1 Topic by ingo12 (edited by ingo12 2021-01-24 17:29:00)

  • Registered: 2021-01-24
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Topic: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

I have a very noobish question.

I have a Multiface 1 incl. a PCMCIA expresscard for ages. However, by now my notebook dies on me and I have to move on. Thus I am going to buy a stationary PC and something by RME.

I am a total noob when comes to computer stuff hence my basic questions:

Am I right that I can go on using my Multiface (MF) via ADAT with several other RME products?

For example MF and HDSPe RayDAT, AIO Pro, 9632 will just work fine since they got their own soundcard?

Will the MF and the Digiface (DF) USB work fine or does the DF USB lacks a soundcard?

Sorry, this is very basic but I feel not at home if it comes to these things.

PS

According to my internet research there is no foolproof PCMCIA to PCI-express adapter nor PCI to PCI-express adapter. Or is there an easy solution to upgrade "ancient" standards to the modern world?

2 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2021-01-24 18:41:03)

  • vinark
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

No that will not work, it needs the pcmcia or another hdsp card to boot and load firmware. You can maybe find a pcmcia to PCI(e) adapter card.

I checked only pcmcia to pci as far as I can see so would need a motherboard with pci slot or find a hdsp pcie card

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
Babyface pro fs, HDSP9652+ADI-8AE, HDSP9632
  • waedi
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

Am I right that I can go on using my Multiface (MF) via ADAT with several other RME products?

No and yes.
I had that multiface long ago, when I remember correct, the multiface does not work as a standalone adat converter, it has adat connection for connecting a adat converter to it for expanding your interface.
But therefor the interface must be installed on a computer.
I found a product that probably can help, an adapter PCMCIA to USB... ?
https://www.wish.com/product/5aa96e3a1a … ;share=web

M1-Sonoma, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • vinark
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

waedi wrote:

Am I right that I can go on using my Multiface (MF) via ADAT with several other RME products?

No and yes.
I had that multiface long ago, when I remember correct, the multiface does not work as a standalone adat converter, it has adat connection for connecting a adat converter to it for expanding your interface.
But therefor the interface must be installed on a computer.
I found a product that probably can help, an adapter PCMCIA to USB... ?
https://www.wish.com/product/5aa96e3a1a … ;share=web

No afaik these only work with pcmcia memory cards (Thus said MC if I remember correctly)

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
Babyface pro fs, HDSP9652+ADI-8AE, HDSP9632

5 Reply by ingo12 (edited by ingo12 2021-01-24 19:11:27)

  • Registered: 2021-01-24
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

Thanks for your replies!

vinark wrote:

No that will not work

Does this refers to the Digiface or to all RME products I have mentioned (rayDAT, 9632, AIO)?

waedi wrote:

I found a product that probably can help, an adapter PCMCIA to USB... ?

I spent this and the previous afternoon looking for an adapter, yet, to no avail. Even a promissing card reader by Sonnet Echo does not seem to work any longer due to modern days operating software.

6 Reply by MC

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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

You mean this one?

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0087NW9M4

Bought the last one they had in 2019. This product will not come back, IMHO.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2021-01-24
  • Posts: 17

Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

I stopped searching for adapters since they are no longer available and have a reputation for not properly working (with soundcards).

However, is there any RME soundcard still in production that will work with my old Multiface? Since I will drop my dying laptop soon it should connect via USB or PCI-express slot to my PC to be acquired soon.

8 Reply by MC

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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

No, long gone. However the HDSPe PCI card is available used from private sellers. You just need to look around often. I still use (and test driver updates) with these old interfaces on my laptop via PCIe card and ExpressCard+adapter plugged into Thunderbolt to PCIe extension chassis. Of course this is not a cost-efficient solution if you don't need these for other reasons as well.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2021-01-24
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

Thanks!

So, I will try to sell my beloved Multiface and soundcard and look for an USB or PCI-express device.

MC wrote:

via PCIe card and ExpressCard+adapter plugged into Thunderbolt to PCIe extension chassis.

Yes, this is the most trustworthy device I came along. However, it is discontinued - and it wound match the latest operating software of any PC / lpatop I have learned.

10 Reply by ingo12 (edited by ingo12 2021-01-28 17:55:00)

  • Registered: 2021-01-24
  • Posts: 17

Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

Hope you don't mind another couple of total noob questions.

By now I understand that the Multiface cannot be used as a standalone interface since it never was designed as such. It will always need a specific corresponding card. Correct?

Thus, for the time being I consider the following alternatives:

1. AIO (incl. AI4S-192 + AO4S-192) plus Quadmic, or even via ADAT a Behringer Ultragain8200 (see link below).

2. Firewire UC plus Quadmic, or even via ADAT a Behringer Ultragain8200.

Both 1) and 2) would work fine, does this holds true?

Sorry, I am totally lost if it comes to this sort of things which is obivious, I assume. BTW what I love about my Multiface I is that even me with no interst in IT ("Internet Things" IT Crowd) could work with it for several years without any problem. It still just works perfectly. My sole problem is that I won't have a PCMCIA-slot in the near future. Other than that the MF rocks!

BTW Any pointer to any option to replace my MF beside of 1) and 2) above is highly appreciated!

Ultragain:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_ada … ragain.htm

11 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2021-01-28 18:16:38)

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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

If you could just mention the number of mic and line inputs and outputs you need and what computer you are gonna use it will be easier to give a good answer. And also remember if you can find a pcie hdsp card second hand your multiface will work again. but they are not easy to find altough not expensive too.

Also a digiface usb with 1 or 2 behringers will work

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
Babyface pro fs, HDSP9652+ADI-8AE, HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2021-01-24
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

Thanks!

I think will not use more then 4 outputs. Even though it might be nice to have some outs spare for the future.

Up to now I never used more then 6 inputs at the time. However, I recently acquired several modular synth modules that feature stereo outputs. So I will actually make use of 8 or even more outs in the future.

I am rather sure that I am going to buy a Lenovo M330 or M720. However, I am not going to push any PC to its limits, I think. Currently I am using an old Lenovo T400 feat.: 6 RAM; 2.4 GHz (PCU). Works fine.

Software is Cubase 9.5.

Thanks!

13 Reply by ingo12 (edited by ingo12 2021-01-29 15:06:17)

  • Registered: 2021-01-24
  • Posts: 17

Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

vinark wrote:

If you could just mention the number of mic and line inputs

Sorry, forgotten about the mic ins: no, don't need them. The Multiface was perfect for me.

Thanks for drawing my attention to the Digiface USB!

14 Reply by eskunk (edited by eskunk 2021-11-05 11:18:14)

  • Registered: 2016-08-16
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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

Hello.

Has anyone experience if this type of express card to Pci-e adapter works?
https://m.de.aliexpress.com/item/100500 … amp;gclid=

Thanks

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Re: Multiface 1 PCMCIA in 2021

This seems to be USB based and therefore won't work.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website