• Registered: 2011-09-20
  • Posts: 4

Topic: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

i'm new to the FF family and need to run a 2nd FF800 for the additional 8 analog outputs... the reason i'm thinking a 2nd fireface is because i don't want to manage two software mixers or drivers or anything... i want the two interfaces to basically act like one.

will this be the case if i chain two FF's together?

it's a bit overkill, i think, using one of the 800s only for the analog outs... but i'm afraid if i run a totally different interface.. like a multiface or something less expensive i'll have to worry about multiple drivers, aggregate devices in mac audio OS.. etc...

is two FF800s the cleanest, most trouble-free way to get 16 outs of an RME system?

thanks....

  • Jeff
  • Jeff
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: USA
  • Registered: 2007-05-21
  • Posts: 4,667

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

Hello, this should help!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oibj81QIq4s

Regards,
Jeff Petersen
Synthax Inc.

Jeff's Website

  • Registered: 2011-09-20
  • Posts: 4

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

thanks, jeff.. yeah, i just found that video after i posted my question.

it seems like option #3 would be the solution for me.

i wonder if there is another interface that can also run in standalone mode like this that has quality analog outputs... because, as i said, it may be a little overkill to pay for a FF800 and only need the 8 outs...

  • Jeff
  • Jeff
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: USA
  • Registered: 2007-05-21
  • Posts: 4,667

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

You can just buy an AD/DA converter instead of another interface. There are hundreds of these on the market.

Buying a 2nd FF800 is a good idea so you have a backup interface in case the main unit needs service someday.

Regards,
Jeff Petersen
Synthax Inc.

Jeff's Website

  • Registered: 2011-09-20
  • Posts: 4

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

... and just run the AD/DA via the same ADAT output as shown in option 3 of the video.. yes?

i sort of like the idea of two of the exact same interfaces.. but, yes, i suppose there are other options.. i will continue to research

  • Jeff
  • Jeff
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: USA
  • Registered: 2007-05-21
  • Posts: 4,667

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

Yes, exactly.

Regards,
Jeff Petersen
Synthax Inc.

Jeff's Website

  • vinark
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 2,782

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

If you use different brand/type DA converter you might have a small difference in converter latency, cause all converters have a different converting time. These differences are generally in the 1ms range so might not be an issue, but if you have material that is phase related like different channels of a drum kit, can cause dramatic issues.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2011-09-20
  • Posts: 4

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

thanks.. that's very useful info.... as i'm about to get my MOTU 192 back from black lion who is repairing it (they modded it a few years ago)... and i'm either going to run the MOTU and the RME... or sell the MOTU and take the track discussed above...

  • Registered: 2011-09-27
  • Posts: 6

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

I too am looking to connect two ff800 together with one being a stand alone device... I tried what the video showed but I am still really confused. These are my first RME units I have ever used. I can get one unit to work perfect with pro tools 9 but none of the three options allows me to see the second unit in pro tools. I created an aggregate device with both ff800s but pro tools only let's me get up to 32 inputs so the second FF800 doesn't appear in my pro tools I/o. Any help or suggestions?

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,779

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

PT is limited to 32 channels with non-Avid hardware. If you use one device standalone, no need to configure an aggregate device also.


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2007-05-09
  • Posts: 174

Re: running 2 chained FF800s .. does it act like a single interface?

taylor12k wrote:

... and just run the AD/DA via the same ADAT output as shown in option 3 of the video.. yes?

i sort of like the idea of two of the exact same interfaces.. but, yes, i suppose there are other options.. i will continue to research

The analogue inputs are only part of a FF800.   You just need more inputs, not more inputs PLUS the other features of the FF88 (which allow you to connect more inputs:-)