• Registered: 2024-02-18
  • Posts: 20

Topic: UCX II + FireFace 800

Hello,
Few questions

1. Is it possible to use UCX II (as master) & connect FF800 to it via ADAT to expend In\Outs ?
2. Do i need a FW port\cable to config FF800 to be 'slave' or its possible to do it without needing to connect it to Mac,Drivers, FireWire cable etc ... and only a TOSLINK cables
3. Do i have other better options by RME ?

i am asking all of this questions because of a previous post of mine where i bought a 2nd hand Behringer ADA8200 to expend in\outs and had nightmares with this product by Behringer because its probably HW faulted.

I am thinkin about buying a 2nd hand FF800 and use it to expend instead of the ADA8200.

attaching my previous topic :

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=38945

Best Regards,

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2024-08-06 09:49:09)

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

Re: UCX II + FireFace 800

1
yes
The UCXll is connected to the computer as a normal recording interface. FF800 is not connected to the computer and works in standalone-mode.
2
yes
The FF800 needs a computer for configuration, the driver settings (clock-mode external Adat) and the Totalmix routing needs to be stored into the unit, the Fireface Settings has its own STORE button and Totalmix has its own store feature.
Totalmix routing, all analog inputs goto Adat outputs, all Adat inputs goto analog outputs.
The FF800 will store this one configuration and use it in standalone-mode.
Until it is connected again to a computer for changes in the configuration.
You need a Fireware cable and a computer with Firewire port for the configuration.
Afterwards during the use, only two toslink cables is needed.
3
yes, many options on MADI basis. A Madi interface plus M-32 DA Pro ll for example. Of course this is a lot more expensive.
Not possible to say what is better - for you.
A used FF800 is a good option until it needs repair.
Ask the seller if the internal power supply was replaced.
I would prefer a new ADA8200 over used gear.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2024-02-18
  • Posts: 20

Re: UCX II + FireFace 800

waedi wrote:

1
yes
The UCXll is connected to the computer as a normal recording interface. FF800 is not connected to the computer and works in standalone-mode.
2
yes
The FF800 needs a computer for configuration, the driver settings (clock-mode external Adat) and the Totalmix routing needs to be stored into the unit, the Fireface Settings has its own STORE button and Totalmix has its own store feature.
Totalmix routing, all analog inputs goto Adat outputs, all Adat inputs goto analog outputs.
The FF800 will store this one configuration and use it in standalone-mode.
Until it is connected again to a computer for changes in the configuration.
You need a Fireware cable and a computer with Firewire port for the configuration.
Afterwards during the use, only two toslink cables is needed.
3
yes, many options on MADI basis. A Madi interface plus M-32 DA Pro ll for example. Of course this is a lot more expensive.
Not possible to say what is better - for you.
A used FF800 is a good option until it needs repair.
Ask the seller if the internal power supply was replaced.
I would prefer a new ADA8200 over used gear.

Thank you for your quick comment,
I would wish to not use ADAT again as i had terrible clicks and time with it.
MADI seems like the good & stable option the thing is :

1. UCX II doesnt have MADI ports sad
2. I am totaly newb to MADI and not familiar with it

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

Re: UCX II + FireFace 800

For 8 analog inputs and outputs you don't need MADI, Adat is still industry standard and reliable.
The devices have to work and be set up correctly.
Madi is just the next bigger level, 64 channels instead of 8.
The rules are the same as for Adat.
One device is clock-master and all others has to be clock slave.
The channel count is halfing by double speed sample rate.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • vinark
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 2,779

Re: UCX II + FireFace 800

FYI, I have multiple  adat devices working without any problems or hickups. If the Behriner was faulty get a new one. They are pretty ok, or get another adat converter, for example by presonus or focusrite or RME. Or a second hand  rme adi8 of any sort

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632