RME Fireface UFX+

I am not sure what else could be said about RME that hasn't wasn't said already...

This thing is built like a freakin' tank. One thing that some might not like is that the three encoders have a slight wobble to them. I don't mind. They work nicely.

LCD is nice and sharp, if a bit on the small side of things. Definitely helps when the unit is running standalone, though. Operation is pretty intuitive, I figured how to get around without reading the manual.

However one thing you WILL need the manual for, is the TotalMix software. I'm coming from TC Electronic Impact Twin, with its TC Near software which is MUCH simpler and not nearly as flexible. TotalMix can do pretty much everything. And then some other things nobody else does, I'm pretty sure. I recommend going through the manual, and then if that's not enough, get the Groove videos (TotalMix Explained). You will need it, unless you have good background in mixing desks (I don't).

Sound... Well I'll be damned if this doesn't sound better, more precise, crisper than my old Impact Twin. Great converters! Probably not the BEST out there, but for the price... extremely great conversion. I am planning on expanding my I/O with a Ferrofish A32 unit, connected to UFX+ via MADI. Then I won't need to use a submixer for all my rack synths (I have a fair amount of them).

Connecting this to my W10 PC via Thunderbolt was easy - just make sure you have up to date drivers for TB!

One thing I wish this interface had is an auto-muting headphone output, like on my TC Impact Twin. This means when you plug headphones in, master output is cut. Not sure if this scenario is handled by TotalMix, I should probably ask on RME forums... or get the ARC remote (but I don't really need it...)


Fantastic interface! I am certain it will serve me well for years to come!

Why Almost? Actually, it is one of the best, but there is some issues that should be resolved.

1.1. Concept about Du-Rec recorder is fantastic, but it is still not stable. If there is some software or hardware mistakes somewhere (usually on a USB storage file system), and mistakes happens, it stops working as it should (even with SSD hard disk). You may have trouble accessing the recordings later. I've tried to us it in LIVE performances as main recorder with i-Pad in CC mode, but it is not a good idea. My recommendations to use it JUST like second - parallel recorder.
1.2. Sometime new solutions is best, sometime old ones is better. PITCH correction for USB connection should be placed back like in old version of UFX, UC, and other. It is an integral part of working with LIVE performances with audio recordings and live instruments. Not all instruments are tuned A440. Many of them is tuned A432, A444, A442 etc. And also this function is irreplaceable if you want to listen A440 recorded music, for example, in A444.

About everything else I can only say good words.
What is unique in UFX+?

2.1. Sound quality is great.
2.2. Du-Rec recorder concept is unique.
2.3. Total Remote mixer is really great - you can mix everything you need.
2.4. UFX+ works also on 230V DC (Direct Current). We use 230V DC in our studio to avoid 50/60 Hz Electromagnetic Emission from AC, and of course, to feel better. (Alternating Current Electromagnetic emissions can cause additional noise in a music recording.)

Additions.
it would be nice to upgrade the system with some additions:

3.1. It would be nice if UFX+ delay could be adjusted manually. Digital incoming signal (for example ADAT) from other devices may be delayed. ADC (analog-to-digital converter) algorithms are different for different devices - this causes a tiny shift in time.
3.2. It would be nice if MUTE, SOLO and RECORD options completely change channel color in TotalMix (This would be more transparent in configuration).

Thank you, RME for good device and I believe in future it will be more better.
Best Regards.