• Registered: 2023-01-11
  • Posts: 19

Topic: MADIFace Pro question

I recently found one on EBay and the feature set of this unit is exactly what I need for a configuration I'm contemplating running two laptops using Steinberg Systemlink.

I am curious to know what the available buffer settings are with the most recent drivers.

Thanks

MADIFX, M-32AD M-32DA, M-16DA, ADI-8QSM x 2, ADI-648, ADI 192 DD, ADI-2,  MadiFace Pro

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-12-25 18:45:57)

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,269

Re: MADIFace Pro question

This depends on so many factors that providing a definitive answer is impossible.

It largely depends on the project (complexity, ASIO load, etc.), the computer's power, and, most importantly, the quality of the drivers concerning DPC latency. Even a high-performance PC can struggle with real-time capabilities if the drivers are subpar.

With a good machine and reliable drivers, using the lowest buffer settings should pose no issue—though this applies only to specific use cases where it makes sense. For recording, you typically want to use larger buffers, even the maximum, to ensure stability.

Adding Steinberg System Link further complicates things by involving two separate systems and Steinberg system link on top of it.

Such scenarios need to be tested to determine what works. Perhaps someone already using Steinberg System Link can provide insights. However, this is not an RME-specific question.

That said, RME interfaces offer a solid foundation, but how well it performs with your system, projects, and Steinberg System Link remains uncertain.

It would be great to hear about the results of your experiments. I also suggest asking in the Steinberg forum to increase the chances of finding someone with relevant experience using RME or another brand.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

3 Reply by Redcliff (edited by Redcliff Yesterday 11:17:31)

  • Registered: 2023-01-11
  • Posts: 19

Re: MADIFace Pro question

ramses wrote:

This depends on so many factors that providing a definitive answer is impossible.

It largely depends on the project (complexity, ASIO load, etc.), the computer's power, and, most importantly, the quality of the drivers concerning DPC latency. Even a high-performance PC can struggle with real-time capabilities if the drivers are subpar.

With a good machine and reliable drivers, using the lowest buffer settings should pose no issue—though this applies only to specific use cases where it makes sense. For recording, you typically want to use larger buffers, even the maximum, to ensure stability.

Adding Steinberg System Link further complicates things by involving two separate systems and Steinberg system link on top of it.

Such scenarios need to be tested to determine what works. Perhaps someone already using Steinberg System Link can provide insights. However, this is not an RME-specific question.

That said, RME interfaces offer a solid foundation, but how well it performs with your system, projects, and Steinberg System Link remains uncertain.

It would be great to hear about the results of your experiments. I also suggest asking in the Steinberg forum to increase the chances of finding someone with relevant experience using RME or another brand.


Thanks for the reply. I have followed many of your posts and they have been very helpful.

The Laptop that interfaces this will be an MSI GE75. 12th Geni7 with 32 MB RAM. It is currently interfacing a Babyface Pro with no issues at all at 48 samples. If the MadiFace Pro driver offers that setting, I would be satisfied. If it offers 32, even better.

I see in the manual that 32 sample buffers are available depending on the computer used so yes, and thanks. I (on a good day) understand most of the factors involved in the efficiency of DAW settings, single core performance, etc. and have used Systemlink on much less capable machines than I have now with older HDSP PCI cards with no issues. Most of the time larger buffer settings will be used on this unit. It will be used in a composition room, where various song ideas will be roughed out using vsti instruments, Realtracks in the Band In A Box 2025 program and acoustic instrument arrangemets, separate from the mix room. Since it will be used in tracking, the inquiry about low buffer settings.

I plan to occasionally interface this unit directly to an HDSPe MADI FX that is interfacing a Lenovo laptop on TB3 in a Sonnet TB3 > PCIe expansion chassis. Both laptops will be running Cubase 14 with the MSI G75 streaming audio from as many channels between 1 and 63 as I may need of the MadiFace Pro MADI out with MADI channel 64 of both systems as the system link on optical MADI #2 of the MADI FX card on the Lenovo in the mix room. The MSI will be set as master when used in this configuration.

MADI Port #1 of the MADI FX in the mix room is hosting an M-32 AD, M-32 DA and an M16 DA that are patched to tt patchbays along with outboard and a mixer.

MADI port 3 of the MADI FX is interfacing an ADI 648 via 75ohm and patched the optical I/O of an ADI 192 DD that is digitally interfacing a Lexicon PCM 91, Sony V77, TC Electronics M2000 and a Quantec Yardstick.

I could make this more complex but I'll stop now wink

MADIFX, M-32AD M-32DA, M-16DA, ADI-8QSM x 2, ADI-648, ADI 192 DD, ADI-2,  MadiFace Pro