RME Fireface UCX USB/Firewire and iPad Audio Interface

Full Description

The result of this effort is one of RME's most successful products. The Fireface UCX continues the tradition of RME's tremendously successful compact interfaces, reinventing an already near-perfect product, improving existing features and characteristics as well as adding sophisticated new ones.

Contained in a half-rack unit, the UCX is more powerful than most 19 inch units. All in all, the Fireface UCX is the new compact-sized dream interface, created with care for every detail and a new premium solution for any desktop and live use, without compromising in sound, stability and ulta-low latency operation.

The UCX provides 36 channels of audio - 18 I/Os. All channels can be used at the same time. Up to 8 analog and 10 digital channels can be recorded onto 18 seperate tracks. All outputs can be used for ASIO Direct Monitoring purposes.

The UCX is equipped with an A/D and D/A high-performance converter design, all I/Os operate at up to 192kHz. In the best RME tradition, the UCX converters and preamps have no characteristic 'sound' of their own, they neither add nor remove anything, but capture the original signal just as it is. There are Low Latency converters, pro-level support and a SteadyClock which finalises the state-of-the-art AD/DA conversion, even when clocking to an external digital source.

The UCX provides two high-end mic and instrument preamps, built right into the front. The outstanding preamp design boasts extremely low distortion, excellent signal-to-noise ratio and a perfectly flat frequency response.

Each channel can be individually switched to 48V phantom power. LEDs for signal, clip and activated phantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status.

A complete effects engine comes in the form of the DSP-based TotalMix mixer, fully supporting independent routing and mixing of all 18 input and playback channels to all 18 physical outputs. The improved Control Room allows you to cue studio monitors and phones for quick listening to other outputs. Trim Mode adjusts the volume for all routed signals of a channel, and it's packed with other features such as and Extended Matrix, Expandable Channel View and four Mute, Solo and Fader groups each.

Features / Specifications

• Low latency mastering grade converters with outstanding specifications
• Two mic preamps with premium technology, including AutoSet overload protection
• A newly developed Hammerfall audio core
• Monitoring controller, combinign impressive flexibility of the TotalMix FX monitoring tool set and the optional RME Remote Control
• DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox for Windows PC and Mac
• Support for RME's Advanced Remote Control
• The first professional audio interface with Class Compliant mode to work with Apple's iPad

AD, Line In 5-8, rear

• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 111 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 20.6 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 45.3 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: -1 dB: 5 Hz - 90 kHz
• THD: <-105 dB
• THD+N: <-98 dB
• Maximum input level: +19 dBu
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balanced
• Input sensitivity: switchable to Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
• Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

Line In 3-4, front

• As AD, but:
• Additional Gain stage: 0 up to +12 dB
• Maximum input level, Lo Gain, Gain 0 dB: Line +19 dBu, Inst +13 dBu
• Maximum input level, -10 dBV, Gain 12 dB, Line: -7,5 dBu, Inst: -13,5 dBu
• Input impedance Inst: 470 kOhm
• Input Gain Inst: +6 dB
• Input mode: Line balanced (TRS), Inst unbalanced (TS)
• CLIP LED: 0 dBFS
• SIG LED: -60 dBFS

Microphone/Line 1-2, front

• Input: Neutrik XLR/TRS Combo jack, electronically balanced
• Input impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, TRS 8 kOhm balanced
• Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
• Low Roll Off -0.5 dB: 18 Hz, -1 dB: 12 Hz
• Gain range: 0 dB, +10 up to +65 dB
• Maximum input level XLR, Gain 0 dB: +10 dBu
• Maximum input level XLR, Gain 65 dB: -55 dBu
• Maximum input level TRS, Gain +0 dB: +21 dBu
• Maximum input level TRS, Gain +65 dB: -44 dBu
• CLIP LED: 0 dBFS
• SIG LED: -60 dBFS

DA, Line Out 1-6, rear

• Dynamic range (DR): 111 dB, 113 dBA @ 44.1 kHz (unmuted)
• Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 8 Hz - 20.4 kHz
• Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 45 kHz
• Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 6 Hz - 90 kHz
• THD: -100 dB,
• THD+N: -96 dB,
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Maximum output level: +19 dBu
• Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, servo-balanced
• Output impedance: 75 Ohm
• Output level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
• Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

DA - Phones, 7/8, front

• As DA, but:
• Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
• Output impedance: 30 Ohm

Word Clock

• BNC, switch for internal termination 75 Ohm

Compatible with MAC OS X 10.11 (El Capitan).