RME Audio Fireface UFX+ User manual

User's Guide
Fireface UFX+
The most powerful ThunderboltTM and USB audio interface ever!
USB 3.0 / ThunderboltTM Digital I/O System
12 + 16 + 2 Channels Analog / ADAT / AES Interface
64 Channels MADI Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
188 x 94 Matrix Router
2 x MIDI I/O
Full Stand-Alone Operation
Class Compliant Operation
MIDI Remote Control
TotalMix FX™
24 Bit / 192 kHz 9
SyncAlign™ ZLM™ SyncCheck™
SteadyClock™

2 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
Important Safety Instructions ..................................6
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................8
2 Package Contents .....................................................8
3 System Requirements ..............................................8
4 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................8
5 First Usage - Quick Start
5.1 Connectors – Controls - Display .............................9
5.2 Quick Start ............................................................11
Installation and Operation - Windows
6 Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
6.1 Hardware and Driver Installation..........................14
6.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................14
6.3 Firmware Update..................................................14
7 Configuring the Fireface
7.1 Settings Dialog – Main Tab..................................15
7.2 Option WDM Devices...........................................18
7.3 Tab Global (Thunderbolt only) .............................20
7.4 Pitch (Thunderbolt only).......................................21
8 Operation and Usage
8.1 Playback...............................................................22
8.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS) ................................23
8.3 Channel Count under WDM.................................24
8.4 Multi-client Operation ...........................................24
8.5 Analog Recording.................................................25
8.6 Digital Recording..................................................25
8.7 Clock Modes - Synchronization ...........................26
9 Operation under ASIO
9.1 General ................................................................27
9.2 Channel Count under ASIO .................................27
9.3 Known Problems ..................................................28
10 Using more than one Fireface UFX+ .....................28
11 DIGICheck Windows ...............................................29
12 Hotline – Troubleshooting......................................30

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 3
Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
13 Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
13.1 Hardware and Driver Installation ......................... 32
13.2 De-installing the Drivers....................................... 32
13.3 Firmware Update ................................................. 33
14 Configuring the Fireface
14.1 Settings Dialog..................................................... 33
14.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization ........................... 36
15 Mac OS X FAQ
15.1 MIDI doesn't work ................................................ 37
15.2 Repairing Disk Permissions................................. 37
15.3 Supported Sample Rates..................................... 37
15.4 Channel Count under Core Audio .......................37
15.5 Various Information.............................................. 38
16 Using more than one Fireface ............................... 38
17 DIGICheck Mac........................................................ 39
18 Hotline – Troubleshooting ..................................... 40
Inputs and Outputs
19 Analog Inputs
19.1 Line Rear ............................................................. 42
19.2 Microphone / Line / Inst Front .............................. 42
20 Analog Outputs
20.1 Line ...................................................................... 43
20.2 Headphones / Line Out........................................ 43
21 Digital Connections
21.1 ADAT ...................................................................44
21.2 AES...................................................................... 44
21.3 MADI .................................................................... 45
21.4 MIDI ..................................................................... 46
22 Word Clock
22.1 Word Clock Input and Output .............................. 46
22.2 Technical Description and Background............... 47
22.3 Cables and Termination....................................... 48
22.4 General Operation ............................................... 48
Stand-Alone Operation
23 Operation and Usage
23.1 General ................................................................ 50
23.2 Settings at the Unit............................................... 50
23.3 Store / Load Setups at the Unit............................ 50
23.4 Storing Setups from the Computer ...................... 50
24 Examples
24.1 12-Channel AD/DA-Converter ............................. 51
24.2 4-Channel Mic Preamp ........................................ 51
24.3 188-Channel Monitor Mixer ................................. 51
24.4 Digital Format Converter...................................... 51
24.5 Analog/Digital Routing Matrix .............................. 51
24.6 Stand-Alone Recorder/Player .............................. 51

4 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
TotalMix FX
25 Routing and Monitoring
25.1 Overview ..............................................................54
25.2 The User Interface ...............................................56
25.3 The Channels.......................................................57
25.3.1 Settings ........................................................59
25.3.2 Equalizer ......................................................60
25.3.3 Dynamics .....................................................62
25.4 Section Control Room..........................................63
25.5 The Control Strip ..................................................64
25.5.1 View Options ................................................65
25.5.2 Snapshots - Groups .....................................66
25.5.3 Channel Layout – Layout Presets................66
25.5.4 Scroll Location Markers ...............................68
25.6 Reverb and Echo .................................................69
25.7 Preferences..........................................................72
25.7.1 Store for Current or All Users (Windows) ....73
25.8 Settings ................................................................74
25.8.1 Mixer Page ...................................................74
25.8.2 MIDI Page ....................................................75
25.8.3 OSC Page ....................................................76
25.8.4 Aux Devices .................................................77
25.9 Hotkeys and Usage..............................................78
25.10 Menu Options.......................................................79
25.11 Menu Window ......................................................80
26 The Matrix
26.1 Overview ..............................................................80
26.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................80
26.3 Operation .............................................................81
27 Tips and Tricks
27.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows) ......................81
27.2 Copy a Submix.....................................................81
27.3 Doubling the Output Signal (Mirror) .....................81
27.4 Delete a Submix...................................................82
27.5 Copy and Paste everywhere................................82
27.6 Recording a Submix - Loopback..........................82
27.7 MS Processing .....................................................84
28 MIDI Remote Control
28.1 Overview ..............................................................85
28.2 Mapping ...............................................................85
28.3 Setup ....................................................................86
28.4 Operation .............................................................86
28.5 MIDI Control .........................................................87
28.6 Stand-Alone MIDI Control ....................................88
28.7 Loopback Detection .............................................90
28.8 OSC (Open Sound Control) .................................90
29 DAW Mode ...............................................................90

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 5
Class Compliant Mode
30 General..................................................................... 92
31 System Requirements ............................................ 92
32 Operation ................................................................. 93
32.1 Useful Hints.......................................................... 93
32.2 Class Compliant under Windows/Mac OS X ....... 94
33 Supported Inputs and Outputs.............................. 94
34 Front panel Operation ............................................ 95
35 Audio Routing and Processing ............................. 95
36 Setups ...................................................................... 96
DURec - Direct USB Recording
37 Direct USB Recording
37.1 Overview .............................................................. 98
37.2 Operation ............................................................. 98
37.3 Limitations and Important Notes ........................ 100
37.4 Multichannel WAV File Batch Processor ........... 102
37.5 Technical Background .......................................103
Technical Reference
38 Technical Specifications
38.1 Analog................................................................ 106
38.2 MIDI ...................................................................107
38.3 Digital ................................................................. 107
38.4 Digital Inputs ...................................................... 108
38.5 Digital Outputs ................................................... 109
38.6 General ..............................................................109
39 Technical Background
39.1 Lock and SyncCheck .........................................110
39.2 Latency and Monitoring ..................................... 111
39.3 USB Audio ......................................................... 112
39.4 Thunderbolt Audio .............................................114
39.5 DS – Double Speed ........................................... 115
39.6 QS – Quad Speed .............................................115
39.7 Noise Level in DS / QS Mode ............................ 116
39.8 SteadyClock....................................................... 116
39.9 MADI Basics ...................................................... 117
40 Diagrams
40.1 Block Diagram Fireface UFX+ ........................... 118
40.2 Connector Pinouts ............................................. 119
Miscellaneous
41 Accessories........................................................... 122
42 Warranty.................................................................122
43 Appendix................................................................ 123
44 Declaration of Conformity.................................... 124

6 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
Important Safety Instructions
ATTENTION! Do not open chassis – risk of electric shock
The unit has non-isolated live parts inside. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer service to qualified service personnel.
Mains
• The device must be earthed – never use it without proper grounding
• Do not use defective power cords
• Operation of the device is limited to the manual
• Use same type of fuse only
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this device to rain or
moisture. Prevent moisture and water from entering the device. Never leave
a pot with liquid on top of the device. Do not use this product near water, i. e.
swimming pool, bathtub or wet basement. Danger of condensation inside –
don't turn on before the device has reached room temperature.
Installation
Surface may become hot during operation – ensure sufficient ventilation.
Avoid direct sun light and do not place it near other sources of heat, like ra-
diators or stoves. When mounting in a rack, leave some space between this
device and others for ventilation.
Unauthorized servicing/repair voids warranty. Only use accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
Read the manual completely. It includes all information necessary
to use and operate this device.

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 7
User's Guide
Fireface UFX+
General

8 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Fireface UFX+. This unique audio system is the premier solution to
transfer analog and digital audio data directly to a computer from practically any source. Nu-
merous unique features, well thought-out configuration dialogs, an industry-leading mixing en-
gine and monitoring solution, professional DSP effects and class-leading analog circuits with
latest digital converters put the Fireface UFX+ at the very top of the range of computer-based
audio interfaces.
The package contains drivers for Windows 7 / 8 / 10 and Mac OS X x86 (Intel).
RME’s high-performance philosophy guarantees maximum system performance by executing
as many functions as possible not in the driver (i.e. the CPU), but within the audio hardware.
2. Package Contents
• Fireface UFX+
• Cable USB 3.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
• RME Driver CD
• Power cord
• Manual
3. System Requirements
• Windows 7 or up, Intel Mac OS X (10.6 or up)
• 1 x ThunderboltTM port or USB 3.0 port, or
• 1 x USB 2.0 port (reduced number of audio channels – no MADI record/playback)
• For USB: Computer with at least Intel Core i3 CPU
4. Brief Description and Characteristics
• All settings can be changed in real-time
• Buffer sizes/latencies from 32 up to 8192 samples selectable
• 8 channels 96 kHz/24 bit Record/Playback via ADAT optical (S/MUX)
• 4 channels 192 kHz/24 bit Record/Playback via ADAT optical (S/MUX4)
• Professional 64-channel MADI I/O
• Clock modes slave and master
• Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
• Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode
• SteadyClock: Jitter-immune, super-stable digital clock
• DDS technology for free setting of the sample rate
• SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels
• SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals
• TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
• TotalMix: 4096 channel mixer with 46 bit internal resolution
• TotalMix FX: 3-band EQ, Low Cut, Reverb, Echo, Compressor, Expander, Auto Level
• 2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed Low-Jitter MIDI
• 2 x Hi-power low impedance headphone output
• DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 9
5. First Usage – Quick Start
5.1 Connectors – Controls – Display
The front of the Fireface UFX+ features four combined instrument / microphone inputs, two
stereo headphone outputs, three rotary encoders with push functionality, a graphical colour
display, one MIDI input and output, a USB connector for DURec, and several status LEDs.
The Neutrik combo sockets of the four
Mic/Line inputs provide XLR and 6.3 mm /
1/4" TRS connection. They have LEDs for
Signal (SIG), phantom power (48V) and
activated TRS input. The latter is high
impedance (1 MOhm) and also serves as
instrument input.
The analog outputs 9 to 12 feed the headphones outputs Phones 1 and Phones 2. These low
impedance outputs of highest quality are able to drive headphones at higher levels undistorted,
no matter if low or high impedance headphones are used.
MIDI 2 I/O. Two 5-pin DIN connectors provide the second MIDI input and output.
Memory. Connector for USB stick or USB hard drive. Offers direct Recording to / Playback from
the external memory device.
State LEDs Sync. WC, AES, ADAT1, ADAT2, MADI. 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
8.7 / 14.2, Clock Modes - Synchronization.
State LEDs MIDI. Indicate separately for input and output if MIDI data is received or transmit-
ted. HOST lights up when the connection to the computer is successful. Thunderbolt, USB 3
and USB 2 are indicated by different colours. The LED will not turn on when connection has not
been initialised or interrupted (error, cable not connected etc.).
When the Global Level Meter screen is shown, the rotary encoder Volume sets the monitoring
volume of Main Out directly at the device. Pushing the button will change between Global Meter
screen and the last used menu entry.
When the Global Level Meter screen is shown, volume of Phones 1 and Phones 2 is set by
encoders 1 and 2 directly. Pushing these toggles the meter screen between standard view
(Analog, AES, ADAT, FX) and MADI view.
The four keys, the two encoders 1
and 2, the high-resolution and clear
colour display, and a well thought-
out menu structure enable the user
to quickly change and configure the
device’s settings completely without
a computer. Help notes and clear
markers in the display guide the
user through all functions.

10 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
The rear panel of the Fireface UFX+ features eight more analog inputs and outputs, the power
socket, and all digital inputs and outputs:
Balanced Line Level Inputs. 8 balanced analog inputs via 6.3 mm stereo TRS connectors.
Balanced Line Level Outputs. 8 balanced analog outputs, six via 6.3 mm stereo TRS, two via
XLR.
AES/EBU I/O. XLR. The Fireface UFX+ accepts
the commonly used digital audio formats, SPDIF
as well as AES/EBU.
MADI I/O optical: Standard optical MADI ports
(SC).
Word Clock I/O. BNC. In the Settings dialog,
Input Options, this input can be set to be termi-
nated with 75 Ohms internally.
MADI I/O coaxial: The BNC sockets can be switched individually between word and MADI I/O
functionality via the Settings dialog.
ADAT1 I/O. TOSLINK. Standard ADAT optical port, 8 channels.
ADAT2 I/O. TOSLINK. Standard ADAT optical port, 8 channels. Can also be used as optical
SPDIF input and output, if set up accordingly in the Settings dialog.
Remote. Connector for the optional Advanced Remote Control USB (ARC USB) when the
UFX+ is used in stand-alone and Class Compliant mode. This port can also be used alterna-
tively to the connection of the ARC USB to the computer.
Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt port for connection to any compatible computer.
USB 3.0. USB socket for connection to the computer. Compatible to USB 2.0 (no MADI record
and playback channels then, but all other 30 I/Os).
MIDI I/O 1. Two 5-pin DIN connectors provide the first MIDI input and output.
Hook. Secure any loose cable by feeding it through the hook first.
IEC receptacle for mains power
connection. The internal hi-
performance switch mode power
supply operates in the range of 100V
to 240V AC at highest power
efficiency. It is short-circuit-proof, has
an integrated line filter, is fully
regulated against voltage
fluctuations, suppresses mains inter-
ference, and offers hum-free operation.

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 11
5.2 Quick Start
After the driver installation (chapter 6 / 13) connect the TRS jacks or the XLR inputs with the
analog signal source. The input sensitivity of the rear inputs can be changed in TotalMix (Input
Channel Settings, LoGain / +4 dBu and Gain), assuring the highest signal to noise ratio will be
achieved. Also 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 signal level of the front inputs can also be optimized directly at the
Fireface. The key MIC/GAIN gives direct access to this setting, which is
then controlled by the encoders 1 and 2. A two-colour LED beside the
sockets signals overload by a colour change from green to red.
The digital outputs of the Fireface UFX+ provide AES/EBU (SPDIF
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 again available in TotalMix
(Output Channel Settings, Level), or the Channel Settings directly at
the device. The big Volume encoder controls the Main Out volume
(default: Analog 1/2).
The output signal of channels 9/10 and 11/12, Phones 1 and 2, can be
controlled directly from front by the small encoders 1 and 2.
The Fireface UFX+ can store and load its current state in 6 different
memory slots, called Setups. With this, the Fireface UFX+ can be
used stand-alone after setting it up accordingly, replacing lots of
dedicated devices (see chapter 24).
In online mode some settings are greyed out, as these should be changed only at the computer,
in the Settings dialog or in TotalMix FX. These include the choice of sample rate and the mix
settings.
The factory setting for the Interface Mode, Auto, makes sure that any
connected computer connection is recognized automatically.
Thunderbolt, USB 3, USB 2 and Class Compliant will usually work
without any further user interaction. In case of problems the current
interface mode can be set manually to a fixed one. This is done under
SETUP/REV, Options, Hardware/Diagnosis, Interface Mode.

12 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 13
User's Guide
Fireface UFX+
Installation and Operation – Windows

14 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
6. Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
6.1 Hardware and Driver Installation
To simplify installation it is recommended to first install the drivers before the unit is connected
to the computer. But it will also work the other way round.
Insert the RME Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive. The driver installer is located in the directory
\Thunderbolt for Thunderbolt
\MADIface_USB for USB 3 and USB 2.0 (NOT Fireface_USB)
Start rmeinstaller.exe and follow the instructions of the installer. After installation connect com-
puter and UFX+ using a USB 2, USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt cable. Windows detects the new hard-
ware as Fireface UFX+ and installs the drivers automatically.
After a reboot, the icons of TotalMix FX and Settings dialog appear
in the notification area.
Driver Updates do not require to remove the existing drivers. Simply install the new driver over
the existing one.
6.2 De-Installing the Drivers
A de-installation of the driver files is not necessary – and not supported by Windows anyway.
Thanks to full Plug & Play support, the driver files will not be loaded after the hardware has
been removed. If desired these files can then be deleted manually.
Unfortunately Windows Plug & Play methods do not cover the additional autorun entries of To-
talMix, the Settings dialog, and the registration of the ASIO driver. Those entries can be re-
moved from the registry through a software de-installation request. This request can be found
(like all de-installation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME Thunderbolt'
or 'RME MADIface'.
6.3 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Fireface UFX+ to the latest version. It re-
quires an already installed driver.
Start the program fut_tb.exe (Thunderbolt) or fut_mfusb.exe (USB). The Flash Update Tool
displays the current revision of the Fireface firmware, and whether it needs an update or not. If
so, then simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is
finished (Verify Ok).
After the update the unit needs to be reset. This is done by powering down the unit for a few
seconds. A reboot of the computer is not necessary.
When the update unexpectedly fails (status: failure), the unit's Safety BIOS will be used from
the next boot on, the unit stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again.

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 15
7. Configuring the Fireface
7.1 Settings dialog – Main Tab
Configuration of the Fireface UFX+ is done via its own settings dialog. The panel Settings can
be opened by clicking on the fire or hammer symbol in the Task Bar's system tray.
The mixer of the Fireface UFX+, TotalMix FX, can be opened by
clicking on the DSP FX symbol in the Task Bar's system tray
The hardware of the Fireface UFX+ offers a number of helpful, well thought-of practical func-
tions and options which affect how the card operates - it can be configured to suit many differ-
ent requirements. The 'Settings' dialog includes options for:
• Latency
• Operation of the DSP
• Configuration of the digital I/Os
• Current sample rate
• Synchronization behaviour
• State of input and output
Any changes made in the Settings
dialog are applied immediately -
confirmation (e.g. by clicking on OK or
exiting the dialog) is not required.
However, settings should not be
changed during playback or record if it
can be avoided, as this can cause
unwanted noises. Also, please note that
even in 'Stop' mode, several programs
keep the recording and playback
devices open, which means that any
new settings might not be applied
immediately.
The tab About includes information
about the current driver and firmware
version of the Fireface. The USB driver
shows two options there (the
Thunderbolt driver presents these on an
additional Global tab):
Lock Registry
Default: off. Checking this option brings
up a dialog to enter a password.
Changes in the Settings dialog are no
longer written to the registry. As the
settings are always loaded from the
registry when starting the computer, this
method provides an easy way to define
an initial state of the Fireface UFX+.
Enable MMCSS for ASIO activates support with higher priority for the ASIO driver. Note: At this
time, activating this option seems to be useful only with the latest Cubase/Nuendo at higher
load. With other software this option can decrease performance. The change becomes active
after an ASIO reset. Therefore it is easy to quickly check which setting works better.

16 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
Buffer Size
The setting Buffer Size determines the latency between incoming and outgoing ASIO and WDM
data, as well as affecting system stability (see chapter 9.1).
USB Diagnosis and Errors does not refer to buffer errors, but USB transmission errors. The
display will be reset on any start of a playback/record. More information can be found in chapter
39.3.
Input Options
Word Clock In Termination
Checking this option terminates the word clock input internally with 75 Ohms.
Optical 2 In
Operates as second ADAT input (default). Selecting AES/SPDIF will route the optical input sig-
nal to the AES-Receiver. This mode disables the AES input via XLR.
DSP – EQ+D for Record
Switches EQ and Dynamics of all input channels into the recording path. In case Loopback has
been activated the EQ and Dynamics of the Output channel are within the recording path. See
also chapter 27.6.
MADI Input
Options: Optical - default. Coaxial - the BNC word clock input can be used as coaxial MADI
input. AutoSelect - the UFX+ scans both inputs for a valid MADI signal and activates one as
soon as a MADI signal is found. Split – uses both inputs with 32 channels each.
TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information on AES,
SPDIF and MADI inputs. In case these information are not required the feature should be turn-
ed off.
Iso(chronous) Streaming (USB 3 only)
The UFX+ uses a special transmission mode with error correction in record mode. In case the
default mode does not work Isochronous Streaming can be tried. This is the standard’s native
mode for audio transmission and should work with any USB 3 controller. See also chapter 39.3.
Output Options
AES Format
The AES output signal can have the Channel Status Professional or Consumer (SPDIF). This
setting is also valid when ADAT2 has been set as AES/SPDIF output. For further details please
refer to chapter 21.2.
Optical 2 Out
This optical TOSLINK output can operate as ADAT or AES/SPDIF output.
MADI Format
Defines the format of the MADI output signal. MADI can be a 56 or 64 channel signal.
MADI Frame
Sample rates higher than 48 kHz can be transmitted using the normal 48K Frame, or using a
native 96K Frame at the card's output.
MADI Output
Options: Optical - default. Mirror - the BNC word clock output can be used as coaxial MADI
output carrying the same signal as the optical output. Split - uses both outputs with 32 channels
each.

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 17
WDM Devices
Allows to freely set which I/Os are available as WDM devices, if these are stereo or multi-
channel devices (up to 8 channels), and if one or multiple of the currently active WDM devices
should have the Speaker property. More details are found in chapter 7.2.
Clock Mode
Word Clock – Single Speed
The word clock output signal usually
equals the current sample rate.
Selecting Single Speed causes the
output signal to always stay within the
range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz
and 192 kHz sample rate, the output
word clock is 48 kHz.
Sample Rate
Sets the currently used sample rate.
Offers a central and comfortable way of
configuring the sample rate of all WDM
devices to the same value, as since
Vista the audio software is no longer
allowed to set the sample rate.
However, an ASIO program can still set
the sample rate by itself. During
record/playback the selection is greyed
out, so no change is possible.
Clock Source
The unit can be configured to use its
own clock (Internal = Master), or one of
the input signals (Word, AES, ADAT1,
ADAT2, MADI optical, MADI coaxial). If
the selected source isn't available (Input
Status No Lock), the unit will change to
the next available one (AutoSync). If
none is available then the internal clock
is used. The current clock source is
displayed to the right.
Pitch (Thunderbolt only)
More information on Pitch is available in chapter 7.4.
Input Status
Indicates for each input (Word, AES, ADAT1, ADAT2, MADI optical, MADI coaxial) whether
there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The
third column shows the sample frequency detected by the hardware (coarse recognition, 32
kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz etc.). For MADI, channel format and Frame format are also shown.

18 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
7.2 Option WDM Devices
The WDM Devices configuration has one button to enter the edit dialog, a status display show-
ing the number of currently enabled WDM devices, and a listbox to change between Stereo or
Multi-Channel devices.
The number represents both record and
playback devices, so ‘1’ means one input
and one output device.
The screenshot to the right shows the stereo
WDM devices available with the UFX+, and
that only Analog 1/2 has been activated.
Any number can be activated. Also only
higher numbered devices might be active.
For example using the MADI output 1/2 for
system based audio does not require to
activate the 15 stereo devices in front. Only
MADI 1/2 will show up in the Windows
Sound control panel.
The checkbox All to the right allows for a
quick check/uncheck of all devices.
Activating all 47 stereo devices at once
may cause temporary freezing or ‘not
responding’ effects. Therefore activate
only the ones which are really needed.
The screenshot to the left shows the multi-
channel WDM devices available with the
UFX+ after selecting ‘Multi-Channel’ in the
WDM Devices listbox and hitting WDM
Configure. In this example the devices
Analog 1 to 8 and MADI 1 to 8 are active.
Using a multi-channel WDM device allows
for the use of multi-channel playback with
specialized software as well as Surround
sound from DVD or Blu-Ray player software.
Please note that configuring the WDM
device to a specific surround mode in the
control panel Sound requires the device to
have the Speaker property. See next page.
Again the checkbox All to the right allows for
a quick check/uncheck of all devices.

User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME 19
Changing to the tab Speaker presents a list
of all currently activated WDM devices. Any
of these can now get the Speaker property.
Please note that defining more than one
device as Speaker usually makes no sense,
and the speakers also don’t get numbered
or renamed in Windows, so it is impossible
to find out which one is which.
After leaving the dialog with OK the WDM
devices are reloaded so Windows sees their
new properties. You can now assign any
surround mode, from stereo to 7.1, in the
Windows Sound control panel by selecting
the playback device and clicking the
Configure button.

20 User's Guide Fireface UFX+ © RME
7.3 Tab Global (Thunderbolt only)
This tab includes several options that work on all currently installed and supported interfaces.
Lock Registry
Default: off. Checking this option brings up a dialog to enter a password. Changes in the Set-
tings dialog are no longer written to the registry. As the settings are always loaded from the
registry when starting the computer, this method provides an easy way to define an initial state
of the Fireface UFX+.
Optimize Multi-Client Mixing
Default: off. Checking this option
removes short noise bursts when
multi-client playback starts, but will
also introduce some additional CPU
load. Up to 32 clients are supported.
Enable MMCSS for ASIO activates
support with higher priority for the
ASIO driver. Note: At this time,
activating this option seems to be
useful only with the latest
Cubase/Nuendo at higher load. With
other software this option can
decrease performance. The change
becomes active after an ASIO reset.
Therefore it is easy to quickly check
which setting works better.
ASIO 32 Channel Limit
Default: off. Checking this option
limits the number of ASIO I/Os to 32.
Reducing the number of ASIO chan-
nels is required for older versions of
ProTools to prevent them from crashing on start-up.
Change Card Order
This dialog lists all cards currently installed in the system and controlled by the driver. Their
order can then be changed by selecting a card and using the up/down arrows. Confirm the op-
eration with the Apply button. This feature comes in handy if different interfaces are installed
and a specific one of them should always be the first in the ASIO channel list.
At the end of the card info line the current firmware version is shown (Revision).