• Registered: 2012-02-14
  • Posts: 12

Topic: What will I need for my fireface 800?

I recently purchased a fireface 800 used at a music store so it came without cables and software etc...  I will simply want to use the interface for in/outs to Cubase 5 (full version) on an imac (2009) os 10.6.

I want to mix headphones for musicians on my analog mixing console. 

I'm just not entirely sure if I need to download drivers, check firmware, and whether I NEED totalmix or if I simply plug this in and it will show up in cubase and I will use the cubase mixer to send channles/tracks back out to my board?

I'd like to keep it simple and try to get the lowest latency possible as I have been on an mr816 and never had latency issues, from what I read I should have no problems maintaining that with a fireface.

Thanks

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

Re: What will I need for my fireface 800?

I'm just not entirely sure if I need to download drivers, check firmware, and whether I NEED totalmix

You need all of this. At least once you have to configure TotalMix to your routing needs - later you will not have to touch it very often.

best regards
Knut

  • Registered: 2012-02-14
  • Posts: 12

Re: What will I need for my fireface 800?

OK thanks.  I guess my next questions are where is the Totalmix software?  bundled in the driver downloads or elsewhere?  Is there a way for me to do this without an internet connection to the computer I am planning to use this on as it is currently set up in my new space where there is no connection as of yet.

If I could supply the serial number could someone provide the right driver/firmware packages I need to download?  I could then take the download package on usb stick to the space with me?

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

Re: What will I need for my fireface 800?

OK thanks.  I guess my next questions are where is the Totalmix software?  bundled in the driver downloads or elsewhere?

This is a often confused point. TotalMix is not a software. It is a hardware mixer, built into the interface itself. It runs on a DSP and mixes and routes all inputs and playback channels to all outputs - with zero latency. This is an incredible feature with a very powerful and unique concept.

The software user interface to control all features runs on the host computer. On the UFX nearly all features can be controlled also stand-alone without a connected computer. The GUI is installed with the drivers.

Is there a way for me to do this without an internet connection to the computer I am planning to use this on as it is currently set up in my new space where there is no connection as of yet.

Download the driver and the firmware on any computer with an internet connection - transfer it to the host sytem with an USB stick - install it in 5 minutes. It don't need an internet connection on the host system.

If I could supply the serial number could someone provide the right driver/firmware packages I need to download?

Download the drivers from here: http://www.rme-audio.de/drivers_fireface

A tutorial video showing the driver installation and the firmware update can be found here: http://www.rme-audio.de/en_downloads.php

best regards
Knut

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

Re: What will I need for my fireface 800?

Don't worry about it.  You need a Firewire cable with suitable plugs on each end.  The power cable is standard.  After that - as it says on the top of the case - "Quick setup - just fire it up!"

Download the driver as already detailed.  Follow the instructions.  TotalMix is the control panel for the FW800, it installs as part of the driver.  The default setup will be just fine for a start.  If you find you want to do anything clever with monitor mixes within the FF800, there are some excellent instructional videos at
http://vimeo.com/1665619