RME Fireface UFX

[Paul]

This could be my next box:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FirefaceUFX/

A bit past my $2000 limit, but I think I can scrounge up the cash.

Anyone know how good the mic preamps and the A/D, D/A converters are in
this one?

[Nate Najar]

I've used it a little. You won't ever need to upgrade. There are certainly much better pres and converters out there, but it is a very very good sounding unit.

[Chip Borton]

All I know is that since I got my UFX (I was an early adopter) I love it
more each day. I think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

The TotalmixFX software interface/mixer is able to route signals any
way you want and will soon be implemented on iPad. Add in OSC control
for apps like Lemur and TouchOSC and you can control it any way you need.
The on board DSP is very nice and comes in handy quite often.

The DURec USB interface will record to a hard drive or USB stick
and will keep recording any combination of inputs/outputs even if your
computer crashes.

With thirty outputs you have enough to run multiple sets of monitors
including surround with plenty to spare for headphone mixes.

As far as sound goes, I love it too. Clean and quiet. I believe it
uses a TI preamp chip if that means anything to anyone. I am not a
tech spec measurement type so I cant really speak to that.

I don't have a lot of experience with some of the higher end preamps
that folks like around here (I was using GML and Millenia the other day)
and would suspect that recording technique and room would make a bigger
difference than spending the whole two grand on a single mic pre.

I am waiting on RME to ship the new Octamic XTC and will pair them.

The sheer versatility of this unit is amazing.

Oh, did I mention USB Class Compliance and standalone modes?

[Paul]

One problem with the Tascam US-1541 is that if you want to
do zero-latency direct input monitoring, you have no choice but to
monitor ALL the signals. If you want to monitor only one signal, you
are forced to turn the "monitor mix" dial to "computer",
and then you can monitor whichever signals you want from
your DAW software, but you will then have the latency.

I assume the totalmixfx software allows you to monitor any
combination you want of the direct input signals.

[Chip Borton]

The UFX has no input/playback dial on it like many of the smaller
USB interfaces have like Focusrite Scarlet or Saffire or the Tascam you
mention.

TotalmixFX interface has three rows of faders:
hardware inputs
software playback
hardware outputs

Pick a hardware output and then assign any combination of hardware
inputs to that output. Rinse and repeat for any hardware output.
So I guess the answer is yes, you can configure to monitor any combination.

As far as "zero" latency goes, I don't think so. But whatever latency is
there is really too small to worry about.

I would download the UFX manual which has the TotalmixFX explained.
There is a section on the hardware latency and buffer size there.
The RME forum is also very helpful and responsive.

Nuendo reports to me 1.7ms input latency and 2.6ms output latency at
a 48 sample buffer. Pro Tools uses 64 sample buffer so those numbers
would be slightly higher there.

I have done plenty of sessions with it both using a DAW and in
standalone mode and have never noticed a delay.