ICST Composition Studio Support
For: composers, students, researchers, studio guests, and technicians.
This page collects the essential support steps for working in the ICST Composition Studio: audio drivers, display setup, first troubleshooting, and on-site contacts.
Quick Start
Prepare Audio
Install RME MadiFace USB, enable DriverKit, and check multichannel output.
Prepare Screen
Install DisplayLink Manager and set up macOS Spaces correctly for the curved screen.
Check Before the Session
Audio: RME MadiFace USB
Install the appropriate RME driver before your studio session if you want to work from your own laptop.
Install the RME driver
The MadiFace USB can be used with macOS and Windows. On macOS 11 and newer, the matching USB-series extension or DriverKit component must be installed and allowed in System Settings.
Allow DriverKit on macOS
If the interface does not appear after installation, check macOS Privacy & Security and Login Items & Extensions. Restart the Mac after allowing the extension.
TotalMix and multichannel audio
For Ambisonics and multichannel workflows, make sure no stereo downmix is active. Check TotalMix before the session and remove or disable unwanted stereo mixes.
Video: Curved Screen and DisplayLink
The large studio screen requires DisplayLink. Install DisplayLink Manager before the session and allow the required screen-recording permissions in macOS.
- Install DisplayLink Manager.
- Open System Settings.
- Open Mission Control.
- Disable Displays have separate Spaces.
- Log out and log in again so the setting becomes active.
First Troubleshooting
Interface is not detected
Check the USB cable, reconnect the MadiFace, check macOS security settings, and restart after allowing DriverKit.
No multichannel audio
Check the audio device in the DAW, match the sample rate, inspect TotalMix routing, and make sure no stereo downmix is active.
Curved screen behaves like multiple displays
Disable the Mission Control option for separate Spaces and then log out. Without a new login, the previous display configuration often remains active.