1 Topic by lulu (edited by lulu 2024-05-29 20:04:24)

  • lulu
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Topic: Fireface UC/UCX II gain settings

Hello RME community.

I have these two wonderful RME, the UC and the UCX II, although I usually work with the UC so the issue is more related to it. My monitors are the 7” Event 20/20 BAS V3 (120 W/80W).

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/event-2020-bas

My configuration in the “gain settings fireface UC” window is as follows:

Line in: -10db
Line out: +4db
Phones: +4db

The UC manual on page 84 says the following:

Input sensitivity switchable to Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu
Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

AND

Output level switchable Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu
Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

I've worked this way for over ten years and I don't remember why I set it up that way. I guess I came to that conclusion by reading the manual or recommendations on this forum. I guess. The fact is that I would like to know if it is correct or if I am making a mistake, since my knowledge is minimal in this matter. The rear Event setting is 0 on all controls, and I control the monitor output volume from the Totalmix.

Also, I just bought some Dynaudio LYD 7:

https://dynaudio.com/hubfs/14515867/Man … lyd_en.pdf

On page 18 of the manual it says:

“Adjusting the Volume There is a three-position switch that adjusts the input sensitivity for the loudspeaker. Depending on the output level of your audio mixer, interface, or monitor control system, you can choose a setting that optimizes the gain staging into the loudspeaker.

+6dB = 0dBu /.775V max
0dB = +6dBu /1.5V max
-6dB = +12dBu /3.1V max

If you are using a professional interface with a max output of +20dBu or more, then a setting of -6dB on the loudspeaker is the most appropriate. If you are using equipment that runs at a consumer or domestic output level (-10dBV nominal), then the +6dB setting is better.”

And I don't know if I should leave the configuration as it is (if it is correct), both for the Event and for the Dynaudio, since the intention is to have these two listening systems (not simultaneously) connected to the UC (and arrived the moment to the UCX II too, but that is not a priority now)

Thank you very much in advance.

(This message has been translated from Spanish to English automatically so there may be some inconsistencies. I apologize for that.)

  • lulu
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Re: Fireface UC/UCX II gain settings

Hello again.

I make the query in a simpler and briefer way in case I have not been explicit enough.

My configuration in RME Fireface UC settings is as follows:

Line in: -10 dBV
Line out: +4dBu
Phones: +4dBu

¿Is this configuration correct (Line out: + 4dBu) to manage both Events and Dynaudio?

In the case of the Dynaudio LYD 7, should I select the “0dB = +6dBu” option (of the three possible options +6dB = 0dBu/ 0dB = +6dBu /-6dB = +12dBu) since the RME UC output is intermediate (+4dBu = +13dBu) of the also three options at 0 dBFS Output Level (Hi Gain=+19 dBu/+4dBu=+13 dBu/-10dBV=+2 dBV)?

Thank you so much.

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

Re: Fireface UC/UCX II gain settings

Have a look at the manuals. At page 42 in the manual for the UCX II you’ll find interesting information …

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

4 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-05-30 11:46:12)

  • ramses
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Re: Fireface UC/UCX II gain settings

Regarding connecting active monitors.

Simply use settings so that the TM FX faders of the HW output to which the active monitors are connected do not have to be turned down too far.

On the recording interface, use the reference level with the lowest output volume
On the active monitors, use the lowest gain.
Both reduces the final volume.

Active monitors are often so powerful that it is much likely that it is still too loud.
Then you still need to turn down the output fader.

You can use either a monitor controller with an analog volume knob or a passive attenuator to solve this "level mismatch", see also this thread: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=25399

On inputs, use the reference level, that the inputs aren't being overloaded and that there is enough headroom.
Your RME devices support different reference levels also for inputs. Use what works best.
Additionally, you can adjust the output volume of the device that you connect there if it has a volume knob, find the best match.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • lulu
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Re: Fireface UC/UCX II gain settings

Thank you both very much, your recommendations have been of great help to me.