USB audio interface RME Fireface UFX

RME Fireface UFX USB Audio Card

The RME Fireface UFX audio card is a new 60-channel audio interface that adds to the line of USB and Firewire audio interfaces from the leading German manufacturer. The RME Fireface UFX is the flagship among interfaces of this type. USB and Firewire connections offer users uncompromising stability when used with any MAC and PC computers.

The RME Fireface UFX for USB 2.0 or FireWire 400 has four balanced microphone/instrument inputs (combined XLR/jack connectors on the front panel, each using two parallel analog-to-digital converters) with LED indicators for signal presence. The Fireface UFX also boasts digital control of sensitivity and phantom power (48 V), eight balanced line inputs (jacks), eight balanced line outputs (two on XLR and six on jacks), two stereo headphone outputs (jacks on the front panel). The analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are 24-bit, supporting sample rates from 32 to 192 kHz. There are two eight-channel optical digital interfaces in ADAT format, (four channels each at sample rates of 88.2/96 kHz, two channels at sample rates of 176.4/192 kHz. The second digital interface can be used as a two-channel SPDIF format, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz), a two-channel electrical digital interface in AES/EBU format (XLR, compatible with SPDIF, up to 192 kHz).

There are two DSPs: one is responsible for mixing, routing, and monitoring, the other is used for processing (equalizer, dynamic processors, reverb/delay). Software switching of nominal input and output levels is supported. ASIO Direct Monitoring function is supported. SteadyClock technology (jitter suppression) is used. There is an upgraded version of the TotalMix mixer (MIDI control possible with Mackie Control compatible controllers), measurement and recording program DIGICheck.

The Fireface UFX has a color LCD display (can show level indicators for all 60 channels, as well as effect buses), three rotary controls (one with a push option), memory for saving six settings, the possibility of standalone use (front panel control), Word Clock input and output (BNC) with a termination switch, two MIDI inputs and two outputs (32 channels, one pair on the front panel), FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports (compatible with USB 3.0) for connection to a computer, a USB port for drives (on the front panel, in future versions of the operating system, it is planned to use it for recording), a socket for an optional controller from the ADI8QS device.

Main features of the RME Fireface UFX audio card:

• - 60 channels of recording/playback;
• - high-quality preamps with digital control and support for up to 192 kHz;
• - ultra-low latencies when connected via USB or Firewire combined with legendary driver stability;
• - new TotalMix FX - digital professional mixer and signal router, with integrated effect section EQ, Dynamics, and Reverb/Echo supporting up to 192 kHz;
• - at the heart of the audio interface, a bright, multifunctional color display that provides control over all key functions;
• - the possibility of using the audio interface in standalone converter mode.

Sound quality of Fireface UFX
Like other RME products, the UFX has a quality analog circuit combined with high-quality AD/DA converter chips. All TRS & XLR balanced inputs and outputs, including two headphone outputs, ensure low noise and distortion levels. Also, all inputs and outputs support 192 kHz and achieve a dynamic range of 118 dBA (including headphone outputs). The technology used on the UFX inputs is based on high-quality converters used in the flagship ADI-8 QS model. The digital-to-analog section is based on