• Registered: 2013-01-24
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Windows 8 FF800 Driver Issue

My FF800 works perfectly in windows 7 using my TI based firewire card (although using the legacy driver). Using the windows 8 default TI driver, my FF800 is running like a dog. I have tried to install the legacy driver using the instructions from another thread, however Windows just tells me the currently used one is up to date. Is there any workaround for this, or do I have to choose between win8 or RME? Whilst I love the FF800, it is by far the most unfriendly device I have ever used. Coincidentally also the only firewire device I have ever wanted to go near.

  • Registered: 2011-05-03
  • Posts: 94

Re: Windows 8 FF800 Driver Issue

Are you referring to my post here: http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic … 852#p76852

When you say it says it's up to date, that's likely if you select Update Driver and use the online approach, you need to select Let Me Pick, then Have Disk and then point it to the files you got from a windows 7 computer.  And remember to boot with driver signing disabled.

Alternatively, try the Thesycon driver from here: http://www.qimaging.com/support/downloads/ scroll down to the bottom.  This has worked so far for me and doesn't require the constant restart to disable driver signing.  YMMV, though.

I love Win8 and my FF400 but I'm in the same situation as you, it's also harder since I find Win8 far nicer with my eyes using the improved dark colour scheme (I'm severely short sighed) and Windows 7 was much worse in that regard.  So at the moment I am seriously considering purchasing another interface, probably a PCIe one because it seems clear to me, based on waht's happened here but also since Vista.. firewire and Windows is a complete disaster in my opinion, and Microsoft seem to not care at all.

RME/MC etc; Is there a chance you guys can use the Thesycon driver? It does seem that a lot of other companies use these drivers because of the buggy Windows FW driver.

  • Registered: 2013-01-24
  • Posts: 2

Re: Windows 8 FF800 Driver Issue

Ok, I managed to get the legacy driver installed and everything is working great again. I have the obvious driver signage issues, but for now at least it is working. This is a very annoying problem, and I don't think it is right that I may have to buy a new 1394 card just to fix this issue (as the one I currently own is TI and works well). RME, if you value your customers, I believe you should contact Microsoft about this issue and try and get it resolved. In the mean time, are you able to list even one 1394 card that you can definitely say works 100% with windows 8 and FF800?

  • Registered: 2011-05-03
  • Posts: 94

Re: Windows 8 FF800 Driver Issue

Matt, see post #10
http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic.php?id=16391

I wouldn't hold your breath.

So far I've:
Written about it on Microsoft's Technet support site, you can view and contribute here if you wish: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/For … 158a771e1d

I've also:
Contacted the 1394 Trade Association: They are trying to get hold of Microsoft.
Contacted SIIG: They're also trying to get hold of Microsoft.
Contacted Texas Instruments last night, waiting for a response.

I am told there are FW chipsets that *should* work with the stock Windows 8 firewire driver.  Someone suggested to try one with a TI XIO2213B chip, but so far I've only managed to track down one such card in my country and I'm not 100% what the return policy is should it make no difference.  I already had to pay close to $100 to import a SIIG card which made no difference compared to my onboard VIA, and I can't return this one.

I think the only real option for me is to switch to a PCIe audio interface but I'm uncertain it will be an RME.