Settings Dialog - Pitch - RME Audio Fireface 800 User Manual

Input Status
Indicates for each input (Word, optical, SPDIF coax., TCO) whether there is a valid signal (Lock,
No Lock), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). The second row shows the sam-
ple frequency measured by the hardware. In Clock Mode the clock reference is shown (Cur-
rent...). See also chapter 35.1.
Read Flash
A click on this button causes all settings to change to the ones stored in the flash memory of the
Fireface.
Store in Flash
A click on this button transmits all current settings into the flash memory of the Fireface. Those
settings then become active directly after power-on, and also in stand-alone operation.

11.2 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 sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital
Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest pre-
cision.
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.
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User's Guide Fireface 800 © RME