• Jamil
  • AD/DA expert
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  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 59

Topic: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

I just purchased a Fireface 800 two days ago.  I've got it configured, working and learned how to use the Fireface Mixer.  My unit has the latest firmware, and I have installed the latest drivers.

I have a Roland Fantom XR rack synth mounted just below the Fireface.  The synth is connected correctly and functions through the Fireface for both MIDI and audio connections.  My problem is that I wish to use SPDIF connection from the synth to the Fireface.  When I connect the synth this way, the Fireface adds chirping noise to the sound from the MIDI synth.  The chirps are consistent with the sound from the synth, and there is no clipping displayed in the Fireface mixer.  I can connect the MIDI synth to the Fireface using analog TRS cable, and the sound does not contain chirping noise when I do.  I would prefer an SPDIF connection, however.

Can someone please make suggestions for correcting this?  My Fireface is connected to my computer via a n IEEE 1993a connection currently.  It's the only device connected via firewire.  The firewire interface is the one built into my motherboard, which is an Intel DP965LT.  The firewire controller shows as an Intel TSB43AB22 1394a-2000 in SiSoftware Sandra.

I did order and receive an SIIG FireWire 800 3-Port PCIe card, but I have not installed it yet (I need 800 cable, which I do not have).

Thanks.

  • Jamil
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  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 59

Re: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

Also, my Fireface 800 is currently configured to limit bandwidth: Analog+SPDIF

  • From: Houston, TX
  • Registered: 2007-05-01
  • Posts: 249

Re: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

Sounds like a word-clock issue.  You may need to put the FF800 into "Autosync" for it to track to the Fantom's SPDIF clock.  A quick look at the Fantom manual did not reveal if or how you could set the Fantom to be word-clock master or slave, so I would ASS-ume that the FF800 has to sync to the Fantom clock. (The only 'master/slave' settings that I could see in the manual were in relation to MIDI sync and not WC)

--Dean

HDSP9652 w/ AEB4-I/O - FireFace800 - 2 x Presonus Digimax FS - FriendChip DMX16/18

dstdean's Website

  • From: Houston, TX
  • Registered: 2007-05-01
  • Posts: 249

Re: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

Yep, another look at the specification page of the Fantom manual reveals that it is 44.1 kHz fixed, so it is NOT able to sync to outside word clock - you will have to set the FF800 to 'Autosync' when the Fantom is connected to the SPDIF ports.  That will be the over-riding factor on all your recording projects as they will all have to be 44.1 kHz.  If you want to use different sampling frequencies with the FF800, then you will need to use the analog outs on the Fantom.

--Dean

HDSP9652 w/ AEB4-I/O - FireFace800 - 2 x Presonus Digimax FS - FriendChip DMX16/18

dstdean's Website

  • Jamil
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  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 59

Re: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

Thanks!

The Fireface's Clock Mode was set to Master.  I changed it to AutoSync, and the sound is now perfect.

  • Registered: 2009-11-24
  • Posts: 9

Re: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

Wow, I had this issue and it was driving me nuts!!!  I know this is an old thread, but I'm glad for it!!!

Does it hurt to keep it in AutoSync all of the time rather than Master for other applications?

  • Jamil
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  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 59

Re: Fireface 800 SPDIF Noise

Hello.  Sorry -- I don't check these forums that often.

When I first posted this, I was brand new to the Fireface and did not know what I was doing.  I've gained experience with it and learned of its features.

The latest drivers now have a clock source selection on the Fireface settings window.  You can set this clock source to your external device that will be the master.  If your external device is unavailable for whatever reason, the Fireface drivers will take over as clock master without the need to make any changes.  If you then power the exernal device back on, the external device will then become the clock master.  This is very convenient.

With this being the case, there is no problem leaving another device as the clock source even if it is not powered on and available.