• drh1
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Topic: Monitoring default device with UFX and Windows 7

I have Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit on a computer build which has an Asus P8P67 motherboard with an onboard Realtek sound card. My computer's fundamental use is a DAW using Pro Tools 10, with the Fireface UFX as my audio interface. I have Event 20/20 biamplified speakers connected to the UFX as main outs 1&2 for monitoring with Pro Tools.

My issue is that I periodically like to view online videos, primarily tutorials on the use of Pro Tools. The RME manual states that the UFX should not be the default device for playback as this could cause loss of synchronization and unwanted noise, so I have set the Realtek sound card as the default device in Windows. At the moment I am using headphones connected to the Realtek card to listen to videos, but I'd prefer to use external speakers. I know I could just buy some small computer speakers to connect to the Realtek, but I'd like to avoid more clutter in my studio if possible.

I currently have outboard gear connected to all of the four stereo analog inputs in the rear of the UFX. My question is, since the Realtek has an optical SPDIF output, would it be advisable to use an optical SPDIF cable to connect to the UFX so I could listen to videos? As I am not too sophisticated in this area I am not clear as to whether this would still leave me liable to cause sychronization and noise issues or other complications when I subsequently use Pro Tools. If there are no potential problems using this connection, do I look to buy an optical SPDIF cable, or a TOSLINK cable, or are they in fact synonymous? I also note that the UFX manual states that the ADAT2 In can be used as a SPDIF optical input,  but does not say that for ADAT1 In. Which cable should I buy and which ADAT connection do I use? Or would you suggest that I use the small jack stereo output from the Realtek through some type of adapter to the analog inputs (11 & 12) on the front of the UFX?

As my primary goal is to have very stable operation of Pro Tools, I will continue to use the headphones or buy some small computer speakers if that is necessary for non DAW use. Your advice and direction on this matter would be appreciated.

2 Reply by isaac (edited by isaac 2012-01-19 03:53:14)

  • isaac
  • isaac
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Re: Monitoring default device with UFX and Windows 7

drh1 wrote:

I have Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit on a computer build which has an Asus P8P67 motherboard with an onboard Realtek sound card. My computer's fundamental use is a DAW using Pro Tools 10, with the Fireface UFX as my audio interface. I have Event 20/20 biamplified speakers connected to the UFX as main outs 1&2 for monitoring with Pro Tools.

My issue is that I periodically like to view online videos, primarily tutorials on the use of Pro Tools. The RME manual states that the UFX should not be the default device for playback as this could cause loss of synchronization and unwanted noise, so I have set the Realtek sound card as the default device in Windows. At the moment I am using headphones connected to the Realtek card to listen to videos, but I'd prefer to use external speakers. I know I could just buy some small computer speakers to connect to the Realtek, but I'd like to avoid more clutter in my studio if possible.

I currently have outboard gear connected to all of the four stereo analog inputs in the rear of the UFX. My question is, since the Realtek has an optical SPDIF output, would it be advisable to use an optical SPDIF cable to connect to the UFX so I could listen to videos? As I am not too sophisticated in this area I am not clear as to whether this would still leave me liable to cause sychronization and noise issues or other complications when I subsequently use Pro Tools. If there are no potential problems using this connection, do I look to buy an optical SPDIF cable, or a TOSLINK cable, or are they in fact synonymous? I also note that the UFX manual states that the ADAT2 In can be used as a SPDIF optical input,  but does not say that for ADAT1 In. Which cable should I buy and which ADAT connection do I use? Or would you suggest that I use the small jack stereo output from the Realtek through some type of adapter to the analog inputs (11 & 12) on the front of the UFX?

As my primary goal is to have very stable operation of Pro Tools, I will continue to use the headphones or buy some small computer speakers if that is necessary for non DAW use. Your advice and direction on this matter would be appreciated.

The adapter to the front inputs would be your easiest and most problem free way.

If you use anything digital then you will need to change the UFX to sync off the incoming signal (ADAT/SPDIF) to listen to other things and then change it back to internal when you want to use protools.

I would also try using the UFX for internal sounds as well. (Disable ALL system sounds in windows)

I've been running my HDSP's like this for years with no issues at all. Worth a test I think! If it affects your stability, look at one of the other options.

Isaac P

3 Reply by drh1 (edited by drh1 2012-01-20 04:33:02)

  • drh1
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Re: Monitoring default device with UFX and Windows 7

Isaac, thank you for your quick response. I was actually using the UFX as the default device for a few months (with all system sounds off of course) and everything was fine. However, I started to encounter some major problems a few days ago (CPU overload, BSOD, etc.) while just running two virtual instruments (Strike and Structure) in Pro Tools 10. I am not sure that the default device issue was the culprit as I also made some other changes while troubleshooting, but the system has subsequently been running smoothly again. I went out and got some additional cabling today, and am running the line out from the computer to two of the analog inputs in the front of the UFX. Thanks again.

Douglas