RME has announced the Fireface UFX III, a 24 bit/192 kHz USB audio interface with 188 input and output channels for analogue and digital signals.

As successor of the Fireface UFX+, the UFX III looks to raise the bar for USB interfaces to a new level, with 12 analogue I/O channels, 16 ADAT channels, one AES/EBU I/O and two MADI I/O with 64 channels, as well as MIDI, Word Clock and USB 3.0 connectivity.

The Fireface UFX III also encompasses RME technologies such as SteadyClock FS, TotalMix, DURec and more.

The interface’s analogue board offers, for example, DC-coupled analogue outputs as well as new AD and DA converters with improved THD+N value, while its digital board also enables interesting new features thanks to updated high-tech components.

The front panel of the Fireface UFX III provides four high-performance 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 independent recording of selected input and output signals (up to 80 channels) to a connected USB storage medium.

The rear panel reveals the full connectivity of the Fireface UFX III. Besides another MIDI I/O, the two optical ADAT I/Os, an AES/EBU I/O, and eight balanced analogue outputs with line level (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 interface (SC) with 64 bidirectional channels. The Word Clock connectors (BNC) work as additional coaxial MADI input and output if required. The Fireface UFX III is connected to the computer via USB 3.0. In compatible USB 2.0 mode, all analogue and digital I/Os are available, except for the MADI channels. The second USB port on the rear panel is used to connect an optional ARC USB remote control.

The digital DURec recording function is designed for a range of applications, from stand-alone field recordings to live and rehearsal recordings, or playback of live recordings for virtual soundchecks. The automatic naming of the tracks in the DAW according to the assigned names in the TotalMix FX software proves to be very practical.

With SteadyClock FS the Fireface UFX III features RME's latest clock and jitter suppression technology. Besides further reduced inherent jitter, SteadyClock FS offers effective jitter suppression even at low frequencies on all digital input signals. Also integrated are both the DSP-based TotalMix FX mixer with its comprehensive routing, monitoring and effects options, and the DIGICheck analysis tool, which allows measuring and analysing the digital data streams to and from the Fireface UFX III with highest precision.

The Fireface UFX III comes with on-board DSP via RME's TotalMix FX which includes Compression/Dynamics, EQ, Reverb, and Delay.

For units purchased from authorised RME dealers in The Americas, customers will also receive 3rd Party Plugins from IZotope (Ozone 10 Elements), Scuffham Amps (S-GEAR), Brainworx (Opto-X), Brainworx (BX Masterdesk), and Antares (Auto-Tune Unlimited).

In addition to driver-based USB operation and stand-alone mode (without a connected computer), the Fireface UFX III offers a Class Compliant mode for native operation with Windows, macOS and Linux. As the first RME audio interface with full USB 3.0 support in CC mode, the Fireface UFX III provides all 94 I/O channels driverless. In addition to the use with a computer, the CC mode allows controlling the UFX III via the optionally available TotalMix FX for iPad app.

The RME Fireface UFX III is shipping this month.

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