FS: RME Fireface UFX - Audio Interface

[John Robinson]

Mint condition - $1000

60-channel, 24-bit/`92kHz high-end USB & audio interface with TotalMix
high-end digital mixer and signal router

The Fireface UFX is the new flagship of RME's audio interfaces and
offers 60 channels of audio with digitally controlled high-end
preamps, reference class converters, and full 192kHz operation.
Fireface UFX is a highly integrated pro audio solution, a full-blown
studio packed in a 19" enclosure. It's an interface designed for users
who don't want to make compromises in sound, stability and ultra-low
latency operation, and who long for a professional feature set.

The Fireface UFX offers ultra-low latency operation with USB and
FireWire, combined with legendary RME driver stability and
maintenance. Other features include active jitter suppression,
professional reference level support, advanced standalone
functionality, RME's unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox,
and, of course, nearly identical operation and features on Windows PC
and Mac. On top of it all of that you get TotalMix FX, the new digital
high-end mixer and signal router, driven by two powerful DSP, with
integrated EQ, Dynamics, and Reverb/Echo effects up to 192 kHz, plus
built-in monitoring control. The full-blown feature set is backed up
by extraordinary usability. At its heart is a bright multifunctional
color 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.

Sound Quality
The Fireface UFX, like any other RME product, combines excellent
analog circuit design with high-grade AD/DA converter chips.
Therefore, all balanced TRS & XLR I/Os and both Phones (TRS - Stereo)
outputs guarantee outstanding low noise and distortion values. In
RME's typical 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 on the
Fireface UFX operate up to 192kHz 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 analog 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 analog 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.

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

The 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 with no other hardware required. 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 analog inputs
is easily done via the dual ADAT optical I/Os on the rear.

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 incredible monitoring
capabilities and routing flexibility.

Theis 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. All these effects are available 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 so it has sufficient resources. For
example, at 48 kHz, 60 EQs, 34 Low Cuts, and Echo can all be
activated. With activated Reverb and Echo, you can still use 46 EQs
and 32 Low Cuts.

The FX-DSP uses automatic overload surveillance. As soon as no effect
can be added anymore, the TotalMix surface will clearly let you know.
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 (sold separately).

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. For
example, 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.

USB & FireWire
With the release of the Fireface 800 in 2004, RME stirred up the
FireWire audio market, setting benchmarks and providing a superior
solution with a unique feature set. It is no surprise many customers
and testers respect RME as one of the references and technology
leaders 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.

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

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

USB 2.0
The Fireface UFX has been uncompromisingly optimized 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.

Usability
Display
In search of an exceptional usability experience for the huge feature
set, RME integrates a high-resolution color 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 color display, and a well thought-out menu structure, enable you
to quickly change and configure all the device's settings even without
a computer. Help notes and clear markers in the display guide you
through all functions.
Features

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
which allows you 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
Connectivity
30 Input / 30 Output channels
12 x Analog I/O
4 x Mic/Instrument Preamp, digitally controlled
1 x AES/EBU I/O
2 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x ADAT I/O plus 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
1 x Word Clock I/O
2 x MIDI I/O
1 x FireWire 400
1 x USB 2.0
TotalMix FX

[ja...@shiftedmusic.com]

pretty sure this is way old but checking if the UFX still available.

jay-j (at) shiftedmusic (dot) com