• ORA
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Topic: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

Hi there!

I bought 2nd Behringer ADA8200 and didn't know that I cannot daisy chain them to one ADAT I/O.
Is there any way to connect another ADA8200 without selling my UCX?
Are there any other methods to expand the ADAT I/O of my UCX?
Maybe using RME Digiface or RME Hammerfall DSP Digiface?

Thanks in advance

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2023-01-13 03:44:52)

  • waedi
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Re: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

Hi ORA
Unfortunately that is not possible.

The UCX has one adat port for 8 channels input and 8 channels output and it is maxed out with an ADA8200.

The amount of channels is fix in an interface and can not get expandet.
the ADA8200 let you expand the number of analog ports by using 8 adat channels and adding converters.

The Digiface USB has 4 Adats, maximum of 32 analog inputs and 32 analog outputs.
On a Mac it's possible to use both interfaces at the same time, but on Windows not afaik.

Feel free to ask here before you buy any equipment.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • ORA
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Re: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

Hi Waedi,
Thank you for the quick reply!

I use Mac, How can I use both interfaces at the same time? 
Also, would I be able to use them under one TotalMix?

  • waedi
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Re: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

ORA wrote:

Hi Waedi,
Thank you for the quick reply!

I use Mac, How can I use both interfaces at the same time? 
Also, would I be able to use them under one TotalMix?

The mac application Audio-Midi-Setup let create you an Aggregate device, there you can add your interfaces.
It is then a virtual input/output box.

But each RME interface has its own Totalmix, they stay separate.

The DAW will receive all channels provided from the aggregate device.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • ORA
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Re: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

Thanks again for your quick answer,
Is it possible to use 2 Totalmix applications at the same time? how does that work?
Also if I would go for it, which interface should I get? Digiface?

  • waedi
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Re: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

Tbh I did not work that way so far, it should be possible to have the 2 TM open at the same time, yes.
I also have to tell you that some people have reported problems with aggregate devices, it would be not stable...
Therefor I don't recommend it. It should be working, without guarantee.
The Digiface USB is a good option, yes this is good for your Ada 8200.
At moment it is hard to find any new interfaces.
If you look out at the second hand market then it is recommended to look also for a UFX II, this has 2 Adat inputs, let you connect both ADAs and use it as only interface.
In this amount of channels you already come close to the next level MADI... !

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

7 Reply by hselters (edited by hselters 2023-01-16 22:05:12)

  • Registered: 2018-12-21
  • Posts: 322

Re: Expand ADAT I/O of UCX

It depends on your use case, but I wouldn’t do an aggregate device. You can just use the Digiface usb as a main Interface and connect the UCX and two Behringer’s via adat to it. Basically using the UCX as an adat converter (you need to set this up once via total mix…).
This will give you all channels under one interface. If you need to adjust EQ or other FX on the UCX or toggle its phantom power, then you will need the second total mix window, otherwise you could even run it in standalone mode.
Be aware that the digiface usb unfortunately does not have the FX, so if you need total mix EQ/Dynamics/reverb/echo on all channels, then replace your ucx with a ufx or ufx II which have two adat i/o.