RME announce their first Thunderbolt & USB3 Interface with the Fireface UFX+

RME have just announced the UFX+. The first Thunderbolt interface from RME (it also has USB3). New converter chip and the addition of MADI!

The Fireface UFX+ has become the centre of any multi-track studio as it is able to handle up to 94 channels I/O with ease. With unprecedented flexibility, compatibility, the inclusion of DURec (Direct USB Recording) and RME’s famous low latency hardware and driver designs, the Fireface UFX+ raises the bar to new heights.

The new Fireface UFX+ is packed with features not found on its older sibling, including MADI I/O, taking it to 188 channels of I/O (128 channels more than the Fireface UFX), a more powerful DSP, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, and a new optional remote control. This firmly places the RME Fireface UFX+ as the new reference in multitrack recording, mixing and monitoring.

You Name It, You Connect It
Its flexibility in connectivity and expansion is unrivalled – Analogue, ADAT, MADI, AES, SPDIF. USB 2, USB 3 and Thunderbolt are standard on the Fireface UFX+.

The UFX+ has an impressive channel count: 12 analog + 16 ADAT + 2 AES + 64 MADI = 94 channels input plus output = 188 channels in total. Thunderbolt gives the Fireface UFX+ real PCI Express audio performance under Mac and Windows, with lowest latency, lowest system overhead and lowest CPU load. The Fireface UFX+ is fully Thunderbolt compatible under Windows, including hot-plugging.

All new AD/DA converters, optimized analog I/O circuits, as well as improved SNR and THD values guarantee pristine, crystal clear and transparent audio. A new PADfree mic circuit design with +18 dBu maximum input level and 75 dB gain range serves even the most critical recording situation and source trouble-free.

New low impedance Hi-Power phones outputs (2 Ohms) with +19 dBu maximum output level provide ample output power as well as volume on any phones, high or low impedance
Comprehensive MADI Connectivity
The Fireface UFX+ opens the doors to a host of RME and 3rd party digital and analog I/O solutions. Expanding your analog channelcount, the ability to route/mix within the digital domain through numerous sources presents many flexible options. Several external MADI devices can also be connected in series.

To further enhance MADI flexibility, the Fireface UFX+ boasts some typical RME-style features. For example

in USB 2 mode, which is limited to 30 channels I/O (12 analogue plus 16 ADAT plus AES), the MADI I/O is still available via 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 the use of both MADI I/O’s simultaneously, with 32 channel each on optical and coaxial.

Improved DURec (Direct USB Recording)
DURec, which is available on the front of the Fireface UFX+, now offers second generation hardware with improved USB functionality and compatibility, providing greater reliability even with slower or multi-partitioned USB thumb drives.

The maximum number of recordable channels has been raised to 76, meaning all 12 analog inputs plus 64 MADI channels can be recorded simultaneously. An internal Realtime Clock (RTC) delivers time-stamped files, and playback now includes several advanced player functions previously unavailable.

Remote Control
The optional Advanced Remote Control USB connects directly to the Fireface UFX+ or any computer giving you tactile TotalMix FX control.

RME Fireface UFX+