Driver Installation on Mac Computers

If you’re the proud new owner of an RME audio interface then congratulations – you’ve just added a powerful, professional and high quality interface to your studio or live setup! Many RME audio interfaces contain an installation CD in the box, however we always recommend visiting the Downloads section. The process of installation is logical the same for all RME products:

1. Unzip the downloaded file and start the driver installation by double- clicking the icon.
   
   
2. Now connect your computer and RME Audio Interface with the supplied cable. Mac OS X detects the new hardware as a new device.
   
   
3. During driver installation the programs Totalmix (TotalMix FX) and Fireface USB Settings are copied to the Applications folder. They will automatically start into the dock if a RME Audio Interface is connected. After installing a driver on a Mac we recommend to restart the computer.

Firmware Flash Update

The Flash Update Tool updates the product firmware to the latest version. It requires an already installed driver.

1. Start the program Fireface USB Flash. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the firmware and whether it needs an update or not. If so, simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished (Verify Ok).
   
   
2. After the update the unit needs to be reset. For PCIe cards, the update requires a computer shut down (not reboot). For external interfaces (FW, USB or Thunderbolt), the device must be unplugged / power cycled for the update to become active.
   
   
3. When the update fails (status: failure), the unit's second BIOS will be used from the next cold boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the unit stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again on a different computer.

macOS - RME Interface is not recognized after successful installation?
Starting with the 10.13.2 update for macOS High Sierra, a new security feature requires users to approve new applications that interact with the kernel, a core part of the operating system. Find out how to authorize your Interface manually in System Preferences / 'Security and Privacy'. Help for High Sierra / Mojave Installation PDF.

Driver Installation on Windows

If you’re the proud new owner of an RME audio interface then congratulations – you’ve just added a powerful, professional and high quality interface to your studio or live setup! Many RME audio interfaces contain an installation CD in the box, however we always recommend visiting the Downloads section. The process of installation is logical the same for all RME products:

1. Unzip the downloaded file and start the driver installation by double- clicking the provided installer.exe.
   
   
2. Now connect your computer and RME Audio Interface with the supplied cable. Windows detects the new hardware as a new device.
   
   
3. During driver installation the programs Totalmix (TotalMix FX) and Settings are copied to the Applications folder. They will automatically start into the dock if a RME Audio Interface is connected. After installing a driver on a PC we recommend to restart the computer.

Firmware Flash Update

The Flash Update Tool updates the product firmware to the latest version. It requires an already installed driver. 

1. Start the provided exe program. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of the firmware and whether it needs an update or not. If so, simply press the 'Update' button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished (Verify Ok).
   
   
2. After the update the unit needs to be reset. For PCIe cards, the update requires a computer shut down (not reboot). For external interfaces (FW, USB or Thunderbolt), the device must be unplugged / power cycled for the update to become active.
   
   
3. When the update fails (status: failure), the unit's second BIOS will be used from the next cold boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the unit stays fully functional. The flash process should then be tried again on a different computer.