USB ports for the MIDI controllers, but I want to prioritize the UCX performance if the USB is better than Firewire in this particular case.

Thanks a lot!

  • cyrano
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Belgium
  • Registered: 2015-04-28
  • Posts: 701

Re: Fireface UCX: USB 3.0 or Firewire 400 (through thunderbolt port) ?

There's no difference in running over a USB3 or a Thunderbolt port.

I'd probably prefer to use FW too, only to keep other ports free for other stuff.

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3 Reply by lukas_trips (edited by lukas_trips 2021-01-20 19:52:58)

  • From: Argentina
  • Registered: 2021-01-20
  • Posts: 2

Re: Fireface UCX: USB 3.0 or Firewire 400 (through thunderbolt port) ?

Hello cyrano, thanks for your quick answer and for clarify my concern.

In that case, I prefer too to use the Thunderbolt port.

Regards!