An overview of the current driver and firmware state of macOS USB 3 interfaces
RME now offers three different driver options for macOS with Apple Silicon and USB 3 interfaces, including the Fireface UFX III, MADIface XT II, Digiface Dante, Digiface Ravenna and USB.IO:
- DriverKit architecture – Apple’s modern and recommended approach
- Kernel Extension driver – A legacy option that is currently still functional
- Class Compliant (CC) mode – Apple’s built-in audio driver, now controlled by RME’s Settings dialog and TotalMix FX
These latest developments make CC mode a practical fallback option for systems experiencing audio issues, while retaining the familiar RME interface functionality.
Now TotalMix FX becomes fully operational in CC mode, providing users with the flexibility and control they expect from RME interfaces.
However, CC mode remains more limited in features – like its fixed safety offsets and no option to feed playback channels for data visualization in DigiCheck NG – as well as having higher latency than RME’s own custom-written drivers.
netifc no longer required for AoIP interfaces
RME report they have also changed the way the ‘internal network port’ is recognised on the Digiface Dante and Digiface AVB. These interfaces now also use a Class Compliant network port, thus running on Apple’s own, native system network driver (available since 10.11, on both Intel and Apple Silicon machines).
The previously required additional software (netifc from the RME Downloads page) is no longer required, keeping the system cleaner and easier to use.*
* Note; this options requires the Digiface Dante to be on firmware 64 or up, and the Digiface AVB to be on firmware 268 or up.
Class Compliant mode for the Digiface Dante and Digiface Ravenna
Switching to CC mode for the Digiface Dante and Digiface Ravenna is quick and easy, and can be chosen via the Mac Firmware Update Tool by simply selecting or deselecting the newly added CC mode option.
When the firmware is on the latest state already, changing CC mode does not flash the whole firmware, but only changes the CC state. Note that CC is not part of the Windows FUT (Firmware Update Tool), and if flashed to CC mode the Digiface Dante and Ravenna will no longer be recognized by the Windows driver. So to use them under Windows the CC mode needs to be disabled via the Mac Firmware Update Tool first.
The latest firmware updates address key USB 3 issues and enhance stability during intensive audio, MIDI, and network usage. Improved driver deinstallation further ensures a clean system environment, preventing conflicts between legacy and modern drivers.
For more information and updates please visit:
See the full range of RME audio networking devices