RME Introduce A New Flagship Fireface

US Fireface UFX III is a 24 bit/192 kHz USB 3.0 audio interface with 94 inputs and 94 outputs 15/03/23

RME has announced the immediate release of the Fireface UFX III, a 24 bit/192 kHz USB 3.0 audio interface with 94 inputs and 94 outputs across its extensive selection of analogue and digital I/O. Here's the story in their own words...

The successor to the popular Fireface UFX+, the UFX III once again raises the bar for USB audio, presenting a high-performance, all-in-one recording solution designed for professional recording studios, live audio and playback applications, and multi-channel location music recording.

Unmatched reliability and versatility meet ground-breaking RME technologies like SteadyClock FS and Advanced DURec; the most powerful monitoring and routing controller TotalMix FX; network control via TotalMix Remote; professional analysis tools DIGICheck and DIGICheck NG; full standalone operation and recording; Class Compliant mode for native operation with Windows, macOS and Linux; and RME's rock-solid, ultra-low-latency drivers for Mac and PC.

Based on an entirely newly developed analogue and digital board, the Fireface UFX III features the latest AD and DA converters with improved THD+N values; DC-coupled analogue outputs; and a superior feature-set via updated, high-tech components and powerful on-board DSP.

Comprehensive connectivity

The Fireface UFX III's front panel provides four high-performance XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone, instrument and line-level signals; two stereo headphone jacks with +19 dBu output level (which also double up as unbalanced stereo outputs); MIDI I/O; and a USB port for RME's Direct to USB Recording (DURec).

The rear panel features 8 x balanced line-level inputs and 8 x balanced outputs (including a stereo pair of XLR monitor outputs), for recording and interfacing with line-level instruments and other professional studio hardware.

An expansive selection of digital audio connections completes the package: 2 x ADAT Optical I/Os, 1 x AES/EBU I/O, a second MIDI I/O connection; and 1 x optical MADI I/O, with 64 bi-directional channels available on MADI Optical (SC). Furthermore, the two ADAT I/Os can be used as separate optical SPDIF I/O in addition to the AES I/O, whilst Word Clock I/O on BNC connections can operate as an additional redundant MADI Coaxial I/O if required.

Connection with a computer is made via USB 3.0 (USB-C compatible). When used in USB 2.0 mode, all analogue and digital I/Os are supported with the exception of the MADI I/O, whilst a second USB port provides direct connection for RME's optional ARC USB remote control.

Advanced DURec (Direct USB Recording)

Up to 80 inputs and outputs can be recorded directly to (and read from) a USB storage device, when connected to the RME Fireface UFX III's front panel USB port, a feature RME calls DURec (Direct USB Recording).

Using the Fireface UFX III's integrated DSP – which also powers RME's software mixing controller TotalMix FX, and allows for full standalone operation – DURec enables multi-channel recording and playback directly to/from memory devices such as USB flash drives and external hard drives, completely independent of any connected Mac or PC.

Potential applications for DURec include the creation of simultaneous backup recordings in the studio; the recording of live performances and rehearsals; multi-track field recording; and the ability to perform virtual sound-checks at live music venues. Individual track names can be assigned in advance via RME's TotalMix FX software mixer, simplifying the process when loading tracks into a DAW for editing.

High-Performance Tools & Technologies

The Fireface UFX III features SteadyClock FS, RME's latest digital clocking and jitter suppression technology.

Originally developed for RME's award-winning ADI-2 Series, SteadyClock FS offers extremely effective jitter suppression (even at low frequencies) on all digital input signals, further enhancing the Fireface UFX III's highly accurate AD and DA conversion, as well as stablising the clock of other connected audio devices.

The DSP-based TotalMix FX mixer provides comprehensive control over all incoming and outgoing audio signals, channel routing, zero-latency monitoring, and the creation of unlimited submixes. Built-in effects are provided on every input and output channel (EQ, Dynamics, Reverb and Delay sends), alongside powerful additional features like Loopback (internally route any output / submix back in as an audio input).

A free companion app – TotalMix Remote – offers network control of RME devices from another PC, Mac or iPad (including wirelessly over Wi-Fi), whilst DIGICheck and DIGICheck NG provide a free suite of professional, high-precision audio analysis tools.

USB 3.0 Class Compliant

In addition to driver-based USB operation and standalone mode, 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 without the use of a driver (Plug 'n' Play).

When used with an Apple iPad, CC mode also provides control of the Fireface UFX III via the optionally available TotalMix FX for iPad app, allowing iPads to be used for professional mobile recording, mixing, monitoring and music production.