Fireface UFX USB/Firewire Audio Interface

Description

Fireface UFX USB/Firewire Audio Interface.
waaaay too much interface for me, that's the bottom line, i love it but i don't need 60ins and outs simultaneously, go figure
great though
The
Fireface UFX
from
RME
is a USB and FireWire audio interface that provides a total of 60 channels of audio, and includes digitally controlled high-end preamps, reference class converters and full 192kHz operation. It delivers ultra-low latency operation, combined with exceptional driver stability. Additionally, the unit includes active jitter suppression, professional reference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, RME's DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox, and nearly identical operation and features under both Windows and Mac OS. TotalMix FX is the redesigned and integrated digital high-end mixer and signal router, driven by two powerful DSP processors, with integrated EQ, dynamics and reverb/echo effects, plus built-in monitoring control. The feature set is complemented by extraordinary usability. A bright multi-functional color display with full front panel metering for all 60 channels plus effect bus, delivers complete control of all key features directly from the front of the unit. RME's Fireface flagship interface is a highly integrated pro audio solution, designed for users who don't want to make compromises in sound, stability and ultra-low latency operation. Inputs and Outputs
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 analog and 18 digital channels can be recorded onto 30 separate tracks
Combines excellent analog circuit design with high-grade AD/DA converter chips
All balanced TRS and XLR I/Os and both phones outputs guarantee low noise and low distortion values
The preamps don't produce "sound" - they do not add or remove anything from the source signal, just capture as is
All I/Os operate up to 192kHz and reach 118dBA dynamic range on playback - including both headphone outputs
High power technology delivers high headphone volume no matter if high or low impedance phones are used
Due to its efficient jitter reduction, RME's 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, Hi Gain (equivalent to +2dBV, +13dBu and +19dBu for digital full scale) - directly on the device or via TotalMix
The balanced XLR outputs provide a level of up to +24dBu
All outputs can be used for ASIO Direct Monitoring purposes
Analog I/O
12/12 @ 44.1/48kHz
12/12 @ 88.2/96kHz
12/12 @ 176.4/192kHz
AES/EBU I/O
2/2 @ 44.1/48kHz
2/2 @ 88.2/96kHz
2/2 @ 176.4/192kHz
ADAT I/O
16/62 @ 44.1/48kHz
8/8 @ 88.2/96kHz
2/2 @ 176.4/192kHz
Total I/O
30/30 @ 44.1/48kHz
22/22 @ 88.2/96kHz
18/18 @ 176.4/192kHz
Microphone/Instrument Preamps (Advanced Parallel Conversion)
Premium solution for transmitting and amplifying any audio input unchanged, be it high-level stage, or typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones
Four high-transparency preamps backed up by 4 stereo converters using RME's parallel converter technology
Every microphone channel uses a double, parallel AD conversion (the 4 preamps are feeding 8 AD converters at the same time) to reach exceptional signal-to-noise values and a performance not available with a classic converter design
Microphone and instrument preamps 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 delivers extremely low distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and a perfect linear frequency response
Digitally controlled gain of up to 65dB, adjustable in steps of 1dB over a range of 55dB, is individually set for every preamp by the display-supported controls on the front panel
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 T
he 4 inputs on the front use balanced XLR/TRS combo sockets and operate alternatively as Hi-Z inputs- directly plug in up to 4 guitars or other instruments
Each channel can be individually switched for +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
Adding additional preamplifiers or more analog inputs is easily done via the dual ADAT optical I/Os on the rear
Digital I/O, Word Clock and MIDI
Professional AES/EBU input and output working up to 192kHz on transformer-balanced, galvanically isolated, according to AES3-1992
Two, 8-channel ADAT I/Os (16 channels) available simultaneously with the analog channels and 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 192kHz (S/MUX4)
Using two external converters, the unit will provide 28 analog inputs and outputs, 20 with a sample rate of 96kHz, and 16 at 192kHz
The second ADAT I/O can be used as optical S/PDIF I/O, making the UFX connections even more flexible
Wordclock input and output (BNC) with switchable termination plus two MIDI I/Os complete the I/O list and turn unit into a professional audio system with universal usability
TotalMix FX
DSP-based TotalMix mixer allows fully independent routing and mixing of all 30 input and playback channels to all 30 physical outputs
Two DSPs ensure an impressive performance even in extreme applications
Up to 15 totally independent stereo sub-mixes, plus a comprehensive Control Room section, offer unrivalled monitoring capabilities and routing flexibility
Every input and output channel comes with an extensive feature set, comparable to a full-scale digital console.
Effects per channel include 3-band parametric EQ, adjustable low-cut, auto level, compressor, expander, MS processing and phase reversal.
Reverb and echo effects unit is available for all channels via a stereo send and return bus.
All effects available even at 192 kHz operation
For example, at 48kHz, 60 EQs, 34 low-cuts and echo can be activated, while with reverb and echo activated, 46 EQs and 32 low cuts are still available
The FX-DSP uses automatic overload surveillance - as soon as no more effects can be added, 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
The complete effects section not only adds a lot of flexibility to the recording chain, but makes latency burdened software obsolete
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 chamber
The DSP hardware calculates RMS and Peak levels for all 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 you to modify the volume of all sends of a channel simultaneously
Unlimited Undo and Redo
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.
A big rotary encoder on the front of the unit maintains precise control of the three dedicated stereo monitor outputs - main out, phones 1 and phones 2
Turning the volume encoder displays the current gain value in big numbers
The small encoder buttons provide direct access to pan and reverb for the selected output
The gain (volume) settings work hand in hand with the Control Room section of TotalMix FX
Any physical output can be assigned to the 3, directly knob-controlled monitor outputs - e.g., assign the AES/EBU output as the main out or as phones out, or to any other output
Talkback, listen-back, mono and dim work automatically for the assigned outputs
Includes a connector for an
optional
RME hardware remote, with controls for volume, dim, level storage and recall
USB and FireWire
The UFX Combines USB and FireWire within one interface
RME does not use third party USB or FireWire audio technology, rather their own, self-developed Hammerfall Audio Core that provides outstanding performance and uncompromised pro audio features
USB 2.0 optimized for highest performance under Windows and Mac OS, using special customized firmware for every operating system
Delivers ultra-low latencies even with multiple channels
Compatible with the USB 3 chipsets
There is no FireWire chip inside the unit - the controller is completely programmed into the FPGA, capable of being updated by a simple firmware update if necessary
The completely redesigned FireWire core provides the UFX with the same exceptional compatibility and performance as RME's USB solutions
Usability
High-resolution color display is integrated into the front panel for exceptional usability experience
All important features of the unit can be manually controlled directly on the UFX itself using the 3 rotary encoders
When connected to a PC or Mac, TotalMix is synced to the interface controls and follows all changes automatically
The 4 keys, the 2 encoders, the high-resolution and clear color 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, and allows the Fireface UFX to control the sample rate on its own
Settings dialog includes a direct choice of the most often used video and audio sample rates 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
SyncCheck offer a quick detection of clock problems
DIGICheck is a unique software tool box for metering, testing, measuring and analyzing digital audio streams - it provides a multi-track recorder, calculates the level meters peak and RMS in hardware and is able to analyze and display playback data from any software, no matter which format the software uses
Internal switch mode power supply allows the unit to operate in the range of 100 to 240VAC, and is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations and suppresses mains interference
Using the3 rotary encoders and the clear color display, the interface can be configured and set up for use as a standalone operation with setup recall
Additionally internal memory allows for the permanent storage of 6 different states of the unit
When operating standalone, the unit can be transformed into totally different devices by the simple click of a button - examples include a 12-channel AD/DA converter, 4-channel microphone preamp, monitor mixer, digital format converter, or analog/digital routing matrix
In standalone mode, TotalMix FX can still be controlled via MIDI