fireface 400 driver install problem

robbsie · 6th January 2007, 12:29 AM

hello guys,
I am new to gearslutz and a little embarrased using my first post to ask for help but when in need etc, etc, etc
I bought a fireface 400 on the 4th Nov and due to moving house have only now got to use it...unfortunatly I seem to have fallen at the first hurdle...it will not install the drivers, the hardware was never detectedbut using the add hardware facility on my xp pro I have finally managed to get it recognised in the hardware listings, from there I have trid to install the drivers but have crashed the computer each time just at the point of completing the driver install, it got so intense that each time I try ti install and the machine crashes I also lose my d and e drives the fist time required a reformat of the puter...which really sickened me, since then I have managed to go back to a reset point

BUT I cannot install the drivers, can anyone help me with a relly idiots install guide for these drivers

Incidentally I have used 3 different computers each with th same disasterous results....kindof getting desperate now
I have been in touch with synthax and loosly arranged to return it to them on the 8 / 9th this month for checking out......BUT STILL CANNOT INSTALL DRIVERS

regards
robbsie

RME Support · 6th January 2007, 12:49 AM

Hello,

trying to force-install a driver without prior hardware detection by Windows will inevitably lead to crashes.

If the FF400 is not detected, either one of the folloeing three things could be defective: The FF itself, the Firewire cable, or the computer's Firewire connection.
Since it doesn't seem to work on other computers, try another cable, and if that also doesn't help, have the unit exchanged...

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

donsolo · 6th January 2007, 07:49 AM

wow, Kudos for coming out and representing the company

that's really upstanding of you.

Kinda like when a sweetwater guy chimes in when we get on a rant.

Except this time, you're really super-helpful (just kidding sweetwater guy, we love you)

robbsie · 6th January 2007, 09:13 AM

thanks daniel for the fast response, yes, I have bought another firewire cable but still have the same problem and I can also tell you that I added a 3 port firewire card to one off the computers and that appears to be installed and running ok,but still cannot detect the FF400
Incidentally I tried to install again last night after my post on this forum, and once again caused a crash ...lost d and e drives but this time the system restore has not brought them back...really wierd hope its not another reformat
I must also apologise for the spelling on my first post rather late and crampped conditions

appreciate any advice

thanks
robbsie

klopfgeist99 · 22nd January 2007, 08:48 PM

Hello!

I have similar problem. My motherboard Asus P5B-E has onboard 1394 port. Using different cables Windows cannot detect the FF 400. Have tried different PC-s, but the problem remains - the computer can't detect FF 400. What should I do now?
What about you Robbsie - did you get your FF to work? What did you do?

Klopfgeist99

robbsie · 22nd January 2007, 10:37 PM

Klopfgeist99 my friend
I have sent my fireface back to rme for cheching out.
It has now been away for two weeks and I have heard nothing
I have had the ff400 now for going on 3 months and still not able to use it....if there is a problem, I hope to see a new replacement and NOT a repair
we will see how good rme are to their clients.. at present my experiences are not good

regards
robbsie

klopfgeist99 · 25th January 2007, 09:03 AM

It's grazy, lot of people have some problem with Fireface 400 - who get's 50V from inputs, who just can't install the card. What's going on in RME - are you testing your gears before selling? People are losing their money because main gear in studio - soundcard is missing for months. I'm thinking to find something else instead of replacing the unit. To wait 2 months - maybe they send me replacement which has the same problem? I don't think Thomann.de (which is a dealer of my gear) will check the gear before shipping.

Regards,

Klopfgeist99

RME Support · 25th January 2007, 10:11 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbsie

Klopfgeist99 my friend
I have sent my fireface back to rme for cheching out.
It has now been away for two weeks and I have heard nothing

When and where did you send the device?

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support · 25th January 2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klopfgeist99

It's grazy, lot of people have some problem with Fireface 400 - who gets 50V from inputs

Please don't spread incorrect information... Read the other thread properly before making such comments. What you are referring to is called phantom power...

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support · 25th January 2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klopfgeist99

What should I do now?

Contact your dealer... Looks like a warranty issue.

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

donsolo · 25th January 2007, 10:49 AM

pwn

I always heard great things about the fireface.

robbsie · 26th January 2007, 08:24 AM

Hi daniel,
The ff400 was returned to synthax 8th Jan , ( the delay was due to the christmas holidays and synthax advised me to hold on to it until 8th jan )I emailed them asking for any info on tuesday 23rd, and not getting a reply I emailed again yesterday thursday 28th , this time theyoffered to get some info from germany .
BUT my problem is really that that the unit was
originally purchased on 4th October by rooster studios they
were unhappy with it and sold it on to me early November,just 4 weeks old, Unfortunatly due to
my moving home I just got around to installing it at christmas time when I managed to get some time with it
.....and that’s where the problem starts..it would not load into my computer
there is no hardware detection cannot load any drivers from the cd, at
first I suspected the firewire connection on my puter and bought a new one
, installed it ok but still nothing then purchased a new cable still
nothing
I have connected it up to my computer and use the firewire cable to supply
power...the unit shows the the host light and the led numeric display
that’s it,
I looked for some help on the RME page and was directed to george in
America swopped a couple of emails and he advised me to contact synthax
I have had it for going on 3 months and have not been able to use it.
Suppose I thought It would be swapped for a new unit given that it was less than one month from new when I got it
Anyways, .lots of negatives at the moment..but hope it will all change
and again thanks for any help you can give....really looking towards getting back into my recording mode with a quality ff400 unit

thanks and regards
robbsie

RME Support · 26th January 2007, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbsie

Hi daniel,
The ff400 was returned to synthax 8th Jan

Is that Synthax US?

Quote:

I looked for some help on the RME page and was directed to george in
America swopped a couple of emails and he advised me to contact synthax

Not sure what you mean, George works for Synthax (US)...

Have Synthax US sent it to Germany? Can you PM me the serial number and your name and address, then I can enquire.

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

robbsie · 26th January 2007, 10:52 AM

So sorry for being unclear daniel
When I first encountered the problem I contacted george cabaniss (Synthax US), as I live in England and he suggested I contact Joe debie at synthax UK...all my contact has been with joe since then
Unfortunatly I did not get serial number from the unit, but if you could kindly give joe debie a call he will confirm dates etc. and give the details of the unit also the post time it was returned to RME he can be reached at the address given below

joe.debie@synthax.eu

Hope you can help It would be greatly appreciated

best regards
robbsie

RME Support · 26th January 2007, 11:02 AM

Hi,

it would help if you'd let me know your full name etc... PM or mail me at support@synthax.de.

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

robbsie · 26th January 2007, 11:30 AM

Thanks daniel......have PM'd you

regards
robbsie

RME Support · 26th January 2007, 01:50 PM

Hello Robbsie,

a shipment of repaired devices went back to Joe on Tuesday, but without the serial number, I can't tell you whether your FF400 is part of that shipment... Currently, there are no items from Synthax UK at our factory.

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

klopfgeist99 · 26th January 2007, 11:33 PM

After attempts to detect FF 400 through my PC and with other PC-s, there was no result. Computers were not able to detect the FF 400. I sent my pc to be serviced and find out, what's the problem. They realise that integrated 1394 port on my motherboard is not in working order. Ok, as a guarantee, they ordered new one. The port worked. But after the computer was connected with the FF 400, the port was out again, and other firewire devices didn't work anymore too. So, now they installed additional pci 1394 card. I sent FF 400 back to dealer cause the FF 400 probably burned down all the 1394 ports - there is something wrong. This is my story. Hope to get replacement quickly.

RME Support · 26th January 2007, 11:47 PM

Hi,

sorry to hear about that... Did you connect the FF400 while the PC was on? Was it set to use Bus Power?

Whichever way, please contact me by mail, support@synthax.de

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

klopfgeist99 · 29th January 2007, 09:15 AM

Connections were made according to user manual - PC and FF 400 were not powered on during connecting.

RME Support · 29th January 2007, 09:27 AM

Hi,

please mail me, if you haven't already done so.

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

klopfgeist99 · 29th January 2007, 06:04 PM

Hi!

I sent email to support@synthax.de . Subject is Fireface 400 detecting problem

RME Support · 31st January 2007, 01:02 PM

Hi,

did you get the mail I sent Monday?

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

robbsie · 1st February 2007, 07:48 AM

Morning daniel,
just heard from joe de bie yesterday that my unit was being posted off to me ( hope to receive it today ), Interestingly it has been inspected by the RME team and no fault found.................so the question is why all the problems originally .........,as mentioned previouslyI did buy a new firewire card and also a new firewire cable whilst trying to eliminate problems.
I know its probably a foolish question to ask but.. before I retry the driver install on my recently reformatted computer can you give me a IDIOTS GUIDE to driver install
( which may be helpful to others having problems )I would not want to go down the same road as previous

your help, as always, would be greatly appreciated....hope to try the install tonight when I arrive home from work

thanks daniel
kind regards
robbsie

robbsie · 2nd February 2007, 08:45 AM

Well the fireface 400 did not arrive yesterday as hoped for....well mabye today

klopfgeist99 · 2nd February 2007, 12:10 PM

No emails from you Daniel and no emails from support@synthax.de

Klopfgeist99

RME Support · 2nd February 2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klopfgeist99

No emails from you Daniel and no emails from support@synthax.de

I've sent you a mail on Monday and again on Thursday. I get your mails, but you don't seem to receive mine. As I don't get bounces, I assume they are being filtered out on your side somewhere - not my fault...
I'll PM you the text of my last email.

Regards,
Daniel Fuchs
RME

robbsie · 2nd February 2007, 10:19 PM

hello again daniel
received my fireface 400 at last....but every time I click on the task bar RME icon I am getting the following message
FACTORY PROGRAMMING IS NOT COMPLETE YOUR DEVICE SHOULD BE RETURNEDTO THE FACTORY PLEASE CONTACT SUPPORT @ SUPPORT@SYNTHAX.de

can you help me on this one I am becoming VERY disillusioned with it

Thanks for your help

regards
robbsie

klopfgeist99 · 6th February 2007, 12:10 PM

This is grazy!!! Lot of waiting and still some factory errors. My unit went back to dealer. I'm affraid this will happen with me too :(

robbsie · 6th February 2007, 08:47 PM

Thanks daniel received your file loaded it into ff400................vavavoom..great all APPEARS to be working

MANY THANKS
kind regards
robbsie

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6th January 2007, 12:29 AM	#1
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	fireface 400 driver install problem hello guys, I am new to gearslutz and a little embarrased using my first post to ask for help but when in need etc, etc, etc I bought a fireface 400 on the 4th Nov and due to moving house have only now got to use it...unfortunatly I seem to have fallen at the first hurdle...it will not install the drivers, the hardware was never detectedbut using the add hardware facility on my xp pro I have finally managed to get it recognised in the hardware listings, from there I have trid to install the drivers but have crashed the computer each time just at the point of completing the driver install, it got so intense that each time I try ti install and the machine crashes I also lose my d and e drives the fist time required a reformat of the puter...which really sickened me, since then I have managed to go back to a reset point BUT I cannot install the drivers, can anyone help me with a relly idiots install guide for these drivers Incidentally I have used 3 different computers each with th same disasterous results....kindof getting desperate now I have been in touch with synthax and loosly arranged to return it to them on the 8 / 9th this month for checking out......BUT STILL CANNOT INSTALL DRIVERS regards robbsie

6th February 2007, 08:47 PM	#30
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	at last Thanks daniel received your file loaded it into ff400................vavavoom..great all APPEARS to be working MANY THANKS kind regards robbsie

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6th January 2007, 12:49 AM	#2
RME Support Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 155	Hello, trying to force-install a driver without prior hardware detection by Windows will inevitably lead to crashes. If the FF400 is not detected, either one of the folloeing three things could be defective: The FF itself, the Firewire cable, or the computer's Firewire connection. Since it doesn't seem to work on other computers, try another cable, and if that also doesn't help, have the unit exchanged... Regards, Daniel Fuchs RME

6th January 2007, 09:13 AM	#4
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	thanks daniel for the fast response, yes, I have bought another firewire cable but still have the same problem and I can also tell you that I added a 3 port firewire card to one off the computers and that appears to be installed and running ok,but still cannot detect the FF400 Incidentally I tried to install again last night after my post on this forum, and once again caused a crash ...lost d and e drives but this time the system restore has not brought them back...really wierd hope its not another reformat I must also apologise for the spelling on my first post rather late and crampped conditions appreciate any advice thanks robbsie

22nd January 2007, 08:48 PM	#5
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	Hello! I have similar problem. My motherboard Asus P5B-E has onboard 1394 port. Using different cables Windows cannot detect the FF 400. Have tried different PC-s, but the problem remains - the computer can't detect FF 400. What should I do now? What about you Robbsie - did you get your FF to work? What did you do? Klopfgeist99

22nd January 2007, 10:37 PM	#6
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	Klopfgeist99 my friend I have sent my fireface back to rme for cheching out. It has now been away for two weeks and I have heard nothing I have had the ff400 now for going on 3 months and still not able to use it....if there is a problem, I hope to see a new replacement and NOT a repair we will see how good rme are to their clients.. at present my experiences are not good regards robbsie

25th January 2007, 09:03 AM	#7
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	It's grazy, lot of people have some problem with Fireface 400 - who get's 50V from inputs, who just can't install the card. What's going on in RME - are you testing your gears before selling? People are losing their money because main gear in studio - soundcard is missing for months. I'm thinking to find something else instead of replacing the unit. To wait 2 months - maybe they send me replacement which has the same problem? I don't think Thomann.de (which is a dealer of my gear) will check the gear before shipping. Regards, Klopfgeist99

26th January 2007, 08:24 AM	#12
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	Hi daniel, The ff400 was returned to synthax 8th Jan , ( the delay was due to the christmas holidays and synthax advised me to hold on to it until 8th jan )I emailed them asking for any info on tuesday 23rd, and not getting a reply I emailed again yesterday thursday 28th , this time theyoffered to get some info from germany . BUT my problem is really that that the unit was originally purchased on 4th October by rooster studios they were unhappy with it and sold it on to me early November,just 4 weeks old, Unfortunatly due to my moving home I just got around to installing it at christmas time when I managed to get some time with it .....and that’s where the problem starts..it would not load into my computer there is no hardware detection cannot load any drivers from the cd, at first I suspected the firewire connection on my puter and bought a new one , installed it ok but still nothing then purchased a new cable still nothing I have connected it up to my computer and use the firewire cable to supply power...the unit shows the the host light and the led numeric display that’s it, I looked for some help on the RME page and was directed to george in America swopped a couple of emails and he advised me to contact synthax I have had it for going on 3 months and have not been able to use it. Suppose I thought It would be swapped for a new unit given that it was less than one month from new when I got it Anyways, .lots of negatives at the moment..but hope it will all change and again thanks for any help you can give....really looking towards getting back into my recording mode with a quality ff400 unit thanks and regards robbsie

26th January 2007, 10:52 AM	#14
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	So sorry for being unclear daniel When I first encountered the problem I contacted george cabaniss (Synthax US), as I live in England and he suggested I contact Joe debie at synthax UK...all my contact has been with joe since then Unfortunatly I did not get serial number from the unit, but if you could kindly give joe debie a call he will confirm dates etc. and give the details of the unit also the post time it was returned to RME he can be reached at the address given below joe.debie@synthax.eu Hope you can help It would be greatly appreciated best regards robbsie

26th January 2007, 11:02 AM	#15
RME Support Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 155	Hi, it would help if you'd let me know your full name etc... PM or mail me at support@synthax.de. Regards, Daniel Fuchs RME

26th January 2007, 11:30 AM	#16
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	Thanks daniel......have PM'd you regards robbsie

26th January 2007, 01:50 PM	#17
RME Support Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 155	Hello Robbsie, a shipment of repaired devices went back to Joe on Tuesday, but without the serial number, I can't tell you whether your FF400 is part of that shipment... Currently, there are no items from Synthax UK at our factory. Regards, Daniel Fuchs RME

26th January 2007, 11:33 PM	#18
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	After attempts to detect FF 400 through my PC and with other PC-s, there was no result. Computers were not able to detect the FF 400. I sent my pc to be serviced and find out, what's the problem. They realise that integrated 1394 port on my motherboard is not in working order. Ok, as a guarantee, they ordered new one. The port worked. But after the computer was connected with the FF 400, the port was out again, and other firewire devices didn't work anymore too. So, now they installed additional pci 1394 card. I sent FF 400 back to dealer cause the FF 400 probably burned down all the 1394 ports - there is something wrong. This is my story. Hope to get replacement quickly.

26th January 2007, 11:47 PM	#19
RME Support Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 155	Hi, sorry to hear about that... Did you connect the FF400 while the PC was on? Was it set to use Bus Power? Whichever way, please contact me by mail, support@synthax.de Regards, Daniel Fuchs RME

29th January 2007, 09:15 AM	#20
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	Connections were made according to user manual - PC and FF 400 were not powered on during connecting.

29th January 2007, 09:27 AM	#21
RME Support Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 155	Hi, please mail me, if you haven't already done so. Regards, Daniel Fuchs RME

29th January 2007, 06:04 PM	#22
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	Hi! I sent email to support@synthax.de . Subject is Fireface 400 detecting problem

31st January 2007, 01:02 PM	#23
RME Support Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 155	Hi, did you get the mail I sent Monday? Regards, Daniel Fuchs RME

1st February 2007, 07:48 AM	#24
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	Morning daniel, just heard from joe de bie yesterday that my unit was being posted off to me ( hope to receive it today ), Interestingly it has been inspected by the RME team and no fault found.................so the question is why all the problems originally .........,as mentioned previouslyI did buy a new firewire card and also a new firewire cable whilst trying to eliminate problems. I know its probably a foolish question to ask but.. before I retry the driver install on my recently reformatted computer can you give me a IDIOTS GUIDE to driver install ( which may be helpful to others having problems )I would not want to go down the same road as previous your help, as always, would be greatly appreciated....hope to try the install tonight when I arrive home from work thanks daniel kind regards robbsie

2nd February 2007, 08:45 AM	#25
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	Well the fireface 400 did not arrive yesterday as hoped for....well mabye today

2nd February 2007, 12:10 PM	#26
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	No emails from you Daniel and no emails from support@synthax.de Klopfgeist99

2nd February 2007, 10:19 PM	#28
robbsie Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	hello again daniel received my fireface 400 at last....but every time I click on the task bar RME icon I am getting the following message FACTORY PROGRAMMING IS NOT COMPLETE YOUR DEVICE SHOULD BE RETURNEDTO THE FACTORY PLEASE CONTACT SUPPORT @ SUPPORT@SYNTHAX.de can you help me on this one I am becoming VERY disillusioned with it Thanks for your help regards robbsie

6th February 2007, 12:10 PM	#29
klopfgeist99 Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	This is grazy!!! Lot of waiting and still some factory errors. My unit went back to dealer. I'm affraid this will happen with me too :(