User Manual

26
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
12.6 Digital Recording
Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is
present, digital interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording.
Taking this into account, RME added two important features to the Fireface UC: a comprehen-
sive I/O signal status display showing sample frequency, lock and sync status in the Settings
dialog, and status LEDs for each input.
The sample frequency shown in the Settings dialog (see chapter 11.1, screenshot Settings) is
useful as a quick display of the current configuration (the board itself and all connected external
equipment). If no sample frequency is recognized, it will read ‘No Lock’.
This way, configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. After select-
ing the required input, Fireface UC displays the current sample frequency. This parameter can
then be changed in the application’s audio attributes (or similar) dialog.
It often makes sense to monitor the input signal or send it directly to the output. This can be
done at zero latency using TotalMix (see chapter 29).
An automated control of real-time monitoring can be achieved by Steinberg’s ASIO protocol
with RME’s ASIO 2.2 drivers and all ASIO 2.0 compatible programs. When 'ASIO Direct Moni-
toring' has been switched on, the input signal is routed in real-time to the output whenever a
recording is started (punch-in).
12.7 Analog Recording
For recordings via the analog inputs the corresponding record device has to be chosen (Fire-
face UC Analog (x+x)).
The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed via the Settings dialog (Gain/Level) in
three steps so that the recording is done with optimized levels. A further improvement is possi-
ble by slowly raising the source’s output level until the peak level meters in TotalMix reach
about –3 dB.
The input sensitivity of the frontside analog inputs can also be adjusted directly at the Fireface
via the rotary encoder knob. A Signal LED and a Clip LED help to find the correct level adjust-
ment.
More information is found in chapter 25.2 and 25.3.