Help-Anyone using RME Fireface with JRiver?

[STC]

Hi guys,

 

I am planning to get a RME Fireface UFX II to replace my current DACs. I would appreciate if any of you guys who is familiar with JRiver and RME to help me to confirm that my intended configuration is possible with RME. 

 

Thank you.

[One and a half]

RME have a nasty habit to suppress all other sound card devices in the computer, that is render them invisible. 

 

Caveat:

Applies to HDSPE AIO drivers on Windows 7 or 10. Jriver works well, since it's the only card in town.

 

Suggest you research thoroughly before making a commitment. 

[STC]

I don't use internal sound card so that shouldn't be an issue for me. 

 

Is it possible for me to ask you a favour, please?

 

Could you confirm that if you were to make multiple zones in JRiver, the zones can be sent to RME separately and output to different amplifiers? RME Fireface UFX specs says 60 channels but I only see 8 channels output. Perhaps, 10 or 12 channels out if I take into account of the headphones output. I want about 48 channels output and was told that it can be connected to another RME via spdif. Is that correct?

 

I know it would be easier if I can get a RME or Focusrite on trial to experiment but we don't have that kind of facilities over here.

 

Thanks.

 

 

[One and a half]

The cabling becomes a nightmare, I don't know the fireplace, so can't comment. 

The way RME assign channels is the standard L & R is two channels from the one output like SPDIF 1. For the channels you want, a huge snake is needed.

Jriver can assign different zones to different channels, no real problem,  but ask at Jriver to confirm the limit just in case.

[STC]

I am now using a total of 36 channels via JRiver with 10 zones using 10 DACs. I want the DACs to be replaced by the RME but now it looks like I need at least 4 RME..... I guess I have to forget it. That is too expensive for me.

[esldude]

Probably the best way to connect other devices for the extra channels is via ADAT.  How well that works with Jriver I have no idea.   Other less expensive devices would take ADAT input if some outputs are less critical to you.   Also you might do this with two Focusrite Clarett 8PreX units which would cost the same as one RME.  These are Thunderbolt rather than USB units however.

 

Now what you wish to do sounds like what Ravenna and Dante are made for actually.  Doing that isn't exactly inexpensive at this point either unfortunately.  You might investigate the Focusrite Rednet units which all connect and are controllable over ethernet using Dante.  This might be within your budget.  I haven't used one just read about them.  So input from someone knowledgeable would be better.  There are reports from a few people using JRiver with the Rednet units.

 

I hope this becomes standard fare.  It is basically audio over IP.  Any computer with playback software and a virtual Dante soundcard lets you control all these units over ethernet.

[STC]

Thanx Esldude. I think I may not even looking at the right solution. The processing is actually taking place in JRiver and RME or Focusrite digital interface role is just to route the digital signal to the correct output. looks so simple and yet it has been few months without a solution.

[esldude]

https://us.focusrite.com/sites/default/files/focusrite/downloads/20349/rednet-installation-guide_0.pdf

Take some time looking at the various Rednet devices.  Some of these get pricier than I remembered.

 

I am not sure how your situation is physically laid out.  Could you use the Rednet 3 which is basically for switching 8 ADAT and 8 AES/EBU signals?  The ADATs can handle I think 2 channels of 192 or 4 channels of 96 or 8 channels of 48 khz.  Please note, though the same connector and cable is used the ADAT format is not the same as SPDIF over Toslink.   If you had that and all DACs that take the ADAT inputs maybe that is a solution. 

 

Maybe do some looking for other forums where people use Dante and Jriver to provide some answers. 

[STC]

I want to avoid using my current DACs. I am attaching the diagram below for any suggesting that I can replace the 10 DACs ( I will be adding another four/six for multichannel music and Dolby/ATMOS movie setup). Thanx.