Synthax, the Americas distributor for RME, introduces the new RME Fireface UFX+ Interface with Thunderbolt and USB 3 connectivity—the company’s new flagship audio production tool. With flexibility, compatibility, the inclusion of DURec (Direct USB Recording), and RME’s low latency hardware and driver designs, the Fireface UFX+ is an ideal choice for high end home studios, commercial, and broadcast audio production facilities.
Packed with features not found on its older sibling, including MADI I/O (now with 188 channels of I/O), a more powerful DSP, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt technology, and a new optional remote control.
The Fireface UFX+ offers flexibility in terms of connectivity and expansion. Analog, ADAT, MADI, AES, SPDIF. USB 2, USB 3, and Thunderbolt technology are all standard on the Fireface UFX+. The interface has an impressive channel count: 12 analog, 16 ADAT, 2 AES, and 64 MADI for 94 channels input plus output equaling 188 channels total.
Thunderbolt technology gives the Fireface UFX+ real PCI Express audio performance under Mac and Windows, with the low latency, low system overhead, and low CPU load. The Fireface UFX+ is fully Thunderbolt technology compatible under Windows, including hot-plugging.
RME’s Fireface UFX+ incorporates all new AD/DA converters, optimized analog I/O circuits, as well as improved SNR and THD values for clear and transparent audio. A new PAD-free mic circuit design with +18 dBu maximum input level and 75 dB gain range provides trouble-free operation for the most demanding recording environments. Further, new low impedance, high power phones outputs (2 Ohms) with +19 dBu maximum output level provide ample output power as well as volume on any headphones—high or low impedance.
MADI connectivity is another noteworthy aspect of the new Fireface UFX+. For example, in USB 2 mode, which is limited to 30 channels I/O (12 analog plus 16 ADAT plus AES), the MADI I/O is still available via RME’s integrated hardware mixer TotalMix FX. Word Clock I/O (BNC) can be switched to MADI I/O (coaxial), and a special split mode even supports the use of both MADI I/Os simultaneously, with 32 channels each on optical and coaxial.
The Fireface UFX+ also includes DURec (Direct USB Recording), which is available on the front of the Fireface UFX+. It now offers second generation hardware with improved USB functionality and compatibility—providing greater reliability, even with slower or multi-partitioned USB thumb drives.
Another noteworthy aspect of the new RME Fireface UFX+ is the optionally available ARC (Advanced Remote Control) USB Remote Control. This remote connects directly to the Fireface UFX+ or any computer—providing tactile TotalMix FX control.
Mathias von Heydekampf, managing director at Synthax, shared his perspective on the new Fireface UFX+, “The new RME Fireface UFX+ offers unprecedented I/O capacity, flexibility and control—all in a compact 1RU form factor. With the addition of the optional ARC Remote Control, engineers have a complete recording, mixing, and monitoring solution that, I’m confident, will be very well received.”
The RME Fireface UFX+ Interface and the optional ARC Remote Control are slated to be available in August 2016. MSRP pricing is:
—Fireface UFX+: $2,999.00
—ARC Remote Control: $189.00