• Registered: 2007-07-30
  • Posts: 14

Topic: What are my options?

Hi peoples,

I've been using my FF400 for ages now and I love it but I've reached the point where I want to mix OTB.
what are my options?

I want to have at least 16 outs so that I could use a summing box like the Dangerous 2 Bus.
I don't really care that much about ins but at least 8 would be nice just in case. (although 8 would be over kill)

I'm worried about getting a ADAT expansion because of the firewire bottleneck. Anybody have any experience running 16 outs with firewire?

Any info would be great as I'm really a newb when it comes to this area.

Cheers

Bill

  • Knut
  • Knut
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 1,618

Re: What are my options?

I'm worried about getting a ADAT expansion because of the firewire bottleneck.

The "bottleneck" is no problem with 16, 32 or 60 channels. The Fireface 400 can of course use all inputs + outputs at the same time.

best regards
Knut

  • Registered: 2007-07-30
  • Posts: 14

Re: What are my options?

Ok, thats nice to know. :-)

So is the M-16DA the best option for me then?

Cheers

Bill

  • From: Connecticut, USA
  • Registered: 2011-08-01
  • Posts: 376

Re: What are my options?

Hi Bill,
The FF400 only has one ADAT port so you can only add another 8 channels via ADAT directly to the FF400.
The M16DA is 16 channels of DA and you would only be able to access 8 of those channels when plugged into the FF400.
Alternatives:
Add a 2nd FF400 either as a standalone 8 channel AD/DA or as expansion for the first FF400. This will give you 16 analog I/O.
If used along with the first FF400 as an audio device you will end up with 16 analog I/O 16 ADAT, 2 SPDIF.
If you really wanted to use then M-16DA you can add it to the ADAT I/O of the 2x FF400s or replace your current FF400 with a FF800 or FF UFX either of which have 16 channels of ADAT to plug the M16DA into.

Thanks Chris

Chris Ludwig
North East USA Sales | Synthax/RME
www.facebook.com/RMEAmericas
Twitter @RMEAmericas

ChrisLudwig's Website

  • Knut
  • Knut
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 1,618

Re: What are my options?

I just wanted to write the same.

... or the Fireface UFX with the Fireface 400 as stand alone ADAT converter (20 analog outputs).

best regards
Knut

  • Registered: 2007-07-30
  • Posts: 14

Re: What are my options?

Oh nice. thanks for the reply. smile

I have a friend who has a ff400 which is willing to lend me for a few weeks so I'll test out the two out and see how they perform together.
Question: If i daisy chain them will i have to install any software etc to see the extra outputs? --- (i only have 1 fw port on motherboard and no PCI slots left for expansion cards...)

Cheers

Bill