• Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 19

Topic: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

Hi RMEers,

Thanks in advance for the assistance & tips!

I have recently purchased a UFX+ & am now experimenting with its expandability.

I have a Fireface 400 that I am attempting to connect via ADAT & havn't been able to establish a working connection

I have performed an ADAT Loopback test on devices by connecting its own respective ADAT in to out.

The green ADAT light on both devices lights up on loopback test.

Both successfully report 'Sync' in their software control windows. Though When connected to each other there is no Sync.

I've set the UFX+ as master, same sample rates etc. I tried different sample rates.
You can see a picture of the UFX+ Control Software at 32k with ADAT not synced.

I've tried Switching roles for testing sake i.e Fireface400 Master & UFX+ Slave
Cable into ADAT out on Fireface & into ADAT In on UFX+
ADAT Light does not show on the Fireface 400
ADAT Light Shows on UFX+

Device Images
https://imgur.com/a/sgrYLBw

Questions:

    What could I be doing wrong?

      Could one or both devices be damaged? (they're both 2nd hand)

        After using a few cables it seems UFX+ doesnt like to hold cables in its ports / Any recommended cables?

        System Summary

        *Notes
        - Ive tested with shorter cables without resolve
        - The UFX+ ADAT ports don't seen to hold the cables in a sturdy manner as compared to the Fireface 400 & some other consumer devices. The fit is not secure & the cables can easily unplug simply from the coil tension of the cables.
        Connections are established so I dont think its a matter of not being plugged in correctly.
        Any further pushing would seem like damage inducing pressure.

        2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2025-08-17 00:01:37)

        • waedi
        • DAW Mastermind
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        • From: Swiss Zürich
        • Registered: 2020-12-08
        • Posts: 7,780

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        Both devices seem to work fine.

        The slave one showing sync. it is synced to the master.

        The master is master no need (and not possible) to sync to others.

        Use 2 Adat cables to connect the two devices. For the creenshots it is not visible if you connected one or two cables.

        Play music and send it via Totalmix to the other, is the music playing fine ?

        M1-GoldenGate, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
        • ramses
        • ramses
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        • From: UTC+1
        • Registered: 2012-10-14
        • Posts: 15,938

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        If you need further advice on clock synchronization, you can also take a look at my updated blog article:

        https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … ios-en-de/

        BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 15, Win10 IoT Ent
        • Registered: 2023-04-01
        • Posts: 19

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        Great to clarify my ports are not damaged thanks.

        I have 2 ADAT cables in.

        You can see images of the software & hardware status here: https://imgur.com/a/wKi6zZW

        In totalmix I send System Audio from AN1/2 to All Adat Hardware outputs & do not get an analog signal on any of the hardware outputs.

        I have a microphone plugged into Mic 1 on the Fireface 400 Slave (ADAT1/2) & do not get a Signal registering on Totalmix ADAT1/2.

        No signals each way.

        waedi wrote:

        Both devices seem to work fine.

        The slave one showing sync. it is synced to the master.

        The master is master no need (and not possible) to sync to others.

        Use 2 Adat cables to connect the two devices. For the screenshots it is not visible if you connected one or two cables.

        Play music and send it via Totalmix to the other, is the music playing fine ?

        • Registered: 2023-04-01
        • Posts: 19

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        A comprehensive read thanks!

        ramses wrote:

        If you need further advice on clock synchronisation, you can also take a look at my updated blog article:

        https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … ios-en-de/

        6 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2025-08-17 11:30:27)

        • waedi
        • DAW Mastermind
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        • From: Swiss Zürich
        • Registered: 2020-12-08
        • Posts: 7,780

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        No word about routing the signal in Totalmix ?

        You have to route those signals in Totalmix from Adat inputs to analog outputs.
        And from analog inputs to Adat outputs, the mic signal.

        The screenshots of the settings looking good.

        The Screenshot of FF400 Totalmix is missing

        M1-GoldenGate, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
        • Registered: 2023-04-01
        • Posts: 19

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        Ah got the missing link.

        I hadn't routed the audio on the FF400 Totalmix end as I just assumed it would default automatically to mapping in & outs when a slave. Bad assumption.

        Yay more I/O !!!!

        Kind thanks for the guidance I have it working.



        claptastic wrote:

        A comprehensive read thanks!

        ramses wrote:

        If you need further advice on clock synchronisation, you can also take a look at my updated blog article:

        https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … ios-en-de/

        • Registered: 2023-04-01
        • Posts: 19

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        A follow up on my ADAT Routing:

        1. The fireface 400 wont save the routing setup onboard if switched off.

        When turned on no routing is initialised & I have to plugin it in to the computer to then initialise my routing scheme.
        I want to simply turn the device on, have the DSP routing onboard initialise & not have to fire up a computer & restore settings via a hookup to the computer hosted software.

        I have tried selecting & deselecting 'always init dsp devices with FX setting' but not settings are saved either way.

        Is this possible?

        Simplest solution is to not turn the FF400 off, sure, but it gets hot, stays hot & for energy & safety purposes I'd prefer to turn it off at the end of the day.

        2. ADAT Cables dont securely lock into place

        I have the ADAT working well except the cables very delicately are mounted to the UFX+. They pop in lightly with the small lip of the ADAT cable very lightly locking them in place. Any small touch and they pop out - I'm cautious to really push them.

        Consumer devices I have the cable will be completely enclosed. With the ufx+ I feel like I will damage something if I push the cables right in.

        Are the cables meant to be pushed further in? (see image of them currently)

        https://imgur.com/a/zCHcAcY

        9 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2025-08-30 15:57:36)

        • waedi
        • DAW Mastermind
        • Offline
        • From: Swiss Zürich
        • Registered: 2020-12-08
        • Posts: 7,780

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        The functions Store in Flash Memory (Settings dialog) and Flash current mixer state (TotalMix)
        will store the current settings into the Fireface 400. The unit then remembers all settings, and
        loads these automatically when switched on. With this, the Fireface 400 can be used stand-
        alone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of dedicated devices (see chapter 20).

        https://i.ibb.co/pr527N5f/store.jpg

        https://i.ibb.co/C4TppFs/flash.png

        M1-GoldenGate, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
        • Registered: 2018-12-21
        • Posts: 445

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        from how it looks on the photo you can push the cable in further, paying attention to the right orientation. don't force it, a firm push should do it. some adat cables are locking in a little tighter than others.

        • Registered: 2023-04-01
        • Posts: 19

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        Although I had tried this earlier I now have it working - Superb Thanks!!
        Had a read of chapter 20, Standalone operation does offer a lot of possibilities.

        waedi wrote:

        The functions Store in Flash Memory (Settings dialog) and Flash current mixer state (TotalMix)
        will store the current settings into the Fireface 400. The unit then remembers all settings, and
        loads these automatically when switched on. With this, the Fireface 400 can be used stand-
        alone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of dedicated devices (see chapter 20).

        https://i.ibb.co/pr527N5f/store.jpg

        https://i.ibb.co/C4TppFs/flash.png

        • Registered: 2023-04-01
        • Posts: 19

        Re: [Solved] ADAT Troubleshooting: UFX+ & Fireface 400

        Thanks for the advise - you were right. I grit my teeth & pushed them in. A VERY firm fit!

        hselters wrote:

        from how it looks on the photo you can push the cable in further, paying attention to the right orientation. don't force it, a firm push should do it. some adat cables are locking in a little tighter than others.