• Registered: 2017-03-02
  • Posts: 2

Topic: connect Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max

1. Software Installation

I'm trying to connect a Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max running macOS 13.1 (Ventura)
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP858?loca … %2040Gb/s)

I followed the instructions (I'm not allowed to post more than 3 links?!?!?!). I get to the page section:
"RME Interface is still not recognized after successful installation under macOS?"

When I perform this step: "Start TotalMix and the Settings dialog from the Applications folder."

Fireface Settings.app seems to immediately quit after starting.
TotalMix.app starts but no windows are shown. Pressing Cmd-N to show new Window I'm presented with a dialog "Function and Device Select Window", with no selectable device in the list.

When looking at Activity Monitor, I find a process running named "firefaceAgent".

2. Hardware Installation
I connected the FireFace 400 via:
"USB C auf Mini DisplayPort MDP Thunderbolt 1080p HDTV Adapter - Weiss / Silber"
Artikelnummer: 23030
(https://www.apfelkiste.ch/usb-c-mini-di … 3ad753154d)

From this Adapter I go into a Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 Adapter (https://store.dq-solutions.ch/de/alle-p … C4QAvD_BwE). From there I have a cable FireWire 800 to FireWire 400.

Thank you for your help.

  • Registered: 2016-06-14
  • Posts: 1,142

Re: connect Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max

You need a proper Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter. I think the only one which can be fully recommended is the one from Apple.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2

3 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
  • Administrator
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,599

Re: connect Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max

On that Swiss website I see they write 'Thunderbolt' on nearly every cable, and basically none of them are Thunderbolt. Embarassing.

This is the one to get:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL … 2-adapter?

Note the flash symbol on both connectors.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2016-06-14
  • Posts: 1,142

Re: connect Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max

MC wrote:

On that Swiss website I see ...

It’s a shame (I’m Swiss)!

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2

5 Reply by loopology (edited by loopology 2023-01-19 09:44:42)

  • Registered: 2017-03-02
  • Posts: 2

Re: connect Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max

MC wrote:

On that Swiss website I see they write 'Thunderbolt' on nearly every cable, and basically none of them are Thunderbolt. Embarassing.

This is the one to get:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL … 2-adapter?

Note the flash symbol on both connectors.

Thanks so much, MC! This was the missing link. I informed the Swiss shop and they rescinded the purchase. I also informed them about the inappropriate usage of the term "Thunderbolt". With the Apple thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter Fireface Settings.app and TotalMix.app start up without further ado.

  • Registered: 2022-09-14
  • Posts: 2

Re: connect Fireface 400 to a MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Max

Hi to the FF800 resistance big_smile

I've upgraded to Ventura to solve some issues, and as everybody said it works : it worked !
But I've got another stranger issue that is not solved.
I got a Mac Studio, the ff800 is plugged via the "snake thing" on a thunderbolt 4 port.
I got a main screen on the hdmi output, and an additional screen on another thunderbolt 4. Everything is fine here.
BUUUT, when I plug a third screen (also on an thunderbolt 4), problem begins.

> if I start the computer with the 3 screens and the FF800 : FF800 is not recognized : message "the device must be charged more, or disconnect other devices to make it work". I also have a self powered hub, I tried the FF800 on it but it doesn't work neither.

> if I disconnect the third screen or boot without the third screen : FF800 works fine. I plug the third screen then, and it works....but it's not practical.

Do you have ideas to help me ?
Thanks