Topic: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Hi!

After trying everything I can think of and on two different laptops. I turn to this forum. Hoping for some help in clarifying why my new Fireface UCX will not work.

Platform: PC, Windows 10. USB
Latest drivers installed, latest firmware updated.

Observation.
Everything i Totalmix seems to work fine. I have signal from software playbacks and inputs.
I can turn the knob on the ucx interface and corresponding faders moves in totalmix. Communication seems ok.
Picture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/167MaTt … sp=sharing

Problem.
- I cant hear any sound at all from any output on the interface.
- The host LED on the interface front panel are blinking red.

Anyone having a suggestion on how to solve this?

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

May you check to where the main out is assigned ?
The Assign button right side bottom in the control room in Totalmix.

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

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Thank you for your reply!
Its assigned to main out -> 7/8 phones.
No audio is coming out. If I assign this differently, same result. Cant get any audio out at all.

4 (edited by waedi 2021-04-15 16:10:21)

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Can you do a test with a headphone ?
Plug the headphone into every output socket checking for a signal ?
Totalmix says you have a signal on every output.

The Fireface settings clock source is set to internal ?

Did you use the unit in Class Compliant mode on a iPad or iPhone before ?

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

5 (edited by christianF 2021-04-15 16:20:53)

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Hi thanks again!

I have done the test you suggest. And the clock source is on internal.
No sound is coming out on any output. Even though totalmix seem to say it does. hmm

Ive checked the class compliant thing. and this is turned off and I have never used it before.

Looking at that Red blinking "Host" LED again on the interface. Maybe the problem could be here?

6 (edited by waedi 2021-04-15 16:29:11)

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

May you change the clock source to any other and then change back to internal ?
The red blinkind host LED says error on sync to computer.
Have you tried different USB on the computer ?

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

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Yes, it allows me to change clock source. I also tried sync to en external ADAT source. It has sync, adat green. Host still blinks red. I switch back. But still no actual sound coming out.

I've tested total of 4 different usb ports. on 2 PC laptops. Same result. hmm

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

I run out of ideas.
May be time to contact RME Support directly.
You say you did latest firmwareupdate, what version number is it then showing in the settings dialog ?

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

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Can you test another USB cable and/or power supply?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

The firmware what I can figure out is Version 48. DSP firmware 260
Driver version 12.210

Thank you for trying Waedi. Much appreciated.

Hi Daniel!
I have now tried a different USB cable. Same result hmm no audio coming out.
I do not have another power supply. I use the one that came with the box. The green power LED is really strong. So guess that means it has enough power.

11

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Typically that is the power supply. Red Host LED blinking means interrupted USB communication or partial boot of the interface. Could be the computer but also the unit itself.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Look around, you might have another 9-12V (2A, pin positive) PSU in use somewhere that you can borrow for a test. Doesn't have to be the original. If that makes the unit work, get a new one from the nearest RME retailer....

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

13 (edited by christianF 2021-04-15 19:31:28)

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Managed to get a hold of a new PSU with the same specs as the original.
Still the same. No sound coming out from any output even though Totalmix says it should.
Red Host LED still blinking.

This interrupted USB communication or partial boot of the interface you mention Matthias.
Any idea on how to fix or get around this, what is the reason behind it?

14

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Internal failure. The unit needs to be sent in for service.

Before you do this (as last test):

- Check that the encoder can be pressed. Sometimes the encoder knob is too far in and blocks its function.

- Flash the unit again

- Check it on another computer

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

I experienced the exact problem after updating the usb driver (1.210) and Firmware (360) of my UFX. The symptoms occur after waking up from sleep mode. Everything looks normal but there is no sound. In a couple of minutes I see all input leds are blinking with a squeaky sound. If I wait 10-15 min they go back to normal and UFX performs normally. Or I can go on the device to mic gain section and turn one of the mic pre knobs manually and everything goes back to normal. I have no issues during the day (unless the computers goes to sleep or hibernate).
I strongly believe that this is a driver or firmware related issue. I had no such problems before the update

My setup: Windows 10, Intel i9 10900, 64GB RAM, UFX (USB connection), UAD pcie

16

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

This is most probably the UFX power supply dieing and unrelated to firmware updates.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Fireface UCX, no audio output

Same problem here. UFX was operating completely normally except for no audio output.

Opening the case, capacitor C16 in the power supply had popped (2200uF 16V). I just replaced the cap and audio is now working.

(If I had to guess, this cap should be spec'd from factory at a higher voltage. I tried to put a higher voltage one in but there's not enough space.)

Michael