1 Topic by MC

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Topic: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Several years ago Apple decided to no longer allow so called kernel extensions in hardware drivers. The grace period where they still work will soon come to an end. So far using previous drivers has become cumbersome, for example by the required lowering of system security on latest Apple Silicon machines.

The new 4.0 drivers are based on Apple’s DriverKit framework. They run in user space, not as kernel extension. Therefore on M-processor based machines, the additional boot into Recovery mode and setting the Security Policy to reduced security is no longer required. Still Apple requires to ‘Allow’ the drivers in the Security & Privacy dialog. Hope is that with this new driver the 'Allow' state becomes more reliable than it has proven in the past.

Else the driver does not differ much from the former version 3.27. You can expect the same performance and same feature set.

And to answer one question upfront: the available Apple DriverKits are USBDriverKit, HIDDriverKit, NetworkingDriverKit, PCIDriverKit, SerialDriverKit, and USBSerialDriverKit. Yes, no FireWire anymore.

This first version concentrates on later RME devices. Older ones like the UC, UCX or original UFX will follow, but need an additional firmware update to work with an USB DriverKit driver.

!!! Please note that this driver has only been tested in-house so far. It should not be used on critical production machines!!!

Currently supported devices:
Babyface Pro series
UFX+, UFX II
UCX II
Digiface USB, AVB, Dante
MADIface USB, XT

Current driver version: 4.0. Included TotalMix FX: 1.76beta2. This is a special DriverKit version that is not compatible to previous drivers.

System requirements: macOS 11 and up, Intel or M processor (Apple Silicon)

Installation: Double-click on driver_mac_usbdk_40.zip to expand the archive file to the driver file Fireface USB DK 400.pkg. Installation works automatically by a double-click on the pkg (package) file. Before reboot check that in Security & Privacy, tab General, the RME driver is allowed to load. If not unlock the settings and allow it. Then reboot computer.

Note: A previously installed kernel extension driver, like 3.27, does not need to be uninstalled. It will be overwritten automatically. To go back to 3.27: easiest method is to move the Fireface USB Settings app found in the folder Applications to the trash can. With DriverKit this settings dialog is 'the app', upon removal all driver files belonging to it will also be removed automatically. You will be asked for permission for the removal of the extensions. If done simple reinstall the former 3.27.
We also made a version of the 3.27 driver available that should reliably remove the DriverKit extension during its installation, see link below. The one found on our website for download is not guaranteed to always do that.

Downloads:

https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/driv … bdk_40.zip


Former driver 3.27 with updated installer to remove DriverKit 4.0:

https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/driv … ac_327.zip


Any feedback is much appreciated.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

2 Reply by joemusician (edited by joemusician 2022-03-26 04:46:26)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Downloaded, double-clicked, checked "Allow" for RME, finished the install, and rebooted. Couldn't have gone smoother. The driver and TotalMix seem to work as before (I had 2.73). I'll put it through its paces this weekend, but I can definitely report that nothing blew up! :-)

(Should I reboot into Recovery mode to put the security settings back to how they were prior to 2.73?)

Babyface Pro FS / MacBook M1 Pro / Logic Pro X / Focal EVO 50’s

joemusician's Website

3 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

If you don't want to use the prior driver anymore then sure, you can. But it's not a requirement.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

4 Reply by cigame (edited by cigame 2022-03-27 05:54:30)

  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Surround out does not work.
Digiface USB.
Can not select outputs in Audio Midi Setup App.
Works with reinstalled release driver.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X

5 Reply by cigame (edited by cigame 2022-03-27 05:54:54)

  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Selecting 6 outputs for 5.1 in Logic still works.

in Audio Midi Setup App, I get this message:

Jeder Lautsprecher muss mit einem anderen
Kanal deines Audiogeräts verbunden sein.
Ändere die Anschlüsse, damit jeder
Lautsprecher mit einem anderen Kanal
verbunden ist.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

So far so good. I set the security policy back to full on my MacBook. I've been playing, recording, layering, testing the RTL latency (as in my other post), and auto-sampled instruments for 4 hours straight without a hiccup. Hopefully nothing more to post (no news is good news).

Babyface Pro FS / MacBook M1 Pro / Logic Pro X / Focal EVO 50’s

joemusician's Website

7 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Can you please provide some details like which RME interface, which Mac computer, which OS version...

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

8 Reply by cigame (edited by cigame 2022-03-28 17:20:58)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

There is a new item that appeared since the beta "de.rme-audio.dkusb.dext" that can not be deleted.
Is this the reason why the TM window does not open?

This is with UFX+ connected to MacMini M1 via USB 3.
Digiface USB with old driver is working normal.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X

9 Reply by cigame (edited by cigame 2022-03-28 17:23:01)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

From readme file:

2. Installation

Note: a previously installed kernel extension driver, like 3.27, does not need to be uninstalled. It will be overwritten automatically. In the same way it is also possible to go back to 3.27, its installation will overwrite v4.0.

Really?

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
  • Ralf
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

To remove the 4.00 package:
- run the installer of 4.00 package again, including reboot (only necessary, when 3.27-installer was already used)
- then delete "Fireface USB Settings.app" 4.00 from the Applications folder manually (you are asked to confirm deletion of the included driver extension)
- now run the 3.27 installer again and reboot the computer
-> 3.27 is installed

11 Reply by cigame (edited by cigame 2022-03-28 19:24:15)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

But the TM window still not opening after this method with USB.
Anything else I can do?
There is still this new

de.rme-audio.dkusb.dext

in Library>DriverExtensions folder.
It's an alias showing to "SystemExtensions" in a folder called "457FAF37-F982-4B79-9AC3-42BDA8A38B40" that can not be deleted.

This problem exists only with FF UFX+ and USB
Digiface USB still showing TM window

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
  • Registered: 2022-03-28
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Hello from Brazil. I Have a UCX, would the drivers work with the New Mac Studio running Monterey? Thanks I've been a RME user for 10 years and love it.
All the best.

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

@cigame: The file de.rme-audio.dkusb.dext can not be removed separately, only by removing the 4.00 Fireface USB Settings app.

So please try again the described steps, most important re-install 4.00, reboot and then remove Fireface USB Settings app from Applications folder (right mouse click "move to trash").

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

That's exactly what I've done

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

The driver can't affect the firmware... Not sure what is happening here, but there's no such risk, really.
There is also no known state of the USB just no longer working. Can you test this with another computer or another OS installation on a separate drive or partition?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

16 Reply by cigame (edited by cigame 2022-03-30 17:33:16)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

I cannot use the USB connection, because the Total Mix window is not opening.
This is only with UFX+ and USB.
Thunderbolt is working normal.
Digiface USB is also working.

Tried on MacBook Pro 13" M1 and Mac mini M1.


Maybe I could try another user account.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Using the guest account shows the same.
TM icon is dancing in the dock, but no window is shown.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

cigame wrote:

What do you mean by this?

I meant OS. Mac OS.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Ralf
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Please check if 4.00 driver-extension is still on your system:
- open terminal
- type "systemextensionsctl list"
Is there something reported containing de.rme-audio.dkusb after doing the steps explained above?

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Then you should
- open system settings, security
- unlock the settings (lock symbol lower left)
- press the button (hopefully visible) lower right and confirm (text may vary)

21 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2022-03-29 17:53:37)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

I don't think there is anything that can hang in the unit once it is powered down. Yes the mixer state, but that does not cause this. So my bet is

or if the 3.19 driver installation has wiped out whatever was causing the problem with the 3.27 installation

But good news, nothing broken but some time and energy and maybe stress wasted.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
Babyface pro fs, HDSP9652+ADI-8AE, HDSP9632
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Where can I get 3.19? Is it compatible with M1 OS 12.3?

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X

23 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

All drivers can easily be downloaded by editing the number in the download link.

The issue with going back to the official driver 3.27 did not happen in our in-house testing. That said we think we could solve this by changes in the driver installer. I uploaded a new 3.27 package which should now always remove the 4.0 DriverKit extension (first post updated).

Note that when going back to 3.27 the driver might need to be 'Allowed' again. This process might not get triggered, so the driver gets blocked and it is not possible to set the checkmark in Security&Privacy. Installing a different driver like the older version 3.19 seems to have triggered the process, as can be read above. Unfortunately we have zero control on these random OS decisions...

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Installed the new 3.27 but the "de.rme-audio.dkusb.dext" is still there und no TM shows up.
There must be a way to remove this. Maybe with a terminal command?

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Even 3.19 did not do the trick.
I will wipe my system on my Mac mini like I did on my MacBook yesterday.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X

26 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

> (right mouse click "move to trash").

Ddi you use the Finder for this process or some third party tool/file manager?

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

That's what I get when I use the Finder. "Die Aktion konnte nicht abgeschlossen werden, da du für einige Objekte nicht die erforderlichen Zugriffsrechte hast."

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X
  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

What is this "StagedExtensions">Library>Extensions  folder in which there is still a RMEFirefaceUSB.kext. version 3.27 although the loaded version is 3.19?

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X

29 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

I fear you try to delete the wrong thing. After reinstalling DK 4.0 (as mentioned by Ralf in post 14) the DriverKit driver can only be uninstalled manually by deleting the Fireface USB Settings app. Yes, the normal RME Settings dialog, within the Applications folder. If you move this to the trash the OS will remove the complete driver, including whatever extension, automatically.

If deleting that app gives you a rights access warning (very unusual) then I could send you a special procedure to most probably delete the driver. A bit cumbersome, but might spare you the complete reinstall of the OS.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

A bit cumbersome, but might spare you the complete reinstall of the OS.

Thank you, but it is already running.
But maybe for future beta testing...

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X

31 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Another small update of the first post, with more information on uninstall and new link to the special installer of the former driver.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • From: Miami
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

I hadn't noticed before, but the MacBook's volume up and down function keys are disabled when selecting the BabyFace as the sound source. TotalMix and the BabyFace's volume knob work fine, but not the MacBook's function keys.

Babyface Pro FS / MacBook M1 Pro / Logic Pro X / Focal EVO 50’s

joemusician's Website

33 Reply by hselters (edited by hselters 2022-03-30 17:33:34)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

joemusician wrote:

I hadn't noticed before, but the MacBook's volume up and down function keys are disabled when selecting the BabyFace as the sound source. TotalMix and the BabyFace's volume knob work fine, but not the MacBook's function keys.

As far as I know, that is a feature which (sadly) only exists for very few old RME devices, like the Fireface 400, UC or Babyface. Never was supported on the UCX for example. Probably that's why the beta driver is not supporting it (yet?). Hopefully this can change with the new driver for all interfaces, can't there be a simple toggle switch in the driver settings for this?

34 Reply by joemusician (edited by joemusician 2022-03-30 19:28:53)

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

hselters wrote:

As far as I know, that is a feature which (sadly) only exists for very few old RME devices, like the Fireface 400, UC or Babyface. Never was supported on the UCX for example. Probably that's why the beta driver is not supporting it (yet?). Hopefully this can change with the new driver for all interfaces, can't there be a simple toggle switch in the driver settings for this?

(It exists on the new BabyFace Pro FS but stopped working with the beta driver.)

Babyface Pro FS / MacBook M1 Pro / Logic Pro X / Focal EVO 50’s

joemusician's Website

35 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

joemusician wrote:

I hadn't noticed before, but the MacBook's volume up and down function keys are disabled when selecting the BabyFace as the sound source. TotalMix and the BabyFace's volume knob work fine, but not the MacBook's function keys.

I'll check. It might have been fixed already together with the missing surround support found by cigame (next version, coming soon).

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

36 Reply by grandpaface (edited by grandpaface 2022-04-04 09:13:43)

  • Registered: 2012-11-21
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Volume keys don't work here either on my Babyface Pro. I use this feature all the time, and have no intention of buying a monitor controller. I'd rather have my soundcard spit out a smaller dynamic range than having a monitor controller colour my sound. Volume keys are much more convenient than a knob to me. I know there are third party software solutions but they introduce latency so that's a no for me. I haven't upgraded to more modern RME stuff because of this, the disappearance of the volume key control...

I really really hope this gets fixed quickly !

edit : just went back to 3.27 and volume keys are back. Staying here until it gets fixed. Thanks RME for the option

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Higher CPU usage It looks like the process needs more CPU when audio interface is in use. With the old driver I think it was always about 3-4%, with the new driver it raises up to 15%.

38 Reply by MC

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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

New version 4.01 here:

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35155

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2017-02-08
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Hi,
i'm just a musician, not a IT Developper. I have spent a lot of hours to try to use my FF802 with BigSur. A lot of re-install, a lot of "console" writings ...   (kmutil not recognized...   not the good shell ... ). No success.  (only one time, the "allow" has appear, but, now it doesn't work anymore)
PLEASE: could you give us a SIMPLE driver  (3.3 or 3.5, before the 4.0 if necessary) to let us use our lovely interfaces ?
I'm not a programmer, a geek, a specialist of command lines. I'm just a musician.
Thank you in advance.

  • Registered: 2020-10-05
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

my advise would be that beta is software up for testing and reporting upon things that do not work, so it goes smoother when you have some affinity with IT or software matters.

ADI2, Digiface, ARC

41 Reply by ekwipt (edited by ekwipt 2022-06-10 22:49:57)

  • Registered: 2008-05-19
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

https://developer.apple.com/documentati … t_firewire

  • cigame
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Re: New macOS RME USB 4.0 drivers – public beta test

Good news!

Tried the driver_usbdk_mac_404 again with latest Monterey beta.
Also driver_mac_tbdk_100
Works fine with UFX+ USB, Thunderbolt and Digiface USB.
No more KP so far.

UFX+, FireFace 802 FS, Digiface USB
12 Mic, M1610 pro, Micstasy
MacBookPro M1
Logic Pro X