• Registered: 2008-04-14
  • Posts: 23

Topic: Problems With Ff800 Update

Technicals:
PC Windows XP, Cubase-5, RME FF800 (firmware 2.77)  (driver 2.9992)

I have a very early version of the FF800. It came with firmware 1.89
It has been updated at various times over the years, and performed well. Recently, when configuring it to operate in conjunction with a FF400, I performed the latest update of both firmware and driver. That was when the problems began.
TotalMix began to behave very badly. It was stubborn to move and crashed each time I persisted with it.
I posted about this, thinking it was to do with the configuring of the two units ("TotalMix unstable with 2 Firefaces")

However, I have since concluded that the problem is more likely to do with the update of my FF800.

To confirm my suspicions, I performed a "downdate" on the firmware to 2.47. But it was not until I downdated the driver to 2.63 that the problem resolved itself.

So, while it appears I may have solved the problem, the point of this post is to canvas comment on the issue.

Is it likely that this problem is unique to my FF800, or is it possible that there are wider issues between recent updates of driver and TotalMix software (firmware), and early versions of FF800?

2 Reply by matelo (edited by matelo 2010-05-21 23:48:59)

  • Registered: 2008-04-14
  • Posts: 23

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

Regarding above, I'd like to put my question directly to the moderator:

Is the fact that recent firmware/driver updates cause TotalMix to become unstable on my FF800 likely to be an issue specifically with my unit, or is this the case with all early versions of FF800?

3 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,599

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

It is no known issue at all, and most probably has nothing to do with firmware. It points to incompatibility of TM alone with something else.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2008-04-14
  • Posts: 23

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

Could be a conflict with Cubase5.
When I update FF800 driver to 2.9992 Cubase has trouble initializing "SSE Optimized Audio DSP Library" on launch.
The program eventually opens and advises that sample rate has changed to 128,000 Hz.
Then of course the whole thing freezes.
When I rollback the driver to 2.63 Cubase has no trouble launching and seems to operate fine.
Very strange.
Anyone else out there running Cubase5 with updated FF800?

5 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,599

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

Just make sure you have a defined starting state. Install the new driver, then check that WDM and ASIO are using 44 or 48 kHz. Also change Cubase to 44 or 48 before exiting and using the new driver. There is no general problem with Cubase 5.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2008-04-14
  • Posts: 23

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

Followed through on your suggestions.
Unfortunately I get the same results.
Driver 2.63 works fine, but Cubase goes crazy with Driver 2.9992
As a last resort, I'll do a clean install of Windows XP and start afresh. I'll post the results.

By the way, this is the serial number (located under the barcode) of my FF800: 22426296

Many thanks for your help on this.

  • Registered: 2008-04-14
  • Posts: 23

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

Always a good feeling after a clean install of windows.
However, I must report that it made no difference to the update issue I am having with FF800.
With only Cubase 5 and RME FF800 installed on the new system I tested the different variations of driver and firmware.
Driver 2.63 with firmware 2.47 worked fine.
Driver 2.9992, regardless of firmware version, caused both TotalMix and Cubase to behave erratically and ultimately freeze.
So, I believe I have eliminated computer, software, cables and installation procedures from the probable causes.
I can only think the issue is to do with my FF800 unit and the updates.
I will continue working with the driver2.63/FUT2.47 combination until another solution presents itself.
All comments gratefully considered.

  • Registered: 2010-05-28
  • Posts: 2

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

hello, today i've installed my ff800 on my pc xp32 and i've update drivers and firmware, but it never has been revealed on my pc and the red led always was on...i don't know how to come back to older driver 277 and firmware, can anybody help me? please..

  • Registered: 2008-04-14
  • Posts: 23

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

The only way I was able to revert back to older firmware was by reloading the current one, but switching off FF800 during the erasing process (first part of procedure). It should then revert to the original firmware version the unit came with.
Reverting to an older driver is a matter of telling windows the exact location of the replacement driver and loading the "earlier version".

Meantime, I am still interested to hear from anyone with suggestions regarding the problems I am having updating my FF800 (see the main body of this posting)

  • Registered: 2010-05-28
  • Posts: 2

Re: Problems With Ff800 Update

ok, thank you matelo, i'll try this method, if i 'll find some new, i'll tell you.