RME has announced the the Fireface UFX III, a 192kHz, 24-bit USB 3.0 audio interface with 94 inputs and 94 outputs across its selection of analogue and digital I/O.
Successor to the Fireface UFX+, the UFX III offers a high-performance, all-in-one recording solution for use in professional recording studios, live audio and playback applications, and multichannel location music recording. It incorporates RME technologies including SteadyClock FS and Advanced DURec; the powerful monitoring and routing controller TotalMix FX; network control via TotalMix Remote; professional analysis tools DIGICheck and DIGICheck NG; full standalone operation and recording; Class Compliance for native operation with Windows, macOS and Linux; and RME’s ultra-low-latency drivers for Mac and PC.
Based on a newly developed analogue and digital board, the Fireface UFX III features the latest in AD and DA conversion with improved THD+N values; DC-coupled analogue outputs; and a superior feature-set via updated, high-tech components and powerful onboard DSP.
The front panel sports four high-performance XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone, instrument and line-level signals; two stereo headphone jacks with +19dBu output level (which also double up unbalanced stereo outputs); Midi I/O; and a USB port for RME’s Direct to USB Recording (DURec).
The rear panel offers eight balanced line-level inputs and eight balanced outputs (including a stereo pair of XLR monitor outputs), for recording and interfacing with line-level instruments and other professional studio hardware.
An expansive selection of digital audio connections completes the package – two Adat Optical I/Os, AES/EBU I/O, a second Madi I/O; and optical Madi I/O, with 64 bi-directional channels available on Madi Optical (SC). Additionally, the Adat I/O can be used as separate optical SPDIF I/O in addition to the AES I/O, while Word Clock I/O on BNC connections can operate as an additional redundant Madi Coaxial I/O if required.
Connection to a computer is via USB 3.0 (USB-C compatible). When used in USB 2.0 mode, all analogue and digital I/Os are supported with the exception of the Madi I/O, while a second USB port provides direct connection for RME’s optional ARC USB remote control.
Up to 80 inputs and outputs can be recorded directly to (and read from) a USB storage device, when connected to the unit’s front panel USB port – a feature RME calls DURec (Direct USB Recording). Using the Fireface UFX III’s integrated DSP – which also powers RME’s software mixing controller TotalMix FX, and allows standalone operation – DURec enables multichannel recording and playback directly to/from memory devices such as USB flash drives and external hard drives, independent of any connected Mac or PC.
Potential applications for DURec include the creation of simultaneous backup recordings in the studio; the recording of live performances and rehearsals; multitrack field recording; and the ability to perform virtual soundchecks at live music venues. Individual track names can be assigned in advance via RME’s TotalMix FX software mixer, simplifying the process when loading tracks into a DAW for editing.
The Fireface UFX III features SteadyClock FS, RME’s latest digital clocking and jitter suppression technology. Originally developed for RME’s award-winning ADI-2 Series, SteadyClock FS offers extremely effective jitter suppression (even at low frequencies) on all digital input signals, further enhancing the Fireface UFX III’s highly accurate AD/DA conversion, as well as stablising the clock of other connected audio devices.
The DSP-based TotalMix FX mixer provides comprehensive control over all incoming and outgoing audio signals, channel routing, zero-latency monitoring and the creation of unlimited submixes. Built-in effects are provided on every input and output channel (EQ, Dynamics, Reverb and Delay sends), alongside additional features like Loopback (internally route any output/submix back in as an audio input).
The free TotalMix Remote companion app –offers network control of RME devices from another PC, Mac or iPad (including wirelessly over Wi-Fi), while DIGICheck and DIGICheck NG provide a free suite of professional, high-precision audio analysis tools.
In addition to driver-based USB operation and standalone mode, the Fireface UFX III offers a Class Compliant mode for native operation with Windows, macOS and Linux.
As the first RME audio interface with full USB 3.0 support in CC mode, the Fireface UFX III provides all 94 I/O channels without the use of a plug-and-play driver. When used with an Apple iPad, CC mode also provides control of the Fireface UFX III via the optionally available TotalMix FX for iPad app, allowing iPads to be used for professional mobile recording, mixing, monitoring and music production.
Shipping now, the RME Fireface UFX III carries an RRP of £2,727, and is available in the UV via Synthax UK.
