User`s guide

User's Guide Fireface 400 © RME
7
5. First Usage – Quick Start
5.1 Connectors and Front Panel
The front of the Fireface 400 features instrument, microphone and line inputs, a stereo
line/headphone output, a rotary encoder with 7 segment display, and several status and MIDI
LEDs.
The Neutrik combo jacks of the
Mic/Line inputs can be used with
both XLR and 1/4" TRS plugs.
Both inputs display overload
(CLIP), signal presence (SIG)
and activated phantom power
(48V) via green, red and yellow
LEDs.
Inputs 3/4, INST/LINE, accept both a balanced line signal as well as an unbalanced instrument
signal via 1/4" TRS plug.
The rotary encoder serves to set the input and output levels directly at the unit. This is not only
useful in stand-alone operation, but for example also when setting up the monitor volume.
Pushing the knob changes the encoder from CHANNEL to LEVEL mode and back. Pushing the
knob for more than a second activates either the single channel or stereo setup mode.
The State LEDs (WC, SPDIF, ADAT) indicate a valid input signal separately for each digital
input. Additionally, RME's exclusive SyncCheck indicates if one of these inputs is locked, but
not synchronous to the others, in which case the LED will flash. See also chapter 7.5/15.2,
Clock Modes - Synchronization.
The red HOST LED lights up when the Fire-
face 400 has been switched on. It operates
as error LED, in case the FireWire connec-
tion hasn't been initialised yet, or has been
interrupted (error, cable not connected etc.).
The yellow MIDI LEDs indicate MIDI data
received or sent, separately for both inputs
and outputs.
Phones is a low impedance line output of highest quality. It provides a sufficient and undis-
torted volume even when used with headphones.
The rear panel of the Fireface 400 features four analog inputs, six analog outputs, the power
socket, and all digital inputs and outputs.
SPDIF I/O coaxial (RCA): AES/EBU compatible. The Fireface 400 accepts the commonly used
digital audio formats, SPDIF as well as AES/EBU.
ADAT I/O (TOSLINK):
Can also be used as
optical SPDIF input
and output, if set up
accordingly in the
Settings dialog. The
Settings dialog is
started by clicking on
the fire symbol in the
Task Bar's system
tray.