Intel Fireface 800 Supported Sample Rates, Repairing Disk Permissions, FireWire Compatibility

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23.3 Supported Sample Rates

RME's Mac OS X driver supports all sampling frequencies provided by the hardware. This in- cludes 32 kHz and 64 kHz, and even 128 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz for the analog and SPDIF I/Os.

But not every software will support all the hardware's sample rates. For example Spark does not display 32 kHz and 64 kHz. The hardware's capabilities can easily be verified in the Audio MIDI Setup. Select Audio devices under Properties of: and choose the Fireface. A click on Format will list the supported sample frequencies.

If the unit is in clock mode Master, selecting a sample rate will immediately set the device to this frequency, which can be verified in the Fireface's settings dialog (System Clock). Format thus allows you to activate any sampling frequency quickly and easily (but DDS is even faster – see chapter 22.2).

23.4 Repairing Disk Permissions

Repairing permission can solve problems with the installation process - plus many others. To do this, launch Disk Utility located in Utilities. Select your system drive in the drive/volume list to the left. The First Aid tab to the right now allows you to check and repair disk permissions.

23.5 FireWire Compatibility

RME's Fireface 800 should be fully compatible to any FireWire port found on Apple Mac com- puters. This is not true for older models like the G3 Pismo, as their FireWire controller is not OHCI compatible. Although we tested compatibility with lots of models, total compatibility can not be guaranteed. In case of trouble please contact RME.

23.6 Various Information

The driver has been tested under 10.3 only. Older versions of OS X are not and will not be sup- ported.

Via >System Preferences/ Audio-MIDI Setup< the hardware can be configured for the system wide usage. Programs that don't support card or channel selection will use the device selected as Standard-Inputand Standard-Output. (Soundstudio, Mplayer, Amplitube etc.).

In the lower part of the window, the audio hardware's capabilities are shown and can be changed in some cases. On the record side no changes are possible. Programs that don't sup- port channel selection will always use channels 1/2, the first stereo pair. To access other inputs use the following workaround with TotalMix: route the desired input signal to output channels 1/2. Hold the Ctrl key down and click on the labels AN1 and AN2 in the third row. Their labels turn red, the internal loop mode is active. Result: the desired input signal is now available at input channel 1/2, without further delay/latency.

Since OS X 10.3 playback can be configured freely and to any of the available playback chan- nels. This is done via Speaker Setup. Even multichannel playback (Surround, DVD Player) can be set up easily.

User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME

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Contents TotalMix Bit / 192 kHz SyncAlignZLMSyncCheck SteadyClock Most powerful FireWire audio interface everInstallation and Operation Mac OS Installation and Operation WindowsGeneral Stand-Alone Operation, Connections and TotalMix Technical Reference Installation Important Safety InstructionsMains Users Guide Fireface 800 RME General Brief Description and Characteristics Package ContentsIntroduction System RequirementsFirst Usage Quickstart Connectors and Front PanelQuick Start AccessoriesPart Number Description Appendix WarrantyTrademarks Users Guide Fireface 800 RME RoHS CE / FCC ComplianceISO Users Guide Fireface 800 RME Installation and Operation Windows Driver Installation Hardware InstallationDriver and Firmware Desktop ComputerDeinstalling the Drivers Driver UpdateFirmware Update Settings dialog General Configuring the FirefaceBuffer Size Phantom PowerInputs Limit BandwidthWord Clock Out Clock ModeSyncCheck OptionsSettings dialog DDS Application examples Clock Modes SynchronizationLimit Bandwidth Available SettingsPlayback Operation and UsageAC-3 / DTS DVD-Playback AC-3/DTSMultichannel Low Latency under MME Buffer Size Adjustment Fireface Analog 1+2 MME Fireface Analog 1+2Multi-client Operation Multi-Client and Multi-Channel using WDMASIO-Multiclient Digital Recording Analog Recording Operation under AsioCommon Problems Known ProblemsOperation under Gsif Gigasampler Interface Windows 2000/XPUsing more than one Fireface DIGICheck 8 Adat channels don’t seem to work Hotline TroubleshootingInstallation Channel Routing Asio at 96 kHz DiagramsChannel Routing MME at 96 kHz Users Guide Fireface 800 RME Mac OS X Installation and Operation Driver Firmware Update Configuring the Fireface Level Out LevelAutoSync Ref Settings dialog DDS Clock Modes Synchronization Limit Bandwidth Round about Driver Installation Mac OS X FAQMidi doesnt work FireWire Compatibility Repairing Disk PermissionsSupported Sample Rates Various InformationPossible causes for a Fireface not working Multicard OperationDiagram Channel Routing at 96 kHz Users Guide Fireface 800 RME Stand-Alone Operation, Connections and TotalMix Stand-alone Operation Line Rear Analog InputsMicrophone / Line Front Reference DBFS @ HeadroomDrive InstrumentSpeaker Emulation Analog Outputs HeadphonesLine Adat Digital ConnectionsSpdif Midi Special Characteristics of the Spdif OutputWord Clock Input and Output Word ClockInput OutputTechnical Description and Usage Operation Cabling and TerminationOverview TotalMix Routing and MonitoringUsers Guide Fireface 800 RME User Interface Tour de TotalMix Elements of a ChannelUsers Guide Fireface 800 RME Mute and Solo Submix ViewPresets Quick Access PanelPreset Banks PresetPreferences Monitor PanelMain Monitor Editing the NamesStereo Pan Law Hotkeys Menu Options Level Meter Elements of the Matrix View TotalMix The MatrixAdvantages of the Matrix TotalMix Super-FeaturesAsio Direct Monitoring Windows only Copy Routings to other Channels Selection and Group-based OperationDelete Routings Recording a Subgroup Loopback Mixing several input signals into one record channel Using external Effects DevicesRecording a Softwares playback MS Processing Mapping Midi Remote ControlElement Meaning in TotalMixSetup Preset 5 3A / 58 / #A Preset 3 38 / 56 / #GSimple Midi Control Monitor Main 3E / 62 / DLoopback Detection Mackie Control Protocol Stand-Alone Midi ControlMeaning in Fireface Simple Midi Control Element Meaning in FirefaceUsers Guide Fireface 800 RME Technical Reference Tech Info Analog Technical SpecificationsDA, Line Out 1-8, rear DigitalDA Stereo Monitor Output Phones Adat Optical Digital InputsDigital Outputs Transfer Modes Resolution / Bits per Sample Windows onlyLock and SyncCheck Technical BackgroundHow much Zero is Zero? Latency and MonitoringOversampling Sample frequency kHz 44.1 88.2 176.4 192Safety Buffer FireWire AudioCore Audios Safety Offset Limit Bandwidth 48 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz FW-Kanäle Number of Channels and Bus LoadDS Double Speed Analog DS Signal PortQS Quad Speed Type AES3-1992 IEC Byte Mode BitSteadyClock Noise level in DS / QS ModeBlock Diagram Fireface TRS jacks of analog input / output Connector PinoutsXLR jacks of analog inputs TRS Phones jack

Fireface 800 specifications

The Intel Fireface 800 is a powerful audio interface celebrated for its high-performance capabilities and versatility in both studio and live settings. Designed to cater to the needs of musicians, producers, and sound engineers, it stands out with its rich feature set and reliable technology.

One of the defining features of the Fireface 800 is its support for an impressive 26 input and 28 output channels. This extensive I/O configuration facilitates seamless integration with a wide variety of audio production setups, allowing users to record multiple instruments simultaneously or create complex routing scenarios. The unit also boasts top-notch analog and digital converters, ensuring pristine sound quality with a dynamic range that captures the nuances of any audio source.

In terms of connectivity, the Fireface 800 is equipped with both FireWire and USB ports, making it compatible with a range of computers and devices. The device utilizes the FireWire 800 protocol, which delivers higher data transfer rates compared to its predecessor. This efficient transfer capability is crucial for maintaining audio fidelity and reducing latency, making it an ideal choice for real-time monitoring and recording.

The Fireface 800 also features standalone operation capabilities, functioning independently of a computer when needed. This is particularly useful for live performances, where reliability and reduced setup complexity are essential. Users can easily connect microphones, instruments, and other equipment directly to the Fireface 800, making it a versatile tool for a variety of scenarios.

With its low-latency driver technology, the Fireface 800 ensures smooth performance even when handling demanding audio tasks. Its advanced ADAT and S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs provide further flexibility for connecting other gear, such as additional preamps and effects processors.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Fireface 800 is its robust build quality. Designed for regular use in professional environments, the unit features a rugged metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of transport and daily use. This ensures longevity and consistent performance for audio professionals who depend on reliable equipment day in and day out.

In summary, the Intel Fireface 800 is a versatile and powerful audio interface that caters to a wide spectrum of audio production needs. With its extensive I/O capabilities, high-quality converters, reliable connectivity options, and robust design, it continues to be a popular choice among audio professionals striving for excellence in their work.