As and RME Fireface UFX+ that has a Ferrofish Pulse 16 connected by Madi, I love Madi! One atvantage of Madi is that you can have a tracking room across the house! I realize not too many people needs this, but if you do it's great. RME Is my favorite interface company!
Hi Barry, I've been watching your vids for a while so nice to see you here :) I caught your last vid about the effects and I agree, it would be nice to get a full overhaul of the effects. I would also love to see the TotalMix UI get a full redesign to be more modern and sleek. Everything is currently functional so I'm sure they don't want to mess anything up, but at some point these things are going to need a full refresh.
@@abbdrums AND @BarryJohns ... Big Thanks to both of you fellas for showing stuff about RME - Fireface and TotalMix... I learnt in 40mins what has taken me a month or so to learn from the ordinary RME tutorials... (20mins Austin's video above, 20mins Barry video title "RME TotalMix Training Session - Session One - The Fundamentals"... (@abdrums ... just showing that "Reverb slider" thing and how it worked made my day... was wondering what that little slider was doing there and what is was linked to... finally!!)...lol I have Fireface UFX + TM + DigiCheck... was just wondering Austin how did you set up the routing for DigiCheck + TM from the 12.43min mark??... reason being when I opened Digicheck I press the F3 button to select my driver (e.g. Asio driver select: ASIO Fireface USB and Device: Fireface UFX... then whatever channel that I have my Active speakers e.g 1& 2 or 3 & 4... then Source: Playback.. then Preferred Sample Rate: 44.1kHz)... (your preferred window i think is the Totalyser window)... I don't have the DigiCheck routing setup in the TM 3rd row "Hardware Outputs" like you do... but i get all playback from my Row 2 "Software Playback" to my PH9/10 and Mains AN1/2 or AN3/4... so I was wondering how did you setup the 3rd Row "Hardware Outputs" with DigiCheck... did you use "LoopBack"??... any chance you could make a short video on how you actually done all that routing to DigiCheck in TotalMix??... As you know there are 12 functions that we can select... I have a workspace that has 10 of the "Functions" side by side... (I know...overkill right!! ;) lol)... you may ask how i did that... i just selected File/New DigiCheck Window... and then it said "Error number 8""No device etc"... for whatever Function i selected... the way to fix that is simply to repeat the F3 button info i mentioned above ... for each function you select (its not global... you have to initiate each function separately with a Driver and Device)... and then accordingly you can have any amount of functions in your workspace... save the workspace and every time you open DigiCheck.... all the Functions show up as how you saved them...awesome right!! :) i hope that helps other newbies like myself and save you months of learning trying to figure it out with the ordinary RME tutorials... and by the way "RME"... if you are reading this.. should pay me some cash for tutoring... i think what i just wrote above would have saved you 1000's of Support Tickets in your forums!! Have a Great Day!! cheers ;)
@BarryJohns + abdrums... Big Thanks to both of you fellas for showing stuff about RME - Fireface and TotalMix... I learnt in 40mins what has taken me a month or so to learn from the ordinary RME tutorials... (20mins Austin's video above, 20mins Barry video title "RME TotalMix Training Session - Session One - The Fundamentals"... (@abdrums ... just showing that "Reverb slider" thing and how it worked made my day... was wondering what that little slider was doing there and what is was linked to... finally!!)...lol I have Fireface UFX + TM + DigiCheck... was just wondering Austin how did you set up the routing for DigiCheck + TM from the 12.43min mark??... reason being when I opened Digicheck I press the F3 button to select my driver (e.g. Asio driver select: ASIO Fireface USB and Device: Fireface UFX... then whatever channel that I have my Active speakers e.g 1& 2 or 3 & 4... then Source: Playback.. then Preferred Sample Rate: 44.1kHz)... (your preferred window i think is the Totalyser window)... I don't have the DigiCheck routing setup in the TM 3rd row "Hardware Outputs" like you do... but i get all playback from my Row 2 "Software Playback" to my PH9/10 and Mains AN1/2 or AN3/4... so I was wondering how did you setup the 3rd Row "Hardware Outputs" with DigiCheck... did you use "LoopBack"??... any chance you could make a short video on how you actually done all that routing to DigiCheck in TotalMix??... As you know there are 12 functions that we can select... I have a workspace that has 10 of the "Functions" side by side... (I know...overkill right!! ;) lol)... you may ask how i did that... i just selected File/New DigiCheck Window... and then it said "Error number 8""No device etc"... for whatever Function i selected... the way to fix that is simply to repeat the F3 button info i mentioned above ... for each function you select (its not global... you have to initiate each function separately with a Driver and Device)... and then accordingly you can have any amount of functions in your workspace... save the workspace and every time you open DigiCheck.... all the Functions show up as how you saved them...awesome right!! :) i hope that helps other newbies like myself and save you months of learning trying to figure it out with the ordinary RME tutorials... and by the way "RME"... if you are reading this.. should pay me some cash for tutoring... i think what i just wrote above would have saved you 1000's of Support Tickets in your forums!! Have a Great Day!! cheers ;)
Austin my brother, you’re production both Audio and Visual is second to none, huge appreciation and respect for your creative vision, it’s a joy to watch and listen to!
I have the exact same setup here in my studio : UFXIII + 12 mic D, to which I added 2 Warm Audio 273 and the UA 4-710 for a bit of flavour (transformer and tube) if needed, depending on the style of music I’m recording. I was moving on from my blackface Apollo setup, which I loved, but wasn’t anywhere close in terms of stability and routing capacity. These days I can mic up and record simultaneously my whole band + send a lot of different headphone mixes. I feel now like I could keep this setup alive for the next 20 years and never be disappointed. Also, I tend to choose more and more the clarity and transparency of the RME preamps for my everyday drum recordings, especially for overheads, cymbal mics and room. It is very very good.
Great info gentlemen. I have questions for Monsieur if you wouldn’t mind. I currently am two Apollo 8XP deep but am looking to move to this exact RME set up . I have a lot of analogue outboard so my questions are : 1) At what stage are you inserting your outboard ? At the 12 mic input stage via a patch pay or hard input ? For example . Are your drum mic XLR’s plugged into a XLR input plate which is wired into a patch bay and via the patch bay your input your signal sends into the RME then patch loop to outboard back to to the RME? Is your batch at Normaled for this or Not Normaled? If you could hip how you’re routing your outboard to print is what I’m asking, if it’s not too much trouble?
@@TigerKoehn Hey Tiger, the 12-mic is strictly a preamp unit, with digital outputs, you can definitely use the first 4 as line input, but its purpose is not to serve as a converter for mixing with hw inserts. The very little (for now at least) analog outboard I have and use during mixing is patched directly to the UFXIII and I take care of the routing through totalmix fx. I might eventually add a patchbay if I add more outboard. And it might happen faster than I imagine 🥲🫡
RME designs it’s own drivers and hardware from 15 years ago is still supported so you should be fine for many years to come. Their stuff is pretty expensive but it’s top of the line, great converters and super stable. Really awesome setup you have there, definitely my choice if I had the money for it 🤟🏼
Yea, RME’s future proof support for their products was a big draw, especially once I felt the reality of Focusrite bricking my interface if I moved to a newer OS.
Oh yeah. That was the reason why I grabbed a used RME Babyface. I do VST drumming but just hobby musician. These guys also provide super low latency values. I was quite fine with.my MAudio Fast Track Ultra :) but each ms less makes it feel better. Together with my LakePeople headphone amp and the butt kicker and Superior Drummer 3 it's really like sitting behind a pro drum set.
Very nice video. I just recently switched to an RME Fireface 802fs, and once you got your head around TotalMix, it's an absolute pleasure to work with. And the quality, stability and latency is just outstanding in every aspect.
I'm on the same track of pulling the trigger on the UFX III form my studio (guitars and keyboards and VSTs oriented mostly)... and let me say that - drum aside - this is the best and clearer overview of the two RME products. Good job Man TNX!!!
This may sound weird, but man it's good to see you making stuff again. I've always really loved your videos as I try and figure out how to do these things. Thanks for this!
In terms of support and drivers, I use a MadiFace witch is now 16 years in my possession. It works with a pci Express card using a Sonnett card adapter to TB2. Now on Mac OS Sonoma it still works perfectly using a TB2 to TB3 adapter. 6 months ago there was a driver update for my old madi device !
I just discovered your channel and am drooling over your studio and its most recent upgrades. It blows my mind, as I have not built a home studio in over 20 years. I recently started digging back into what's out there, and this is awesome beyond measure. Thank you!
I have two interfaces by RME and they are worth every cent. I have never looked back at any of the others. Driver support and stability is unmatched hands down.
I had to upgrade from my Saffire pro 40 for the same reason. I got the Motu 8pre ES however my audient asp800 was giving me problems so I got an old RME Octomic-D…it sounds incredible and the customer service is top notch!
RME is the best for drummers ! I have the UFX 2 with an Audient ASP800 and WARM AUDIO WA412 !! It's so cool to have this quality and the FX in real time to play through musics!
MADI is what the Pros use. RME is also a very professional company brand. Their PRO-pro company would be DirectOut, but that caters more for Broadcasters and such. Your choice was perfect, you'll have a great time with these tools. Don't forget that RME as a German engineering-driven company will not bug you with Marketing-nonsense like other companies do. RME just works 100%. Think Porsche, Siemens or SAP. Regarding the stabilty of their drivers, they are the only company that develops everything completely inhouse as opposed to use third-party-APIs. Which has enabled them not only to deliver that well-known stability, but also adjust to changes in the OS functions made by Apple or Microsoft.
I've been an RME user for well over a decade now, decided to upgrade my old Multiface II to the FireFace UFX III and WOW!!!! INCREDIBLE interface, not cheap, but you get A LOT for your money and the quality is just unbeatable. I wasn't after any mic pres, but when i tried the onbboard ones i was shocked at just how good they are, sort of somewhere between SSL and API, they really are THAT GOOD! Converters are mindblowingly good, TotalMix FX and DigiCheck are both killer apps too. The only quibble i have is that there are no inserts on the mic pres. One of the best purchases i've EVER made! The ARC is a really nice bit of kit too, once the muscle memory kicks in you don't' even have to think about using it. Cannot recommend RME enough.
Yes, the RME UFX III is a fantastic interface. I paired it with 8 Warm Audio Preamps (WA412) and some additional Focusrite Clarrett Octo Pre. The Sound is so much more defined and transparent. My main reason for upgrading was that my old console didn't work together with my new Mac Studio M2 Max. Quite an investment but works & sounds amazing. I only use this setup to record drums & stream or recording content. The mixing is done on with a different system. And for this system I recently got the UCX II. Works great as well.
Thanks for putting this video together 🤙🏻. I’m a drummer, with an RME UFX III setup, as well. However, like you, I knew nothing about MADI so I used the ADAT & ANALOG inputs instead. Maybe, now, I’ll have to pick up one of the RME 12mic for the MADI expansion capabilities!
Great review and breakdown Austin. I’m sold on this configuration. As a drummer/producer and working session artist I’m very excited to switch to this set up . Currently using 2 Apollos 8XP’s with Logic and a whole host of analog outboard . This whole system looks incredible. Great job!!
It is a pretty killer system! I'd be interested to hear how it stacks up against your current UA system. They are very similar but each system has it's little pros/cons versus the other. Oh, and my name is Austin by the way haha.
@@abbdrums Excuse the typo . I corrected it . I should’ve paid more attention and reread before I posted . My apologies. I enjoy your hand workout video on your ABBDrums site as well . I especially like the Swiss Triplet and Paradiddle turn-arounds . Concerning UA, I really love their plugins. I originally worked at Chunk King Studios in the late 80’s and love recording through analogue outboard so their unison no-latency tracking with their plugins was key for my workflow. However they haven’t grown their DSP Sharc Processors. HEXA CORE is new but Sharc isn’t They are not new tech. It’s from 2004 . There are more advanced processor chips being made in 2024 . UA needs to upgrade and lower the amount of DSP needed to run their plugins which are serious CPU intensive as of now and require a tremendous amount of DSP to run . I use two 8XP’s and a Octo Satalite so I’ll have enough DSP for large sessions . That being said , I need to be fair and one must realize that UA is a small company and if, and I suspect this is the case, had thousands upon thousands of Apollo Hardware manufactured in anticipation of selling out because of how well their Apollo’s were received by the recording public, the reason they haven’t changed could simply be of a financial nature . However . I would like to know why they wouldn’t have anticipated the speed in which A/D and D/A tech has been advancing. They could use better pre-amps as well . They were the best , in my opinion when they hit the market and now with their new Apollo 16D using Dante . I can’t say for certain if they missed their mark . One wonderful thing they did that was honorable was they have made Native plugins for the public and as a UA user I get all my UA plugins and Native plugin copies of what I already own for free. That is wonderful. Now I’m going to try the RME set up. Luckily I use a Mac Pro so I have tremendous CPU capabilities so if the RME relatively new UFX III and maybe the 12 channel pre amp or I’m looking into the 16 channel A/D as well .Nevertheless, your video has been inspirational and I’m setting up a conversation with an RME rep to better realize my needs for my production facility. The last thing I’ll touch on is the difference between Dante & MADI . Both have different advantages and disadvantages from each other . Dante is geared toward full network protocols not just production and has to be used within its own eco systems where MADI is a production protocol and can be used with multitudes of gear . I know the bigger venues use Dante because it fits in and networks with Audio, Lighting and Video . Let’s see where these two technologies go in the next two years . The great things RME has is their Digiface Dante . I’m keeping my Apollos and will buy the RME . Which system is going to lead in the next 5 years . Dante and MADI are able to work together without any loss so let’s see what happens .I really enjoyed your thorough breakdown and cannot tell you how grateful I am for your service and review . You’re doing a fantastic job and have provided much needed content that benefits many people . Thank you Austin.
Yea I did a lot of research comparing the UA Apollos vs this RME system and ended up going with the RME. One advantage UA does have is just the plugin selection. If you are used to having all those cool plugins at your disposal, you may feel limited with just a basic eq, compressor, reverb, and echo on the RME system. Though, I kind of like being limited to just a few built in plugins because I don't get stuck experimenting with plugins for hours and I can just immediately get to work shaping a headphone mix. Other than that, though, I think RME has the edge on everything else. If you are going to purchase a system, you can use my code ABBDRUMS on the RME website to get 15% off your order, so definitely take advantage of that if you haven't purchased it yet. Best of luck with everything!
Great run down sir, excellent drumming and thank you for not over complicating things. I run my UFXIII with a Pulse16 over MADI. I've said it before on other's channels that it's easier to think bottom up in TotalMix FX just like you described in a few seconds time. Whatever bottom Output Channel is currently selected is what every other Input or Playback Channel above is feeding in to when you raise the fader. Simple! Cheers 🥂
Yes it's very simple. I don't know why it has the reputation of being so complex. I think it just looks overwhelming initially because it shows every available channel in your system. But once you isolate those down to what you actually use, it's not that crazy.
I love the videos you make, it's extremely difficult to explain this stuff on video and you do it very smoothly and keep the info rolling at nice pace. Thanks for your efforts! I've been using using something that kinda does some of this so it all made perfect sense. A friend gave me a Behringer ADA 8200 that I needed to pair with something with an optical input so I found the Tascam 102i (and the 208i)(all also available at Sweetwater). It works, didn't cost me much, but not nearly as slick and sweet as this.
Or FW400 with Motu 8pre (ADAT mode) which I Use since 2007 in my studio! Never had the urge to upgrade. Mics, Pres, yes... Convertors never. And the fact that RME is still compatible and updating the drivers (for my M1 Pro silicon!) and haven't "forced" me to go to another interface makes me LOVE RME! If I'd ever upgraded I know it should be RME again and again! Congrats on the rig. A bit expensive but I hope you won't need another upgrade for the rest of your life! (Unless 384KHz 32bit becomes a standard of course but I'm 40 and I don't think I'll witness that during my life span🤣). KEEP ON DRUMMING YALL!
I have the RME 3 too, men i love it......and thanks for this video was amazing, please do more video about RME and Totalmix, i love your style and quality you put in
As a drummer and producer I worked for years with RME stuff. Rock Solid! BUT, dead, clean, thin and chracterless sounding! I really had a huge problem with that, especially on drums. When using the RME in a full analog environment with a great mixingdesk, thats perfect, because charakter and warmth comes thru the desk. I then changed to focusrite interface and pre amps wich sound full, warm and fat on drums. For me the best change ever. And to be honest; even my international top clients asked me when i send them the first drumrecordings with focusrite stuff, what i did, it sounds so damn huge and fat! Well, that say´s it all. BUT thats only my thing. Maybe someone else like the RMW sound, me not. But i would buy it any time when using it in an analog studio as recorder. For the price, the best stuff you can get!!
Good news in regards to having the 12 mic remote controlled from Totalmix. RME is currently in beta with Totalmix 1.97 that will include remote control of the 12 mic, 12 mic Dante, AVB Tool and the already existing Octamic XTC!
I saw that, very cool. Although, now that I’m using the Connector app to control the 12Mic, I’m not sure I’m even going to use the integration with TotalMix but we’ll see. I really like the Connector app haha.
Austin, I have the RME UFX III and love it. I pre-ordered the new RME M-1620 Pro that is coming in AUG/SEP 2024 (its on the RME website). I am going use them with MADI. The new unit has 16 analogue ins and outs for all my hardware outboard gear. I have had the UFX III over a year (got it when it was released). So far I love the no non-sense setup and love TotalMix. It is so flexible. I do not think there is a way to dim the UFX III display unless I missed it.
@@abbdrumsHi there is a similar function that controls the LCD contrast which I use to lower the brightness of the UFXIII display. Push SETUP/REV once (Options- Hardware/Diagnosis window)-->Push rotary encoder 2 (until it finds LCD contrast). -->adjust contrast Cheers!!!
This is the dream set up... I'm stuck because I love recording and editing vocals, but I'm not to keen on recording myself playing drums. So... I'm pretty sure I'd just rent out a studio for drum recording and just cut vocals in my place. But this set up is beautiful and the video is greatly informative. Thank you
RME are great. I have the MADIface Pro. I agree that RME should incorporate the 12mic functions into Totalmix, they used to do that with the Octomic XTC. All in all, great feature from their products. I use mine at home, I originally got it for touring and I’ve also used my interface for a few small live shows with the remote app so I can mix from anywhere in the room.
Hi, I just discovered that you can actually remote control the 12Mic without having to do USB, using MIDI over AVB (if you need to do a longer run than what USB allows). Not sure if I can link the video in this comment, but on RME's official channel, it's at ~9:15 from the video "How to Add / Configure More Microphone Inputs to Your Studio (RME)". Let me know if this helps :) EDIT: just realized this also uses a different application to run (in addition to TotalMix) so nvm haha
@@chrissiemilnarskii still good info. MIDI over MADI/AVB is an option for remote control, but uses a separate app. Here’s an old product video from Sweatwater showing, the now discontinued, Octomic XTC. The integration with Totalmix starts around the 10 minute mark. ua-cam.com/video/1oCyo2pR5K4/v-deo.htmlsi=SJ-zzxUYz0Jck44I
Quick question! So I'm currently in the process of setting up MADI with this exact setup, just wondering why you chose the Coaxial MADI vs. the Fiberoptical MADI to connect the 12Mic to the UFX III? I've read that Fibreoptic MADI is rated for far longer distances, and is more reliable during long runs along/near power lines. I know ADAT optical is the opposite, and is only rated for like ~15 ft as you said in the video. Any info into your thought process is appreciated. Thanks so much for this video, and congrats on the new setup! I was googling the answer to this question and stumbled across your video, and was suprised to see you posted this 1 whole day ago! Perfect timing! :)
Only 1 reason really: the 12Mic doesn't have optical standard out of the box. You have to get the SFP module separately and install that. So, I just went with the coax cables since those were there, ready to go. Also, the locking on them does feel pretty solid so I guess that can be considered a slight advantage. From their website: "All cables carry the same information and achieve the same signal quality, the type of cable is therefore a question of convenience, budget and compatibility. Optical cables have the advantage of being galvanically isolated, extremely lightweight and available in lengths of up to 2000m. 75 ohms coaxial cables are robust, feature a locking mechanism and are widely in use for word clock and video cabling." rme-audio.de/rme-madi-technology.html
@@abbdrums @abbdrums Apreciate this reply! Looks like I will do it this way as well then, thank you so much! Also FYI, you can actually remote control the 12Mic without having to do USB, using MIDI over AVB if you need to do a longer run than what USB allows. Info is on RME's video "How to Add / Configure More Microphone Inputs to Your Studio (RME)". It probably isin't super helpful for your setup, as you used USB just fine, but it's 100% the call if you ever get more 12Mics since you can control them all at once (vs. one at a time over USB). Just wish this feature was incorporated into TotalMix 🤷♀
@@chrissiemilnarskii Yea it gets a bit confusing trying to figure out the real purpose of all these different apps/formats since they seem to do a lot of the same things. I have played around with the midi remote app but it just felt less useful than the full usb web app, which allows you to setup all the routing, firmware updates, etc. on top of controlling the 12mic. But yea, I can see how that can get trickier once more 12mics come into the picture. Doubt I'll ever need to expand into that but I guess I'll figure that out if I have to one day haha.
Enjoying your videos again and glad you are producing new content. I would love to move to the RME or UAD interface for more flexibility and better audio quality but for me this is just too pricey to justify based on my needs. Right now I have the Audient EVO16 with an SP8 and getting good quality audio and a full 16 channels of input without breaking the bank. I definitely love the split system idea but my room is small and there is no need. I did invest in a Pearl Masters maple gum kit and Sensitone snares in part based on your excellent video reviews, so who knows, maybe an RME is in my future. 😊
The Focusrite/Audient stuff is great for the price point. This is just the end game top shelf stuff so yea, it’s a bit steep haha. They can all get the job done though.
It feels like there's RME and everyone else. It really pays off in the long term support and lack of headache which is probably the biggest benefit. Audient is decent at the lower end but if I got serious I'd get at least a babyface.
UA-cam placed an ad over your comment box preventing me from adding a comment initially. I had to stop the video come out of the UA-cam app delete it from my history just to add the comment. So my question is Are all of the effects are already in the software? My UAD system requires me to purchase everything in addition to the hardware
I wish I'd known about this before I updated my studio. I went with a Clarett+ 8pre and the add-on Ocrapre. Still, it's been a great interface and at ~$2000, it was right in my budget. My only gripe is that I cannot expand it beyond 16 channels. I have to drop inputs on my drums for some band practices.
Yea, expanding beyond 16 inputs is kind of tough to figure out. ADAT is usually pretty limited in that regard which is where something like MADI would come in, but the only company I know using MADI is RME.
So you're legit running it Coaxial cable OUT on the RME 12 -> to the IN on the UFX III? There's a 2022 review on Sweetwater saying this can only be achieved with some "SFP module" that has to be ordered with the RME 12. Sounds like a pretty sweet setup for 16 mic pres + 8 line level ins right off the bat. I could throw one ADAT in on the UFX III and have 24 mics + 8 lines, fkin a that sounds great.
Yes, coaxial madi is built in to the 12mic. There is a slot for the optional SFP module if you want to use optical madi, but I didn't see a great reason for that so I just went with coax and it works just fine. It is a very expandable system so yea, you can add all kinds of stuff to create whatever kind of setup you want.
From the analysis you did, imagine if we didn't need all those inputs, what interface would you recommend? (that has the other features as well) Asking because their all lineup is crazy to digest.
Madi is of course up-to-date, but the short distance of ADAT (as far as I know not 16ft, but 32ft) is not an argument in my opinion. Especially as microphone cables and/or multicore & breakout boxes usually compensate for this. Unless you need the interface close to the instrument, but even then you could make do with an ADAT / TOSLINK extender. However, as mentioned here, the price segment is quite high, but it's about 'ultimate' and not 'cheapest'. And as far as the potential and expansion possibilities of this interface are concerned, the price is completely understandable.
Here’s the article I referenced the 16ft spec from: www.synthax.co.uk/latest/2023/06/05/what-is-adat-synthax-explains/ The length can vary depending on the quality of the cable but that’s not objectively verifiable enough for me. To set up what I have here with ADAT, I’d probably have to use an ADAT extender but I’d rather not fool with that either. MADI works so much better for long runs from preamp to interface. I don’t know why every interface doesn’t have it.
@@BenKrisfield I have the eq/comp/reverb in my headphones but that is just for monitoring purposes. I don’t record any effects into Logic, just the dry tracks.
Is the 12-mic able to send twelve 196kHz signals to the UFX III? Also, if MADI is digital, that means that the 12-mic is not only a preamp but also an analog to digital converter? I've seen that the UFX III has world class AD/DA converters on its product page on the RME website. However, on the product page on the 12-mic, there is no description on the AD converters of the 12-mic. If they have different AD converters it would seem to me that the 'world class AD converters' of the UFX III are not utilized when using a 12-mic and a UFX III together. The UFX III could therefore be swapped with a cheaper version like the RME UCX II. This gives exactly the same functionality as the UFX III while cutting the price of a UFC III in half.
RME website says "MADI is designed to send up to 64 audio channels at 48kHz sampling frequency (32 channels at 96kHz, 16 channels at 192kHz) from one device to another device in a unidirectional data stream." So, it looks like it should be able to send 12 channels at 192khz from the way that reads. And yea, the 12mic does it's own a/d conversion independent of the UFX. I couldn't find the tech specs on that so there may be a difference but probably not enough to be noticeable in real world usage. Would be nice to know the details on that though just for reference. I also was considering a different interface since I'm mostly just using the 12Mic, but it looks like the only other 2 options with built in MADI are the MADIface XT and USB. The UCX II doesn't have MADI from what I can see. Also, it looks like only the MADIface XT support the built in FX in TotalMix but the USB version doesn't. So, really, it kinda comes down to the MADIface XT or the UFX III. The price difference between those two isn't that big and I'd rather have the UFX b/c the MADIface is really designed for super large madi channel counts which I would never use... so UFX III it is.
Hey Austin, Are the effects independent for each mix? What I really want to know is if the wet headphone mix prevents you from sending a totally dry signal to your DAW? Thank you! Oh and get a UK/European affiliate link sorted buddy ⚡
The headphone mix is only for monitoring but the actual tracks being recorded are dry. You do have the option to record the EQ and compression baked into the signal but it’s a setting you can toggle on or off. I always record dry tracks myself though. Is my affiliate code not working on your RME checkout page? What happens when you try to use it?
What made you decide this route over UAD? I'm running x8p's that are in a rack, with a snake running to those. Honestly seems to be the best and most efficient system as far as digital recording goes that I've found.
It really comes down to how important the UA plugins are to you. The Apollo's are really just a hardware solution to track with their plugins with zero latency, which is definitely cool. But, when you dig into all the other things like driver stability, software updates, routing flexibility, a/d conversion, expandability, remote control, etc... I think RME has the edge. There is definitely a precision and depth to their products that makes them unique. Those nerdy German engineers don't mess around haha.
@@abbdrums Gotcha. I've also been using an iPad as a remote and found that that makes it really nice. I'm also using Luna, so the Console app and the real time monitoring with plugins can be nice, you're right. There is a routing matrix inside UAD that you can mess with. It's just about as extensive as the RME stuff, if I was understanding your video correctly. Honestly between the two, I don't think there was any wrong way to go. Hoping to start putting a lot more content out soon! Been super busy with gigs and working a day job to finish paying for my studio buildout. Congratulations on yours, bro. You should be really proud of yourself. Your setup is amazing.
Yea, with these high end audio systems, they do almost all the same things so it becomes a matter of splitting hairs at a certain point. I was debating the Apollo's vs this system for quite a while but decided to roll with this one. Both are killer setups though.
There are lots of options at lower price points but there will be some kind of tradeoff somewhere. To get 16 channels with zero latency monitoring + onboard effects, your choice is pretty much RME UFX or UA Apollo. Neither is cheap!
I have the focusrite clarett octo pre and 8pre the thunderbolt varient. I do feel the same when they came out with the usb c one and no longer offer this one. I would prefer the usb c one but then I would have to dish out the money just for literally the connection change. From the new studio change the honest quesiton I have is do you feel you no longer need outboard gear like the ISA one's you were using and just use the RME pre amps now?
I still have the ISA in storage but I've kinda forgotten about it since getting these RME units in. Having the 12Mic beside the drums is pretty much all I need. It's the simplest solution but still very high quality.
Damn, UAD REALLY makes you pay for their UA plugins!! This system seems super good at what it does! I havent had any complaints with my recording setup of 2 Apollo X8ps + behringer powerplay headphone monitors, using teamspeak to remotely control my pc from another room, but if id known this would be over $1000 cheaper, i mightve gone with this. I wonder how well it works on pc?
However many you would need I guess. With these 2 units together, you would most likely just be creating submixes for your main outs + 2 headphone outs on the UFX + 1 headphone out on the 12mic.
My questions are: How does RME behave itself on the Mac when you turn on your computer? Does it show up every time? Do you have to plug and unplug the USB? How "needy" is it? How often are you nagged to update it? I don't personally 'need' a new interface, but I would like one that doesn't annoy me. My Antelope unit always nags me to enter my admin password when the computer boots. It also craps out when I load a Logic project that has a different sample rate and I have to reboot it, which is double annoying because it doesn't have a power switch. Putting the computer to sleep and waking up again is always a question of it is going to work again or not. I would like an interface that does its job and leaves me alone.
It always connects and just stays connected, even after sleeping/waking the computer. Never bugs you about updates and automatically switches sample rates seamlessly without you even realizing. It just works and stays out of the way. My old Focusrite interface would constantly give me weird issues where I'd have to reboot things a couple times to get it back up and running but so far, hasn't been an issue at all with the UFX.
I bought a second hand Fireface 802 some ten years ago. I’ve used with three separate Macs running a wide variety of OS versions, and I’ve had zero issues with it. The RME driver stability is just mindboggling!
I think they missed a great opportunity to make it great, a gate on each one of them channels…! That’s what I would want especially if I was recording drums, or if I was recording an ensemble in a smaller room…!
There is an Expander inside the Compressor that is basically a gate. I didn't demonstrate it because I rarely use it, but it can be effective to softly mute a signal that falls below whatever threshold you set.
@@abbdrums well that does make it sound more useful. But I still think that designated gates would be a plus, if we no other reason to make it easier to modify percussive sounds.. thank you
I have a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 which they stopped updating several years ago, rendering an otherwise perfectly serviceable device completely useless. What a scumbag move. I will never buy another Focusrite product. Maybe the RME is for me!
RME is known for supporting their hardware very far into the future which was a big draw for me. Future proof and stable are not flashy features, but super important.
I was referring to digital audio connections like ADAT, MADI, etc… But on the topic of Thunderbolt, RME has their reasons why they still prefer USB for pro audio: ua-cam.com/video/dSIf4QGYs-c/v-deo.htmlsi=9dLup5yWBgo-HlQy www.synthax.com/rme-why-usb-and-not-thunderbolt/
Nice promotional video for RME. However, for tracking drums the RME (or any interface) preamps are underwhelming. Too boring to be precise. Since the UFX3 already has it's own 8 trs inputs added to 2 adat and of course madi, a much flavourful solution would be external preamps. Having in mind that UFX3 has 4 preamps of its own, a more natural sound could be achieved for a little extra money added to the cost of the unnecessary 12mic.
Different workflows work better for different people I think. Since I run my sessions and monitor from the same room when tracking, I actually prefer to do any coloration in-the-box, after recording (with plugins), instead of baking them in the tracking process. I'm also kind of an idiot, and have on more than one occasion baked too much coloration into a recording, so I prefer to separate the two processes. Just my 2 cents. Totally agree with what you're saying about external pres though being awesome!
I think the preamp thing is mostly overblown marketing hype. Under ideal testing conditions, it’s almost impossible to really hear any meaningful differences between pre’s. What people think they are hearing is really just differences in signal level. www.soundonsound.com/reviews/do-expensive-mic-preamps-make-difference
@@abbdrums no way dude, the difference between, say API 512v and UA twin finity is discernible. Then again UA is a step above RME's digital preamps. Many people on youtube are doing tests completely wrong.
Exactly right! If you're not using vintage 1073s on kick and snare (no reissues!), vintage 312s (none of that poser 512C BS) on overheads, vintage V76s (difference is NIGHT AND DAY) on toms and a minimum of VT-24s on hihat, ride and rooms then you can't hang with the tone gang! Pack up those clinical pres and scram, tin-ears!
@@helmanfrow you do realize that API 512v comes with 2 op-amps, and they'd been cooked at least 72h before installing on the card? Have you ever actually held an API preamp in your hands? Or maybe a Chandler Limited preamp? I agree though that Neve 1073LB is an underwhelming attempt to recreate vintage pres, but some of the other serious clones, such as heritage audio, are a different story. When at it, have you held a Serpent MKII compressor in your hands? That thing weighs, in 500 series, the same as a distressor.
Dream ? Your right, your DREAMING if you think I’m paying over $6,000 for this “ system” MANY MANY choices with as good or better quality at far less expense available. Hard PASS !
@abbdrums You'll come to that realization in time like you've learned about RME. I imagine RME wasn't your first interface. I imagine mac won't be your last OS. ;) But seriously, supporting companies like Apple is a pretty awful thing to do.
Use code ABBDRUMS to get 15% off your RME gear! www.rme-usa.com/products.html
btw, RME should sponsor this channel. This is the best RME product video on the whole YT.
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As and RME Fireface UFX+ that has a Ferrofish Pulse 16 connected by Madi, I love Madi! One atvantage of Madi is that you can have a tracking room across the house! I realize not too many people needs this, but if you do it's great. RME Is my favorite interface company!
Hi Barry, I've been watching your vids for a while so nice to see you here :) I caught your last vid about the effects and I agree, it would be nice to get a full overhaul of the effects. I would also love to see the TotalMix UI get a full redesign to be more modern and sleek. Everything is currently functional so I'm sure they don't want to mess anything up, but at some point these things are going to need a full refresh.
@@abbdrums AND @BarryJohns ... Big Thanks to both of you fellas for showing stuff about RME - Fireface and TotalMix... I learnt in 40mins what has taken me a month or so to learn from the ordinary RME tutorials... (20mins Austin's video above, 20mins Barry video title "RME TotalMix Training Session - Session One - The Fundamentals"... (@abdrums ... just showing that "Reverb slider" thing and how it worked made my day... was wondering what that little slider was doing there and what is was linked to... finally!!)...lol
I have Fireface UFX + TM + DigiCheck... was just wondering Austin how did you set up the routing for DigiCheck + TM from the 12.43min mark??... reason being when I opened Digicheck I press the F3 button to select my driver (e.g. Asio driver select: ASIO Fireface USB and Device: Fireface UFX... then whatever channel that I have my Active speakers e.g 1& 2 or 3 & 4... then Source: Playback.. then Preferred Sample Rate: 44.1kHz)... (your preferred window i think is the Totalyser window)... I don't have the DigiCheck routing setup in the TM 3rd row "Hardware Outputs" like you do... but i get all playback from my Row 2 "Software Playback" to my PH9/10 and Mains AN1/2 or AN3/4... so I was wondering how did you setup the 3rd Row "Hardware Outputs" with DigiCheck... did you use "LoopBack"??... any chance you could make a short video on how you actually done all that routing to DigiCheck in TotalMix??...
As you know there are 12 functions that we can select... I have a workspace that has 10 of the "Functions" side by side... (I know...overkill right!! ;) lol)... you may ask how i did that... i just selected File/New DigiCheck Window... and then it said "Error number 8""No device etc"... for whatever Function i selected... the way to fix that is simply to repeat the F3 button info i mentioned above ... for each function you select (its not global... you have to initiate each function separately with a Driver and Device)... and then accordingly you can have any amount of functions in your workspace... save the workspace and every time you open DigiCheck.... all the Functions show up as how you saved them...awesome right!! :)
i hope that helps other newbies like myself and save you months of learning trying to figure it out with the ordinary RME tutorials... and by the way "RME"... if you are reading this.. should pay me some cash for tutoring... i think what i just wrote above would have saved you 1000's of Support Tickets in your forums!! Have a Great Day!! cheers ;)
@BarryJohns + abdrums... Big Thanks to both of you fellas for showing stuff about RME - Fireface and TotalMix... I learnt in 40mins what has taken me a month or so to learn from the ordinary RME tutorials... (20mins Austin's video above, 20mins Barry video title "RME TotalMix Training Session - Session One - The Fundamentals"... (@abdrums ... just showing that "Reverb slider" thing and how it worked made my day... was wondering what that little slider was doing there and what is was linked to... finally!!)...lol
I have Fireface UFX + TM + DigiCheck... was just wondering Austin how did you set up the routing for DigiCheck + TM from the 12.43min mark??... reason being when I opened Digicheck I press the F3 button to select my driver (e.g. Asio driver select: ASIO Fireface USB and Device: Fireface UFX... then whatever channel that I have my Active speakers e.g 1& 2 or 3 & 4... then Source: Playback.. then Preferred Sample Rate: 44.1kHz)... (your preferred window i think is the Totalyser window)... I don't have the DigiCheck routing setup in the TM 3rd row "Hardware Outputs" like you do... but i get all playback from my Row 2 "Software Playback" to my PH9/10 and Mains AN1/2 or AN3/4... so I was wondering how did you setup the 3rd Row "Hardware Outputs" with DigiCheck... did you use "LoopBack"??... any chance you could make a short video on how you actually done all that routing to DigiCheck in TotalMix??...
As you know there are 12 functions that we can select... I have a workspace that has 10 of the "Functions" side by side... (I know...overkill right!! ;) lol)... you may ask how i did that... i just selected File/New DigiCheck Window... and then it said "Error number 8""No device etc"... for whatever Function i selected... the way to fix that is simply to repeat the F3 button info i mentioned above ... for each function you select (its not global... you have to initiate each function separately with a Driver and Device)... and then accordingly you can have any amount of functions in your workspace... save the workspace and every time you open DigiCheck.... all the Functions show up as how you saved them...awesome right!! :)
i hope that helps other newbies like myself and save you months of learning trying to figure it out with the ordinary RME tutorials... and by the way "RME"... if you are reading this.. should pay me some cash for tutoring... i think what i just wrote above would have saved you 1000's of Support Tickets in your forums!! Have a Great Day!! cheers ;)
Austin my brother, you’re production both Audio and Visual is second to none, huge appreciation and respect for your creative vision, it’s a joy to watch and listen to!
Thank you sir 🫡
The detail you go into for your videos is amazing. You're not only a drummer, but a top-notch reviewer. Great videos!
Glad you dig ‘em 👊🏼
I have the exact same setup here in my studio : UFXIII + 12 mic D, to which I added 2 Warm Audio 273 and the UA 4-710 for a bit of flavour (transformer and tube) if needed, depending on the style of music I’m recording. I was moving on from my blackface Apollo setup, which I loved, but wasn’t anywhere close in terms of stability and routing capacity. These days I can mic up and record simultaneously my whole band + send a lot of different headphone mixes. I feel now like I could keep this setup alive for the next 20 years and never be disappointed. Also, I tend to choose more and more the clarity and transparency of the RME preamps for my everyday drum recordings, especially for overheads, cymbal mics and room. It is very very good.
Nice 👌🏼
Great info gentlemen. I have questions for Monsieur if you wouldn’t mind. I currently am two Apollo 8XP deep but am looking to move to this exact RME set up . I have a lot of analogue outboard so my questions are :
1) At what stage are you inserting your outboard ? At the 12 mic input stage via a patch pay or hard input ? For example . Are your drum mic XLR’s plugged into a XLR input plate which is wired into a patch bay and via the patch bay your input your signal sends into the RME then patch loop to outboard back to to the RME? Is your batch at Normaled for this or Not Normaled?
If you could hip how you’re routing your outboard to print is what I’m asking, if it’s not too much trouble?
@@TigerKoehn Hey Tiger, the 12-mic is strictly a preamp unit, with digital outputs, you can definitely use the first 4 as line input, but its purpose is not to serve as a converter for mixing with hw inserts.
The very little (for now at least) analog outboard I have and use during mixing is patched directly to the UFXIII and I take care of the routing through totalmix fx. I might eventually add a patchbay if I add more outboard. And it might happen faster than I imagine 🥲🫡
RME designs it’s own drivers and hardware from 15 years ago is still supported so you should be fine for many years to come. Their stuff is pretty expensive but it’s top of the line, great converters and super stable.
Really awesome setup you have there, definitely my choice if I had the money for it 🤟🏼
Yea, RME’s future proof support for their products was a big draw, especially once I felt the reality of Focusrite bricking my interface if I moved to a newer OS.
Oh yeah. That was the reason why I grabbed a used RME Babyface. I do VST drumming but just hobby musician. These guys also provide super low latency values.
I was quite fine with.my MAudio Fast Track Ultra :) but each ms less makes it feel better. Together with my LakePeople headphone amp and the butt kicker and Superior Drummer 3 it's really like sitting behind a pro drum set.
Very nice video. I just recently switched to an RME Fireface 802fs, and once you got your head around TotalMix, it's an absolute pleasure to work with. And the quality, stability and latency is just outstanding in every aspect.
I'm on the same track of pulling the trigger on the UFX III form my studio (guitars and keyboards and VSTs oriented mostly)... and let me say that - drum aside - this is the best and clearer overview of the two RME products.
Good job Man TNX!!!
This may sound weird, but man it's good to see you making stuff again. I've always really loved your videos as I try and figure out how to do these things. Thanks for this!
Good to be back 👊🏼
In terms of support and drivers, I use a MadiFace witch is now 16 years in my possession. It works with a pci Express card using
a Sonnett card adapter to TB2. Now on Mac OS Sonoma it still works perfectly using a TB2 to TB3 adapter. 6 months ago there
was a driver update for my old madi device !
Yea that’s one of the reasons I went with RME… future proof.
I just discovered your channel and am drooling over your studio and its most recent upgrades. It blows my mind, as I have not built a home studio in over 20 years. I recently started digging back into what's out there, and this is awesome beyond measure. Thank you!
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I have two interfaces by RME and they are worth every cent. I have never looked back at any of the others. Driver support and stability is unmatched hands down.
I had to upgrade from my Saffire pro 40 for the same reason. I got the Motu 8pre ES however my audient asp800 was giving me problems so I got an old RME Octomic-D…it sounds incredible and the customer service is top notch!
RME is the best for drummers ! I have the UFX 2 with an Audient ASP800 and WARM AUDIO WA412 !! It's so cool to have this quality and the FX in real time to play through musics!
I have RME UFX PLUS and 12ch. Connected via optical MADI. This is the Holy grail of recording!!!!
MADI is what the Pros use. RME is also a very professional company brand. Their PRO-pro company would be DirectOut, but that caters more for Broadcasters and such. Your choice was perfect, you'll have a great time with these tools. Don't forget that RME as a German engineering-driven company will not bug you with Marketing-nonsense like other companies do. RME just works 100%. Think Porsche, Siemens or SAP.
Regarding the stabilty of their drivers, they are the only company that develops everything completely inhouse as opposed to use third-party-APIs. Which has enabled them not only to deliver that well-known stability, but also adjust to changes in the OS functions made by Apple or Microsoft.
Had every other interface on the market. RME is the strongest of them all. Hands down!
Have you had Metric Halo?
Great to have you back! Thank you very much.
Men I really love your content with the fact that it’s full of new ideas and educational
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I've been an RME user for well over a decade now, decided to upgrade my old Multiface II to the FireFace UFX III and WOW!!!!
INCREDIBLE interface, not cheap, but you get A LOT for your money and the quality is just unbeatable.
I wasn't after any mic pres, but when i tried the onbboard ones i was shocked at just how good they are, sort of somewhere between SSL and API, they really are THAT GOOD!
Converters are mindblowingly good, TotalMix FX and DigiCheck are both killer apps too.
The only quibble i have is that there are no inserts on the mic pres. One of the best purchases i've EVER made!
The ARC is a really nice bit of kit too, once the muscle memory kicks in you don't' even have to think about using it.
Cannot recommend RME enough.
Yes, the RME UFX III is a fantastic interface. I paired it with 8 Warm Audio Preamps (WA412) and some additional Focusrite Clarrett Octo Pre. The Sound is so much more defined and transparent. My main reason for upgrading was that my old console didn't work together with my new Mac Studio M2 Max. Quite an investment but works & sounds amazing. I only use this setup to record drums & stream or recording content. The mixing is done on with a different system. And for this system I recently got the UCX II. Works great as well.
Nice, I’ve seen some of your vids and you’re a great player man! Really good stuff 👌🏼
@@abbdrums Thank You very much 🙏🏻 Looking forward to your upcoming videos.
The drum mix sounds incredible man. Glad to see you back!
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A very clear and articulate explanation of the system. Thanks!
Thanks for putting this video together 🤙🏻. I’m a drummer, with an RME UFX III setup, as well. However, like you, I knew nothing about MADI so I used the ADAT & ANALOG inputs instead. Maybe, now, I’ll have to pick up one of the RME 12mic for the MADI expansion capabilities!
MADI is definitely superior to ADAT in pretty much every way. I don't know why every interface and pre doesn't have it.
Great review and breakdown Austin. I’m sold on this configuration. As a drummer/producer and working session artist I’m very excited to switch to this set up . Currently using 2 Apollos 8XP’s with Logic and a whole host of analog outboard . This whole system looks incredible. Great job!!
It is a pretty killer system! I'd be interested to hear how it stacks up against your current UA system. They are very similar but each system has it's little pros/cons versus the other. Oh, and my name is Austin by the way haha.
@@abbdrums Excuse the typo . I corrected it . I should’ve paid more attention and reread before I posted . My apologies. I enjoy your hand workout video on your ABBDrums site as well . I especially like the Swiss Triplet and Paradiddle turn-arounds . Concerning UA, I really love their plugins. I originally worked at Chunk King Studios in the late 80’s and love recording through analogue outboard so their unison no-latency tracking with their plugins was key for my workflow. However they haven’t grown their DSP Sharc Processors. HEXA CORE is new but Sharc isn’t They are not new tech. It’s from 2004 . There are more advanced processor chips being made in 2024 . UA needs to upgrade and lower the amount of DSP needed to run their plugins which are serious CPU intensive as of now and require a tremendous amount of DSP to run . I use two 8XP’s and a Octo Satalite so I’ll have enough DSP for large sessions . That being said , I need to be fair and one must realize that UA is a small company and if, and I suspect this is the case, had thousands upon thousands of Apollo Hardware manufactured in anticipation of selling out because of how well their Apollo’s were received by the recording public, the reason they haven’t changed could simply be of a financial nature . However . I would like to know why they wouldn’t have anticipated the speed in which A/D and D/A tech has been advancing. They could use better pre-amps as well . They were the best , in my opinion when they hit the market and now with their new Apollo 16D using Dante . I can’t say for certain if they missed their mark . One wonderful thing they did that was honorable was they have made Native plugins for the public and as a UA user I get all my UA plugins and Native plugin copies of what I already own for free. That is wonderful. Now I’m going to try the RME set up. Luckily I use a Mac Pro so I have tremendous CPU capabilities so if the RME relatively new UFX III and maybe the 12 channel pre amp or I’m looking into the 16 channel A/D as well .Nevertheless, your video has been inspirational and I’m setting up a conversation with an RME rep to better realize my needs for my production facility.
The last thing I’ll touch on is the difference between Dante & MADI . Both have different advantages and disadvantages from each other . Dante is geared toward full network protocols not just production and has to be used within its own eco systems where MADI is a production protocol and can be used with multitudes of gear . I know the bigger venues use Dante because it fits in and networks with Audio, Lighting and Video . Let’s see where these two technologies go in the next two years . The great things RME has is their Digiface Dante . I’m keeping my Apollos and will buy the RME . Which system is going to lead in the next 5 years . Dante and MADI are able to work together without any loss so let’s see what happens .I really enjoyed your thorough breakdown and cannot tell you how grateful I am for your service and review . You’re doing a fantastic job and have provided much needed content that benefits many people . Thank you Austin.
Yea I did a lot of research comparing the UA Apollos vs this RME system and ended up going with the RME. One advantage UA does have is just the plugin selection. If you are used to having all those cool plugins at your disposal, you may feel limited with just a basic eq, compressor, reverb, and echo on the RME system. Though, I kind of like being limited to just a few built in plugins because I don't get stuck experimenting with plugins for hours and I can just immediately get to work shaping a headphone mix.
Other than that, though, I think RME has the edge on everything else. If you are going to purchase a system, you can use my code ABBDRUMS on the RME website to get 15% off your order, so definitely take advantage of that if you haven't purchased it yet. Best of luck with everything!
NICE!)
one notice: you can connect your 12Mic with "MIDI over MADI" to remote control your device without any looong-cable usb connection.
What? Really? Can you explain if you don’t mind MrMukundas
Great video man! Well thought out and presented well. Long time RME user here. Youre right about Digicheck once you have it you cant go without.
Great run down sir, excellent drumming and thank you for not over complicating things.
I run my UFXIII with a Pulse16 over MADI.
I've said it before on other's channels that it's easier to think bottom up in TotalMix FX just like you described in a few seconds time.
Whatever bottom Output Channel is currently selected is what every other Input or Playback Channel above is feeding in to when you raise the fader.
Simple! Cheers 🥂
Yes it's very simple. I don't know why it has the reputation of being so complex. I think it just looks overwhelming initially because it shows every available channel in your system. But once you isolate those down to what you actually use, it's not that crazy.
I love the videos you make, it's extremely difficult to explain this stuff on video and you do it very smoothly and keep the info rolling at nice pace. Thanks for your efforts! I've been using using something that kinda does some of this so it all made perfect sense. A friend gave me a Behringer ADA 8200 that I needed to pair with something with an optical input so I found the Tascam 102i (and the 208i)(all also available at Sweetwater). It works, didn't cost me much, but not nearly as slick and sweet as this.
Nice, I’m sure it’s a great setup for the price point and gets the job done just fine 👌🏼
Or FW400 with Motu 8pre (ADAT mode) which I Use since 2007 in my studio! Never had the urge to upgrade. Mics, Pres, yes... Convertors never. And the fact that RME is still compatible and updating the drivers (for my M1 Pro silicon!) and haven't "forced" me to go to another interface makes me LOVE RME! If I'd ever upgraded I know it should be RME again and again! Congrats on the rig. A bit expensive but I hope you won't need another upgrade for the rest of your life! (Unless 384KHz 32bit becomes a standard of course but I'm 40 and I don't think I'll witness that during my life span🤣). KEEP ON DRUMMING YALL!
I have the RME 3 too, men i love it......and thanks for this video was amazing, please do more video about RME and Totalmix, i love your style and quality you put in
You may have sold me on RME.
Apollo user currently, but this is interesting.
The dude got all the goodies a drummer can dream of.
As a drummer and producer I worked for years with RME stuff. Rock Solid! BUT, dead, clean, thin and chracterless sounding! I really had a huge problem with that, especially on drums. When using the RME in a full analog environment with a great mixingdesk, thats perfect, because charakter and warmth comes thru the desk. I then changed to focusrite interface and pre amps wich sound full, warm and fat on drums. For me the best change ever. And to be honest; even my international top clients asked me when i send them the first drumrecordings with focusrite stuff, what i did, it sounds so damn huge and fat! Well, that say´s it all. BUT thats only my thing. Maybe someone else like the RMW sound, me not. But i would buy it any time when using it in an analog studio as recorder. For the price, the best stuff you can get!!
Great job and good useful information without a lot of nonsense fluff. Keep it up!!
Good news in regards to having the 12 mic remote controlled from Totalmix. RME is currently in beta with Totalmix 1.97 that will include remote control of the 12 mic, 12 mic Dante, AVB Tool and the already existing Octamic XTC!
I saw that, very cool. Although, now that I’m using the Connector app to control the 12Mic, I’m not sure I’m even going to use the integration with TotalMix but we’ll see. I really like the Connector app haha.
Austin,
I have the RME UFX III and love it. I pre-ordered the new RME M-1620 Pro that is coming in AUG/SEP 2024 (its on the RME website). I am going use them with MADI. The new unit has 16 analogue ins and outs for all my hardware outboard gear. I have had the UFX III over a year (got it when it was released). So far I love the no non-sense setup and love TotalMix. It is so flexible. I do not think there is a way to dim the UFX III display unless I missed it.
Yea I don't think there is a way to dim the displays. Would be nice though.
@@abbdrumsHi there is a similar function that controls the LCD contrast which I use to lower the brightness of the UFXIII display. Push SETUP/REV once (Options- Hardware/Diagnosis window)-->Push rotary encoder 2 (until it finds LCD contrast). -->adjust contrast
Cheers!!!
Selling a house in Cali, moving back Virginia and buying there can definitely open ip some cask flow! Props to you
This is the dream set up... I'm stuck because I love recording and editing vocals, but I'm not to keen on recording myself playing drums. So... I'm pretty sure I'd just rent out a studio for drum recording and just cut vocals in my place. But this set up is beautiful and the video is greatly informative. Thank you
This is definitely overkill for just vocals. If that's all you're doing you could go with the Babyface Pro FS or the UCX II.
RME are great. I have the MADIface Pro. I agree that RME should incorporate the 12mic functions into Totalmix, they used to do that with the Octomic XTC. All in all, great feature from their products. I use mine at home, I originally got it for touring and I’ve also used my interface for a few small live shows with the remote app so I can mix from anywhere in the room.
Hi, I just discovered that you can actually remote control the 12Mic without having to do USB, using MIDI over AVB (if you need to do a longer run than what USB allows). Not sure if I can link the video in this comment, but on RME's official channel, it's at ~9:15 from the video "How to Add / Configure More Microphone Inputs to Your Studio (RME)". Let me know if this helps :)
EDIT: just realized this also uses a different application to run (in addition to TotalMix) so nvm haha
@@chrissiemilnarskii still good info. MIDI over MADI/AVB is an option for remote control, but uses a separate app. Here’s an old product video from Sweatwater showing, the now discontinued, Octomic XTC. The integration with Totalmix starts around the 10 minute mark.
ua-cam.com/video/1oCyo2pR5K4/v-deo.htmlsi=SJ-zzxUYz0Jck44I
Quick question! So I'm currently in the process of setting up MADI with this exact setup, just wondering why you chose the Coaxial MADI vs. the Fiberoptical MADI to connect the 12Mic to the UFX III? I've read that Fibreoptic MADI is rated for far longer distances, and is more reliable during long runs along/near power lines. I know ADAT optical is the opposite, and is only rated for like ~15 ft as you said in the video.
Any info into your thought process is appreciated. Thanks so much for this video, and congrats on the new setup! I was googling the answer to this question and stumbled across your video, and was suprised to see you posted this 1 whole day ago! Perfect timing! :)
Only 1 reason really: the 12Mic doesn't have optical standard out of the box. You have to get the SFP module separately and install that. So, I just went with the coax cables since those were there, ready to go. Also, the locking on them does feel pretty solid so I guess that can be considered a slight advantage.
From their website: "All cables carry the same information and achieve the same signal quality, the type of cable is therefore a question of convenience, budget and compatibility. Optical cables have the advantage of being galvanically isolated, extremely lightweight and available in lengths of up to 2000m. 75 ohms coaxial cables are robust, feature a locking mechanism and are widely in use for word clock and video cabling."
rme-audio.de/rme-madi-technology.html
@@abbdrums @abbdrums Apreciate this reply! Looks like I will do it this way as well then, thank you so much!
Also FYI, you can actually remote control the 12Mic without having to do USB, using MIDI over AVB if you need to do a longer run than what USB allows. Info is on RME's video "How to Add / Configure More Microphone Inputs to Your Studio (RME)". It probably isin't super helpful for your setup, as you used USB just fine, but it's 100% the call if you ever get more 12Mics since you can control them all at once (vs. one at a time over USB). Just wish this feature was incorporated into TotalMix 🤷♀
@@chrissiemilnarskii Yea it gets a bit confusing trying to figure out the real purpose of all these different apps/formats since they seem to do a lot of the same things. I have played around with the midi remote app but it just felt less useful than the full usb web app, which allows you to setup all the routing, firmware updates, etc. on top of controlling the 12mic. But yea, I can see how that can get trickier once more 12mics come into the picture. Doubt I'll ever need to expand into that but I guess I'll figure that out if I have to one day haha.
MAN BEST MOVE RME I used the first UFX with two ASP880 PREs
This is helpful! Thanks for sharing.
very very neat setup and very informative
Enjoying your videos again and glad you are producing new content. I would love to move to the RME or UAD interface for more flexibility and better audio quality but for me this is just too pricey to justify based on my needs. Right now I have the Audient EVO16 with an SP8 and getting good quality audio and a full 16 channels of input without breaking the bank. I definitely love the split system idea but my room is small and there is no need. I did invest in a Pearl Masters maple gum kit and Sensitone snares in part based on your excellent video reviews, so who knows, maybe an RME is in my future. 😊
The Focusrite/Audient stuff is great for the price point. This is just the end game top shelf stuff so yea, it’s a bit steep haha. They can all get the job done though.
It feels like there's RME and everyone else. It really pays off in the long term support and lack of headache which is probably the biggest benefit. Audient is decent at the lower end but if I got serious I'd get at least a babyface.
Very informative video. Thank you! 🙏🏽
UA-cam placed an ad over your comment box preventing me from adding a comment initially. I had to stop the video come out of the UA-cam app delete it from my history just to add the comment. So my question is Are all of the effects are already in the software? My UAD system requires me to purchase everything in addition to the hardware
Yes, the effects are built into the interface. No extra configuration required. Just always there ready to go.
what are those colored plastic pieces at the end of your cables where you have labels called?
Link in description 👍🏼
This was a beautiful set up. Question what are those clips that you use to label your cables?
Dotz Cord ID Pro amzn.to/3xIpo7p
I wish I'd known about this before I updated my studio. I went with a Clarett+ 8pre and the add-on Ocrapre. Still, it's been a great interface and at ~$2000, it was right in my budget. My only gripe is that I cannot expand it beyond 16 channels. I have to drop inputs on my drums for some band practices.
Yea, expanding beyond 16 inputs is kind of tough to figure out. ADAT is usually pretty limited in that regard which is where something like MADI would come in, but the only company I know using MADI is RME.
ok: why not ALL combo jacks? would love it on my ol babyface...
What cable labels are you using?!
Linked in description now 👍🏼
Hi, awesome video review. what happen if I'd used an RME OctaMic II not to have only 8 more inputs but 8 extra outputs? Thank you.
So you're legit running it Coaxial cable OUT on the RME 12 -> to the IN on the UFX III? There's a 2022 review on Sweetwater saying this can only be achieved with some "SFP module" that has to be ordered with the RME 12. Sounds like a pretty sweet setup for 16 mic pres + 8 line level ins right off the bat. I could throw one ADAT in on the UFX III and have 24 mics + 8 lines, fkin a that sounds great.
Yes, coaxial madi is built in to the 12mic. There is a slot for the optional SFP module if you want to use optical madi, but I didn't see a great reason for that so I just went with coax and it works just fine. It is a very expandable system so yea, you can add all kinds of stuff to create whatever kind of setup you want.
Does the total Mix remote app on iPad can be linked to the UFX by a usb connection instead of wifi ?
Great video! Great explanations
And please use a deesser on your vocal chain, the esses really hits you specially on longer video as such haha
I am using a deesser actually 💀 The s’s weren’t catching my ear that much when editing but I’ll reassess that.
YEAHH BOYY
From the analysis you did, imagine if we didn't need all those inputs, what interface would you recommend? (that has the other features as well) Asking because their all lineup is crazy to digest.
UCX II or Babyface
Madi is of course up-to-date, but the short distance of ADAT (as far as I know not 16ft, but 32ft) is not an argument in my opinion. Especially as microphone cables and/or multicore & breakout boxes usually compensate for this. Unless you need the interface close to the instrument, but even then you could make do with an ADAT / TOSLINK extender.
However, as mentioned here, the price segment is quite high, but it's about 'ultimate' and not 'cheapest'.
And as far as the potential and expansion possibilities of this interface are concerned, the price is completely understandable.
Here’s the article I referenced the 16ft spec from: www.synthax.co.uk/latest/2023/06/05/what-is-adat-synthax-explains/
The length can vary depending on the quality of the cable but that’s not objectively verifiable enough for me. To set up what I have here with ADAT, I’d probably have to use an ADAT extender but I’d rather not fool with that either. MADI works so much better for long runs from preamp to interface. I don’t know why every interface doesn’t have it.
Great review. I use the RME UCX II to record bass guitar. Couldn't use anything else. Have Adam Audio monitors as well.
German engineering 💯
@@abbdrums Do record with the Totalmix FX compressor and the other effects?
@@BenKrisfield I have the eq/comp/reverb in my headphones but that is just for monitoring purposes. I don’t record any effects into Logic, just the dry tracks.
@@abbdrums🔥
Is the 12-mic able to send twelve 196kHz signals to the UFX III? Also, if MADI is digital, that means that the 12-mic is not only a preamp but also an analog to digital converter? I've seen that the UFX III has world class AD/DA converters on its product page on the RME website. However, on the product page on the 12-mic, there is no description on the AD converters of the 12-mic. If they have different AD converters it would seem to me that the 'world class AD converters' of the UFX III are not utilized when using a 12-mic and a UFX III together. The UFX III could therefore be swapped with a cheaper version like the RME UCX II. This gives exactly the same functionality as the UFX III while cutting the price of a UFC III in half.
RME website says "MADI is designed to send up to 64 audio channels at 48kHz sampling frequency (32 channels at 96kHz, 16 channels at 192kHz) from one device to another device in a unidirectional data stream." So, it looks like it should be able to send 12 channels at 192khz from the way that reads.
And yea, the 12mic does it's own a/d conversion independent of the UFX. I couldn't find the tech specs on that so there may be a difference but probably not enough to be noticeable in real world usage. Would be nice to know the details on that though just for reference.
I also was considering a different interface since I'm mostly just using the 12Mic, but it looks like the only other 2 options with built in MADI are the MADIface XT and USB. The UCX II doesn't have MADI from what I can see. Also, it looks like only the MADIface XT support the built in FX in TotalMix but the USB version doesn't. So, really, it kinda comes down to the MADIface XT or the UFX III. The price difference between those two isn't that big and I'd rather have the UFX b/c the MADIface is really designed for super large madi channel counts which I would never use... so UFX III it is.
Hey Austin,
Are the effects independent for each mix?
What I really want to know is if the wet headphone mix prevents you from sending a totally dry signal to your DAW?
Thank you!
Oh and get a UK/European affiliate link sorted buddy ⚡
The headphone mix is only for monitoring but the actual tracks being recorded are dry. You do have the option to record the EQ and compression baked into the signal but it’s a setting you can toggle on or off. I always record dry tracks myself though.
Is my affiliate code not working on your RME checkout page? What happens when you try to use it?
Nice Video!
Thank you !
I am curious about what model of computer are you using with these Beauty ? Do you know what is the minimum osx system compatible with ?
Mac Studio M2. Looks like it is compatible back to 10.12. All driver info is here: www.rme-usa.com/fireface-ufx-3.html
What made you decide this route over UAD? I'm running x8p's that are in a rack, with a snake running to those. Honestly seems to be the best and most efficient system as far as digital recording goes that I've found.
It really comes down to how important the UA plugins are to you. The Apollo's are really just a hardware solution to track with their plugins with zero latency, which is definitely cool. But, when you dig into all the other things like driver stability, software updates, routing flexibility, a/d conversion, expandability, remote control, etc... I think RME has the edge. There is definitely a precision and depth to their products that makes them unique. Those nerdy German engineers don't mess around haha.
@@abbdrums Gotcha. I've also been using an iPad as a remote and found that that makes it really nice. I'm also using Luna, so the Console app and the real time monitoring with plugins can be nice, you're right. There is a routing matrix inside UAD that you can mess with. It's just about as extensive as the RME stuff, if I was understanding your video correctly. Honestly between the two, I don't think there was any wrong way to go. Hoping to start putting a lot more content out soon! Been super busy with gigs and working a day job to finish paying for my studio buildout. Congratulations on yours, bro. You should be really proud of yourself. Your setup is amazing.
Yea, with these high end audio systems, they do almost all the same things so it becomes a matter of splitting hairs at a certain point. I was debating the Apollo's vs this system for quite a while but decided to roll with this one. Both are killer setups though.
Wow incredible!! Seems a bit overkill though with price being so high. Isn’t there anything between this and the Presonus Quantum HD 8?
There are lots of options at lower price points but there will be some kind of tradeoff somewhere. To get 16 channels with zero latency monitoring + onboard effects, your choice is pretty much RME UFX or UA Apollo. Neither is cheap!
I have the focusrite clarett octo pre and 8pre the thunderbolt varient. I do feel the same when they came out with the usb c one and no longer offer this one. I would prefer the usb c one but then I would have to dish out the money just for literally the connection change.
From the new studio change the honest quesiton I have is do you feel you no longer need outboard gear like the ISA one's you were using and just use the RME pre amps now?
I still have the ISA in storage but I've kinda forgotten about it since getting these RME units in. Having the 12Mic beside the drums is pretty much all I need. It's the simplest solution but still very high quality.
Understood. Thank you for the reply.
Damn, UAD REALLY makes you pay for their UA plugins!! This system seems super good at what it does! I havent had any complaints with my recording setup of 2 Apollo X8ps + behringer powerplay headphone monitors, using teamspeak to remotely control my pc from another room, but if id known this would be over $1000 cheaper, i mightve gone with this. I wonder how well it works on pc?
Should work pretty well on PC. UA is much more Mac focused. RME seems to give equal importance to both platforms from what I can tell.
@@abbdrums Tell me about it! Had to jump through several hoops just to get my motherboard to even recognize the thunderbolt 3 connection!
After listening to the analog preamp Neumann V 402, all that digital stuff deserves only one description. Harsh sounding gear !!
How many stereo mixes can you have in ufx3?
However many you would need I guess. With these 2 units together, you would most likely just be creating submixes for your main outs + 2 headphone outs on the UFX + 1 headphone out on the 12mic.
Is there control of the 12mic’s preamps gain with TotalMix?
No, not currently. You can control that from the 12Mic itself, the usb web app, or the midi remote app… but not in TotalMix.
Good stuff
Thanks !!!!
My questions are: How does RME behave itself on the Mac when you turn on your computer? Does it show up every time? Do you have to plug and unplug the USB? How "needy" is it? How often are you nagged to update it?
I don't personally 'need' a new interface, but I would like one that doesn't annoy me. My Antelope unit always nags me to enter my admin password when the computer boots. It also craps out when I load a Logic project that has a different sample rate and I have to reboot it, which is double annoying because it doesn't have a power switch. Putting the computer to sleep and waking up again is always a question of it is going to work again or not. I would like an interface that does its job and leaves me alone.
It always connects and just stays connected, even after sleeping/waking the computer. Never bugs you about updates and automatically switches sample rates seamlessly without you even realizing. It just works and stays out of the way.
My old Focusrite interface would constantly give me weird issues where I'd have to reboot things a couple times to get it back up and running but so far, hasn't been an issue at all with the UFX.
I bought a second hand Fireface 802 some ten years ago. I’ve used with three separate Macs running a wide variety of OS versions, and I’ve had zero issues with it. The RME driver stability is just mindboggling!
@@abbdrums Sounds great! Stability is most important.
@@CarpPine That is very impressive. It's great when a device continues to work over a long time.
Are you still logic for your daw
Yep
Can you use Pro Tools with the RME instead of TotalMix?
@@seanroberts6138 Yep ua-cam.com/video/KYheMTswSaY/v-deo.htmlsi=hAsx24Sutvbi24Ua
This is RME ASMR
Heard good things, can't afford it though
I think they missed a great opportunity to make it great, a gate on each one of them channels…! That’s what I would want especially if I was recording drums, or if I was recording an ensemble in a smaller room…!
There is an Expander inside the Compressor that is basically a gate. I didn't demonstrate it because I rarely use it, but it can be effective to softly mute a signal that falls below whatever threshold you set.
@@abbdrums well that does make it sound more useful. But I still think that designated gates would be a plus, if we no other reason to make it easier to modify percussive sounds.. thank you
I thought, John wick is A bass player?
Talking about breaking the bank 🏦🏧😂😂😂
Tascam Model 24 for me, then mix in Cubase, thank me later ! Save thousands !
+5500 Euros !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why am i that poor!
I have a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 which they stopped updating several years ago, rendering an otherwise perfectly serviceable device completely useless. What a scumbag move. I will never buy another Focusrite product. Maybe the RME is for me!
RME is known for supporting their hardware very far into the future which was a big draw for me. Future proof and stable are not flashy features, but super important.
Every digital connection you ever need......I need thunderbolt for low latency. RME cannot offer that anymore so NO it is not what I ever need.....
I was referring to digital audio connections like ADAT, MADI, etc… But on the topic of Thunderbolt, RME has their reasons why they still prefer USB for pro audio:
ua-cam.com/video/dSIf4QGYs-c/v-deo.htmlsi=9dLup5yWBgo-HlQy
www.synthax.com/rme-why-usb-and-not-thunderbolt/
Have you checked the specs? Last time I checked, RME got lower latency over USB than everyone else did over Thunderbolt.
@@OtherTheDave Then you are misinformed plain and simple.
*They copied all those features from SAC - SOFTWARE AUDIO CONSOLE!*
most drummers can't afford this "dream" and can get similar results from much less cash..
Yh dude, welcome to the elitist world of sweetwater influencers ...not the 'real' world for most of us..peace
Yeah, but he busted his ass off to get to where he is and can show us the good stuff to give us something to dream about and strive for.
Nice promotional video for RME. However, for tracking drums the RME (or any interface) preamps are underwhelming. Too boring to be precise. Since the UFX3 already has it's own 8 trs inputs added to 2 adat and of course madi, a much flavourful solution would be external preamps. Having in mind that UFX3 has 4 preamps of its own, a more natural sound could be achieved for a little extra money added to the cost of the unnecessary 12mic.
Different workflows work better for different people I think. Since I run my sessions and monitor from the same room when tracking, I actually prefer to do any coloration in-the-box, after recording (with plugins), instead of baking them in the tracking process. I'm also kind of an idiot, and have on more than one occasion baked too much coloration into a recording, so I prefer to separate the two processes.
Just my 2 cents. Totally agree with what you're saying about external pres though being awesome!
I think the preamp thing is mostly overblown marketing hype. Under ideal testing conditions, it’s almost impossible to really hear any meaningful differences between pre’s. What people think they are hearing is really just differences in signal level.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/do-expensive-mic-preamps-make-difference
@@abbdrums no way dude, the difference between, say API 512v and UA twin finity is discernible. Then again UA is a step above RME's digital preamps. Many people on youtube are doing tests completely wrong.
Exactly right! If you're not using vintage 1073s on kick and snare (no reissues!), vintage 312s (none of that poser 512C BS) on overheads, vintage V76s (difference is NIGHT AND DAY) on toms and a minimum of VT-24s on hihat, ride and rooms then you can't hang with the tone gang! Pack up those clinical pres and scram, tin-ears!
@@helmanfrow you do realize that API 512v comes with 2 op-amps, and they'd been cooked at least 72h before installing on the card? Have you ever actually held an API preamp in your hands? Or maybe a Chandler Limited preamp? I agree though that Neve 1073LB is an underwhelming attempt to recreate vintage pres, but some of the other serious clones, such as heritage audio, are a different story. When at it, have you held a Serpent MKII compressor in your hands? That thing weighs, in 500 series, the same as a distressor.
I was real interested till the very end sorry dude you lost me
You say that like he’s somehow responsible for the price.
@@JordonBeal yes he is. That’s the one he’s pushing isn’t he don’t be stupid.
Dream ? Your right, your DREAMING if you think I’m paying over $6,000 for this “ system” MANY MANY choices with as good or better quality at far less expense available. Hard PASS !
Please name an option. No sarcasm intended, very curious
Nice setup. Now you just need to ditch that garbage mac and start using Reaper. ;)
lol no
@abbdrums You'll come to that realization in time like you've learned about RME. I imagine RME wasn't your first interface. I imagine mac won't be your last OS. ;) But seriously, supporting companies like Apple is a pretty awful thing to do.