USB 2.0 audio interface, 36 channels, 24bits/192 kHz
Based on a kernel RME Hammerfall, the Fireface UC offers extremely low latency, even on multichannel systems. It uses two different firmware versions with different transfer modes to remove the limitations of current USB audio interfaces. The Mac or Windows operating mode can be selected directly on the unit at any time. Under Mac OS, the MIDI ports of the Fireface are “compliant class”, the operating system automatically uses the included MIDI drivers. Accessible latency* is sensational. The smallest buffer in Windows is 48 samples and 14 under Mac OS. This USB 2.0 interface offers performance comparable to that of a PCI Express interface
Functionalities
This new interface not only makes Fireface technology RME accessible to all Macs and PCs, it also offers performance and compatibility associated with ultra low latency making it the pro audio recording solution to the time trial. The Fireface UC includes all analog and digital circuits that have made the reputation of RME. It is the only interface of its category to offer an active removal of the Jitter, functions in stand-alone mode, total control from the front face, professional inputs/outputs and a mixing matrix of 648 channels all at frequencies up to 192 kHz.
Mixing DSP Integration
All inputs and outputs can be freely mixed, routed and distributed within the mixer RME TotalMix. Up to 9 fully independent stereo mixes can be managed. Each output and sub-mixing channel can be recorded without using cables to loop inputs on outputs. TotalMix can be fully controlled by MIDI. The DSP calculates the ridge and RMS levels without using processor power.
Entries/Analogical Sorties
Eight analog inputs and outputs (all symmetrical with the exception of 7/8 output channels), with a reference level (-10 dBV, +4 dBu, Lo/HiGain) controlled by the software, entirely by discrete components in the analog field ensure unparalleled fidelity and dynamics. The 5 to 8 inputs on the rear face have an adjustable sensitivity by the pilot of -10 dBV, +4 dBu, LoGain corresponding respectively to a level of 0 dBfs of +2 dBu, +13 dBu and +19 dBu. The same characteristics apply to outputs 1 to 6. The 7/8 headphone output offers a high volume level even on low impedance helmets.
Preamplis
The Fireface UC has 2 symmetrical micro/line inputs with a digitally controlled gain, a 48V phantom power supply switchable individually and Neutrik Combo XLR/Jack connectors. They can also be used as additional line entries. The preamplification floor delivers up to 65 dB of gain (adjustable by 1 dB on a 55 dB range), offers exceptional EIN performance (equivalent in input) even at low values with extremely low THD+N distortion that exceeds those of many market references. All settings can be saved and recalled by the pilot. Inputs 3 and 4 accept either a low impedance line signal (10 kOhms) as inputs 5 to 8 of the rear face with adjustable sensitivity (+4 dBu or Lo Gain), or a high impedance instrument signal (470 kOhms). An additional 18 dB analog amplification is available (by 0.5 dB). In fact any type of audio signal will be perfectly managed.
Digital entry/sortie
An optical ADAT input/output allows connection to effects, mixing table or additional converters. It can also be used to manage digital signals in optical SPDIF format. Of course, these 8 channels are available in addition to analog channels. Using, for example, an additional ADI-8 DS you can design a 16-channel input and output system. This number is down to 12 in 96 kHz (8 analog and 4 digital). The coaxial SPDIF, AES/EBU compatible, can operate at 192 kHz, which always offers 8 analog channels and 2 digital input and output channels at the highest sampling frequency.
A word clock input/output (BNC) and two MIDI input/outputs (epanoui on 5 pin DIN connector) complete the list and make the Fireface UC a professional digital audio station.
*Minimum latency is not guaranteed because it depends on the specific characteristics of each computer and application.
Strong points
-8 input channels and 18 simultaneous output channels
-8 analog inputs (4 line inputs, 2 micro/line inputs and 2 line/instrument inputs
-8 analog outputs (6 line outputs and a stereo headphone output)
-1 optical ADAT input/output or optical SPDIF
-1 entry/output SPDIF coaxial
-2 MIDI inputs/outputs
-2 micro inputs/outputs with digitally controlled preamplis
-2 adjustable instrument inputs
-Two high quality micro preamplis digitally controlled
-Two universal symmetrical inputs instrument or line
-SteadyClock technology for an optimal clock and jitter removal
-Simple self-contained printing with encoder and front-facing display
-Total mobility thanks to the power supply by the FireWire bus
-54 peak and RMS indicators supported by the FPGA of the map
-DIGICheck is a proprietary tool RME display and signal analysis
-TotalMix: 648 mixing channel matrix with 48-bit internal resolution
