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Topic: FF800 as standalone preamp

If I wanted to use my FF800 as a standalone pre-amp, not connected to a computer, how do I get around the fact that the phantom power can only be switched on and off from a computer?  Is it OK simply to switch it on and save the settings in the flash memory? - will it then power up (unconnected to a PC) with the phantom power permanently on?

Thx,

Mike

Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

Yes.

sonarmods.com

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Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

And then presumably the only way of switching the phantom power off again is to connect it to a PC ...?  That's a bit scary if you've got some mics which would be fried by the phantom power!  Shame there isn't a switch on the FF800 itself.

Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

mikehc wrote:

Shame there isn't a switch on the FF800 itself.

Yes I agree!

5 (edited by Grag38 2010-05-30 21:30:57)

Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

So from, you always had the choice to buy an audio interface that can work in standalone with an 48v switch !
Does this interface exists ?

If yes, so you miss the product you had to buy ...

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Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

Well obviously, if something as good as a FF800 existed which also had a 48v switch then I'd have bought it.  But it doesn't exist.  So I bought the FF800.  And I'm very happy with it.

That doesn't make it wrong for me to wish that the FF800 also had a 48v switch!  No harm in suggesting possible improvements to a product.  It might even be that RME actually welcome such suggestions?

Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

If they add 48v switch to Fireface 800 mk II, why not also phase, lowcut and -15 dB pad buttons, too.

sonarmods.com

Re: FF800 as standalone preamp

Well, I would like a 48V switch for convenience as well (on a FF400 it could even be controlled by the digital knob), but I don't see any big problem without it, as situation where 48V could kill your mic are very rare (are there any? ribbon mics?) as long as you use balanced cables.

Regarding lowcut and pad. I think thats a complete different topic as these are features that are not existent, while 48V is there - only the button isn't.