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RME User Forum → FireWire & USB series → FF800 standalone
I am considering to buy FF800 for standalone use.
I would like to know, if FF800 remembers just the last state set in TotalMix or one may store more settings and recall one of them according what is needed.
It seems to me that FF800 remembers just one setting and it is not possible to store/recall any other than just this single one.
Correct, you can only store one state in memory for use when disconnected. Settings app and TotalMix each have a Store function. Once this setup is stored then for any changes needed you will have to reconnect FireWire, make the changes, and store again.
Thanks. Its a pity, it is not possible to store more snapshots. But yes, great it is possible to store at least one.
I have asked as I do not have Firewire, so setting will be sort of difficult. Would be more comfortable to store more settings for later use.
Please consider the fact that the FF800 is 20 years old...
I know, FF800 is pretty old. I do not complain, just ask. And I am happy it remembers one preset and so it works standalone. It will replace my recent Presonus that is OK otherwise, but no standalone. :-(
And if you wanted to warn me that it is old to buy... Well yes, but it will be in a rack with devices of similar age.... Any of them may fail any moment.
No, I was just saying don't expect too many super-modern features...
Using several FF800's via ADAT as 8 Channel AD/DA converters here, perfect use for those.
If you ever wanna connect condenser mics at their front, then make sure to enable phantom power on the respective inputs before storing your setup, as this cannot be done in standalone mode. But the preamp gain can 
Thanks for tip! I will enable phantom power on two mic inputs, so that all usecases are covered.
Just a reminder:
- Phantom power should only be activated when using condenser microphones which require such a power supply.
- Connecting and disconnecting microphones while phantom power is active causes a high voltage surge, which can destroy the microphone input stage. Switch phantom power off before connecting/disconnecting any external device.
OK, thanks for reminder.
And is it OK, if I plug the condenser microphone before switching FF800 on (with phantom power set on)? Or is it possible to set phantom power on/off using MIDI (in standalone mode)?
And is it OK, if I plug the condenser microphone before switching FF800 on (with phantom power set on)?
kubrak, with all respect, but: - No!?! ("...while phantom power is active causes a high voltage surge...")
Or is it possible to set phantom power on/off using MIDI (in standalone mode)?
Should work. snippets from FF800 manual:
28.8 Stand-Alone MIDI Control
When not connected to a computer, the Fireface 800 can be controlled directly via MIDI. To
unlock the special stand-alone MIDI control mode first activate MIDI control in TotalMix (En-
able MIDI control), then transfer this state via Flash current mixer state into the unit. Turning this
mode off is done in the same way, but with MIDI control deactivated.
...
Control is performed via both the Mackie Control protocol and some standard MIDI functions
(see below).
...
Page 80:
In stand-alone MIDI mode, the Mackie Control protocol also gives access to some settings of
the Settings dialog:
...
-> Simple Note on/off messages:
F9 Phantom Power Mic 7 (Note:D4, decimal:62, hex:90 3E 00/7F)
F10 Phantom Power Mic 8 (D#4 63 90 3F 00/7F)
F11 Phantom Power Mic 9 (E4 64 90 40 00/7F)
F12 Phantom Power Mic 10 (F4 65 90 41 00/7F)And is it OK, if I plug the condenser microphone before switching FF800 on (with phantom power set on)?
kubrak, with all respect, but: - No!?! ("...while phantom power is active causes a high voltage surge...")
I don’t understand that?! To my knowledge it is not a problem to connect the mic first, then power up the interface / preamp / mixer including phantom power.
Sorry, misunderstood, and swapped "before" with "after" in my mind.
Of course, oli, if the mic is already plugged in, it is not a problem turn on the unit. Thanks for the correction.
Excuse me, kubrak.
Thanks you the both guys.
So far I never experienced a single broken mic through hot plugging, neither had problems with dynamic mics while phantom was on (which is a very normal use case with old Mackie mixers which only have global phantom power).
I know it’s not recommended and especially dangerous for ribbon mics.
But did anyone actually manage to fry some mics? Just curious… 
RME User Forum → FireWire & USB series → FF800 standalone
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