User Manual

User's Guide Fireface UFX II © RME

8.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS)

AC-3 / DTS

When using popular DVD software players, their audio data stream can be sent to any AC-

3/DTS capable receiver via the Fireface UFX II.

The sample rate must be set to 48 kHz in the UFX II Settings dialog, or the software will

only playback the down-mixed analog signal via SPDIF.

In some cases an UFX II output device has to be selected in >Control Panel / Sound / Play-

back< and be set as Default, or the software will not recognize it.

The DVD software's audio properties now show the options 'SPDIF Out' or similar. When select-

ing it, the software will transfer the non-decoded digital multichannel data stream to the Fire-

face.

Note

: This 'SPDIF' signal sounds like chopped noise at highest level. Try to avoid mixing and

routing the signal to your loudspeakers, as they might get damaged.

Multichannel

PowerDVD and WinDVD can also operate as software decoder, sending a DVD's multichannel

data stream directly to the analog outputs of the Fireface. For this to work select the WDM play-

back device ’Loudspeaker’ of the Fireface in >Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback < as Default.

Additionally the loudspeaker setup, found under Configuration, has to be changed from Stereo

to 5.1 Surround.

PowerDVD's and WinDVD's audio properties now list several multichannel modes. If one of

these is selected, the software sends the decoded analog multichannel data to the Fireface.

TotalMix can then be used to play back via any desired output channels.

The typical channel assignment for surround playback is:

1 - Left

2 - Right

3 - Center

4 - LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

5 - SL (Surround Left)

6 - SR (Surround Right)

Note 1

: Selecting the Fireface to be used as system playback device is against our recommen-

dation, as professional interfaces should not be disturbed by system events. Make sure to re-

assign the selection after usage or to disable any system sounds (tab Sounds, scheme 'No

audio').

Note 2

: The DVD player will be synced backwards from the Fireface. This means when using

AutoSync and/or word clock, the playback speed and pitch follows the incoming clock signal.