User`s guide

User's Guide Fireface 400 © RME

Word Clock I/O (BNC): A push switch activates internal termination (75 Ohms). When termina-

tion is activated the yellow LED besides the switch lights up.

MIDI I/O: Provides two MIDI inputs

and outputs via the included break-

out cable.

FW 400: 6-pin FireWire sockets for

connection to the computer. The

second socket provides hub func-

tionality, to connect another Fire-

Wire device.

POWER (switch): The Fireface 400 can be powered by an external power supply (EXT.) or via

FireWire (BUS).

Note

: 4-pin FireWire sockets as found in laptops do not provide power!

Socket for power connection. The included hi-performance switch mode power supply makes

the Fireface operate in the range of 100V to 240V AC. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated

line filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.

5.2 Quick Start

After the driver installation (chapter 6 / 14) connect the TRS jacks or the XLR jacks with the

analog signal source. The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed in the Settings

dialog (Input Level), assuring the highest signal to noise ratio will be achieved. Try to achieve

an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the source’s output level until the

peak level meters in TotalMix reach about –3 dB.

The analog line inputs of the Fireface 400 can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. The

electronic input stage can handle balanced (XLR, TRS jacks) and unbalanced (TS jacks) input

signals correctly.

The front's inputs signal level can be optimized using the Fireface's rotary encoder. A Signal

LED and a Clip LED help to find the correct level adjustment.

The Fireface's digital outputs provide SPDIF (AES/EBU compatible) and ADAT optical signals

at the corresponding ports.

On the analog playback side (the DA side), a coarse adjustment of the analog output level at

the rear jacks is available in the Settings dialog (Output Level).

The output signal of channels 7/8 is available on the front. Their output level can be set using

the rotary encoder. This output is a very low impedance type, which can also be used to con-

nect headphones.

The functions Store in Flash Memory (Settings dialog) and Flash current mixer state (TotalMix)

will store the current settings into the Fireface 400. The unit then remembers all settings, and

loads these automatically when switched on. With this, the Fireface 400 can be used stand-

alone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of dedicated devices (see chapter 20).