• Registered: 2014-12-19
  • Posts: 52

Topic: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Hi All,
Quick question. I have a original UFX Fireface rack unit running into a 2011 macbook (protools 9). Crazy, right? but it works flawlessly still after all these years.
I just got a M2 macbook pro and wanted to get into learning Logic pro on it.
Id like to switch back and forth betwen the 2 computers depending on the project.
So, super old drivers on one computer and new drivers on the other, with the same hardware unit.
What do you think?
Thanks.

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2023-08-06 03:32:45)

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,541

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Disconnect the USB cable from the old computer and plug it into the new computer.
The interface is ready faster as you. But if the Daw will connect to the interface from itself this is another question.
You may have to select the audio device in the settings of the DAW.
Running the interface on two computers at the same time is not possible.
With an ethernet cable and when the two computers have Gigabit ethernet ports and (!) newer MacOS with AVB imbedded, then it is possible to exchange audio channels between but it is a bit advanced.
The Audio-Midi-Setup application in the MacOS will be used to setup.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2014-12-19
  • Posts: 52

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Thanks very much waedi!
Actually my set up is easier than that. I would use the 2 different computers at different times.
Im just wondering if I can use the old RME drivers on one computer and the new drivers on the other, if that is ok with the hardware and wont ruin anything.
The hardware can read old drivers then new drivers without switching something?
Thanks again.

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,541

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Ahh !
This should be no problem.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2014-12-19
  • Posts: 52

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Thanks!

  • Registered: 2016-06-14
  • Posts: 1,142

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Check first if there is a firmware update needed on the UFX for the newer system / driver

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2
  • Registered: 2014-12-19
  • Posts: 52

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

"Check first if there is a firmware update needed on the UFX for the newer system / driver"
Right. This is what Im worried about. If I update the driver on the UFX then I wouldn't be able to use the older computer (with old driver).
Is the driver only on each computer or is it in the hardware?

Im wondering if I can use the UFX with an old driver (old computer with protools) and also a new driver (new computer with Logic pro) and go back and forth whenever I want.

8 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2023-08-07 00:44:27)

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,541

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

From the FUT readme :
A driver version 2.16 USB / 3.29 FW or higher is required for these firmware versions.
This is a very old driver therefor : no worry !
Just do the FUT for having the unit on the newest firmware and install the driver that suits to the computer.
The UFX unit is not in that group where the difficulties happened with the driver and FUT on macs.

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

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

The driver software is installed on the computer.
The firmware is installed on the interface itself using the flash update tool (fut).
Sometimes a firmware update is needed to make work the interface with a specific (newer) driver. To my knowledge it’s not a problem to still use it on a computer with an older driver then.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2

10 Reply by frednugent (edited by frednugent 2024-07-03 17:24:24)

  • Registered: 2014-12-19
  • Posts: 52

Re: UFX-Fireface on 2 very different computers?

Thanks everyone.
Just to be clear I'm still smoothly running an old macbook with protools 9 with my fireface UFX with firmware v359 / driver v2 21 and Total Mix v 1.43 (2017)
I also have a new M2 macbook pro with Logic and want to switch back and forth between these 2 computers with my UFX.

I dont want to mess this up if the new firmware Ill install on the M2 turns out not to work with such old drivers and old Total Mix when I switch back and forth from the M2 to my old computer.
Can someone from RME let me know this plan can work?
Thanks