NAMM 2017: RME UFX 2, Digiface USB, ARC USB and UFX+

RME Fireface UFX+

Released late last year, the RME Fireface UFX+ is a complete overhaul of the original UFX. The convertors and pre-amps have been redesigned featuring slightly better performance on both fronts. Key additions to the UFX+ are 64 channels of MADI I/O via optical or word clock connectors. RME have also significantly updated their DURec feature, and re-designed the outer casing and colour scheme. You also get the latest Total Mix FX - a DSP driven software-mixer with real-time dynamics processing, EQ and reverb that can be inserted on any input or output. Both UFX models are compatible with the new ARC USB remote.

RME Fireface UFX II

The RME Fireface UFX II is essentially a UFX+ without MADI, and USB 2.0 instead of Thunderbolt and USB 3.0. RME maintain that unrivaled low latency on the UFX 2 would not be improved by using newer and faster protocols, as the I/O count remains identical to the original Fireface UFX - 60 channels I/O. By maintaining USB 2.0 makes the UFX 2 significantly less expensive to manufacture. Also, RME use a FPGA (field programable gate array) USB chip. The firmware can be easily updated, and the UFX 2 is compatible with USB 3.0 ports.

The original Fireface UFX interface



Improvements in DURec make the UFX + & UFX 2 Genuine Options for field recording:

Like the original Fireface UFX, the UFX+ and UFX 2 can operate in stand-alone mode, and RME have made significant improvements to the DURec feature. DURec is accessed via the front-panel USB port, that allows you to attach a USB memory stick or hard drive. At its simplest, you can create real-time back ups of all your recording sessions in the studio.However, the available recording channel count has been increased to a maximum of 76 simultaneous tracks. This means on the UFX + you can record all analog and MADI outputs direct to a USB thumb-drive. Great for location sound, or recording live shows.

ARC USB Remote Control for Total Mix FX and More:

The new ARC USB is a re-designed remote control for RME interfaces, that also talks directly to Total Mix FX. This means any old RME  audio-interface supporting Total Mix FX will be compatible with ARC USB. There are 15 buttons that are assignable to over 40 different functions. The ARC USB also has pre-configured basic studio monitor-control features like mono, dim, alternate monitor select, mute etc located on the bottom 3 buttons too. The ARC USB has a USB 1.1 interface that can connect directly to the UFX+ and UFX 2, or directly to your computer to use with supported older RME products.

Check out the RME ARC USB here at Sounds Easy >>>




Below are technical comparisons between the three UFX models. As you can see, the key difference is in the new pre-amp design, whilst changes to the converters and circiutry produce slightly better performance overall.

MICROPHONE PREAMPS:


RME UFX
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
Gain range: 65 dB
Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +12 dBu
RME UFX 2 / UFX +
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA
Gain range: 75 dB
Maximum input level, Gain 0 dB: +18 dBu

ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERTORS:



RME UFX

Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 110 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA

THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %
THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
Channel separation: > 110 dB

RME UFX 2 / UFX +
Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 113 dB RMS unweighted, 116 dBA

THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %
THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
Channel separation: > 110 dB

DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTORS


RME UFX
Dynamic range (DR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dB
A
THD: -104 dB, < 0.00063 %
THD+N: -100 dB, < 0.001 %
RME UFX 2 / UFX +
Dynamic range (DR): 115 dB RMS unweighted, 118 dBA
THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %
THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %



Headphones:


RME UFX

Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, High: +17 dBu
Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, Low: +2 dBV
Output impedance: 30 Ohm
RME
UFX 2 / UFX +
Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, High: +19 dBu
Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, Low: +2 dBV
Output impedance: 2 Ohm
Max power per channel @ 32 Ohm load, 0.1% THD: 210 mW (2.6 Vrms, +10.5 dBu)

For more detailed technical information please visit the RME website.

RME Re-Release the Digiface Replacing PCI & PCIe with USB:

RME have updated the Digiface to become a bus-powered USB device and added more I/O to the original. There are now 8 x ADAT ports that offers a maximum channel count of 64 operating at 44.1/48kHz - 32 in and 32 out. You can also use the ADAT ports to carry SPDIF as well. Any combination is possible - 1 x ADAT, 3 SPDIF etc.

One really cool feature about the new Digiface USB, is that it features the same headphone amp technology as the recently released Babyface Pro.

The Digiface USB has a bus-powered USB 2.0 interface, and weighs only 220 grams. Even if you don’t need the digital I/O all the time, the Digiface USB makes an excellent high-quality headphone amp, for mixing on the go off a laptop. The Digiface has drivers for both Mac and Windows and includes Total Mix.