RME Fireface UFX III Overview: 188-Channel USB 3.0 Audio Interface with MADI, DURec & SteadyClock FS
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Find out more about the RME Digiface AES at;
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The RME Fireface UFX III is the latest USB 3 flagship audio interface from RME, representing the pinnacle of RME’s audio interface design.
Alongside its 12-channels of high-quality analogue I/O, the UFX III offers versatile expansion options via ADAT, MADI and AES digital connectivity; powerful features like SteadyClock FS, Advanced DURec, Autoset and MIDI-over-MADI; and extensive software control via TotalMix FX, TotalMix Remote and DIGICheck NG.
With its unrivalled selection of analogue and digital connectivity; flexible routing and monitoring control via TotalMix FX; full-standalone operation and class compliant mode; and industry-standard, ‘rock-solid’ drivers for Mac and PC, the Fireface UFX III is the ultimate professional tool for high-end studios, live audio and location recording applications.
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I've had my UFX III for about 3 weeks and it's the best investment I have ever made in my studio. The conversion and clocking are world class and sound amazing. TotalMix gives me many of the benefits of a dedicated recording console for tracking and monitoring and has me asking myself how I lived without it for so long. My only nitpick would be ARC form factor that is a bit bulky and would benefit from a more elegant design that includes rounder edges like what's found on the Babyfaces Pro.
Happy to hear you're loving your UFX III!
This reAlly needs s solid midi controlled true physical fader mixer
I want RME to make a field recorder. They are probably the most diligent and committed audio converter manufacturer out there and they would do amazing in the high-end field and production sound space 😻
just got mine a few days ago. Can't wait to set it up and check out the new sound quality in my Studio.
Congratulations, one heck of an interface.
@@GL0697 thanks, yes it's great! The only thing I need to find a workaround for is the DSP FX for monitoring. I used to work with a Live Console which had high quality Lexicon FX built into it. And the RME ones just don't reach that level of resolution. When I play very soft I can hear some artifacts in the reverb when it fades out at the end. I'm quite sensitive to such things which are really annoying to me. So I need to find a way to monitor those FX through my DAW without hearing Phasing Sounds.
@@MatthiasKnorrMusic check out the video RME did during lockdown about using liveproffessor for effects. It may be an alternative to using your DAW which may be causing latency/phasing
This will be my next interface.
For the moment running on the digiface usb and a Ferrofish pulse 16 mx so the ufxiii is a logical step for me since my converter supports Madi.
Great stuff and totalmix is awesome once you get to know it.
Pairing the Pulse 16 MX with the UFX III would give you a serious setup for sure!
ROCKIN 🎹🎸
Great interface, though a missed opportunity to add Dante / AES67 capability to its premier audio interface.
They like MADI. But we need AVB & DANTE🤐
That would certainly be one killer interface! For sure something we'll pass along to the developers!
I own a UFX II combined with a Ferrofish Pulse 16. Currently I still have 4 inputs empty and available and I don't expect I need much of inputs in the near future. What would be reasons to justify the upgrade for me? Or am I good as it is now? Are the AD?DA converters a lot better for example? Cheers!
Hi all
I'm looking at upgrading my interface to an RME UFX 3 and looking for someone that can assist with private consultaion on setting up the RME, using total mix, routing, setting up analog gears with the RME, using the RME with pro tools etc.... I don't mind paying for the consultation...it won't be for free...🙏🙏
What’s the actual difference to the UFX+ then?
The UFX III is the successor to the UFX+ as opposed to the UFX II - it adds MADI to the I/O offering, as well as a range of internal spec improvements and new user functionality (improved standalone and class compliant mode) over the UFX+
Hope this helps!
@@SynthaxAudioUK Thanks, meant the ufx+ indeed. But sounds like there’s no need to update as I don’t think the internal spec improvements make it worth it.
@@Deerob Exactly it must be hard being RME and being so fcking good. I'm on the first version of the UCX and i just cannot for the life of me justify an upgrade to it at all, and i'm on year 7 with it. The drivers are the most solid of any company out there and it just works flawlessly. I"ve never had an issue that wasn't user created. Hell instead, I added a Dangerous Music Convert 2 to it for clocking and master level monitoring, which really just opened the RME up into a new dimension. I'll stick with this until it fries.
Anybody has any experience with this interface and latency with vsts in their DAWs? Also any issues with connectivity using USB 3.0?
Thank you for a great video. I have a question.
I am using a 16 channel summing mixer the RME UFX lll has eight analog outputs
How will I get my 9-19 channel
? I have a Ferrowfish pulse 16 DX.
what type of cables or set up do I need to get my other eight analog channels?
Thank you
Hi, I would use the Ferrofish for connecting all of the analogue I/O with your summing mixer. You can then connect the Pulse 16 DX to the UFX III digitally via MADI or ADAT. (The analogue channels will then be available in TotalMix FX.)
MADI is probably easiest as you'll only need one cable (MADI duplex cable with SC to LC connectors). Alternatively you could use ADAT optical cables (you'll need 4 for all 16 channels).
You'll also need to set up the clocking, for example setting the UFX III as the master (in the RME Settings app) and setting the Ferrofish to slave (via its front panel, or using the RemoteFish software).
@@SynthaxAudioUK thank you for your response. I will give it a try. Keep up the good work!
Do you do remote studio, consultations for example, helping someone to set up their studio, routing, etc?
thank you again
How does it handle plugins ? Does it take off some processing burden away from the computer as Apolo and Pro Tools do or does it let the computer handle all the load ?
Hi, all RME interfaces have DSP however it's used to power RME's on-board digital mixer (TotalMix FX), so no direct plugin support. TMFX has built in EQ and Compression on every channel (plus Reverb and Delay as sends), however these are primarily intended for monitoring (giving the vocalist some 'comfort reverb' for example).
If you want to use TotalMix with plugins, a good option is to check out LiveProfessor - check out RME's webinar from a couple of years back here:
ua-cam.com/video/qQ95oc6zO3w/v-deo.html
I have a few HW synths (Virus TI2, Waldorf Iridium, and others) and i need 8 Inputs plus all my VSTs (PC CPU powered) mixed in Ableton. I sold my Behringer X32 Rack and want to buy a Hi End Audio Interface for these. So my choices is Metric Halo ULN8 MK4, Apollo X16D, maybe a Lynx Aurora (a bit expensiv so the last option). Now i saw the Fireface UFX III and i almost like it most. Is this a viable option, can it compete with the others ? Regards.
Hi, to be honest the UFX III is probably overkill if you just need 8 analogue ins. The UFX III has MADI I/O and can handle 188 channels total (24 analogue + 164 digital), so is really designed for studios and live rigs running hundreds of (physical) channels. If you're sure the UFX III is the one you're interested in though, check out the Sound On Sound review here for an independent opinion:
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/rme-fireface-ufx-iii
You'd probably be better off with either the UFX II (basically a UFX III without the MADI), 802 FS or the UCX II, which is like a mini UFX (8 x analogue I/O, 12 x digital I/O). A UCX II and an ARC USB remote is a fantastic setup for smaller hybrid studios.
Sound quality across the range is essentially the same with RME's latest generation of interfaces, all of which feature SteadyClock FS (i.e. RME's latest clocking tech which provides highly accurate AD/DA on all inputs/outputs). The feature set is also very similar, although the 802 FS lacks the DURec feature found on the UCX II / UFX II / UFX III, which allows for standalone recording to USB thumb drives and external HDs.
We therefore always recommend basing your decision on the number of channels you need. All the RME Firefaces also have ADAT I/O, so you can add an additional 8-channel AD/DA or Mic Pre at a later date if you want to expand.
Hope that helps a bit, lots to think about for sure! Finally I'll also point out that the Apollo X16D is a Dante interface with no built-in analogue I/O (other than the stereo XLR out), so you'd need an external AD/DA or pre to go with it.
@@SynthaxAudioUK Wow what an answer tyvm. My only thought was that the Apollo x16 (not d) would produce an much better sound with its native plugins. But if the RME is really studio grade its ok. I can afford the ucx III easily so i look whether to get uxc 2 or 3. Lynx Aurora costs 5000+ EUR and it won be sounding better than the RMEs ?
My UFX III cuts out all the time on USB C have to keep restarting the computer to get it back.
Hi, could be the cable is on its way out. If you're running through a hub or an adapter that could also cause an issue. Maybe try some different USB ports or on another computer if you can, try to isolate the problem.
Another weird one I'm come across before is the WiFi interfering with the interface connection. Switching off the Wifi solved it, could also be worth a try.
@@SynthaxAudioUK Took out my USB card that improved it installing an older RME driver fully fixed it. Thanks anyway.
This might be overkill for my home recording. A bit of a jump from the Motu M4 ;)
The ucx version is a killer alternative. Less io but the conversion, clarity, and transparency is top notch.
Buy once cry once is the motto.
As the others have said, UCX II might be the answer for you! Smaller form factor, slightly less I/O but includes a range of the great features from the UFX III - like DURec, Steadyclock FS and full standalone operation.
Hope this helps!
I just returned the UCX to get this.
Having the extra IO might not seem like much but it is
i wish i could afford one
❤👍
Thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these next week.
I've been using an RME Multiface II for over ten years now, but the converters are sounding al little dated now, so time to update.
Just wondering what the round trip latency is like compared to the Multiface II before i order?
Godfrey Row
With the UFX III, does anyone also run a monitor controller while using this, or do you opt to get the Arc USB to use as a monitor controller? I have two sets of monitors and one sub. I would like to be able to switch between both, including the sub on each switch. Is that possible, or should I also get a separate monitor controller? Thank you.
I just use the ARC USB as it not only lets you do monitor switching but also control various aspects of TotalMix. I especially like that I can set the gain of the 4 front preamps, phantom power of the preamps, and adjust my headphone volume without reaching to my rack.
However you may need a monitor switcher between the sub and your two monitors - if your sub only has a LR input and then a LR output to monitors to control the crossover you may need something in between the sub output and your two monitor sets.
@@PianoHero1994 Thank you for the reply. I’ve been researching more and I did purchase the ARC USB, now just waiting for my UFX III to come in. I was wondering if it would make sense to connect my sub as a third output, L+R, and using total mix, enable the sun outs along with either set of monitors.
What is the dynamic range of the inputs??????????
high, it's high
Jan Flats
Seamus Burgs
Justen Squares
3 years ago I would have clicked ‘buy now’ but unfortunately due to inflation and our government in Australia signing up to ridiculous energy deals, bankrupting businesses and causing a massive influx of poverty it will need to wait. I will keep putting $10 away and maybe in about 8 years I will be able to afford one of these little beauties.
As long as total mix isn't update to useable software RME stays a no-go, sorry
Alessia Plains
Why am I seeing non-combi XLR jacks on the back of this thing? At this price that's unacceptable...
Also I suspect anyone would want at least double the analog i/o that's provided on this unit before needing to buy even more expensive gear to break out from this one..
@@jackrorystaunton4557 Those inputs on the back are not analog inputs, they are AES/EBU.This interface offers so much I/O its ridiculous, the price for this is absolutely fair with the quality of the converters and the overall connectivity.
Rogahn Oval
Leatha Underpass
I don’t understand how a USB interface can do 188 channels of audio. Surely there must be a limit to simultaneous active streams of audio.
Hi, I'm not sure what the limitations are on USB 3 bandwidth in terms of audio, but I know RME have been perfecting USB audio for decades - RME can do at least 128 channels (64/64) via USB 2 (RME MADIface USB), whilst the RME MADIface XT can handle 394 channels (196/196 plus the headphone output).
I think the limitation would also come from the desired sample rate. Because of that S/MUX thing, you cannot record all of those channels at a sample rate higher than 48khz. Say for example you use a dedicated SPDIF 192khz converters for mastering or monitoring, you "lose" 8 channels of adat, because these ports can only support two ins and two out at such a high sample rate. correct me if I'm wrong
@@mmx2323 34 channels at 192khz 24bit 54 channels at 92khz
Orval Via
94 IN's ???? I see Only 8 and thats it
The channel count refers to the analogue and digital channels available on the unit. There's a total of 12 analogue inputs and 12 analogue outputs, but there's also 2 x ADAT, AES and MADI which add to the full count!
Hope this helps!
ffs finally upgrade from USB 2.0 thats what was stopping me from getting one
why so?
Skyla Via
Moore Sarah Lewis Timothy Davis Linda
I Will never buy another RME interface after my UFX2's analogue circuit fried, barely after two years of usage. All I got from tech-support is "Yeah that happens often, give us $800 and we'll replace the analogue part." I gave my money to another company.
Highly doubt that happens often, it was either very very rare or since you're so bitter, it was most likely something you did and now you want to blame the company because they didn't replace it. My two cents, RME are known for handling customers with care. I don't believe you.
@@FractalWavesAudio I don't care what you believe. Keep drinking the kool aid.
Must of been a bad unit I have the RME babyface for eight years no problem. RME has a very good reputation.
no thunderbolt, no thanks
RME hardware does not need Thunderbolt as it does not add any value or performance increase.
@@skyglidestudios3443 bullshit
@@allkindsofthings673 USB 3.0 can move 5GB per second it's plenty.
they made the same thing they always make. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
They should make clothes too?
USB3 from #RME? LOL have they fallen from #faith suddenly? They promised they won't ever need any modern tech like #USB3 ever since #USB2 will be enough forever. :D
The UFX III can work with USB2, though the reason for USB3 is because of the sheer number of channels the UFX III can handle, 188 channels, which requires additional bandwidth. When using USB2, the number of supported channels is reduced to 30 with the MADI functionality record and playback disabled. Specific to their claim to USB2, it had to do with their current USB interfaces at the time and the impact to latency.
@@danielgaudet6114You make it sound like that was a decade ago. But actually just a few months ago I still heard that. So that's not a valid argument.
@@patlecatIt was actually first made over a decade ago. The first time I read it was in 2011. The fact that it's being said now, still applies for lower channel count interfaces. USB 3's data rate does not bring any tangible benefits vs USB2 for RME interfaces like the Babyface Pro FS, Fireface 802 FS, Fireface UCX II, Digiface USB, or Digiface AES.
@@danielgaudet6114pls no need to defend the indefensable. Their marketing blah was intentionally misleading. That's all.
I think it has something to do with those madi ports