RME - Fireface UCX II 40-channel USB Interface

Product Information

As well as the highly respected B4000+ organ module, Ferrofish offers a range of quality ADAT <> MADI <> Analogue converters that can be used for studio, live, post-production and broadcast applications and at a price that will suit any budget. The successor to the popular Fireface UCX, the UCX II is RME’s most powerful 1/2U interface ever created. A flexible and mobile interface for use with Macs, PCs and iPads, the UCX II is a cutting-edge central hub for modern studio recording and live performance setups, and includes full standalone operation (with the option to create multi-channel recordings straight to USB storage devices, aka DURec).

If you’re looking for something with a small footprint that won’t let you down, the Fireface UCX II should be at the top of a very short list.”As mentioned above, ADAT I/O is included for expanding the UCX II with other studio hardware such as microphone preamps and AD/DA converters, with MIDI I/O for control of instruments (like synths and drum machines), as well as for sending remote control messages to other hardware. The RME ARC USB is a USB 1.1 MIDI remote control - thanks to operating as a UAC 1 class device, it is natively compatible to Windows and Mac OS X. As soon as it is present in the operating system, TotalMix FX will automatically detect the ARC USB, and communicate with it via simple MIDI remote commands to control the UCX II. The company's reputation for build quality, reliability and audio performance has made it an industry benchmark across the world. Like many of RME’s interfaces, the UCX II is designed partly as a platform for expansion. Hence, for example, it has only two built‑in mic preamps, but offers six line inputs and plenty of digital I/O in case you want to add more. Perhaps uniquely, it permits AES3, coaxial and optical digital I/O to be used simultaneously — whether the latter is set to S/PDIF or ADAT — so there are no caveats to its stated channel count. The on‑board preamps use RME’s latest design, which offers a 75dB gain range digitally controlled in 1dB steps and sounds very good indeed. The headphone amp is likewise a cut above what you’d find in many interfaces, and the line‑level I/O both specifies well and sounds clean, clear and quiet. The line outputs are DC‑coupled, so they can be used to output control voltages to drive modular synths.

With a whole host of new features as well as a front panel and user interface redesign that brings the UCX II in line with the UFX series, the UCX II has become RME’s flagship portable USB audio interface. Most audio interfaces are traditionally designed with what is called 'AC-coupled outputs', where capacitors are used to filter out any extreme low frequencies. With that in mind, RME chose to build on the foundations of the original, designing a product with all the hallmarks of an RME product whilst adding a whole host of additional functionality.

RME Fireface UCX II Features:

But when you have just installed the company's driver, you will need to restart the machine, for TotalMix FX to be turned on. It looks harder to use on the inside than it looks on the outside. Founded in 1977 in Skanderborg, Denmark, Dynaudio has over 40 years of experience in producing cutting-edge loudspeakers.

The original Fireface UCX was one of RME’s most popular interfaces, and we’ve no doubt its successor will prove to be just as important an entry in the history of RME Audio. Connection with a Mac, PC or iPad is made via the ubiquitous USB B-Type connector, with a second USB port for connecting USB storage devices (external hard drives or pen drives). This second port also doubles up as a direct connection for the RME ARC USB (Advanced Remote Control) – a powerful optional extra for any RME interface or sound card users. Other digital options include AES/EBU and SPDIF I/O (via the 9-pin D-Sub and included breakout cable), which alongside the ADAT connections, can all be used simultaneously. We’re impressed by the attention to detail in TotalMix and the associated hardware capability that sets RME apart. For example, the ability to properly live-monitor a mid/side pair of inputs, and individual reference level setting for each line in/out, making it more straightforward to connect up a wide range of external gear. Additionally, the optional TotalMix FX for iPad app adds full control over the TotalMixhardware mixer, giving users the ability to create, store and load complete mixes directly from the iPad.As alluded to above, the Fireface UCX II is capable of full stand-alone operation. Up to six setups can be stored to the device itself, and can easily be called upon any time via the front panel.

This feature set is most suited for home and project studios, where the use of 1-4 simultaneous inputs is the norm but gives ample scope for adding parts later on. This may include connecting boutique external preamps via the dedicated line inputs or adding further ins/outs using the ADAT ports (an optical cable is included in the box to get you started along this path). For Microphones and Instruments with Low Latency Conversion. The 802 has four high-transparency preamps, also with low latency converters.Microphone and instrument preamps of the 802 use the classic technology of the OctaMic II, a high-end preamp for supreme sonic demands and critical applications, like the professional recording of classical concerts. The symmetrical preamp design impresses with extremely low distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and a perfect linear frequency response. A premium solution for transmitting and amplifying any audio input truly unchanged, be it high-level stage or typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones.

Warranty Info

All of which can even be controlled wirelessly using TotalMix Remote, a free companion app for TotalMix that allows for network-control over any RME interface or sound card. Maximum 12 analog inputs & 8 analog outputs plus 2 independent headphone mixes in stereo (channel 9/10 & 11/12) Pro Tools Expert gives their take on the new Fireface UCX II, RME’s 40-channel Advanced USB Audio Interface. Read the full review here Delivery Time –We cannot guarantee delivery time via Royal Mail. Whilst items shipped using Royal Mail First Class usually take 1 - 2 days, please note this is NOT a guaranteed next day delivery service. If this is a problem, please select one of our courier service options. Originally formed as a microphone manufacturer in 1964, Calrec celebrated 50 years as audio specialists in 2014.