RME Fireface UC USB Audio Interface

RME Fireface UC

continues the Fireface legacy, but this time trades in FireWire for USB. It features on-board DSP and deep integration with the included TotalMix software, which gives you massive power for signal routing and an incredibly flexible stand-alone operational mode. It offers the highest number of inputs and outputs (18 x 18) of any compact USB audio interface, and its low latency capabilities out perform the most advanced FireWire 400 interfaces available.

Built on RME's stellar legacy
The Fireface UC features all of the proven RME analog and digital circuitry. It is the only device in its class with active jitter suppression, enhanced stand-alone functionality and complete controllability from the front panel, highly flexible I/Os in professional quality, and an unsurpassed 648-channel matrix router — all at sample rates of up to 192kHz.

TotalMix integrated DSP mixer
All inputs and outputs can be freely mixed, routed, and distributed with RME's TotalMix software. Up to 9 totally independent stereo submixes can be set up. Every output channel, and every submix channel can be recorded directly and without external cable loops. TotalMix can be completely MIDI remote controlled. The DSP-based hardware calculates RMS and Peak levels for all channels, without causing any significant CPU load.

Preamps
Preamps are arguably one of the most important links in the signal chain, and the Fireface UC boasts sensational pres. The Fireface UC features 2 balanced microphone inputs with a digitally controlled input stage, individually switchable 48V phantom power, and Neutrik Combo connectors for XLR and TRS. These can also be used as additional line inputs. A pre-amplification of up to 65 dB (adjustable in 1 dB-steps over a range of 55 dB), exceptional EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance even at low pre amplification settings, and extremely low THD+N let these preamps surpass many reference devices. All level settings are 100% reproducible and can also be comfortably adjusted by software. Inputs 3 and 4 are flexible universal balanced inputs. They operate exactly like inputs 5 to 8 on the rear and can be adjusted to accept standard studio input levels (+4 dBu, LoGain). The input impedance can be switched from line (10 kOhm) to instrument (470 kOhm), and offers an additional analog input amplification of up to 18 dB in steps of 0.5 dB.

Cross-platform performance
The Fireface UC works on both the Windows and Mac operating systems. In fact, the compact Fireface UC has been uncompromisingly optimized for highest performance under either platform. Based on a newly developed RME Hammerfall core the Fireface UC provides revolutionary ultra-low latencies even with multiple channels. It uses two different firmware versions with different transfer methods to remove current restrictions of typical USB audio interfaces. The unit's operating mode Win or Mac can be changed directly at the unit at any time. Under Mac OS the Fireface's MIDI ports are class compliant, the operating system therefore automatically uses the included MIDI driver. Under both Operating Systems the available latencies are incredible. The smallest buffer offered under Windows Vista has 48 samples, under Mac OS X 14 samples. With this RME provides a performance comparable to PCI Express interfaces — under USB 2.0.

Digital I/O
The inclusion of ADAT I/O provides digital connection to mixers and converters. In combination with an ADI-8 DS/QS or OctaMic II, there are up to 16 analog inputs (respectively 12 @ 96 kHz). The coaxial SPDIF I/O (up to 192 kHz) is fully AES/EBU compatible. SPDIF can also be accessed through the optical I/O. A Word Clock input and output plus two MIDI I/Os (special breakout cable included) complete the list of features and turn the Fireface UC into an entire audio system of the highest quality.

Analog I/O
Eight analog inputs and outputs (all balanced, except outputs 7/8) with software controlled reference levels (-10 dBV, +4 dBu, Lo/HiGain), realized discretely in the analog domain, ensure high dynamic range and fidelity. Inputs 5 through 8 on the rear panel feature RME's proven level references, -10 dBV, +4 dBu and Lo Gain can be selected in the settings dialog, equivalent to +2 dBV, +13 dBu and +19 dBu for digital full scale. The same applies to the balanced rear analog outputs 1 to 6. The hi-power phones output offers high volumes even with low-impedance headphones.

Outputs
Analog:
6 x 1/4" TRS, servo-balanced, DC-coupled signal path
1 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced (Headphones)
Digital:
1 x ADAT optical or S/PDIF optical
1 x S/PDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible)

Inputs
Analog:
6 x 1/4" TRS (4 x Line, 2 x Line/Instrument)
2 x XLR/TRS Combo Connectors (2 x Mic/Line)
All servo-balanced
Digital:
1 x ADAT optical or S/PDIF optical
1 x S/PDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible)

MIDI
2 x MIDI I/O via breakout cable (4 x 5-pin DIN jacks), for 32 channels low jitter hi-speed MIDI

Connectivity USB 2.0 (Compatible with standard USB)

Drivers
Windows:
XP (from SP2), Vista, Vista 64, 7: Full ASIO multi-client operation of WDM and ASIO 2.0. WDM (DirectSound) with stereo and multi-Channel support
Mac:
OS X (10.5 or higher) Intel: Core Audio, Core MIDI

Audio THD
Analog:
< -100 dB (< 0.001 %)
Digital:
-100 dB (0.001 %)

Dynamic range AD: 110 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA
Dynamic range DA: 110 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA (unmuted)

# THD AD: < -100 dB (< 0.001 %)
# THD+N AD: < -98 dB (< 0.0012 %)

# THD DA: -100 dB (0.001 %)
# THD+N DA: -96 dB (0.0015 %)

Audio THD + Noise
Analog:
< -98 dB (< 0.0012 %)
Digital:
-96 dB (0.0015 %)

Crosstalk AD: > 110 dB
Crosstalk DA: > 110 dB

Sample Rate
Internally:
32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 128, 176.4, 192 kHz
Externally:
28 kHz - 200 kHz

Frequency Response
AD/DA: -0.1 dB: 5 Hz - 20.4 kHz (sf 44.1 kHz)
AD/DA: -0.5 dB: 1 Hz - 43.3 kHz (sf 96 kHz)
AD/DA: -1 dB: 1 Hz - 80 kHz (sf 192 kHz)

Power Supply
External power supply (included)
Internal switching PSU, 100 - 240 V AC, 2 A, 24 Watts
Cannot be powered by USB port (no bus power)
Current at 12 Volt operating voltage: 910 mA (11 Watts)

Power Consumption 13 Watts (typical)

Dimensions With included rack ears:
10.5 x 1.73 x 6.5" (265 x 44 x 165mm)
Without rack ears/handles:
8.6 x 1.73 x 6.1" (218 x 44 x 155mm)

Weight 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)

	RME Babyface Silver USB Audio Interface RME Babyface Silver is a high-quality USB 2.0 Audio Interface, equipped with up-to-date 192 kHz AD/DA converters and 2 reference class microphone preamps,...	Sale Price: $749.00 Save: 25%
	Tascam US-600 6-in, 4-out USB 2.0 Interface Tascam US-600 is a 6-in/4-out USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface, ideal for portable recording of multiple sources from your laptop computer. Four high-definition...	Sale Price: $179.00 Save: 31%
	Tascam US-200 2x4 USB Audio Interface Tascam US-200 is a 2-in/4-out USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac and Windows computers, housed in a lightweight, portable chassis. Audio can be recorded at...	Sale Price: $149.00 Save: 25%
	Roland UA-1010 Octa-Capture USB 2.0 Audio Interface Roland UA-1010 is a high speed USB 2.0 audio interface that features 10 inputs, 10 outputs, 8 VS preamps, and 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality. Designed for...	Sale Price: $699.00 Save: 15%
	RME FireFace UFX USB/FireWire Audio Interface RME Fireface UFX  is a USB and FireWire audio interface that gives you 30 input and 30 output channels, digitally controlled preamps, a range of digital I/O...	Sale Price: $2,099.00 Save: 9%
	Steinberg CI2 PLUS USB Audio Interface Steinberg CI2 PLUS is a compact audio recording solution - perfect for singer/songwriters and also perfectly sized for mobile recording alike. Just connect the...	Sale Price: $199.00 Save: 50%
	Steinberg CI1 USB Audio Interface Steinberg CI1 is the ideal low-cost audio interface for any Cubase owner who needs to record vocals, instruments, keyboards, percussion or any other audio...	Sale Price: $99.99 Save: 33%

• Number of Reviews:  ( 0 )
• Share your thoughts with other customers on RME Fireface UC USB Audio Interface.
• Write Your Buying Experience