RME presents Fireface UFX III
New USB 3.0 top model of the Fireface series
March 2023 - RME presents the Fireface UFX III, a 24 bit/192 kHz USB audio interface with 188 input and output channels for analog and digital signals.
As successor of the Fireface UFX+, the UFX III raises the bar for USB interfaces to a new level: 12 analog I/O channels, 16 ADAT channels, 1x AES/EBU I/O and 2x MADI I/O with 64 channels, as well as MIDI, Word Clock and USB 3.0 connectivity allow an unmatched variety and flexibility for professional studio use. The Fireface UFX III is completed by groundbreaking RME technologies, such as SteadyClock FS, TotalMix, DURec and more.
The Fireface UFX III is based on a newly developed analog and digital board. While the analog board offers, for example, DC-coupled analog outputs as well as new AD and DA converters with improved THD+N value, the digital board also enables interesting new features thanks to updated high-tech components.
Comprehensive connectivity
The front panel of the Fireface UFX III provides four high-performance XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone, instrument and line signals, two stereo headphone jacks with +19 dBu output level, MIDI I/O, and a USB port. In combination with the DURec function (Direct USB Recording), the USB port allows independent recording of selected input and output signals (up to 80 channels) to a connected USB storage medium.
The rear panel reveals the full connectivity of the Fireface UFX III. Besides another MIDI I/O, the two optical ADAT I/Os, an AES/EBU I/O, and eight balanced analog outputs with line level (including XLR stereo monitor outputs) are available. With the new Multi-Mode, the two ADAT I/Os can be used as separate optical SPDIF inputs and outputs in addition to the AES I/O.
Furthermore, the Fireface UFX III offers an optical MADI interface (SC) with 64 bidirectional channels. The Word Clock connectors (BNC) work as additional coaxial MADI input and output if required. The Fireface UFX III is connected to the computer via USB 3.0. In compatible USB 2.0 mode, all analog and digital I/Os are available, except for the MADI channels. The second USB port on the rear panel is used to connect an optional ARC USB remote control.
Direct Recording via USB
Via the digital DURec (Direct USB Recording) recording function, up to 80 inputs and outputs of the Fireface UFX III can be recorded directly to (and read from) a USB storage medium. Therefor DURec uses the integrated DSP which provides stand-alone operation without the need for a computer. The fields of potential applications include stand-alone field recordings, live and rehearsal recordings, or playback of live recordings for virtual soundchecks. The automatic naming of the tracks in the DAW according to the assigned names in the TotalMix FX software proves to be very practical.
High-Performance Tools & Technologies
With SteadyClock FS the Fireface UFX III features RME's latest clock and jitter suppression technology. Besides further reduced inherent jitter, SteadyClock FS offers extremely effective jitter suppression even at low frequencies on all digital input signals. Also integrated are both the DSP-based TotalMix FX mixer with its comprehensive routing, monitoring and effects options, and the DIGICheck analysis tool, which allows measuring and analyzing the digital data streams to and from the Fireface UFX III with highest precision.
On Board DSP | 3rd Party Plugins
The Fireface UFX III comes with on-board DSP via RME's TotalMix FX which includes Compression/Dynamics, EQ, Reverb, and Delay.
For units purchased from authorized RME dealers in The Americas, customers will also receive 3rd Party Plugins from IZotope (Ozone 10 Elements), Scuffham Amps (S-GEAR), Brainworx (Opto-X),
Brainworx (BX Masterdesk), and Antares (Auto-Tune Unlimited).
USB 3.0 Class Compliant
In addition to driver-based USB operation and stand-alone mode (without a connected computer), the Fireface UFX III offers a Class Compliant mode for native operation with Windows, macOS and Linux. As the first RME audio interface with full USB 3.0 support in CC mode, the Fireface UFX III provides all 94 I/O channels driverless. In addition to the use with a computer, the CC mode allows controlling the UFX III via the optionally available TotalMix FX for iPad app.
The RME Fireface UFX III is shipping this month.
For more information on RME, visit: https://www.rme-usa.com/
For more information on Synthax, visit: https://www.synthax.com/
