RME Fireface UFX (Discontinued)

Overview

RME 2010: The Fireface UFX is the new flagship of RME's audio interfaces.

60 channels of audio! Digitally controlled high-end preamps, reference class converters and full 192 kHz operation.

Ultra-low latency operation with USB and FireWire, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance. Including active jitter suppression, professional reference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, RME's unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox, and - of course - nearly identical operation and features on Windows PC and Mac.

DURec (Direct USB Recording): Unique to the UFX, all inputs and outputs (or any combination of the I/O) can be recorded directly to a USB memory device (thumb drives or external hard drives up to 2 TB capacity) via the USB port found on the front of the unit. This incredible feature allows the UFX to operate as a stand-alone hard disk recorder (no PC or Mac required), or alternatively be used to simultaneously create a backup of any multi-track recording.

On top of that: TotalMix FX, the new digital high-end mixer and signal router driven by two powerful DSPs, with integrated EQ, Dynamics and Reverb/Echo effects up to 192 kHz plus a built-in monitoring control.

The full-blown feature set is backed up by extraordinary usability. At its heart is a bright multi-functional colour display with full front panel metering for all 60 channels plus effect bus, and complete control of all key features - directly from the front of the UFX.

RME's new Fireface flagship is a highly integrated pro audio solution, a full-blown studio packed in a 19" enclosure. An interface designed for users who don't want to make compromises in sound, stability and ultra-low latency operation, and who long for an unrivalled professional feature set. Once again a milestone interface from RME, including the best of the best - and even a bit more.

RME Fireface UFX Front Panel - Click To Enlarge

Inputs & Outputs

The UFX provides 60 channels of audio: 30 input and 30 output channels. All inputs and outputs can be used at the same time. Up to 12 analogue and 18 digital channels can be recorded onto 30 separate tracks.

Available I/O (channels) with different Sample Rates

Analogue I/O

The UFX provides 12 analogue I/Os:

12 Inputs
8 balanced TRS on the back and 4 XLR inputs with mic/instrument preamps on the front.

12 Outputs
On the rear: 6 balanced TRS and 2 balanced XLR - perfect for the direct connection of the main studio monitors.
On the front: Two additional TRS stereo phones outputs providing high volumes even with hi-impedance headphones (playback channels 9/10 and 11/12).

Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality and price to performance ratio RME plays in its own league. The Fireface UFX is no exception. Like any other RME product it combines excellent analogue circuit design with high-grade AD/DA converter chips. Therefore all balanced TRS & XLR I/Os and both phones outputs guarantee outstanding low noise and distortion values. In best RME tradition and product philosophy converters and preamps don't produce "sound", they do not add or remove anything from the source signal, just capture it as it is.

Equipped with the latest A/D and D/A converter chips, all I/Os operate up to 192 kHz and reach 118 dBA dynamic range on playback - even both headphone outputs. Their high power technology delivers high volume no matter if high or low impedance phones are used. The balanced analogue inputs are based on RME's low-latency converter design from the high-end converter ADI-8 QS. The DA section is based on RME's M-series. Both designs guarantee excellent S/N and THD specs across a wide analogue level range.

Due to its efficient jitter reduction, RME's superior SteadyClock finalizes the state-of-the-art AD/DA conversion, even when clocking to an external digital source.

Every input and output is individually switchable to common professional studio levels: -10 dBV, +4 dBu, HiGain (equivalent to +2 dBV, +13 dBu and +19 dBu for digital full scale) - directly on the device or via TotalMix. The balanced XLR outputs even provide a level of up to +24 dBu.

All outputs can be used for ASIO Direct Monitoring purposes.

Mic/Inst Preamps with RME's Advanced Parallel Conversion technology

The UFX has four high-transparency preamps backed up by four stereo converters with RME's new parallel converter technology.

Microphone and instrument preamps of the UFX use the core technology from RME's Micstasy - a high-end preamp for supreme sonic demands and critical applications, like the professional recording of classical concerts. The fully symmetrical preamp design impresses with extremely low distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and a perfect linear frequency response. A premium solution for transmitting and amplifying any audio input truly unchanged, be it high-level stage or typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones.

The digitally controlled gain of up to 65 dB, adjustable in steps of 1 dB over a range of 55 dB, is individually set for every preamp by the display-supported controls on the front of the UFX. All level settings are 100% reproducible and can also be adjusted comfortably within the TotalMix software on the host computer or by a MIDI remote controller.

The four inputs on the front use balanced XLR/TRS combo sockets and operate alternatively as Hi-Z inputs. Directly plug in up to four guitars or other instruments - no other hardware required.

RME Fireface UFX Mic/Line Inputs - Click To Enlarge

Each channel can be individually switched to 48V phantom power or instrument level. LEDs for signal, clip, TRS operation and activated phantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status.

Advanced Parallel Conversion
The four UFX preamps are feeding not only four, but eight AD converters. Every microphone channel uses a double, parallel AD conversion on two AD converters at the same time to reach exceptional signal-to-noise values and a performance not available with a classic converter design.

The UFX follows RME's tradition of providing flexible and expandable audio systems. Adding additional preamplifiers or more analogue inputs is easily done via the dual ADAT optical I/Os on the rear.

Digital I/O, Word Clock & MIDI

AES/EBU: The UFX provides a professional AES/EBU I/O working up to 192 kHz.

ADAT: Two 8-channel ADAT I/Os expand the UFX by 16 channels available simultaneously with the analogue channels. They can be used to connect two 8-channel AD/DA converters, mixing consoles, or to insert effects devices. Both I/Os support sample rates with up to 192 kHz (S/MUX4). Using two external converters like the ADI-8 QS, the UFX will provide 28 analogue inputs and outputs, 20 with a sample rate of 96 kHz, and still 16 at 192 kHz.

RME Fireface UFX Digital & MIDI I/O - Click To Enlarge

SPDIF: The second ADAT I/O can be used as optical SPDIF I/O, making the UFX connections even more flexible.

Word Clock & MIDI: A word clock input and output (BNC) with switchable termination plus two MIDI I/Os complete the I/O list and turn the Fireface UFX into a professional audio system with universal usability.

TotalMix FX

The DSP-based TotalMix mixer allows fully independent routing and mixing of all 30 input and playback channels to all 30 physical outputs. Up to 15 totally independent stereo submixes plus a comprehensive Control Room section offer unrivalled monitoring capabilities and unsurpassed routing flexibility.

And there is more: The next generation of TotalMix delivers hardware mixing/routing with lots of new features and a highly improved usability. For a seamless integration of the new features TotalMix FX has been rewritten from the ground up.

Every input and output channel comes with a luxury feature set, comparable to a full-scale digital console. The effects per channel include 3-band parametric EQ, adjustable Low Cut, Auto Level, Compressor, Expander, MS Processing and phase reversal. The Reverb and Echo effects unit is available for all channels by a stereo send and return bus. The UFX easily surpasses the competition by offering all these effects even at 192 kHz operation.

Two DSPs ensure an impressive performance even in extreme applications. As usual with RME, TotalMix is available with all channels (90) at all sample rates, completely unlimited. The second DSP calculates the effects only, therefore has sufficient resources. For example, at 48 kHz 60 EQs, 34 Low Cuts and Echo can be activated. With activated Reverb and Echo still 46 EQs and 32 Low Cuts are available.

The FX-DSP uses automatic overload surveillance. As soon as no effect can be added anymore the TotalMix surface will clearly signal this condition. When changing to higher sample rates the UFX automatically deactivates all effects that exceed the DSP's performance - the DSP will never be overloaded. This also prevents the user from destroyed loudspeakers.

The complete effects section not only adds a lot of flexibility to the recording chain, but makes latency burdened software dispensable. TotalMix can easily replace any external mixer, e.g. to create different latency-free monitoring mixes with EQ and Reverb for the main studio monitors and the headphone of the vocalist(s) in the recording room.

Furthermore the DSP hardware calculates RMS and Peak levels for all 90 level meters, so there is zero CPU load on the host.

The main functions of TotalMix can be remote controlled via MIDI with any Mackie Control compatible controller.

Features & Differences to classic TotalMix:

• New design and improved usability
• Improved Control Room section for the main output (studio monitors) and phones. Cue for quick listening to other outputs. Separated monitor panel.
• Four mute, solo and fader groups each.
• Switchable mono and stereo channel view
• New channel options: Stereo Width, MS Processing, Phase L/R
• Trim Mode: Adjusts the volume for all routed signals of a channel. This option allows to modify the volume of all sends of a channel simultaneously, equalling a hardware's trim functionality.
• Unlimited Undo and Redo
• FX Sends and Returns: One send bus for every input/playback channel with Reverb/Echo
• Expandable channel view for channel settings, EQ and Dynamics setup
• Slim channel mode for selected or all channels, to save space or give a meter bridge view
• 2-Row Mode: reduces the height of the mixer to two rows for smaller displays
• Extended Matrix window with mono/stereo mode, Undo/Redo, display of phase and mute

Monitor Controller

The UFX is not only a perfect desktop level controller, but a monitor switcher and source selector with integrated talkback function for modern Mix-In-the-Box studios. As the UFX includes the usually externally added monitoring controller, it also preserves the original sound, as its hardware output stays directly connected to the studio monitors.

Level Control
The big rotary encoder on the front of the UFX maintains precisely controls the three dedicated stereo monitor outputs Main Out, Phones 1 and Phones 2. Start turning the volume encoder and the display shows the current gain value in big numbers. The small encoder buttons provide direct access to pan and reverb for the selected output. Pushing the volume knob switches between the outputs.

Monitor Management
The above gain (volume) settings at the unit work hand in hand with the Control Room section of TotalMix FX. Any physical output can be assigned to the three, directly knob-controlled monitor outputs. E.g. just assign the AES/EBU output as Main Out, or as Phones Out - any output can be used. The functions Talkback, Listenback, Mono and Dim will work automatically for the assigned outputs in the expected way. Convenience at its best.

Hardware Remote
The UFX has a connector for one of the optional RME hardware remotes - the RME Basic Remote or the RME Advanced Remote, with controls for Volume, DIM, level storage and Recall.

USB & FireWire technology developed by RME

With the release of the Fireface 800 in 2004 RME stirred up the FireWire audio market, setting the benchmarks and providing a superior solution with a unique feature set. It is no surprise many customers and testers respect RME as the reference and technology leader for FireWire audio interfaces. In 2009 RME released the Fireface UC, a USB solution which again provided an exceptional performance, previously not available from USB audio interfaces, once more becoming the technology leader.

The secret of success: RME is the only manufacturer not to use a third party USB or FireWire audio technology, but an own, self-developed Hammerfall Audio Core with an outstanding performance and uncompromised pro audio features.

The Fireface UFX now combines USB and FireWire, Made by RME, within one interface.

USB 2.0
The Fireface UFX has been uncompromisingly optimised for highest performance under Windows and Mac OS. It uses a special customized firmware for every operating system. Like other RME USB 2.0* interfaces, the UFX provides revolutionary ultra-low latencies even with multiple channels.

* The Fireface UFX is compatible to USB 3 chipsets.

FireWire
The completely redesigned FireWire core provides the UFX with the same exceptional compatibility and performance as RME's USB solution. For the first time the UFX does not have any FireWire chip inside at all - it's completely programmed into the FPGA, under direct control of the RME masterminds, and updated by a simple firmware update - if ever necessary. This new technology is even compatible to Agere's infamous rev. 6 chip - that says it all.

RME Fireface UFX Rear Panel - Click To Enlarge

Usability

Display - In search of an exceptional usability experience for the huge feature set, RME integrates a high-resolution colour display into the front panel. In combination with three rotary encoders all important features of the UFX can be manually controlled directly on the UFX itself. TotalMix, connected PC or Mac, is synced to the interface controls and follows all changes automatically.

Smart control - The four keys, the two encoders 1 and 2, the high-resolution and clear colour display, and a well thought-out menu structure enable the user to quickly change and configure all the device's settings even without a computer. Help notes and clear markers in the display guide the user through all functions.

Additonal Features

SteadyClock - RME's unique jitter suppression technology guarantees perfect sound quality throughout, making the device completely independent from the quality of external clock signals. Due to the highly efficient jitter reduction, the UFX converters operate independently from the quality of the external clock signal, as if they are working with internal clock all the time - guaranteeing a pristine sound quality!

SteadyClock allows the Fireface UFX to control the sample rate freely on its own. The settings dialog includes a direct choice of the video and audio world's most often used sample rates.

ICC - Intelligent Clock Control not only displays every clock status, but will also retain the last valid input sample rate in case of failure of the external source. Other renowned RME technologies like SyncCheck offer a quick detection of clock problems.

DIGICheck - The UFX comes with RME´s unique software tool box for metering, testing, measuring and analysing digital audio streams. It provides a multi-track recorder, calculates the level meters peak and RMS in hardware and is able to analyse and display playback data from any software, no matter which format the software uses.*

Power supply - The specially developed, internal hi-performance switch mode power supply lets the UFX operate in the range of 100V to 240V AC, thus it can be operated all over the world. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.

Stand Alone Operation with Setup Recall - Using the three rotary encoders and the clear colour display the Fireface UFX can be configured and set up completely at the device. Additionally internal memory allows for the permanent storage of six different states of the unit. Therefore the Fireface UFX is able to operate fully stand-alone, without any connected computer. In stand-alone operation it can transform into totally different devices by the simple click of a button. Furthermore, in this mode TotalMix FX can also be controlled via MIDI. Application examples include: 12-channel AD/DA converter, 4-channel mic preamp, monitor mixer, digital format converter, analogue/digital routing matrix.

*Some features in DIGICheck are not yet available in the Mac version.

AD, Line In 1-8, rear

• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 110 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 5 Hz - 21.5 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 45.5 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz - 66.5 kHz
• THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %
• THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balanced
• Input sensitivity switchable to Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

Microphone In 9-12, front

As AD, but:

• Input: XLR, electronically balanced
• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
• Gain range: 65 dB
• Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +12 dBu

Instrument In 9-12, front

As AD, but:

• Input: 6.3 mm TS jack, unbalanced
• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
• Gain range: 55 dB

DA, Line Out 3-8, rear

• Dynamic range (DR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 22 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 34 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz - 50 kHz
• THD: -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
• THD+N: -100 dB, < 0.001 %
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, servo-balanced
• Output impedance: 75 Ohm
• Output level switchable Hi Gain: +4 dBu, -10 dBV
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

DA - Stereo Monitor Output XLR (1-2)

As DA, but:

• Output: XLR, balanced
• Output level switchable: 24 dBu, Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ 24 dBu: +24 dBu

DA - Stereo Monitor Output Phones (9-12)

As DA, but:

• Output: 6.3 mm TRS stereo jack, unbalanced
• Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, High: +17 dBu
• Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, Low: +2 dBV
• Output impedance: 30 Ohm

AES/EBU

XLR, transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992

ADAT Optical

• 4 x TOSLINK, format according to Alesis specification
• Standard: 2 x 8 channels 24 bit, up to 48 kHz
• Double Speed (S/MUX): 2 x 4 channels 24 bit 96 kHz
• Quad Speed (S/MUX4): 2 x 2 channels 24 bit 192 kHz

Word Clock

BNC, switch for internal termination 75 Ohm

Drivers

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP SP2 (32 & 64 bit)
• Apple Mac OS X 10.5 Intel or up (Core Audio)

Windows and Mac OS X drivers are completely identical in terms of features and functionality.