RME Fireface UFX III USB audio interface

RME topline audio interface the Fireface UFX III

188 Channels, 24 Bit/192 KHz USB 3 Audio Interface

RME’s Multichannel Flagship

The Fireface UFX III is the heart of any multitrack studio, handling up to 94 channels of I/O with ease. Its unprecedented flexibility, compatibility, inclusion of DURec (Direct USB Recording) and RME’s famous low latency hardware and driver designs guarantee flawless operation in every mode and application.

Packed with professional features, including SteadyClock FS, MADI I/O (64 channels), a powerful DSP, USB 3.0 (full 94-channel I/O Class Compliant ready), TotalMix FX, Direct USB Recording, and support for the Advanced Remote Control USB (sold separately), the Fireface UFX III is the professional’s tool of choice for multitrack recording, mixing and mastering.

The Fireface UFX III is based on a newly developed analog and digital card. For example, while the analog card offers DC-coupled analog outputs and new AD and DA converters with improved THD+N values, the digital card also enables interesting new features thanks to updated high-tech components.

Powerful USB 3 performance UFX III

The front panel of the Fireface UFX III offers four high-quality 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 selected input and output signals (up to 80 channels) to be recorded independently to a connected USB storage medium.

The rear panel reveals the full connectivity of the Fireface UFX III. In addition to another MIDI I/O, two optical ADAT I/Os, an AES/EBU I/O and eight balanced line-level analog outputs (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 (SC) interface with 64 bidirectional channels. The Word Clock connectors (BNC) act as additional coaxial MADI input and output if needed.

Extended MADI connections UFX III

The Fireface UFX III opens the doors to a wide range of digital and analog I/O solutions from RME and third parties. The ability to expand the number of analog channels and control the route and mix within the digital domain through numerous sources provides many flexible options. Multiple external MADI devices can also be connected in series.

To further increase MADI flexibility, the Fireface UFX III has some typical RME features. For example, in USB 2 mode, which is limited to 30 channels of I/O (12 analog plus 16 ADAT plus AES), MADI I/O is still available through 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 using both MADI I/Os simultaneously, with 32 channels each on optical and coaxial.

Powerful applications for mixing, monitoring and measuring included

The Fireface UFX III comes with the TotalMix FX DSP mixer that provides comprehensive routing and monitoring options, as well as the DIGICheck Analyzer that allows the digital data feed to be measured and analyzed in both directions with maximum precision. TotalMix FX can completely replace an external mixer to create multiple latency-free monitor mixes with EQ, Dynamics, Reverb and Delay for all outputs, including main monitors and headphone mixes for musicians.

The complementary TotalMix Remote is a remote control for TotalMix FX, to control the hardware mixer and effects in RME audio interfaces. TotalMix Remote reflects the current state of the host system on the iPad and Windows/Mac computers – the full mixing status, the full routing, all FX settings, down to the level meters, and all in real time. Easily adjust all mixer and FX settings remotely, via Ethernet and WiFi.

DC-coupled outputs – CV/Gate voltage control

Most audio interfaces are traditionally designed with so-called “AC-coupled outputs,” where capacitors are used to filter out extreme low frequencies.

Although these frequencies are generally considered undesirable for audio – they eat into headroom and can cause damage to other equipment – one example where DC coupling remains desirable is the world of modular synthesizers, where static or slow-moving signals are used to control various parameters such as pitch note values or LFOs.

All line-level outputs of the Fireface UFX III are fully DC-coupled, allowing control voltage (CV) or gate information to modular synthesizers (such as the popular Eurorack and Moog/MOTM/Synthesizers) and other studio hardware.

General Characteristics

Analog Inputs and Outputs

• Inputs (Total 12):

  • 4x XLR/TRS Combo (Mic/Line/Instrument) with digital gain control.

  • 8x 1/4″ TRS Jack (balanced) at the rear.

• Outputs (Total 12):

  • 2x XLR (Main Out).

  • 6x 1/4″ TRS Jack (balanced).

  • 2x Stereo Headphone Outputs (high-power, 1/4″ TRS).

• Preamp Performance: 75 dB Gain range, +18 dBu max input level.

Digital Connectivity

• MADI: 1x MADI I/O optical (64 channels at 48 kHz).

• ADAT: 2x ADAT I/O (up to 16 channels) or 1x ADAT + 1x SPDIF optical.

• AES/EBU: 1x XLR I/O.

• Word Clock: 1x BNC In / 1x BNC Out (switchable to MADI Coaxial).

• MIDI: 2x MIDI I/O (via breakout cables).

Special Functionalities

• DURec (Direct USB Recording): Allows you to record up to 80 channels directly to a USB flash drive or hard drive through the front port, without the need for a computer. Ideal as a backup for live recordings.

• SteadyClock FS: Guarantees minimal jitter and a crystal clear soundstage even when the interface is clocked to external digital sources.

• DC-Coupled Outputs: All analog outputs are DC-coupled, meaning they can be used to drive modular synthesizers (such as Eurorack) via CV/Gate signals.

• Class Compliant Mode: Works without drivers on macOS and Linux, and is compatible with the iPad for high-end mobile recording.

In the box:

• RME Fireface UFX III

• USB 3.0 cable (1.8m)

• Power cord

• Manual