Here you can find a collection of links to positive user postings and experiences in various audio boards. Please select the product in the list below. To open the source thread in which the postings could be found and read on, please click on the link below.

Mats H on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX:

Okay, so I've been playing around with the UFX for a while now and it's really quite astounding. I've been an RME user for the last five years now and have been relying on the hardware, seeing opportunities to use the hardware in new creative ways and I do love the bonus software (Digicheck, Totalmix and so fourth). It's been 100% stable. I've used the Fireface 800 with three laptops and two stationary computers - rarely with any issues - in all possible siuations. For example live recording 16 tracks while using the soundcard as a Front of House effects rack during a musical. I do location recording mostly. Read on ...

Mats H on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 13):

I did live sound with the UFX yesterday, using external mic preamps and A/D converters and a Behringer BCF2000 as control surface. My trusty MacBook Pro was used as the "hub" for everything with Totalmix FX.
The gig was a show choir which needed amplification, so I used a bunch of condenser microphones hanging from the ceiling and a soloist mic. I used low cut EQ on the choir mics, compression and eq on the solo mic. Modest delay and reverb was also used. A Behringer Rev2496 was also added for additional reverb duties as the built-in reverb of the UFX doesn't sound very pretty. Read on ...

Mats H on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 14):

Just did some stress testing. 22 tracks of 24 bit 96 KHz audio recording onto a 5400 rpm laptop drive. It's on an old HP NX9420 1,83 GHz Core2 Duo with 2 GB ram running Reaper on Windows 7.

The cpu meter in Windows got up to 30% at the most and Reaper's CPU meter peaked at 10%. I was using the AC-7 Core Ipad app over Wireless network (computer used wired ethernet over Gigabit Lan), controlling Totalmix FX without a hitch. No tweaking of software or drivers to get this running, standard settings for everything. WLAN was inactive on the machine.
I did 46 minutes of recording before I stopped it. No errors. I started another recording and pulled the USB cable after a minute. The program couldn't record further but didn't complain or crash. All audio I had recorded until the plug was pulled was intact. I had to stop the recording, save and reset the program to get back audio playback/recording again. No complaints from the software.
The connection between the AC-7 core on the Ipad and Totalmix was restored as soon as I connected the USB cable again.
I did this test once again, the drivers never complained about pulling the USB cable. All audio still intact. Now why did I do this? Well if you've ever experienced lost audio due to power failuire (if not using a UPS), then this is good news. If you're recording to a laptop you've already got a battery backup and losing the power at the venue will not mean you lose all audio up until the blackout. Just restart the app and off you go.
I just love Reaper for audio aquisition. The combination of Reaper and UFX is phenomenal! Yeah, this sounds like an advertisement but I'm really just a happy user. Read original

WinstonTone  on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 14):

Another happy UFX user here. Being able to set up individual headphone mixes via the controls on the front panel so quickly really blew me away.
And the pre's are very usable. I did some A/B comparisons with TLA pre's and although I love the TLA colour, the UFX just sounded so much more honest.
It makes a wonderful centrepiece to any studio. I can't wait until they release the new firmware with USB record!
Highly recommended!. Read original

Mats H on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 17):

If you only need two tracks, the Babyface would probably be a very good choice. I bought the UFX and use it interchangeably with my Lavry converter. The UFX sounds so good that I don't doubt that mic placement, mic choice, room or any other factor makes much more of a difference. It really sounds awesome. The combination Earthworks LAB102/Lavry Blue sounds only slightly better in clarity and tonal balance than the UFX preamps. Mostly on stereo tracks. Read original

Mats H   on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 18):

Today I did some comparisons between the UFX and the Babyface. As I connected the Babyface at the same time as the UFX, they happily merged into one big lovely 40 channel interface (82 tracks in+out). The Totalmix instances are separate of course, but as long as you have sync between the devices, they seem to work as one big recording interface in Reaper and Sound Forge. VERY cool. I've only tried this in Windows 7.
These are subjective opinions and are subject to change over time:
I've only briefly tried the instrument input of the Babyface but it seems to work and is reasonably noise free. I have no opinion about it so far and have not compared it to anything else. The mic inputs seem to sound pretty good, clean and articulate with lots of gain. The headphone output seem to slightly emphathize hi mid frequencies not unline the way that my older Fireface 800 did, but with a deeper sound stage. When I compare it to the UFX, the UFX has a slightly more balanced or softer representation. The Babyface headphone amp seems to sound slightly ballsier and larger. They're both good and an upgrade from my old Fireface 800. I listened through Grado SR325 headphones.
These are comparison files for the A/D and D/A of respective interface with the same audio files. Read on ...

ACMike on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 19):

Hello guys. I'm new to this forum. My background is that I'm a live sound tech, and I also co produce a few music festivals.
I just took shipment of a UFX. WAAAY too long of a wait!
Fortunately, I'm very busy right now so unfortunately I've had little time to play with my new toy ...
Some observations:
Being used to mixing consoles and outboard pre amps, the pre's on the
UFX were so plain that it really surprised me! Not that they are bad in any way, but when RME says "no sound of it's own" they mean it! I need to do many more tests, but they seem clean and pristine. I'm sure that they will be a useful tool.
I was driven to the UFX because of it's stand alone mode and direct to USB disk connectivity, which will be great for live gigs. Has anyone tried this? Matt, did you get around to it? Report please!
lastly, I found a strange issue right out of the box. Once it's booted up, turning up the mic inputs with either the front knob or totalmix with nothing plugged in showed signal. I could even get the signal light on the front to light up. Has anyone had this issue? I haven't had time to trouble shoot this.
Once I get a bit of time with the unit and I'm satisfied with my basic knowledge of it's operation, I'll do the flash for the USB disk and I'll report. I intend to bring it to a jazz festival next week to try it out live. Well, got to get back to festival production. more to come ... Read original

Reborn on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 19):

I just want to say after owning my UFX for a few Months, I absolutely love it. It is not perfect because all gear like this is built to a price point! However it is very good - and easily the best sounding RME product I have ever owned! These include ADI-2 Fireface 400 and 800. I was not satisfied sonically with those devices. The UFX is another story. It is a quieter circuit with a finer resolution. These two qualities made the difference for me! My Duet has seen little use since it's arrival. I Use the Apogee for vocals still when I want that color( it is very nice). Also Live Brass sounds great through my LA-610 to the Duet. However the RME is actually more accurate to the source and in my opinion makes you work a little harder to get a good sound coming out the D/A. Both great boxes that I will be keeping but the RME UFX is the real deal!
Keep in mind this has been all about sonics. If we are talking features at price point the UFX beats everything out there!  Read original

Midphase on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 21):

The more I use the UFX, the more I am really enjoying it. TotalMix was a bit odd at first, but now that I'm getting my head around it, it's really making a lot of sense. Just wanted to chime in as yet one more satisfied owner! Read original

neirbod on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 21):

Got my UFX a couple days ago. So far I am very impressed! I have done some quick recordings of drums using UFX and my FF800 converters (both through Sytek preamps), as well as comparing my Stytek pres to the UFX pres. I still need to do more tests, but so far I am impressed by the sound quality. I'll post some clips soon.
Converters - I don't generally hear a huge difference between good converters, so I didn't get the UFX necessarily expecting better conversion. I *think* there is an improvement in AD conversion compared to the FF800, but I have not done blind tests so I can't say how much of this is just psychological. What is more apparent is that DA seems obviously better (mains and headphone amps).
Pres - The UFX pres hold up very well compared to my standard clean pres, Styteks. The Sytek picks up just a little more of the high end "ting" of my cymbals, and give a little more high end "crack/slap" from the toms and snare. By comparison the UFX pres are slightly softer, rounder tone. However, the differences are subtle, and I'd be happy using either set of pres for overheads. This is a big improvement over the FF800, which had pres I found dull and lifeless and used only when absolutely necessary.
Effects - My inital reaction to the effects is similar to others. They are nice to have for tracking, but I have not heard anything yet that I'd use instead of my plugins. However, I have just barely started using them, and perhaps with some tweaking I can get better results. One potentially nice use is to put a high-threshold, high-ratio compressor on all headphone outputs. Good in ear monitors always have limiters to avoid accidentally blasts of sound, and I do worry sometimes that I don't have limiters on my heaphone outs to protect me and my clients. The 10:1 compressor with 0 attack tiime is not a limiter, but could still offer some protection. Read original

neirbod on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 21):

One thing I did not mention and should have - Compared to the Syteks, I found the UFX preamps to give a more realistic representation of how my drums actually sound. The Syteks on overheads pick up more articulation of the cymbals and sounds brighter in a way that is quite musical, but less accurate.
I did similar comparisons (using UFX, Sytek, and API 3124 pres through UFX converters) on my acoustic guitar and again found the UFX to be the most realistic. The Syteks, once again, added a certain high end sparkle that was euphonic but not as accurate. You can really hear the scrape of the pick against the strings. They almost seemed to roll off the lows, I think because the highs are more present. The APIs (no pad) sounded fantastic, actually making my guitar sound significantly better than it does in reality. The UFX sounds just like my guitar does, warts and all. Each pre is great for what it does, but so far the most accurate of the three is the UFX.
By the way, all these comparisons are done using matched pairs of Schoeps CMC6/MK4 mics. I'll post clips when I am able. Bottom line is I am very happy with the UFX pres as I want to feel confident using them for live choral and orchestral work. Can't wait to try them on an actual choir. Read original

OTA on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 22):

Just chiming in here, another new and stoked UFX owner!
I didnt bother with assesing the difference in playback with old interface, just ripped out the old one and put in the UFX. Even so, i was instantly gratified with a 'grown ups' sound. nice, very nice.
It wasnt all plain sailing though, initially i plugged the USB into a PCI USB card slot, and every 30 secs or so, the playback went metallic and crunchy. There seemed to be quite a few buffering issues. So i changed the USB port, now into the USB directly off the mobo, and its playing nicer, albeit the windows playback will still glitch a little dependant on the buffer settings. I really dont care for firewire, so i'ma leave that alone.
Haven't tried the pre's yet, but am looking forward to a shootout with my external pre's. Having said that, i've only got mono channel strips and pre's so having two (or 4, really) identical pre's for stereo guitar is going to be nice, FINALLY!
Totalmix is killer, i was a bit bummed that my DAW didnt take 100% control of the routing, saving an extra few clicks when using external plug ins, but really considering the flexibility on offer, its a small price to pay!
However, asking a Q now; I'm picking up a dangerous 2bus LT next week. Considering its 16 input, how many of you out there would be comfortable using the two stereo front phones connectors to send stems to the 2bus? (thats along with the 6 trs and 2 xlr on the back).
Are these outputs sufficient for this highly important mixdown purpose?
p.s. i'm also picking up a 16 i/o adat unit, but thats down the track!
Bottom line, VERY HAPPY WITH UFX! THANKYOU RME. Read original

OTA on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 22):

So... I just did a very casual session with steel string acoustic + vox, and i'm very chuffed right now... because:
THE UFX PREAMPS ARE FANTASTIC!
And by that i mean they are very, very clear, neutral, concise & detailed.
It was an absolute doddle to get a great sound, after a touch of eq, comp and verb.
Of course, i'm sure there are better options, there always are. I've got valve preamps and coloured preamps, but for a neutral, PRO sound, These puppies are right up there for me. Add to that, there is 4 of them, so this unit has quadripled in value to me in one session. BEAUT! Read original

neirbod on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 23):

I had a couple of PMs about my recent sale of a UFX on the GS classifieds. People assumed I sold it because I was not pleased with the purchase. I thought I'd post what happened here in case others are wondering.
I still own my UFX and am loving working with it. I had bought two as a recording friend idicated he wanted one and I got a great deal from my dealer. My friend later backed out and I couldn't return the order without a significant restocking fee, so I decided so sell it here. So, I bought two, sold one, and still own one.
Had a chance to try the UFX on some hand drums recently. The UFX pres captured the drum tone beautifully! It was especially impressive capturing the full range and sounding very natural on a large, low-tuned djembe (using a Shure SM7b). As my client said after I tried a couple of other pres and then settled on the UFX - "Now *that* sounds like a djembe!" Read original

KFMG on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 24):

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Gris Thanx! So there´s no problem doing overdubs, like vox or perc including punch ins, even if you can´t turn input metering off in Pro Tools? My understanding was that you would hear a doubled signal, one with latency comming from the daw plus the "zero latency" from Total mix? Or how do you route that scenario? Regards Magnus

I quickly tested this scenario two nights ago. If you set up a headphone mix in Pro Tools sending signal from each individual channel, you will not have a problem with overdubs or punching. Mute the main Pro Tools feed in TotalMix and monitor through the headphone mix (which is what you do for overdubs anyway). Latency goes to zero. I don't know if my explanation makes sense, I just know that it works.
We have a couple of "mix" snapshots and a few "tracking" snapshots set in TotalMix. All it takes it the click of a button to flip between. I'm seriously looking forward to the remote control/volume unit being released. Switching snapshots will be even easier then.
PM me if you need assistance with the configuration. Read original

Midphase on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 21):

The more I use the UFX, the more I am really enjoying it. TotalMix was a bit odd at first, but now that I'm getting my head around it, it's really making a lot of sense. Just wanted to chime in as yet one more satisfied owner! Read original

MichaelPatrick on Gearslutz.com > News > New Product Alert! > RME Fireface UFX (page 25):

Quote:

Originally Posted by didier.brest Patrick what can you say about the UFX preamps compared to your Forsell ? (and Gordon ?) In the same league or clearly not ?

Without hesitating I can say the 4 preamps alone are a bargain at $525 each - the whole thing costs $2100 USD.

I haven't used it enough to reach any definitive conclusions, but so far I'm delighted at how capable they are. The level of detail and naturalness are in the ballpark with clean boutique preamps. A recent orchestra/choir recording turned out nicely (clip is posted above). Read original