• Registered: 2007-08-24
  • Posts: 3

Topic: UCX II and Fireface 400

Hello,

I have a UCX II connected to my Win11 PC via USB. No firewire available.
Is it possible to connect Fireface 400 to UCX II so that in my DAW, I can see 4 Mic inputs (UCX II & FF400) and record them all simultaneously?

On M1 mac I am able to successfully use FF400 directly via thunderbolt. What would be the best option to utilize both devices simultaneously on a M1 mac system?

Thanks,
Bob

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2023-06-26 06:38:56)

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,546

Re: UCX II and Fireface 400

Connection of the FF400 to the UCX is possible with ADAT.
The FF400 need some routing in Totalmix, therefor it need a computer but when that routing is done you can disconnect the computer from the FF400, it will remain working with this routing as long as it has power from the external power suply wich you have to use.
In the Totalmix of the UCX will nothing change.
The signals from the mic inputs from the Ff400 are coming in over the Adat channels. You will not be able to change Mic input gain. You have to preadjust it in the FF400-Totalmix or at the unit.
For the Mac :
You can connect both interfaces with working drivers and in the Audio-Midi-Settings application you have to create an aggregate device. This is a new virtual audio-interface containing the two RME interfaces. You will have to use two Totalmix one for each device. The Daw can use the aggregate device to receive all inputs.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2016-06-14
  • Posts: 1,142

Re: UCX II and Fireface 400

Hi
Sorry waedi, I have to correct you: it’s even better! The Fireface 400 stores the Totalmix state also when it’s not powered (unlike on the even older Multiface units).
And of course it’s easily possible to set the mic gain over the encoder knob on the front. With the right configuration, the FF400 feels almost like a standalone mic preamp then.
@BobXylan: as waedi writes, you have to configure the FF400 first. These are the routings in TotalMix and also some important things from the Fireface settings app, for example the clocking/syncing. If you only need the two mic channels, you also could use the coaxial SPDIF connection to keep free the optical input on the UCX II. If the UCX II should be the clock master - and I would highly recommend this - you need a second connection from the UCX II to the FF400 to send the clock. That can be either BNC, optical or coax SPDIF.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2
  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,546

Re: UCX II and Fireface 400

Ahh yes ! These are the Multiface !
Fireface have memory and can be used as standalone ADDA converters.
Thanks for the correction Oli

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