RME: Fireface UCX - ProAudio.com UCX.pdf · reference levels, realized discretely in the analog domain, ensure highest dynamic range and fidelity. - Inputs 3 to 8: -10 dBV, +4 dBu

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Overview

The Fireface UCX is a highly integrated pro audiosolution in an ultra-compact format for studio and liverecordings. It continues RME's long tradition ofdesigning compact high-end interfaces, packing into ahalf-rack size unit what usually would be spread outover two or three 19 inch panels.

In doing this the Fireface UCX marks a new packing record:300 electronic components more than inside the alreadywell-stocked Fireface UC! In a tremendous effort RMEpacked once again all the latest technologies, introducedwith the award winning flagship UFX, plus a bunch ofnewly developed ones, into a half 19 inch housing with fullmobile usability.

The result is an awesome combination of RME's mostsuccessful products: Fireface UFX, Firefaces UC/400 andBabyface. The Fireface UCX is not just a smaller version ofthe smash hit UFX, with the HFX-core, the preamps and thecomplete effects engine. The UCX continues the tradition ofRME's tremendously successful compact interfaces, andcombines it with the Babyface's usability through theoptional RME remotes. With the Fireface UCX RMEreinvented an already perfect product, by improving existingfeatures and characteristics plus adding sophisticated newones:

Overview Inputs and Outputs Preamps Digital I/O TotalMix FXMonitor Controller & Remote HFX-Core: USB & FireWire Additional

Features Driver Tech Specs Optional Add-Ons

18 Input / 18 Output channels

8 x Analog I/O

2 x Mic/ Line Preamps, digitallycontrolled

2 x Line / Instrument inputs, digitallycontrolled

1 x SPDIF I/O coaxial

1 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x SPDIF I/Ooptical)

1 x Word Clock I/O

2 x MIDI I/O (via breakout cable)

1 x FireWire 400

1 x USB 2.0 (USB 3 compatible)

optional: Advanced Remote Control

TotalMix FX (with UFX effectsengine)

Low Latency mastering grade converters with outstandingspecifications.

Two mic preamps with the premium technology from RME's high-end recording bestsellers Micstasy andUFX, including the AutoSet overload protection.

A newly developed Hammerfall audio core, supporting USB and FireWire with the maximum performanceand ultra-low latency operation, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance, on bothbus protocols.

TotalMix FX with the complete Fireface UFX DSP engine, including all effects up to 192 kHz.

Monitoring Controller: combining the impressive flexibility of the TotalMix FX monitoring tool set and theoptional RME Remote Control.

PCI & CardbusPCI ExpressFirewire & USBMADI &AES/EBUConvertersMic PreampsRME AccessoriesALVA CablewareDiscontinued...

RME: Fireface UCX http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_ucx.php

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Fireface UCX Overview(B&H)

Fireface UCX Overview(Sweetwater)

Fireface UCX tour andiPad demonstration

Fireface UCXdemonstration on the

NAMM show

Fireface UCX unboxingand overview

Overview Analog I/O

Back:

Front:

So the UCX is a half rack unit, which is actually more powerful, than most 19 inch units. All in all theFireface UCX is the new compact-sized dream interface, created with care for every detail, and a newpremium solution for any desktop and live usage, without compromises in sound, stability and ultra-lowlatency operation.

See also:Frequently asked questionsDifferences to Fireface UFX and Fireface UC/400

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Inputs and Outputs

The UCX provides 36 channels of audio - 18 I/Os. All channels can be used at the same time. Up to 8 analogand 10 digital channels can be recorded onto 18 separate tracks. All outputs can be used for ASIO DirectMonitoring purposes.

Available I/O (channels) with different Sample Rates:

Sample Rate Analog SPDIF ADAT Total In/Out

44.1/48 kHz 8/8 2/2 8/8 18/1888.2/96 kHz 8/8 2/2 4/4 14/14

176.4/192 kHz 8/8 2/2 2/2 12/12

Analog I/O

The UCX provides 8 analog I/O in a very flexiblecombination:

8 Inputs. On the rear: 4 balanced TRS. On the front: 2 XLRinputs with Mic/Line preamps (65 dB Gain) and 2 Hi-Zcapable TRS Line/Instrument inputs..

8 Outputs . On the rear: 6 balanced TRS outputs. On thefront: One additional TRS stereo phones (playback channels7/8). The high power phones output offers high volumeseven with high-impedance headphones.

Sound Quality . Equipped with a new 2011 A/D and D/Ahigh-performance converter design all I/Os operate at up to192 kHz. The AD/DA conversion supersedes theoutstanding technical specifications of the Fireface UC/400with an impressive 114 dBA dynamic range on both recordand playback. The advanced multi-bit converter architecture guarantees excellent S/N and THD specs across awide analog level range. In the best RME tradition and product philosophy, the UCX converters and preampshave no characteristic "sound" of their own. They neither add nor remove anything, but capture the originalsignal just as it is.

Due to its efficient jitter reduction, RME's superior SteadyClockTM finalizes the state-of-the-art AD/DAconversion, even when clocking to an external digital source.

Low Latency Converters . All analog I/Os use a low latency converter design with impressive 14 samples forthe ADC, and 7 samples for the DAC, independent of the used sample rate. These values are about a quarter ofthe Fireface UC/400 (43/28), and even outperform much more expensive devices. A technical breakthroughthat reduces the overall latency of timing critical applications, in live situations, and in computer-basedrecording studios. The converter latency is so low (0.4 ms at 48 kHz) that it can be ignored, turning analogdigital monitoring into real analog-style monitoring!

Professional Level Support . A great converter needs to support the common studio levels for the perfectadaptation to other analog equipment without loosing headroom. Like all other RME devices the UCXsupports the common professional studio levels: -10 dBV, +4 dBu, Lo / HiGain. The software-controlled

RME's unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox for Windows PC and Mac.

Plus support for RME's Advanced Remote Control, active jitter suppression technology, professionalreference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, full 192 kHz operation, and last but not least twohigh speed MIDI I/Os.

On top of it: The Fireface UCX is the first professional audio interface with Class Compliant mode to workwith Apple's iPad, for perfect stereo up to 18 channel recording and playback, and the addition of trulyprofessional I/Os.

Inputs 5-8 (TRS - balanced)

Output 1-6 (TRS - balanced)

Inputs: 1/2 (2 x XLR/TRS Combo -balanced)

Inputs: 3/4 (2 x TRS - balanced)

Outputs: 7/8 - Phones (TRS - Stereo)


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reference levels, realized discretely in the analog domain, ensure highest dynamic range and fidelity.- Inputs 3 to 8: -10 dBV, +4 dBu and Lo Gain (adjustable in two groups - channels 3/4 and 5 to 8).- Outputs 1 to 8: -10 dBV, +4 dBu and Hi Gain (adjustable in two groups - channels 1 to 6 and 7/8).

All outputs can be used for ASIO Direct Monitoring purposes.

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Microphone/Instrument Preamps with AutoSet

Quality over quantity . The UCX provides two high-end mic and instrument preamps - built right into thefront.

Like the famous UFX ones, both preamps use core technology of RME's Micstasy. A high-end preamp forsupreme sonic demands and critical applications, like professional recordings of classical and acoustic music.The outstanding preamp design boasts extremely low distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and a perfectlyflat frequency response. A premium solution for transmitting and amplifying any audio source trulyunchanged, be it high-level stage or typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, ordynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones.

The digitally controlled gain of up to 65 dB, adjustable in steps of 1 dB over a range of 55 dB, is individuallyset for each preamp with the encoder knob on the front or in TotalMix FX on the host computer. All levelsettings are 100% reproducible and can also be adjusted using a MIDI remote controller.

Each channel can be individually switched to 48V phantom power. LEDs for signal, clip and activatedphantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status.

The two TRS inputs on the front will alternatively operate as Hi-Z inputs. Directly plug in up to two guitars orother instruments - no other hardware is required.

AutoSet . The UCX offers a unique RME feature which was previously available only in the high-endmicrophone preamp Micstasy and the UFX. Usually a limiter is used during the recording to prevent clippingof the A/D converter stage. But analog processing would not only spoil the excellent technical specificationsof the UCX mic preamps but also alter the original sound.

Thanks to digitally controlled gain the UCX can reduce the gain automatically, thus providing perfectprotection from overload with no degradation of the audio signal, which does not have to pass any additionalelectronic circuitry. Additionally AutoSet does not cause any of the control noises known from usual limiters.SNR and THD stay completely unchanged.

Example: In a recording session, the recording engineer asks the vocalist or guitarist to sing or play areference part and sets the UCX preamp gain to an unusual high level (e. g. 50 dB). AutoSet willautomatically reduce the gain when the level reaches -6 dBFS. The reduction is done in a musical way, basedon the intensity and duration of the input signal. Manual gain adjustment becomes obsolete most of the time,but the gain can still be set manually. AutoSet can be switched on for each of the 4 front panel mic andinstrument preamp channels individually.

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Digital I/O, Word Clock & MIDI

SPDIF: The UCX provides a coaxial SPDIF I/O working at up to 192 kHz.


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Features/Differences to classicTotalMix:

ADAT: One 8-channel ADAT I/O expands the UCX by 8 channels available simultaneously with the analogchannels. They can be used to connect an 8-channel AD/DA converter, a mixing console, or to insert an effectdevice. The ADAT I/O supports sample rates with up to 192 kHz (S/MUX4). Using an external converter likethe ADI-8 QS, the UCX will provide 16 analog inputs and outputs, 12 with a sample rate of 96 kHz, and still10 at 192 kHz.

SPDIF: The ADAT I/O can be used as optical SPDIF I/O, making the UCX connections even more flexible.

Word Clock & MIDI: A word clock input and output (BNC) with switchable termination plus two MIDI I/Oson a breakout cable complete the I/O list and turn the Fireface UCX into a professional audio system withuniversal usability.

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TotalMix FX

The UCX provides the complete effects engine of theFireface UFX - all effects are available at all samplerates.

The DSP-based TotalMix mixer supports fully independentrouting and mixing of all 18 input and playback channels toall 18 physical outputs. Up to 9 totally independent stereosubmixes plus a comprehensive Control Room section offerunrivalled monitoring capabilities and unsurpassed routingflexibility.

And there is more: TotalMix FX delivers hardwaremixing/routing with lots of new features and a highlyimproved usability.

Every input and output channel comes with a luxury featureset, comparable to a full-scale digital console. The effectsper channel include 3-band parametric EQ, adjustable LowCut, Auto Level, Compressor, Expander, MS Processing andphase reversal. The Reverb and Echo effects unit is availablefor all channels by way of a stereo send and return bus. TheUCX easily surpasses the competition by offering all theseeffects even at 192 kHz operation.

Two DSPs ensure an impressive performance even inextreme applications. As usual with RME, TotalMix isavailable with all channels at all sample rates, completelyunlimited. The second dedicated DSP only renders effects,and therefore always has sufficient resources. For example,at 48 kHz 36 EQs, 36 Low Cuts, 26 Compressors and Echocan be activated. With activated Reverb and Echo still 36EQs, 36 Low Cuts and 16 Compressors are available.

The FX-DSP uses automatic overload surveillance. As soon as no effect can be added anymore the TotalMixsurface will clearly signal this condition. When changing to higher sample rates the UCX automaticallydeactivates all effects that exceed the DSP's performance - the DSP will never be overloaded. This alsoprevents any possible damage to loudspeakers due to distortion.

The complete effects section not only adds a lot of flexibility to the recording chain, but makes latency

New design and improved usability

Improved Control Room section forthe main output (studio monitors) andphones. Cue for quick listening toother outputs. Separated monitorpanel.

Four mute, solo and fader groupseach.

Switchable mono and stereo channelview

New channel options: Stereo Width,MS Processing, Phase L/R

Trim Mode: Adjusts the volume forall routed signals of a channel. Thisoption allows to modify the volumeof all sends of a channelsimultaneously, equalling ahardware's trim functionality.

Unlimited Undo and Redo

FX Sends and Returns: One send busfor every input/playback channel withReverb/Echo

Expandable channel view for channelsettings, EQ and Dynamics setup

Slim channel mode for selected or allchannels, to save space or give ameter bridge view

2-Row Mode: reduces the height ofthe mixer to two rows for smallerdisplays

Extended Matrix window withmono/stereo mode, Undo/Redo,display of phase and mute


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burdened software dispensable. TotalMix can easily replace any external mixer, e. g. to create differentlatency-free monitoring mixes with EQ and Reverb for the main studio monitors and the headphone of thevocalist(s) in the recording room.

Furthermore, the DSP hardware calculates RMS and Peak levels for all 54 level meters, so there is zero CPUload on the host.

The main functions of TotalMix can be remote controlled via MIDI with any Mackie Control compatiblecontroller.

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Monitor Controller . Optional Remote Control

Thanks to the multi-functional rotary encoder andthe optional Advanced Remote Control the UCX isnot only a perfect desktop level controller for themain monitors and phones. The integrated TotalMixFX high-end mixer provides an impressive set ofmonitoring control features for modern Mix-In-the-Box studios or live mixing sessions. Amongthem Dim, source selection, monitor switching,integrated Talkback, a flexible Cue setup, Mute andMute FX, Mono, Speaker B switching and muchmore.

Contrary to 3rd party external monitoring controllers, the built-in UCX solution preserves the original sound,as its hardware outputs stay directly connected to the studio monitors, avoiding another device with a possiblesignal alteration in the signal path.

The flexibility of RME's DSP-driven TotalMix FX monitoring tool set is impressive: any physical output canbe assigned to the directly knob-controlled monitor outputs (Main out, Speaker B, Phones 1, 2 ...) - any outputcan be used. The functions Talkback, Listenback, Mono and Dim will work automatically for the assignedoutputs in the expected way. Cue mixes can be sent to a predefined output, an external input can be assignedand monitored with a simple click. Convenience for any studio or live situation at its best.

The UCX provides an integrated connector on the back for RME's remote controls.

The optional Advanced Remote Control (ARC) provides one big wheel dial, a button for level storage/recall,and seven freely programmable buttons - six with LED - for nearly all TotalMix FX functions. Just assign allfrequently used TotalMix functions to these buttons.

The remote comes with a flexible, 5 m (16 ft.) long cable.

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Hammerfall-X-Core: USB & FireWire

RME is the only manufacturer that doesn't use a third party USB or FireWire audio technology, but its own,self-developed Hammerfall Audio Core with an outstanding performance and uncompromised pro audiofeatures. RME integrated the latest and most sophisticated version of RME's bus technology, the Hammerfall-X-Core - combining both, USB 2.0 and FireWire - within one half-rack sized interface.

USB 2.0. Like other RME USB 2.0* interfaces the Fireface UCX has been optimized for highest performanceunder Windows and Mac OS. It uses a special customized firmware for each operating system, and providesrevolutionary ultra-low latencies even with multiple channels.

* The Fireface UCX is compatible to USB 3 chipsets.

FireWire . The completely redesigned FireWire technology of the HFX-Core provides the UCX with thesame exceptional compatibility and performance as RME's USB solution. The UCX does not have anyFireWire chip inside - the complete bus technology is programmed into the FPGA and remains under directcontrol. If ever necessary, it can be updated anytime by a simple firmware update.

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Class Compliant Mode

The Fireface UCX is the first fully professional audio interface with the option to be used as ClassCompliant interface.

The Class Compliant mode is a standard that is natively supported by operating systems like Windows, Mac


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OSX and Linux distributions. No proprietary drivers are required, the device will be directly recognized whenthe CC mode is activated by the button on the front panel.

The Class Compliant mode allows for connecting the UCX to any Apple iPadTM !

The iPad is not only an attractive mobile music creation and recording platform, but a closed hard- andsoftware system without common driver problems and interferences from 3rd party hardware, like graphic ornetwork cards. It provides stability, a good realtime performance and an easy handling.

The UCX provides the iPad with the professional analog I/O connections it lacks. Superb microphonepreamps with EQ, dynamics, even with the AutoSet feature, in addition to professional balanced line outputs,and a hi-power headphone output that also excels with high impedance headphones. Plus level and gainadjustments, SPDIF/ADAT I/O, reverb, echo, zero latency monitoring, digitally via USB, without anylimitation in quality, at up to 96 kHz and 24 bit.

The UCX adds another special feature: Instead of using the jitter-prone USB clock, it works with its owninternal SteadyClock. Many USB audio devices extract clock for DA conversion from the USB data packets,running in slave mode (adaptive mode), with comparably high jitter values, especially since most won't offeractive jitter suppression. The UCX works in clock mode master (asynchronous mode), both during recordingand playback, thus achieving the exact same sound quality with an iPad as under Windows and Mac OSX.

Supported Inputs and Outputs . When connected to an iPad, the analog mic/line input 1 works with monoapps, inputs 1 and 2 with stereo apps (both dual mono and stereo), and up to 8 inputs with 8-channelapplications, like MultiTrack DAW and Music Studio. Garage Band supports all inputs, but only two at a time.Auria can record all 18 inputs simultaneously.

Playback will use analog outputs 1 and 2, or even more channels if the app supports such operation. The UCXcan optionally copy the iPad playback channels 1/2 to outputs 7/8 and SPDIF/ADAT, for easier monitoring.All outputs can be processed independently (volume, EQ, dynamics, FX return).

Audio Routing and Processing . The UCX is also a very powerful tool in CC mode, and can even bepre-configured via TotalMix FX under Windows/Mac. Apart from the current configuration up to 6 previouslysaved configurations can be loaded from the setup memory, allowing for a quick reconfiguration without aconnected host PC/Mac.

The input signal will pass through all activated functions of the TotalMix FX input channel, namely settings,EQ, and Dynamics, and is then sent to the iPad. Like under Windows and Mac, the input fader controls directmonitoring to any output. The FX send control for echo/reverb is also active. The iPad's output signal passesthrough all activated functions of the TotalMix FX hardware outputs, namely settings, EQ, and dynamics. Thethird row's fader sets the output level.

More details are found in the Tech Info Fireface UCX Class Compliant Mode - Technical background, modeof operation, practical use

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Additional Features

SteadyClock . RME's unique jitter suppression technology guarantees perfect sound quality throughout,making the device completely independent from the quality of external clock signals. Due to the highlyefficient jitter reduction, the UCX converters operate independently from the quality of the external clocksignal, as if they are working with internal clock all the time - guaranteeing a pristine sound quality!

SteadyClock allows the Fireface UCX to control the sample rate freely on its own. The settings dialogincludes a direct choice of the video and audio world's most often used sample rates.

ICC . Intelligent Clock Control not only displays every clock status, but will also retain the last valid inputsample rate in case of failure of the external source. Other renowned RME technologies like SyncCheck offera quick detection of clock problems.

DIGICheck . The UCX comes with RME's unique software tool box for metering, testing, measuring andanalyzing digital audio streams. It provides a multi-track recorder, calculates the level meters peak and RMSin hardware and is able to analyze and display playback data from any software, no matter which format thesoftware uses.*

Stand Alone Operation with Setup Recall . Additionally internal memory allows for the permanent storageof six different states of the unit. Therefore the Fireface UCX is able to operate fully stand-alone, without anyconnected computer. In stand-alone operation it can transform into totally different devices by the simple clickof a button. Furthermore, in this mode TotalMix FX can also be controlled via MIDI. Application examplesinclude: 8-channel AD/DA converter, 4-channel mic preamp, monitor mixer, digital format converter,analog/digital routing matrix.

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AD, Line In 5-8, rear

Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 111 dB RMS unweighted, 113dBAFrequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 20.6 kHzFrequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 45.3 kHzFrequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: -1 dB: 5 Hz - 90kHzTHD: < -105 dB, < 0.0005 %THD+N: < -98 dB, < 0.0012%Maximum input level: +19 dBuChannel separation: > 110 dBInput: 6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balancedInput sensitivity switchable to Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBVInput level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBuInput level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBuInput level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

Line In 3-4, front

As AD, but:

Additional Gain stage: 0 up to +12 dBMaximum input level, Lo Gain, Gain 0 dB:Line +19 dBu, Inst +13 dBuMaximum input level, -10 dBV, Gain 12 dB, Line:-7,5 dBu, Inst: -13,5 dBuInput impedance Inst: 470 kOhmInput Gain Inst: +6 dBInput mode: Line balanced (TRS), Inst unbalanced (TS)CLIP LED: 0 dBFSSIG LED: -60 dBFS

Microphone/Line 1-2, front

as AD Line In 5-8, but:

Input: Neutrik XLR/TRS Combo jack, electronicallybalancedInput impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, TRS 8 kOhm balancedSignal to Noise ratio (SNR): 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115dBALow Roll Off -0.5 dB: 18 Hz, -1 dB: 12 HzGain range: 0 dB, +10 up to +65 dBMaximum input level XLR, Gain 0 dB: +10 dBuMaximum input level XLR, Gain 65 dB: -55 dBuMaximum input level TRS, Gain +0 dB: +21 dBuMaximum input level TRS, Gain +65 dB: -44 dBuCLIP LED: 0 dBFSSIG LED: -60 dBFS

DA, Line Out 1-6, rear

Dynamic range (DR): 111 dB, 113 dBA @ 44.1kHz (unmuted)Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 8 Hz- 20.4 kHzFrequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz -45 kHzFrequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 6 Hz -90 kHzTHD: -100 dB, < 0.001 %THD+N: -96 dB, < 0.0015 %Channel separation: > 110 dBMaximum output level: +19 dBuOutput: 6.3 mm TRS jack, servo-balancedOutput impedance: 75 OhmOutput level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10dBVOutput level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBuOutput level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBuOutput level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

DA - Phones, 7/8, front

As DA, but:

Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalancedOutput impedance: 30 Ohm

Word Clock

BNC, switch for internal termination 75 Ohm

Drivers

- Windows 7 / Vista / XP SP2 (32 & 64 bit)

- Apple Mac OS X 10.5 Intel or up (Core Audio)

Windows and Mac OS X drivers are completely identical in terms of features and functionality.*Some features in DIGICheck are not available in the Mac version.

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Technical Specifications

System Requirements

USB: Computer with at least Pentium Core 2 Duo CPU (see the list of Tested Systems with USB chipsets).


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FireWire: Computer with OHCI compatible FireWire Port 400 (1394a) or FireWire 800 port (via adaptercable).

Optional Add-Ons

Advanced Remote Control

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Documents

RME: Fireface UCX - ProAudio.com UCX.pdf · reference levels, realized discretely in the analog domain, ensure highest dynamic range and fidelity. - Inputs 3 to 8: -10 dBV, +4 dBu