Topic: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

I've just recently upgraded my Lynx converters and unfortunately I've had to move away from RME after 20 years. I wish you would bring out a RayDat HDSPe for Thunderbolt 3. I would buy it in a blink. So, please... smile

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

2 (edited by ramses 2020-02-29 12:14:06)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Hi Robin,

could you please tell a little bit more about your setup / requirement ? Maybe there are other ways to reach this goal.

For Apple and Windows 10 PCs you could i.e. get thunderbolt based PCIe expansion cases offering additional PCIe slots:
https://www.sonnettech.com/de/product/e … e1tb3.html

In regards to your request: don't forget, devices with thunderbolt ports limit the use for most people, because there are still too few and affordable devices with thunderbolt support available on the market and you can't upgrade a PC to thunderbolt if it has not been designed/prepared upfront for it.

So in such cases I see it more as a benefit to be able to use the RayDAT in combination with a thunderbolt expansion case, than designing a product, that would be a) more expensive by thunderbolt alone and b) could only be used by a few people who have a PC/Laptop with thunderbolt support.

From the pure amount of channels (64) PCIe is not required because RME has excellent USB drivers so that even 68 ports (in+out) are possible through USB2, see MADIface Pro or also the Digiface USB. If more channels are required RME uses USB3 and thunderbolt as an option where it makes sense like for the UFX+.

Could you kindly explain, why i.e. a Digiface USB does not fit your demands, to mention an alternative RME product?
It also offers 4x ADAT I/O and has one analog port for connecting i.e. phones.
It has the flexibility and unique feature that all ADAT ports can be switched from ADAT to SPDIF protocol.

What we can see in the market is a certain tendency that some companies offer devices with thunderbolt for only a few I/O ports where I do not see the rationale behind it, because thunderbolt for a few channels is overkill. It only raises the price for no real (technical) reason and limits useability to a limited amount of people with a computer offering thunderbolt.

I can only assume that these companies want to compensate deficites in their USB drivers, because of
a) a lack of knowledge to write high quality USB drivers with low latency and
b) they are missing the solid hardware design of RME to use programmable FPGA chips even for the communication to the PC
to have everything upgradeable and under control. By this you do not have to rely on 3rd party communication chips,
that might be broken and enables RME to fix everything.

This is one of the key advantages / features of RME devices, that RME can fix everything by driver and firmware upgrades. Otherwise it would not be possible to support devices with firmware and driver updates for around 19 years.

To sum up, I have a certain feeling that there are alternative ways for you to stay with RME with the current product offering.
Awaiting additional information from you. Many thanks.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Hi Ramses.

Thank you so much for your reply!

Yesterday was a sad day when I uninstalled the RME drivers for the first time in 20+ years..

Due to the channel-count loss over ADAT and the need to record at 96k on the odd occasion I had to find another solution. Having been on the Lynx converters for years I decided to upgrade to the Lynx Hilo and Aurora(n)24, both on TB3.

My current setup is:
W10 / Nuendo
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra Motherboard
Gigabyte Titan Ridge PCIe TB3 card (this card has two TB3 ports)

Everything is running smoothly, which is great. Also, at a later stage, should someone want to use one of the UAD TB3 setups it'll be an easy switch/addition.

But, I miss having the best drivers in the world running the show for me. Nothing compares to the RME drivers. The way your drivers integrate everything is unsurpassed! Also, the loss of the complete dependability of my RayDat is still scary at the moment. That's why I would prefer to have a RME/PCIe/TB3 card in my machine facilitating communication with my PC. 

Cheers,
Robin

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

4 (edited by ramses 2020-02-29 13:41:51)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Its not only RME drivers ... I see a recording setup from a broader angle.

What do you have from drivers alone if the daily operation / interaction with a recording inteface is limited or even dissatisfactory ? RME's TotalMix FX has been designed for best performance, no lag, optimum features since around 20y.
By this it reached an outstanding maturity. I personally couldn't live without it anymore.

I see alternative solutions for you with the current product portfolio.

Why didn't you simply base your purchase decision i.e. on a RME UFX+ ?

It would have offered to you so much flexibility from ground up:
- Thunderbolt and USB3 (even USB2) operation
- already 8 excellent analog IN and OUT where you do not loose channel count because its integrated into the device
- each analog port can be set to different reference levels individually
- MADI (64 channels) for further expansion for AD/DA converter or preamps.
- DURec, I coldn't live with that feature anymore, be it as tape deck in standalone mode or as backup recording
- Autoset
- and a lot of other I/O ports (2x ADAT, AES, MIDI, ..)
- already 2 excellent phones outputs !
- fully standalone operateable by display
- everything in only 1 RU

Then RME or 3rd party AD/DA converters connected through MADI.
Voila and you would have your dream setup based on RME and Thunderbolt !

This setup could then optionally be enhanced by further additional components of the RME portfolio:
- ARC USB to make operation even more comfortably
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE if you want an excellent AD/DA converter for Phones and Monitors with advanced features
  now even with an updated remote control which give you some additional comfort when listening to music

If you should not be familiar with MADI, it offers to you
- 64 channels @44.1/48, 32 channels @88.2/96 kHz
- galvanic isolation
- up to 2km fiber connections between each of the devices on the MADI bus allowing for very flexible placement in buildings
- OM3/OM4 patch cables are available up to 30m
RME MADI features like
- MIDI over MADI for remote controlling devices
- automatic delay compensation on the MADI bus if sample exact recording between all device on the MADI bus is required

A real dream setup from RME would be UFX+ and the M32 Pro AD and M32 Pro DA.
https://www.thomann.de/de/rme_fireface_ufx_2.htm €2162
https://www.thomann.de/de/rme_m_32_ad_pro.htm €3589
https://www.thomann.de/de/rme_m_32_da_pro.htm €3589
You would have
- the 8 analog I/O of the UFX+
- 32 high professional analog inputs and outputs of the M32 Pro at 96 kHz
The M32 Pro is even prepared for AVB (future proof)
- offers very nice optical display of level of each port
- each analog port can be set to different reference levels individually
- dual power supply support
- Configuration and routing additionally through a Web interface

If you need it less expensive, then UFX+ and Ferrofish
https://www.thomann.de/de/rme_fireface_ufx_2.htm     €2162
https://www.thomann.de/de/ferrofish_a32 … verter.htm €1999

Look how other studio professionals rate and use the M-32 Pro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GArwdlV … e=emb_logo (English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZD6O1n … e=emb_logo (German)

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

"A real dream setup from RME would be UFX+ and the M32 Pro AD and M32 Pro DA."

Yes, that would be my dream setup!!!!!! smile

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Ramses, please, I need your help, if you're still available to chat sometime.

Thank you,
Robin

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Feel free to post your questions here.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

So, after 2 years of Lynx driver issues I'm happy to say that I'm moving back to RME as soon as possible! I spoke with Joost from RME today and he was really helpful.

I'm going to return to my older-style setup, but instead of the Raydat I'm going to get a Madi FX card, 2 x M1610's and the ARC.

Do you think this will be a good setup?

Thank you,
Robin

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

9 (edited by ramses 2022-01-14 22:07:12)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Robin,

I hope it's ok for Joost that you discuss his suggestion here in the RME forum. I think Joost surely had a certain idea to balance features and costs for you and based on the requirements that you told him. For me this information is not available and I even do not know your budget for such a setup.

So I will simply open my mind and will try suggest a setup to you that gives a lot of options now and for the future.
At the end of the day you need to decide based on your requirements, priorities and last but not least the available budget.

You have the choice between the following products which all have their special feature set. The smaller interfaces I left out intentionally (like MADIface USB, which is an option, but I would not plan not too minimalistic for the basis of your recording solution if I were you).

1. Recording Interface
    Note: MADIface XT might be an option if you need USB3 and 3 MADI busses.
    My personal preference is either a PCIe based solution in a PC case or something in 19" format.

1.1 HDSPe MADI FX (PCIe)

      I had this card here for a test, you can see my review here, see also the PDF document for download:
      https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … Pro-FS-BE/

Some features at a glance:
- PSU redundancy if your PC should have two PSU
- the only RME PCIe card with FX chip
- Optimized ASIO driver which reduces the system load by deactivating audio channels currently not in use
- The redundancy mode SRO (Seamless Redundancy Operation) treats the card as single MADI input device.
   In case the main input fails, the card quickly uses one of the other two MADI input options.
   The SRO mode performs without audio interruption and is loss minimized (to only a few samples).
- driver allows to mirror the output of MADI1 to the other two MADI outputs which can be used for 1-2 backup recordings
  - optional daughter card: Opto-X to get a 3rd optical MADI bus
  - analog output for phones
  - AES I/O to e.g. connect ADI-2 Pro FS R BE for enhancing the monitoring section
  - If Windows: Global Record can be used as backup recording
  - you can connect a lot to 3 MADI busses if you need it and the good thing is that you still can route any input/sw playback to any output. If you would connect 2-3 of the same interface you can't route channels between recording interfaces without using other I/O to route channels through as a workaround

1.2 UFX+ (USB3, TB, USB2)

I am using this interface since long and it's really very nice with it's rich feature set. See this information about my setup:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … -DURec-DE/

Features at a glance:
- standalone operation possible
- if you do not require three MADI busses then the UFX+ has the richest feature set
- many options to connect to PC and Laptop: USB3, Thunderbolt, USB2 (without MADI playbacks)
- standalone operation possible
- DURec for backup recordings
- If Windows: Global record for backup recordings available as well
- already two strong phones outputs
- 4 excellent Mic inputs that can be used as line and instrument inputs and for connecting a talkback mic
- AES and 2x ADAT I/O to connect e.g. ADI-2 Pro FS R BE to enhance the monitoring section

2. As AD/DA converter

2.1 M-1610 Pro
  unequal count of inputs and outputs), mix of TRS and DB-25 plugs, phones output, ADAT outputs,
  reference level can be set per port, redundant LAN port for AVB, SFP port for MADI

2.2 M-32 Pro AD and M32- Pro DA
  Level meters per port could be very useful to monitor levels from distance, equal count of inputs / outputs
  reference level can be set per port, no redundant LAN port for AVB

3. Optional: ADI-2 Pro FS R BE

I am using these AD/DA converter since day one. Phantastic product. Rich and unique feature set, IMHO best DAC on the market, quality / price / feature wise.
The ADI-2 Pro is very useful by it's 4 reference levels in combination with auto reflevel feature. By this you have optimum SNR and dynamics over a range of 20dB.
You should use attenuators to solve level mismatches towards your monitors and so that you can make best use of auto reflevel. These attenuators are switchable and very flexible (-10, -20, -30 dB).
https://www.thomann.de/de/jts_ma_123.htm

As enhancement for your monitoring section. You can find a lot of useful information in these two blog articles:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … ses-EN-DE/
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … our-Setup/

4. Optional: ARC USB

For remote controlling TM FX. Very useful.

HDSPe MADI FX is a very nice card but needs a PC. The optimizing driver is also very nice, which only allocated driver resource in blocks of 8 ports. If at least 1 port of the 8 is in use, then resources for the whole block of 8 are being allocated.

On the other hand the UFX+ is more flexible in use and does not require a driver which optimizes resources, as you have only 1 MADI bus. The question is, do you need 3 MADI busses or not ?
The UFX+ may give you more benetifs in every day use. You could also connect it to laptops or operate it standalone and even connect the ARC USB to it in standalone mode.
Gives you also Mic inputs for e.g. talkback Mic and Instr inputs if needed.
DURec is extremely nice for getting backup recordings.

The technical data of ports for M-1610 Pro and M-32 are equal according to the technical section in the manual.
So its more a question, what is more useful to you. Equal number of inputs or outputs or not.
If you want to connect many external gear then of course it makes sense to have as many ouputs as inputs ...
Also the colored display with labels could be nice to monitor ports from the distance, if something turns red, it has your attention. But well, this has also a price to be payed.

Although you have very nice inputs and outputs with the M-1610 Pro and M-32 Pro AD and DA you would get additional benefits when getting ADI-2 Pro FS R BE for the monitoring section in terms of monitors and phones. So I would definitively think about to include them. Gives you also a SRC (sample rate converter) which might be useful if you want to connect devices with fix clock settings and which can only act as clock master.

I think the following setup could also be put to discussion:
- UFX+                     €2799 (Thomann bundle with ARC USB)
- M-32 Pro AD          €3589
- M-32 Pro DA          €3749
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE €1699
- ARC USB                included in the Thomann bunfle, see above
============================================
                               €11836

And if you do not have DB-25 connectors of the "other side" of AD/DA converter, then you need a few patchbays.
M-1610 Pro has at least a few TRS ports at the back of the unit.

A) Short overview about the proposed setup:

PC or Laptop or stand-alone
|
| (USB3 or Thunderbolt)
|
UFX+-------AES/ADAT---> ADI-2 Pro FS R BE --->monitors/phones
++++                                 "                 [SRC] <--- optional devices with fix SR and clock like e.g. DAT recorder
| | | +--------USB----------> USB Stick (DURec)
| | +----------USB----------> ARC USB
| |
| | (MADI)
| |
| + M-32 Pro AD (up to double speed for all 32ch) alternatively 1-4x M-1610 (for single/double speed)
| |
| + M-32 Pro DA (up to double speed for all 32ch)
| |
++

Clock master: UFX+
Clock slave: ADI-2 Pro FS R BE (through AES, ADAT), M32-Pro AD/DA (through MADI)

Alternative M-1610 Pro:
If you like you can replace the M-32 Pro AD and DA by one, two or even four M-1610 pro. Thats fine for single speed.
And in double speed you have again 32x D/A converters, then simply do not use some of the inputs.
You can also start with 1 device and expand later.

Possible little advantage to use M32-Pro AD/DA over M-1610 Pro:
There is no MADI feature like delay compensation available for the newer MADI/AVB capable devices.
When using M32-Pro AD/DA then each of the 32 inputs and outputs will get audio at the same time.
If multiple (2 or four) M-1610 are being used on one MADI bus, then you need to create a MADI ring by connecting one device after the other in a serial / ring fashion. This adds a little latency when audio is being transferred from one to the other device in the MADI "chain" of devices.
At double speed 6 samples per additional unit, but this is a very low value, I only wanted to mention it for completeness.

In fact at the beginnings of MADI delay compensation has been created when e.g. 8 MADI devices have been connected one after the other on one MADI bus. At that time also converter latency was a little higher.
With only 1 or 2 M-1610 Pro in a row and with new faster converter you can possibly fully ignore this, I only wanted to mention it for completeness.

Maybe for this or other reasons Joost proposed HDSPe MADI FX and to distribute the two M-1610 two two busses and then you can even record in quad speed.

So this would be another alternative:

Option B: HDSPe MADI FX based (either M32-Pro or M-1610 Pro

- HDSPe MADI FX     €1489
- M-32 Pro AD          €3589
- M-32 Pro DA          €3749
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE €1699
- ARC USB                €  129
============================================
                               €10655

- HDSPe MADI FX     €1489
- M1610 Pro             €2599
- M1610 Pro             €2599
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE €1699
- ARC USB                €  129
============================================
                               €8515

PC (or even Apple with TB expansion cabinet)
+ +---- USB<--->ARC USB
|
| (PCIe)
|
HDSPe MADI FX+-------AES---> ADI-2 Pro FS R BE --->monitors/phones
++                                              "                 [SRC] <--- optional devices with fix SR and clock like e.g. DAT recorder
| |
| +- MADI BUS 1: M-1610 #1 (up to quad speed) or M-32 Pro AD (up to double speed)
+--  MADI BUS 2: M-1610 #2 (up to quad speed) or M-32 Pro DA (up to double speed)

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Hi there Ramses,

Thank you so , so much for such an amazing, in-depth reply. I checked out the links - you really know your stuff!! I really appreciate the time you've taken to do this.

Yes, Joost and myself had a great conversation in which I showed him around the control room and tracking room. I also explained my situation and requirements. A great deal of emphasis was placed on the reliability I'd experienced with my Raydat setup. Hence his recommendation.

I'll give a quick description of my setup. Once I've tracked, I stay in-the-box and rarely use outboard whilst mixing. 99,99% of the time I work at 48k. I have a dedicated desktop PC running Windows 11 with Nuendo 11 as my DAW.

For Inputs:
30 high-end pre's (Neve/Api/UA/etc). A few nice compressors and eq's for tracking. Everything on patchbays.
24 x D-A for tracking Lynx Aurora(n) (Thunderbolt)
2 x D-A for talkback/hearback Hilo (Thunderbolt)
Total 26 inputs

For Outputs:
2 x D-A for main monitoring Hilo (Baby RAM for switching and level)
16 x D-A for CUE sends
8 x D-A for other duties

Essential I/O:
26 Inputs
18 Outputs

From your excellent recommendations I can see a possible solution:

UFX+ (USB3) / M-1610 (MADI) / ADI-2-Pro FS R (AES)

26 Inputs = (8) UFX+ / (16) M-1610 / (2) ADI-2-Pro
18 Outputs = (8) UFX+ / (8) M-1610 / (2) ADI-2-Pro (These Outputs can also be patched for use in a Dolby Atmos monitoring solution later - controlled by the ARC Remote)

The UFX+ replaces the HDSPe MADI FX and adds a lot more features! The M-1610 makes up the additional Ins and Outs and the ADI-2-Pro replaces the Hilo for best quality monitoring. (I would have a simple A/B switcher made up for speaker switching). I will switch to USB3 for connection.

The big questions I have are... Are the USB3 drivers as stable as the MADI/PCIe drivers? Do they deliver the same Windows performance? Can you get the same low latencies? Wouldn't I loose Input/Output channel count at 96k?

Thank you, once again! I'm truly grateful for your time and input.

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

11 (edited by ramses 2022-01-15 12:46:23)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

EDITED: MSI drivers at the end

Hi Robin,

regarding Latency and stability.

In this  blog article about the UFX+
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … 8-RME-UFX/

you will find also a comparison sheet of different RME solutions that I owned / checked:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/index.php/Attachment/2343-UFX-UFX-RayDAT-Latencies-v2-jpg/

As you can see very similar outstanding performance.
Least latencies you get with thunderbolt.
But if USB3 works well for you, then 3m cable length might be more beneficial to you compared to 2m with thunderbolt.
Or you would need to get optical solutions to extend thunderbolt.
BTW, thunderbolt is external PCIe in case you do not know so very similar to PCIe.

In this blog article you can see, that the "performance" of an UFX+ and RayDAT based solution is on the same good level.
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … cks-de-en/
I created a 400 track Cubase project with 2 Steinberg VST as insert in each track and a few in the stereo sum. So ~800 VSTs  in this project in total. There was no audio loss when even using the lowest ASIO buffer size for single (44.1) and double speed (96 kHz): 32 and 64 samples.
Of course I wouldn't recommomend to always use the smallest ASIO buffersize. And of course I do not have such monster projects.
But I needed such an "artificial" project to come close to the edge of my computers capabilities where audio loss is more likely simply as a benchmark for my system to check, whether my system is still healthy after Windows upgrades and/or driver changes or after installation of additional tools / programs.

My system btw after 7y of operation, some upgrades: win7 to win10, better CPU, GPU, optimized everything fow low noise and low latency: https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … mponenten/

Should you have issues with your chipset / USB3 you have still the option to use thunderbolt or you can use another PCIe extension card for USB. The Sonnet cards with FL1100 chip are running well. I have the card with 4xUSB3 FL1100 chips on board giving me 4x the full USB3 bandwidth, but this card with FL1100 chips is not available anymore.

But you can still get the much cheaper card where the USB3 chipset is being shared between the 4 ports.
https://www.sonnettech.com/product/alle … 4port.html
Then you need only a PCIe x1 PCIe socket, which is easier than to find a x4 socket with four PCIe lanes.
Then only connect the UFX+ to it and maybe the ADI-2 Pro for firmware upgrades only. Audio for ADI-2 Pro through AES or ADAT as you like.
Regarding drivers for such a FL1100 based card. Drivers are already included in Win10, even with the more efficient working interrupt model called "MSI" (message signaled interrupts).

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Once again, great info! And very reassuring!

With this information I'll just stick to the PCIe thunderbolt card I've already installed. I'll get slightly better performance than USB3.

I haven't been able to find the info in the manual - is the UFX+ Thunderbolt 2 or 3? The Gigabyte setup I've got is TB3.

Another question regarding the MADI connection between the UFX+ and M-1610. Should I use optical or the coaxial connection? I want to order the correct cables at the same time.

So, basically all that's left for me to do is to properly read all the manuals to make sure that my deductions are correct.

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

13 (edited by ramses 2022-01-15 16:05:14)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

It's simply thunderbolt, 1 and 2 are plug compatible, rest needs an adapter.
Optical, longer links, galvanic isolation. OM3 and OM4 multimode cables are possible to use.
Patchcables you get up to 50m length.
Cable length may be up to 2km between each of the devices in a MADI chain.
On special order you could even get single mode for up to 10km between devices (this is laser).

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Thank you Ramses.

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

15 (edited by ramses 2022-01-15 17:02:36)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

You're welcome :-) Updated below ...

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Yes!!! I'm looking forward to this! Thank you!!

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

17 (edited by ramses 2022-01-19 07:23:32)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Updated:

You're welcome :-)

Don't forget the RME SFP which also includes MM cable (2m) and SC/LC adapter and I would get proactively a Sonnet Allegro Card with FL1100EX chip to be able to isolate UFX+ and ADI-2 Pro from the rest of your USB infrastructure of your system if needed. Who knows how long these cards will be available ...

So according to your last feedback we have now this very nice setup:

- UFX+                                                           €2799 (Thomann bundle with ARC USB)
- ARC USB                                                      included in the Thomann bundle, see above
- M1610 Pro                                                   €2599
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE                                        €1699
- Sonnet Allegro (USB3-4PM-E)                      €    55
- RME MADI SFP Module Multi Mode               €     88 (with 2m multimode cable and SC/LC adapter)
=====================================================================
                                                                     €7240

PC or Laptop or stand-alone
|
| (USB3 or Thunderbolt)
|
UFX+---------AES/ADAT---> ADI-2 Pro FS R BE --->monitors/phones
++++
| | | +--------USB----------> USB Stick (DURec)
| | +----------USB----------> ARC USB (alternatively: connect it to the PC)
| |
| | (MADI, optical OM3/4)
| |
| + M-1610 Pro (for single/double/quad speed)
| |
++

List of I/O (left out USB and alike intentionally):
Analog IN:          8x UFX+, 16x M-1610 Pro, 2x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE= 26x
Analog OUT:       8x UFX+,   8x M-1610 Pro, 2x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE= 18x
Phones:             2x UFX+,   1x M-1610 Pro, 2x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=   5x
Mic/Inst:             4x UFX+,   0x M-1610 Pro, 0x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=   4x
ADAT IN:              2x UFX+,   0x M-1610 Pro, 1x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=  3x (UFX+/ADI-2 Pro FS R BE: 1x optical SPDIF)
ADAT OUT:           2x UFX+,   4x M-1610 Pro, 1x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=  7x (UFX+/ADI-2 Pro FS R BE: 1x optical SPDIF)
AES I/O:              1x UFX+,   0x M-1610 Pro, 1x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=  2x
Coax SPDIF I/O:  0x UFX+,   0x M-1610 Pro, 1x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=  1x
MIDI I/O:             2x UFX+
MADI optical:       1x UFX+,   1x M-1610 Pro, 0x ADI-2 Pro FS R BE=  2x                 
MADI coax:          1x UFX+ (shared with WC), 1x M-1610 Pro       =  2x

Supported Reference Levels (phones excluded):
UFX+ IN                      : -10 dBV(*) +   13/19 dBu
UFX+ OUT                   :                   +2/13/19 dBu (1-8), +24 dBu (XLR 1/2)
M-1610 IN                   :                   +   13/19/24 dBu
M-1610 OUT                :                   +   13/19/24 dBu
ADI-2 Pro FS R BE IN   :                   +4/13/19/24 dBu
ADI-2 Pro FS R BE OUT:                   +4/13/19/24 dBu

(*) A ref level of -10 dBV can be achieved by using +4 dBu and adding 9dB of gain with the gain knob in TM FX channel settings, see manual ch 19.1.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

This is excellent! Man, oh man, you've been such a help!!

Joost told me about the RME SFP - thank you for reminding me. And yes, I will take your advice and get the Sonnet card.

Now for the preparing and planning for the change-over! I'll keep you posted.

Have a wonderful week Ramses!

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

You're welcome ;-) Good week to you too, lets hope delivery will be fast for you wink

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Hi Ramses. I need your help....again!!! wink

I've managed to track down a new UFX+ which is lucky because they're not available anywhere for a while.

While I'm waiting for everything to arrive would it be possible to connect the UFX+ daisy-chained through the Lynx Aurora (n) on thunderbolt? The Aurora would have to go first. It's probably a waste of time, so I'll have to use my older Lynx's on ADAT for now.

Also, will the new UFX+'s be any different from the 'older' batch? Have the chips been changed?

Thanks a ton, as always!

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

21 (edited by ramses 2022-01-26 11:51:31)

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

It might be able to chain devices and monitors on thunderbolt, but there is no communication possible between UFX+ and Lynx over thunderbolt. If your Lynx has digital ports like ADAT or MADI, then you can connect it this way to the UFX+.
Then you load in the DAW the MADIface driver, access the UFX+ with all ports and the communication to other devices would then by over the UFX+'s I/O ports. The Lynx would be clock slave then by either getting clock from UFX+ through a digital input or by using Word Clock, if supported on Lynx.

I have no idea whether the UFX+ has been changed in terms of chips.
But even if  .. the converter chips alone simply perform a transparent AD and DA conversion and have nothing like a "signature sound". The converters being chosen by RME would apply to the documented specs and thats it.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Yip, I thought that would be the case. It won't see the channels like it would over MADI.

No problem, I'll use my old converters over ADAT for now.

Thanks for the info regarding the chips.

Thanks Ramses, much appreciated.

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe

Re: Raydat in Thunderbolt 3

Okay, a couple of weeks later and I have the UFX+, M-1610 Pro and ADI-2 Pro FS R installed and working perfectly.

Ramses, thank you so much for amazing support and recommendations. I would not have made it through the last few stressful weeks without you!

I'll give a you quick rundown of how things went to demonstrate how good the RME drivers and ecosystem is.

I just couldn't start this new project running another manufacturers drivers. (I will leave out the 2 year nightmare of that experience!) I managed to find a UFX+ and ARC Remote bundle here in South Africa - the only one available worldwide.

I couldn't get the setup to work on Thunderbolt - I'll have import the suggested TB3 - TB2 adapter.

I didn't have a dedicated USB PCie so had to use the generic MOBO USB hub. I removed my SSL control surfaces which were causing problems shown in the MADIface Series Settings USB Diagnosis report.

The first sessions for this album include drums, bass, guitar and keyboard via VSTi's. Live tracking. 18 tracks at a time and feeding back 16 cue channels. External pre's with Nuendo handling all of the eq, compression, reverbs, VSTi's and routing. I used my old 16 channel Lynx converters over ADAT.

This was all happening at 64 samples of latency over generic USB!!!! Not one issue, crackle, pop... I could've run at 32 samples of latency, but that would've just been showing off!! big_smile I really didn't think that this was possible over USB! There is no way I would've achieved this with anyone else's drivers. RME are really just better than anyone else..

A week or so later I have the dedicated Sonnet USB card installed, my control surfaces have been reconnected, the HILO has been replaced by the ADI-2 and the Lynx converters have been replaced by the M-1610.

I have one or two little issues that I need some help with, but I'll post in relevant forums..

Ramses, again, thank you so much. Your help has been invaluable!!!!!

Windows 11 / Nuendo 12 / UFX+ / M-1610 Pro / ADI-2 Pro FS R / Sonnet USB 3.0 PCIe