RME
RME Fireface UCX II
Best compact interface for professional studio and mobile recording setups.
The RME Fireface UCX II is a highly integrated, 40-channel professional audio solution designed for studio and live recording. This compact, half-rack unit offers exceptional connectivity, including 8 analog I/O, 2 mic/line/instrument preamps, AES/EBU, ADAT, SPDIF, Word Clock, and MIDI. It features RME's SteadyClock FS for superior jitter rejection and DURec for direct recording to USB memory devices. With full stand-alone functionality and powerful TotalMix FX DSP mixer, it provides comprehensive routing, monitoring, and effects processing, making it a versatile tool for any audio professional.
$1699.00
More Fireface Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
41
/ 439
#41 in Audio Cards & Adapters
Price vs Category Average
+50%
Above average
Analog AD, Line In 5-8, rear
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/ Resolution bit, SNR dB RMS unweighted, dBA, Frequency response @ kHz, - dB: Hz – kHz, THD < - dB, Channel separation > dB, Input: mm TRS jack, Input impedance: kOhm unbalanced, kOhm balanced, Input sensitivity switchable to + dBu and + dBu
Who it's for
- Audiophiles and engineers demanding transparent, high-fidelity studio recordings
- Producers requiring complex, latency-free routing for intricate studio setups
- Working professionals needing rock-solid, long-term driver stability
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners seeking affordable entry-level gear
- Tech-focused users prioritizing the latest high-speed connection standards
- Beginners preferring intuitive, plug-and-play software interfaces
Performance breakdown
Clocking Precision
SteadyClock FS technology provides industry-leading jitter rejection for pristine digital timing.
Routing Flexibility
TotalMix FX offers virtually limitless signal routing and low-latency monitoring control.
Connectivity Density
An impressive array of I/O packed into a compact, portable chassis.
Field Recording Capability
DURec allows for reliable, standalone recording directly to USB storage devices.
Modular Integration
DC-coupled outputs enable seamless control of external modular synthesizers and gear.
Driver Stability
RME's legendary driver architecture ensures rock-solid performance across all major platforms.
Key Specs
Analog AD, Line In 5-8, rear
Resolution 24 bit, SNR 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA, Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 2 Hz – 92 kHz, THD < -110 dB, Channel separation > 110 dB, Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, Input impedance: 8 kOhm unbalanced, 12 kOhm balanced, Input sensitivity switchable to +19 dBu and +13 dBu
Analog Line In 3-4, front
Additional Gain stage: 0 up to +12 dB, Maximum input level, +19 dBu, Gain 0 dB: Line +19 dBu, Inst +13 dBu, Input impedance: Instrument 1 MOhm. Line 13 kOhm balanced, 9 kOhm unbalanced
Analog Microphone In 1-2, front
Input: XLR, Gain range: 75 dB, EIN: -128 dBu A-weighted
Analog DA, Line Out 1-6, rear
Resolution 24 bit, Dynamic range (DR) 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA, Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 5 Hz - 89 kHz, THD < -108 dB, Channel separation > 110 dB, Maximum output level: +19 dBu, Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, Output impedance: 75 Ohm
Analog DA - Stereo Monitor Output Phones (7-8)
Maximum output level at 0 dBFS, High: +19 dBu, Output impedance: 1 Ohm, Max power per channel @ 32 Ohm load, 0.1% THD: 210 mW
MIDI
1 x MIDI I/O via 5-pin DIN jacks, Hi-speed mode: Jitter and response time typically below 1 ms
Digital Clocks
Internal, ADAT, AES, SPDIF, word clock
Digital Inputs AES/EBU
1 x XLR, transformer-balanced, Lock range: 27 kHz – 200 kHz
Features
- Highly integrated pro audio solution in an ultra-compact half-rack format.
- Features SteadyClock FS for superior jitter rejection and clocking accuracy.
- DURec enables direct recording to USB memory devices, functioning as a stand-alone field recorder.
- TotalMix FX DSP mixer provides comprehensive routing, monitoring, and low-latency effects processing.
- DC-coupled outputs allow for sending control voltages (CV) or Gate information to modular synthesizers.
- Class Compliant Mode for driver-less operation with Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux.
- ARC USB compatibility for remote control.
- AutoSet Digital Gain Control for automatic gain adjustment.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the RME Fireface UCX II for its exceptional audio quality and unwavering reliability. Users frequently highlight the pristine sound conversion and the rock solid performance of its drivers, ensuring a stable and professional recording environment. This interface is often regarded as a premium investment that delivers consistent, high fidelity results, making it a trusted cornerstone for serious audio production setups.
Know before you buy
Yes. The unit features DC-coupled outputs, which allow you to send control voltages (CV) and Gate signals directly from your DAW to your modular gear.
Absolutely. The DURec function enables you to record all 40 input and output channels directly to an external USB memory device, making it a fully functional stand-alone field recorder.
The device supports Class Compliant Mode, which allows for driver-less operation across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
SteadyClock FS provides superior jitter rejection, ensuring that your digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions remain precise and stable regardless of the external clock source.
Yes, the interface is compatible with the RME ARC USB remote controller, which gives you tactile control over your routing, monitoring, and effects without needing to touch your mouse.
AutoSet is a digital gain control feature that automatically adjusts the gain of your inputs to prevent clipping, ensuring you capture a clean signal even if the source volume fluctuates unexpectedly.
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$1699