Settings Dialog - Pitch - RME Audio Fireface 400 User Manual

Instrument/Line Inputs
The inputs 3 and 4 have digitally controlled preamps. They allow for an additional gain between
0 and 18 dB, in steps of 0.5 dB. The configuration is done either directly at the unit via the rotary
encoder, or via the Settings dialog's tab Analog. The option Link simplifies the setup in case
both channels shall have the same setting/values. The current gain is displayed in dB below the
fader. Further information is found in chapter 26.3.
Activate the option Inst to use inputs 3 and 4 with instruments. The input impedance is raised to
470 kOhm, the input sensitivity increases by 10 dB. Pad decreases the input sensitivity by 12
dB to prevent overload.

11.3 Settings dialog - 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 Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital Synthesizer
(DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision.
DDS has been implemented into the Fireface with regard to the needs of professional video
applications, as well as to maximum flexibility. 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.
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.
Pitch allows for the change of the sample rate of all WDM devices at the same time. Since Vista
this is no longer possible via the audio program, thus requires a manual reconfiguration of all
WDM devices. Changing the sample rate from the Settings dialog solves this problem. As the
change within the system requires some time, record/playback should not be started immedi-
ately, but not before 5 seconds after a change.
Tip: the current CPU load can be used to determine if the audio subsystem has finished the re-
configuration.
User's Guide Fireface 400 © RME
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