RME Audio Fireface UCX II User manual

User's Guide
Fireface UCX II
The most powerful USB audio interface ever!
USB 2.0 Digital I/O System
8 Channel Analog Interface
2 + 2 Channel AES / SPDIF Interface
8 Channel ADAT Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
40 x 20 Matrix Router
MIDI Input / Output
Full Stand-Alone Operation
Direct USB Recording
Class Compliant Operation
TotalMix FX™
24 Bit / 192 kHz 
SyncCheck™
SteadyClock FS ™

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
Safety Instructions and Proper use
Read the manual carefully and completely before using the device. Pay attention to
the following information on how to use and operate the Fireface UCX II safely. Im-
proper use can lead to loss of warranty claims (see warranty statement on page 82).
Proper Use
The Fireface UCX II is a digital interface for professional audio applications for use with CE ap-
proved class B computers.
To comply with the European CE standard, the Fireface UCX II must be used
with CE approved Class B computers. All connecting cables must be shielded.
The computer and all cables connected to the Fireface UCX II must be proper-
ly grounded. Operation with non-certified computers and cables may cause
interference to other devices as well as the Fireface UCX II.
Do not open chassis
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified service personnel.
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 radi-
ators 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.

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
3
Safety Instructions and Proper Use .......................2
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
5.3 Menu and Navigation............................................11
5.4 Overview Menu Structure......................................13
5.5 Special Options.....................................................14
Installation and Operation - Windows
6 Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
6.1 Hardware and Driver Installation..........................16
6.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................16
6.3 Firmware Update .................................................16
7 Configuring the Fireface –Settings Dialog
7.1 General ................................................................17
7.2 Pitch.....................................................................19
7.3 Option WDM Devices ..........................................20
8 Operation and Usage
8.1 Playback...............................................................20
8.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS)................................21
8.3 Channel Count under WDM.................................22
8.4 Multi-client Operation...........................................22
8.5 Analog Recording.................................................23
8.6 Digital Recording..................................................23
8.7 Clock Modes - Synchronization............................24
9 Operation under ASIO
9.1 General ................................................................25
9.2 Channel Count under ASIO .................................25
9.3 Known Problems..................................................26
10 Using more than one Fireface UCX II....................26
11 DIGICheck Windows...............................................27
12 Hotline –Troubleshooting .....................................28

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
13 Hardware, Driver and Firmware Installation
13.1 Hardware and Driver Installation..........................30
13.2 De-installing the Drivers.......................................30
13.3 Firmware Update..................................................30
14 Configuring the Fireface
14.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................31
14.2 Clock Modes - Synchronization............................33
15 Mac OS X FAQ
15.1 MIDI doesn't work.................................................34
15.2 Repairing Disk Permissions.................................34
15.3 Supported Sample Rates.....................................34
15.4 Channel Count under Core Audio........................34
15.5 Various Information..............................................35
16 Using more than one Fireface................................35
17 DIGICheck Mac ........................................................36
18 Hotline –Troubleshooting......................................37
Inputs and Outputs
19 Analog Inputs
19.1 Line Rear..............................................................40
19.2 Microphone / Line Front .......................................40
19.3 Instrument / Line Front.........................................41
20 Analog Outputs
20.1 Line.......................................................................42
20.2 Headphones / Line Out ........................................42
20.3 DC-coupled Outputs (CV/Gate) ...........................43
21 Digital Connections
21.1 ADAT....................................................................44
21.2 AES/EBU..............................................................44
21.3 SPDIF (Coaxial, Optical)......................................45
21.4 MIDI......................................................................45
22 Word Clock
22.1 Word Clock Input / 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 8-Channel AD/DA-Converter................................51
24.2 2-Channel Mic Preamp ........................................51
24.3 Monitor Mixer........................................................51
24.4 Digital Format Converter......................................51
24.5 Analog/Digital Routing Matrix...............................51
24.6 Stand-Alone Recorder/Player...............................51

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
5
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
25.3.3Dynamics .....................................................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................67
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.......................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.....................................................83
28 MIDI Remote Control
28.1 Overview..............................................................84
28.2 Mapping ...............................................................84
28.3 Setup....................................................................85
28.4 Operation .............................................................85
28.5 MIDI Control.........................................................86
28.6 Stand-Alone MIDI Control....................................87
28.7 Loopback Detection.............................................89
28.8 OSC (Open Sound Control).................................89
29 DAW Mode ...............................................................89
30 TotalMix Remote .....................................................90

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
Class Compliant Mode
31 General.....................................................................94
32 System Requirements.............................................94
33 Operation .................................................................95
33.1 Useful Hints..........................................................95
33.2 Class Compliant under Windows/Mac OS X........96
34 Supported Inputs and Outputs ..............................96
35 Front panel Operation.............................................97
36 Audio Routing and Processing..............................97
37 Setups.......................................................................98
DURec - Direct USB Recording
38 Direct USB Recording
38.1 Overview ............................................................100
38.2 Operation............................................................100
38.3 Limitations and Important Notes ........................103
38.4 Multichannel WAV File Batch Processor............104
38.5 Technical Background........................................105
Technical Reference
39 Technical Specifications
39.1 Analog................................................................108
39.2 MIDI....................................................................109
39.3 Digital .................................................................109
39.4 Digital Inputs.......................................................109
39.5 Digital Outputs....................................................110
39.6 General...............................................................110
40 Technical Background
40.1 Lock and SyncCheck .........................................111
40.2 Latency and Monitoring......................................112
40.3 USB Audio..........................................................113
40.4 DS –Double Speed............................................114
40.5 QS –Quad Speed..............................................114
40.6 Noise Level in DS / QS Mode.............................115
40.7 SteadyClock.......................................................115
41 Diagrams
41.1 Block Diagram Fireface UCX II..........................116
41.2 Connector Pinouts..............................................117
Miscellaneous
42 Accessories ...........................................................120
43 Warranty.................................................................120
44 Appendix................................................................121
45 Declaration of Conformity ....................................122

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
7
User's Guide
Fireface UCX II
General

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Fireface UCX II. This unique audio system is capable of transferring
analog and digital audio data directly to Windows and Mac computers. The latest Plug and Play
technology guarantees a simple installation, even for the inexperienced user. Numerous unique
features like a well thought-out Settings dialog and an integrated routing solution realize a quick,
comfortable and efficient operation of the Fireface UCX II.
The package contains drivers for Windows 7 / 8 / 10 and Mac OS X x86 (Intel).
2. Package Contents
Please check your Fireface UCX II package contains each of the following:
Fireface UCX II
Cable USB 2.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
External switched power supply, lockable connector, DC 12 V 24 W
Power cord
3. System Requirements
Windows 7 or up, Intel Mac OS X (10.6 or up)
1 x USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
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 48 up to 8192 samples selectable
4 channels 96 kHz/24 bit Record/Playback via ADAT optical (S/MUX)
2 channels 192 kHz/24 bit Record/Playback via ADAT optical (S/MUX4)
Clock modes slave and master
Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode
SteadyClock FS: 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: 800 channel mixer with 46 bit internal resolution
TotalMix FX: 3-band EQ, Low Cut, Reverb, Echo, Compressor, Expander, Auto Level
1 x MIDI I/O, 16 channels high-speed Low-Jitter MIDI
1 x Hi-power low impedance headphone output
DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
9
5. First Usage –Quick Start
5.1 Connectors –Controls –Display
The front of the Fireface UCX II features two instrument and microphone inputs, a stereo head-
phone output, a rotary encoder with push functionality, four buttons, a graphical colour display
and two status LEDs.
The Neutrik combo sockets of the two
Mic/Line inputs provide XLR and 6.3 mm /
1/4" TRS connection. They have LEDs for
phantom power (48V) indication.
Inputs 3/4, INST/LINE, accept both a bal-
anced line signal as well as an unbalanced
instrument signal via 1/4" TRS plug.
The analog outputs 7 and 8 feed the headphones output Phones. This low impedance output of
highest quality is able to drive headphones at higher levels undistorted, no matter if low or high
impedance headphones are used.
The four keys and the encoder,
the high-resolution and clear col-
our display, and a well thought-
out menu structure enable the
user to quickly change and con-
figure the device’s settings com-
pletely without a computer. Help
notes and clear markers in the
display guide the user through all
functions.
When the Global Level Meter screen is shown, the rotary encoder sets the monitoring volume of
Main Out directly at the device. Pushing the button will change to Phones volume control, as
indicated in the right lower corner of the screen.
Digital State. On the right side the main screen shows the current sample rate and the state of
all digital input signals. WCK, SPDIF, AES and 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 corresponding field will flash. See
also chapter 8.7 / 14.2, Clock Modes - Synchronization. The field USB will change to CC when in
Class Compliant mode.
State MIDI. Between ADAT and USB two yellow lines indicate incoming and outgoing MIDI data.

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
The rear panel of the Fireface UCX II features 4 analog inputs and 6 analog outputs, the power
socket, USB, DURec (USB-A), word clock, MIDI I/O, ADAT I/O, and a connector for the included
breakout cable D-sub to XLR/RCA (SPDIF/AES I/O).
Balanced Line Level Inputs. 4 balanced analog inputs via 6.3 mm stereo TRS connectors.
Balanced Line Level Outputs. 6 balanced analog outputs via 6.3 mm stereo TRS.
AES/EBU & SPDIF. XLR. Via breakout cable the Fireface
UCX II supports both SPDIF coaxial as well as AES/EBU.
Word. BNC. Can be set to operate as word clock output
or input. The input can be terminated with 75 Ohms inter-
nally via Settings dialog, Options.
ADAT 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.
DURec (Remote). Connector for USB stick or USB hard drive. Offers direct recording to / play-
back from the external memory device. Alternatively connector for the optional Advanced Re-
mote Control USB (ARC USB) when the UCX II is used in stand-alone and Class Compliant
mode. This port can also be used instead of connecting the ARC USB to the computer.
USB 2.0. USB socket for connection to the computer. Compatible to USB 3.0.
MIDI I/O. Two 5-pin DIN connectors provide MIDI input and output.
Hook. Secure any loose cable by feeding it through the hook first.
Power. The included hi-performance switch mode power supply oper-
ates 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 interference, and of-
fers hum-free operation. It supplies 12 V DC at up to 2 A with the cen-
ter pin + and outer pin GND.
The connector at the power supply and the socket at the unit come
with a turn to lock feature. When inserting the connector make
sure the little wings are aligned correctly so that the connector is
fully inserted. Then turn the connector so that it is locked and can no
longer be removed. If not fully inserted the connection will be loose
and cause power loss when the cable is moved.

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © 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, +13 dBu / +19 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 encoder VALUE.
The digital outputs of the Fireface UCX II provide AES/EBU, SPDIF
coaxial, SPDIF optical and ADAT optical at the respective 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 encoder VALUE controls the Main Out volume
(default: Line Out 1/2).
The output signal of channels 7/8, Phones, can also be controlled
directly from the VALUE encoder.
The Fireface UCX II can store and load its current state in 6 different
memory slots, called Setups (SETUP/REV, Options, Load/Store all
Settings). With this, the Fireface UCX II 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.
5.3 Menu and Navigation
The Fireface UCX II has a simple and clear menu structure, for fast and efficient operation di-
rectly at the device. In most cases, however, all settings will be done via the Settings dialog and
TotalMix FX of the host computer. The operation on the device is typically limited to a direct
adjustment of the monitoring volume (loudspeaker and headphones), the microphone gain, and
DURec (Direct USB Recording). In stand-alone mode, all settings are available directly on the
device.
Navigation through the menus of the display and control of the settings is done via four quick
select buttons and a rotary encoder with push function.
Default in the display is the Global Level Meter screen, which shows the current signal levels for
all I/Os. By pressing the encoder knob VALUE for half a second, only the analog I/Os (Analog
Level Meter screen) are displayed, which makes the level display larger and thus easier to read.

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
The Global and Analog Level Meter Screen on the far right also
shows:
The current sample rate
Clock mode and Lock/Sync status of the Word, SPDIF, AES
and ADAT inputs
MIDI I/O activity by two yellow dots
USB and Class Compliant mode active (CC)
Current output of the volume setting, dB value to it
DSP meter, shows the load of the DSP by activated FX
Turning the knob displays the volume screen of the currently
selected output. Pressing the knob toggles the display between
Main Out and Phones. At the bottom right, the current selection
and dB value of the Volume setting is shown, so it is visible even
when the Volume screen is not active.
The title bar shows the currently selected output and the as-
signed channels (Default Main is Line Out 1/2, Phones is fixed to
Line Out 7/8).
The quick select buttons MIC/GAIN, REC/PLAY, CHAN/MIX and SETUP/REV are described in
chapter 23.2.
Navigation
The Fireface UCX II has a simple and fast 1-button operation.
Pressing the VALUE encoder switches between adjusting the
parameter and moving horizontally through the menu to moving
vertically through the menu. Here is an example: the BNC sock-
et’s mode is to be switched from Input to Output (or vice versa).
Press the SETUP/REV key. The Options menu appears. The
cursor is in the second line and has the button symbol. Turning
the encoder switches horizontally between the pages Clock,
Hardware/Diagnosis, Load/Store all Settings and Control Room.
After selecting Clock, press the encoder. The knob symbol
changes to double arrows. By turning the encoder, the cursor
now moves vertically through the menu.
Scroll down to BNC as WCK. Press the encoder so that the but-
ton symbol appears. Select the desired mode Input or Output by
turning the knob. Quickly exit the menu by pressing the
SETUP/REV button twice. Otherwise the menu will automatically
switch to the Level Meter screen after 90 seconds without any
user input.

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
13
5.4 Overview Menu Structure

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
5.5 Special Options
In the menu SETUP/REV - Options - Hardware/Diagnosis there are some additional setting op-
tions which are not described elsewhere in this manual.
Standalone ARC. For the optional ARC USB (Advanced Remote Control), when connected
directly to the UCX II, the following options are available:
Standalone ARC Volume. Deactivates all keys. Only the encoder wheel works, with a fixed
assignment to Main Volume.
This option is also a safety function in case the ARC USB is connected to the UFX+ / UFX II, but
operated online (with computer). When the system goes offline (computer removed, sleep
state…) the functions on the keys change, because online mode changed to stand-alone mode.
Operating the keys then could activate unintended functionality or changes.
Standalone ARC 1 s op
Each key has to be pressed for one second to activate the programmed functionality. This safety
function prevents unintentional changes. It can be stored within the Setups, activating this mode
automatically when such a Setup is loaded. When loading a Setup where this function had not
been active this mode is automatically deactivated at the UFX+ / UFX II.
Standalone ARC normal
Normal operation of the ARC USB.
Lock Keys. OFF, KEYS, ALL. Press SETUP/REV key for 2 seconds to unlock.
Remap Keys. OFF, ON. Allows assigning 28 different functions/actions to the four quick select
buttons on the device. The configuration is done in the following four entries:
MIC/GAIN, REC/PLAY, CHAN/MIX, SETUP/REV. Available functions/actions:
Default, Meter, Setup 1-6, DIM, Recall, Mute Enable, Main Mono, Main Mute, Main Out Low Cut,
Main Out EQ, Main Out Dynamics, Main Out AutoLevel, Phones Mute, Phones Low Cut, Phones
EQ, Phones Dynamics, Phones AutoLevel, Reverb enable, Echo enable, Record*, Play/Pause*
Stop*, Previous*, Next*. (* DURec functions).
The original function of the key on the device, calling up the menu, is still possible by pressing
the key on the device for a longer time (0.5 s).
Level Meters. All, Analog. Global Level Meter or Analog Lev-
el Meter screen. Same function as pressing the VALUE en-
coder for half a second.
Scroll Type. cw up, cw down. Allows changing the scroll di-
rection when turning the encoder.

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
15
User's Guide
Fireface UCX II
Installation and Operation –Windows

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © 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.
RME is constantly improving the drivers. Please download the latest drivers from the RME web-
site. Driver version 4.30 or higher is available via http://rme.to/downloads. Unzip the down-
loaded file and start the driver installation with rmeinstaller.exe.
Start rmeinstaller.exe and follow the instructions of the installer. After installation connect com-
puter and UCX II using a USB 2 cable. Windows detects the new hardware as Fireface UCX II
and installs the drivers automatically.
After a reboot, the icons of TotalMix FX and Settings dialog appear in
the notification area. If not a click on the chevron leads to the settings
that control the icon display.
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 MADIface'.
6.3 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates the firmware of the Fireface UCX II to the latest version. It re-
quires an already installed driver.
Start the program fut_usb.exe. 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 UCX II © RME
17
7. Configuring the Fireface –Settings Dialog
7.1 General
Configuration of the Fireface UCX II 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 UCX II, TotalMix FX, can be opened by
clicking on the DSP FX symbol in the Task Bar's system tray
The hardware of the Fireface UCX II offers a number of helpful practical functions and options to
suit many different 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 un-
wanted noises. Also, please note that
even in 'Stop' mode, several programs
keep the recording and playback devices
open, which means that any new set-
tings might not be applied immediately.
The tab About includes information
about the current driver and firmware
version of the Fireface UCX II. About
offers four more options:
Lock Registry
Default: off. Checking this option brings
up a dialog to enter a password. Chang-
es 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 pro-
vides an easy way to define an initial
state of the Fireface UCX II.
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.
Sort ASIO Devices
Changes the order only of the ASIO channels when using more than one interface.

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User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
Buffer Size (Latency)
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 indicates USB transmission errors. The display will be reset on any start of a
playback/record. More information can be found in chapter 40.3.
Output Format
Word –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.
Optical
The optical TOSLINK output can operate as ADAT or SPDIF output. ADAT: includes channels
ADAT 1 to 8. SPDIF: includes channels SPDIF opt. L/R, in TotalMix ADAT ½. In SPDIF mode
Channel Status is fixed to Consumer.
SPDIF
The output SPDIF coaxial (RCA) can have the Channel Status Professional or Consumer. For
further details please refer to chapter 21.3.
Options
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 chap-
ter 27.6.
TMS activates the transmission of
Channel Status data and Track Marker
information on AES and SPDIF inputs.
In case these information are not re-
quired the feature should be turned off.
Word Clock In Termination
Checking this option terminates the word
clock input internally with 75 Ohms.
Word Clock Output
This option switches the BNC socket
into word clock output mode.
WDM Devices
Reduce the number of WDM devices to
the ones really needed to improve per-
formance of the operating system.

User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
19
!
!
Clock Mode
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 long-
er 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, SPDIF, AES, ADAT). 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
More information on Pitch is available in chapter 7.2.
Input Status
Indicates for each input (Word, SPDIF coaxial, AES, ADAT) 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.).
7.2 Pitch
Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a
quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in be-
tween. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital
Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest preci-
sion.
The section Pitch includes both a list of typical video frequencies (so called pull up/pull down at
0.1% and 4%) and a fader to freely change the basic sample rate in steps of 1 Hz (!) over a
range of +/- 5%.
The Pitch function requires the Fireface to be in clock mode Master! The frequency setting
will only be applied to this one specific Fireface!
Changing the sample rate during record/playback often results in a loss of audio, or brings
up warning messages of the audio software. Therefore the desired sample rate should be
set at least coarsely before starting the software.
Coarse
Coarse modification in steps of 50 Hz
is done by clicking with the mouse to
the left and right of the fader knob.
Fine
Fine modification in steps of 1 Hz is
done by using the left/right cursor
keys.
Reset
Ctrl key plus left mouse click.

20
User's Guide Fireface UCX II © RME
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Application examples
Pitch allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From
alignment to other sources up to creative effects –everything is possible.
Pitch enables you to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match
instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning.
7.3 Option WDM Devices
The area WDM Devices gives configuration access, a status display showing the number of
currently enabled WDM devices, and a listbox to choose Stereo or Multi-Channel devices. The
number represents both record and playback devices, so ‘1’ means one input and one output
device.
WDM streaming is Microsoft's current driver and audio system, directly embedded into the oper-
ating system.
Several programs do not offer any direct device selection. Instead they use the playback device
selected in Windows under <Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback>.
Activating all 15 stereo devices at once may cause temporary freezing or ‘not responding’
effects. Therefore activate only the ones which are really needed.
After leaving the dialog with OK the WDM devices are reloaded so Windows sees their new
properties.
Multi-Channel using WDM
The WDM Streaming device Loudspeaker (Analog 1+2) of the RME driver can operate as usual
stereo device, or as up to 8-channel device. 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.
An 8-channel playback using the Windows Media Player requires the speaker setup 7.1 Sur-
round. Configure as follows: >Control Panel /Sound /Playback /Loudspeaker /Configure <.
8. Operation and Usage
8.1 Playback
In the audio application being used, Fireface UCX II must be selected as output device. This can
often be found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus under Playback Device, Audio
Devices, Audio etc.
WDM playback devices are not available if the number of WDM devices is set to 0 in the
Settings dialog.
We recommend switching all system sounds off (via >Control Panel /Sounds<). Although the
Fireface UCX II comes with extensive support for system audio, setting it to be the Default De-
vice for playback could cause problems when working with ASIO.
Increasing the number and/or size of audio buffers may prevent the audio signal from breaking
up, but also increases latency i.e. output is delayed. For synchronized playback of audio and
MIDI (or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox ‘Get position from audio driver’.