Topic: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

2 (edited by ramses 2024-07-29 18:10:00)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

JAF wrote:

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

Isn't it one of the features of macOS that the recording interface and its driver have to integrate into the sound infrastructure of macOS? It's not like Windows and an ASIO driver where you have direct access to the recording interface.
So … if the FF400 works on your Apple, then any application that uses audio should work.
Does that make sense to you?

Then you should perhaps better tell which Mac and which version of macOS you have so that somebody can confirm that the FF400 is working and by using which components.

Does your Apple still have a FW interface, or do you need thunderbolt and connectors? Or would you use an external thunderbolt case?

Good if you could provide additional information about your intended setup, thanks.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, M-1620 Pro D, RayDAT, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

ramses wrote:
JAF wrote:

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

Isn't it one of the features of macOS that the recording interface and its driver have to integrate into the sound infrastructure of macOS? It's not like Windows and an ASIO driver where you have direct access to the recording interface.
So … if the FF400 works on your Apple, then any application that uses audio should work.
Does that make sense to you?

Then you should perhaps better tell which Mac and which version of macOS you have so that somebody can confirm that the FF400 is working and by using which components.

Does your Apple still have a FW interface, or do you need thunderbolt and connectors? Or would you use an external thunderbolt case?

Good if you could provide additional information about your intended setup, thanks.


So, I'm running FF400 on an Apple M1 with macOS Ventura, I have also found out it works on Sonoma as well, which is macOS 14, my main question is if it does work on macOS 15 Sequoia. Why I ask? It's because whenever you update macOS, it says "macOS driver future incompatibility warning". My Mac does not have a thunderbolt port, the RME is powered by 2 connectors to be plugged into the USB C port, and I have no issues with that on my current macOS.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

JAF wrote:
ramses wrote:
JAF wrote:

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

Isn't it one of the features of macOS that the recording interface and its driver have to integrate into the sound infrastructure of macOS? It's not like Windows and an ASIO driver where you have direct access to the recording interface.
So … if the FF400 works on your Apple, then any application that uses audio should work.
Does that make sense to you?

Then you should perhaps better tell which Mac and which version of macOS you have so that somebody can confirm that the FF400 is working and by using which components.

Does your Apple still have a FW interface, or do you need thunderbolt and connectors? Or would you use an external thunderbolt case?

Good if you could provide additional information about your intended setup, thanks.


So, I'm running FF400 on an Apple M1 with macOS Ventura, I have also found out it works on Sonoma as well, which is macOS 14, my main question is if it does work on macOS 15 Sequoia. Why I ask? It's because whenever you update macOS, it says "macOS driver future incompatibility warning". My Mac does not have a thunderbolt port, the RME is powered by 2 connectors to be plugged into the USB C port, and I have no issues with that on my current macOS.

Your mac has a Thunderbolt 4 port!!!

5 (edited by JAF 2024-07-29 20:29:47)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

alespardo wrote:
JAF wrote:
ramses wrote:

Isn't it one of the features of macOS that the recording interface and its driver have to integrate into the sound infrastructure of macOS? It's not like Windows and an ASIO driver where you have direct access to the recording interface.
So … if the FF400 works on your Apple, then any application that uses audio should work.
Does that make sense to you?

Then you should perhaps better tell which Mac and which version of macOS you have so that somebody can confirm that the FF400 is working and by using which components.

Does your Apple still have a FW interface, or do you need thunderbolt and connectors? Or would you use an external thunderbolt case?

Good if you could provide additional information about your intended setup, thanks.


So, I'm running FF400 on an Apple M1 with macOS Ventura, I have also found out it works on Sonoma as well, which is macOS 14, my main question is if it does work on macOS 15 Sequoia. Why I ask? It's because whenever you update macOS, it says "macOS driver future incompatibility warning". My Mac does not have a thunderbolt port, the RME is powered by 2 connectors to be plugged into the USB C port, and I have no issues with that on my current macOS.

Your mac has a Thunderbolt 4 port!!!


haha yes my bad, it does have 2, incorrectly wrote that haha, thanks for pointing this out!

6

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Your Mac has Thunderbolt 3, unless you forgot to write 'Pro'. Simply Google it.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

7 (edited by JAF 2024-08-02 09:54:28)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

MC wrote:

Your Mac has Thunderbolt 3, unless you forgot to write 'Pro'. Simply Google it.

I know that already, my Mac mini has 2 thunderbolt 3 ports.. This was never my issue. smile

My question was if the FF400 is still supported via software updates *macOS Sequoia.

Why I ask? It's because whenever you update macOS, it says "macOS driver future incompatibility warning". So I do not want to risk losing compatibility, so I am just asking if someone tried it out or has a link that talks about this and compatibility.

So, does anyone have a clue? Sorry for any misunderstanding from my first message.

8 (edited by Markdude 2024-08-02 20:21:06)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Hello, I believe I have a similar question.

I've started to get the following message when I boot up my M1 Mac mini on Sonoma 14.5 (using Firewire->Thunderbolt adapter and kernel driver v3.41):

"Legacy System Extension

Existing software on your system loaded a system extension signed by "RME GmbH" which will be incompatible with a future version of macOS. Contact the developer for support."

The setup is currently working flawlessly, but is more specific information available about this? Will RME drivers and software be updated to support this configuration in this case? Sorry if this is a silly question, I'm pretty new to Macs.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

JAF wrote:

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

Hi there have you tried it and tested it?
Cheers.

10 (edited by bardsisson 2024-09-20 16:06:51)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Laennec wrote:
JAF wrote:

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

Hi there have you tried it and tested it?
Cheers.

I have 2 fire face 800s on a Mac Studio ultra, I tried it and it didn't work had to role back. The fire face app seems to see them but cant get any sound.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

bardsisson wrote:
Laennec wrote:
JAF wrote:

Has anyone tried out the new macOS Sequoia while using the Fireface 400? Does the driver still work? Do apps like DigiCheck still work?

Hi there have you tried it and tested it?
Cheers.

I have 2 fire face 800s on a Mac Studio ultra, I tried it and it didn't work had to role back. The fire face app seems to see them but cant get any sound.

In MacOS system preferences / General / startup items & extensions
Is RME listed and enabled ?

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

12 (edited by bardsisson 2024-09-20 17:57:27)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

waedi wrote:
bardsisson wrote:
Laennec wrote:

Hi there have you tried it and tested it?
Cheers.

I have 2 fire face 800s on a Mac Studio ultra, I tried it and it didn't work had to role back. The fire face app seems to see them but cant get any sound.

In MacOS system preferences / General / startup items & extensions
Is RME listed and enabled ?


yes. security was set to allow as well. like I said it was like 1/2 working the app could see as well as in the audio/midi app. the interfaces would only go in stand alone mode tho.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Update. I did a fresh install of Sequoia and everything seems to work fine. havent done a lot of testing yet but Ableton sees the fireface 800 now.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Just to say I've just updated to macOS Sequoia 15.1 and my Fireface 400 is working perfectly.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Updated today. Macos Sequoia 15.1 works fine with FF400. Macbook Pro M1 14" 2021 - RME FF400 - Cubase 13.0.20

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

My system is working, but my Macbook 16 M1 updated to Sequoia today and I got the "Legacy System Extension

Existing software on your system loaded a system extension signed by "RME GmbH" which will be incompatible with a future version of macOS. Contact the developer for support."

so I'm contacting the developer for support. Any idea when we might see a driver update?

17 (edited by Apfel 2024-12-10 09:55:39)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

That massage appears from time to time. At this point it can be ignored. I have that message also for other older system extensions of different kinds. Apple will likely drop Firewire sooner or later. At that point Firefaces 400 and 800 will finally be obsolete. There is nothing RME can do about it. So either stay with the last MacOS that supports Firewire functionality or move to an USB interface.

iMac M1, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

I feel very lucky with my new Mac mini M4 with MacOS Sequoia and a FF400.

Before installing anything for audio, set to Reduced Security, rebooted and installed the driver for Fireface 400 Version 3.41,
no complaining at all from MacOS after rebooting again.
Connected to the FF400 (with all those adapters in between) and voilà the interface was immediately recognized and it's working perfect so far. Sound is crystal clear.

Nevertheless will upgrade to a new RME interface in the near future (need more in/outs) but will keep the FF400 for ever.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

klangtueftler wrote:

I feel very lucky with my new Mac mini M4 with MacOS Sequoia and a FF400.

Before installing anything for audio, set to Reduced Security, rebooted and installed the driver for Fireface 400 Version 3.41,
no complaining at all from MacOS after rebooting again.
Connected to the FF400 (with all those adapters in between) and voilà the interface was immediately recognized and it's working perfect so far. Sound is crystal clear.

Nevertheless will upgrade to a new RME interface in the near future (need more in/outs) but will keep the FF400 for ever.

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

I’ve experienced a lot of issues today.
I can’t get Sequoia 15 to see the interface
Totalmix will open put with no window or ability to make one. Fireface (orange coloured icon) appears on the dock but will not open.
The last drivers available from RME are from 2021.
As yet I haven’t got the correct adaptors for a Thunderbolt 4 connection, just have a Thunderbolt 2
Will the fact that the new mac is not connected to the outboard make a difference?
Surely the software should still appear on screen?
Any advice much appreciated

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

The software Totalmix and Fireface Settings will only open when connected to the interface.
Otherwise the program will be running, as you can see by the name in the menu bar, but no window will open.

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

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

waedi wrote:

The software Totalmix and Fireface Settings will only open when connected to the interface.
Otherwise the program will be running, as you can see by the name in the menu bar, but no window will open.

Thank you kindly for your response.

That explains it.

Adaptors wise

I’m having to cobble together
Firewire 400 to 800.
Then add a Mac adaptor Firewire to Thunderbolt 2.

I think I’m going to have to then get a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 (USB C) for the M4 Mac mini


Does anyone know a shorter method.
It’s getting a bit Frankenstein.

Many thanks

23 (edited by waedi 2025-01-13 10:41:15)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

This is the only direct method I know, other would be an external box with a PCI firewire card, where the box has USB connector.
The two Apple adapters are working good as reported by many users, unfortunately Apple no longer produces them.
It is indeed a quirky thing to connect those two interfaces to a new Mac.

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

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

waedi wrote:

This is the only direct method I know, other would be an external box with a PCI firewire card, where the box has USB connector.
The two Apple adapters are working good as reported by many users, unfortunately Apple no longer produces them.
It is indeed a quirky thing to connect those two interfaces to a new Mac.

Thank you, it’s reassuring to know I’m on the right track. Will look to source Thunderbolt 2 to 3

The bottom line is, if it works, it works

God bless adaptors

Thanks again

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

That being said, in any case Sequoia is not the problem. Might be different with the next OS.

iMac M1, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Apfel wrote:

That being said, in any case Sequoia is not the problem. Might be different with the next OS.

As long as I can get this running I’ll be happy..

The Fireface sounds really good & I want to save the money I’ll have to layout on another unit without the need…

The apple adaptor is expensive but considerably cheaper than a new interface

Thanks again

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

My Fireface 800 works flawlessly for 20 years now since 2005!

iMac M1, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Apfel wrote:

My Fireface 800 works flawlessly for 20 years now since 2005!


Great kit

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Hi,

‘Use Fireface 400 with new Mac mini M4 chip’

My Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter arrived. But as yet no audio.

The adapter chain is Firewire 400 to 800 to Thunderbolt 2 then the new adapter Thunderbolt 2 to 3

Totalmix opens but no windows will show or are able to be opened. The RME app (with logo & fire background won’t open or respond)

I have loaded the last set of drivers from 2021 I believe from the RME site

If anyone has any suggestions they would be gratefully received

Many, many thanks

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Sack the above message reinstalled the drivers - all good now!!

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

smile

iMac M1, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X

32

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

I’ve experienced same issues Fireface 400 today also

Before installing anything for audio, set to Reduced Security, rebooted and installed the driver for Fireface 400 Version 3.41,

I can’t get Sequoia 15 with my new Mac book pro M4 Max  to see the interface Firewire 400

Totalmix will open put with no window or ability to make one.appears on the dock but will not open.

The last drivers (driver_fw_mac_341)  Fireface 400 Version 3.41 available from RME are from 2021.

As yet I have got the correct adaptors for a Thunderbolt 4 connection to Fireface 400

the interface wasn't recognized

Any help much appreciated

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Is the FF connected to external power?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

34

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

yes

RME Support wrote:

Is the FF connected to external power?

35

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

i also had old intel 3.7 GHs Quad - Core with OSX Sequoia 15.1 with same Fireface 400 setting which had no problem at all , run very smooth , but no with M4 Max 

hil wrote:

yes

RME Support wrote:

Is the FF connected to external power?

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Did that system have a FireWire connection onboard or were you using adapters as well (which do not provide sufficient bus power)?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

37

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

The system os is able to detect new contact from firewire , but the software cannot open

RME Support wrote:

Did that system have a FireWire connection onboard or were you using adapters as well (which do not provide sufficient bus power)?

38

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

external power provide sufficient bus power for sure , cos i used same setting ubtil i changed the new mac book pro M4 Max with Sequoia 15.1

hil wrote:

The system os is able to detect new contact from firewire , but the software cannot open

RME Support wrote:

Did that system have a FireWire connection onboard or were you using adapters as well (which do not provide sufficient bus power)?

39

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

it seems M4 MAX chip one can not work but M4 (read other post about Mac mini M4 with MacOS Sequoia and a FF400 is working )

RME Support wrote:

Did that system have a FireWire connection onboard or were you using adapters as well (which do not provide sufficient bus power)?

40 (edited by waedi 2025-02-06 19:18:11)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

hil wrote:

it seems M4 MAX chip one can not work but M4 (read other post about Mac mini M4 with MacOS Sequoia and a FF400 is working )

RME Support wrote:

Did that system have a FireWire connection onboard or were you using adapters as well (which do not provide sufficient bus power)?

Do you have original Apple adapters ? Or do you use a PCI Firewire solution ?
You did not answer to the question from post 36.

MacOS nor the different M-Macs have a problem with Fireface 400 audio interface when the adapters are in working conditions.

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

41

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

off course yes i use original Apple adapters , i am using brand new mac book pro M4 Max , also i am using fireface 400  interface (not PCI Firewire solution) , once again i was  using old mac book pro intel 3.7 GHs Quad - Core with OSX Sequoia 15.1 until i switched the new mac book pro M4 Max with OSX Sequoia 15.1 

waedi wrote:
hil wrote:

it seems M4 MAX chip one can not work but M4 (read other post about Mac mini M4 with MacOS Sequoia and a FF400 is working )

RME Support wrote:

Did that system have a FireWire connection onboard or were you using adapters as well (which do not provide sufficient bus power)?

Do you have original Apple adapters ? Or do you use a PCI Firewire solution ?
You did not answer to the question from post 36.

MacOS nor the different M-Macs have a problem with Fireface 400 audio interface when the adapters are in working conditions.

42 (edited by waedi 2025-02-07 02:46:30)

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

How did you transition from old Macbook to new one ? Migrating system or new installation ?
Check MacOS system preferences / General / startup items and extensions / Driver extensions
Click the little i-icon right side it may reveal a switch

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

43

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

new installation , Before installing anything for audio, set to Reduced Security, rebooted and installed the driver for Fireface 400 Version 3.41

waedi wrote:

How did you transition from old Macbook to new one ? Migrating system or new installation ?

44

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

as u see , Mac book pro M4 Max  to see the interface Firewire 400  in OSX Sequoia 15.1 FireWire Adapter connection is no problem , Firewire 400 can be detect , just the software can not open

Thunderbolt/USB4 Bus 2:

Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter:

  Vendor Name:    Apple Inc.
  Device Name:    Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter
  Mode:    Thunderbolt
  Device ID:    0x8004
  Vendor ID:    0x1
  Device Revision:    0x1
  UID:    0x000100030032AAB0
  Apple Serial Number:    DTN233405PKF494AZ
  Route String:    1
  Firmware Version:    5.6
  Port (Upstream):
  Status:    Device connected
  Link Status:    0x2
  Speed:    10 Gb/s
  Port Micro Firmware Version:    0.0.17




waedi wrote:

How did you transition from old Macbook to new one ? Migrating system or new installation ?
Check MacOS system preferences / General / startup items and extensions / Driver extensions
Click the little i-icon right side it may reveal a switch

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Is the Fireface powered on but showing red host light? What is your start up sequence? Did you already try this: first start the Mac with the Fireface still switched off and wait until the Mac is fully booted. Only then switch on the Fireface. It will show the read light first for a moment and then should revert to green.

iMac M1, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

Has anyone tried the new Mac OS 15.3 in relation to compatibility with the RME drivers (last 2021 approx.) for a fireface 400?

Many thanks

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

We still don't know if you have connected the unit to an external power supply.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

RME Support wrote:

We still don't know if you have connected the unit to an external power supply.


Yes external power supply

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

And correct setting of the rear panel switch?

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Re: Fireface 400 & macOS Sequoia Driver Compatibility?

micko.w wrote:

Has anyone tried the new Mac OS 15.3 in relation to compatibility with the RME drivers (last 2021 approx.) for a fireface 400?

Many thanks

No problems with Fireface 800 (same driver).

iMac M1, Fireface 800, Logic Pro X