RME - Simply The Best

[@BarryJohns]

I misstated that the UFX+ has 8 mic preamps, I meant to say 12 I/O to record drums. My old Carbon had 8 Mic Pre’s. The UFX+ has 4 mic plus 8 analog in’s on the back. My bad🤦‍♂️

[@helmanfrow]

When I heard "eight mic preamps" I paused and dove for the comments to issue the correction but you beat me to it. 😂 🥇

[@blazebox4]

Do you have a link where I can buy the UFC’s+? Also would you recommend the RME Fireface UCX II for a small studio?

[@MrAxel1892]

@@blazebox4 I have it and it rocks. Sufficient enough for the most part, but limited by only two mic-preamps. But another two instrument high Z-ins and four line ins, plus adat.

[@joelrudnick]

Any truth to RME discontinuing that unit (being that the chip was discontinued)?

[@BarryJohns]

@@joelrudnick yes, it’s true, expecting a revised one soon.

[@bigdap100]

I read the title...No lies have been detected. ✅👍

[@damienribot1143]

RME user since 2006. I recorded a live show in 2017 in Toulouse, France, with my MacBook Pro Mid-2012 connected to a Midas console through a RME MADIface USB. 64 channels at 48 kHz in Reaper for a 2h show. A piece of cake ! 😍

[@p.m-audio]

wow can we hear or see that ?

[@damienribot1143]

@@p.m-audio Hi. You can find a song here kzbin.info/www/bejne/imrOhqOLfLOqn8U It was for a dvd to celebrate Sidilarsen's 20 years.

[@p.m-audio]

@@damienribot1143 Great thanks so much Damien, andGreat mix love the Toms Sounds. Since one Month now im a user of RME UFX 2, and i fell in Love with this Interface, even listen normal Music over it is a Gamechanger i never hear my Focals so good since i have the RME

[@plumelenclume1841]

@@p.m-audio Nice. And the Totalmix is a killer app.

[@Cornholio0494]

At the Bikini en plus, perfect place to test audio hardware and mixing skills 8-)

[@foxytv4896]

My 12 year old RME 800 FF is still the Core of my studio, never ever let me down.

[@ayzeproductions]

I also have a FF 800, is there a way to use it with a newer Mac with thunderbolt or USB connection?

[@foxytv4896]

@@ayzeproductions as its firewire, no usb. It's firewire 400, not 800, don't know if there is a connector. What I would do first is check on RME page for which MacOS there's a driver available. That'll tell you if there's a possibility to use it with your Mac. I use PC only...

[@bolttracks]

I’m so incredibly excited to finally have a UFX III coming my way this week after struggling with Antelope’s and Audient’s terrible drivers and reliability for years.

[@darkmaer]

I appreciate my UFX+ the more I use it. 2 years now.

[@Whiteseastudio]

200% agree with the title… now I’m going to watch the video 😊

[@liothomasart]

Babyface Pro FS, diamond 💎 in da rough, built like a tank. The best indeed.

[@KhasrouhRecords]

Yes They Are!! i am Still Using the Fireface 802 from 2016 and i never had any problems with driver issues because they are the best at supporting and releasing Good Drivers.

[@tuneunleashed]

Welcome to the club. RME gang I’ve got a Babyface Pro FS it’s all I need.

[@FLOSPhotographer]

One additional piece of information regarding RME USB implementations: it isn’t just the custom drivers. RME also uses bespoke FPGA controller chips for USB communication within the interface. This facilitates the extremely tight / stable USB integration RME is famous for.

[@eman0828]

So does other manufacturers such as MOTU. Nothing really special to be honest. I get really low latency with my 828ES with USB but will soon be switching over to thunderbolt connection as I rebuilding a new Windows 10 PC. USB ground noise can be an issue with many motherboards no matter what interface you use or usb cable which is one of the reasons I'm moving away from USB.

[@ryanshook8284]

Although the concept isn’t special, RME’s dedication and diligence in implementation is special. I had a Motu 8 pre-es and had to sell it because of its lack of stability. I tried the 828es as well. Neither compared to the RME UCXii in how rock freakin solid it has worked for me. Long story short: sold Motu, bought RME, not looking back. For anyone wondering what to do - buy nice rather than buying twice.

[@eman0828]

@@ryanshook8284 I never had any issues with my 828ES going on 3 years. Most be your PC. I used my 828ES on three different Windows 10 machines. Not a single glitch. Dave Gozzni doesn't have any issues either as he's been using the MOTU AVB interfaces longer than me.

[@FLOSPhotographer]

@@eman0828 Having owned and used several MOTU interfaces over the years , I can say with authority MOTU, while a great company with great value-for-dollar products, has not historically been able to reach the kind of performance (driver-wise) as RME. The implementation of custom FPGA controllers is a great idea...one they probably copped from RME...who have been doing it all along, and with rock-solid stability. If it's nothing special...why did the other manufacturers decide it is a better pathway to performance?

[@eman0828]

@@FLOSPhotographer Sounds like you never owned any of the new AVB stuff or used MOTU PCI based interfaces. By the way no major studio here in the US uses RME interfaces if drivers were such a big issue. Just walk into Westlake or the Paramount you won't find an RME interface racked mounted anywhere. Typical RME fanboys that thinks they are superior.

[@jermaineflowers1538]

I have the Babyface and ucxii they are easily the best "second choice" decision I've made. I just got back into making music after taking care of my mother with Alzheimer's for 7 years and falling out of the loop... My first instinct was to get the Apollo like everyone else but it wasn't compatible with my m1 Mac. The sale rep recommended RME and I couldn't have made a better second choice. They even have free digicheck metering software. 👌👌👌👌

[@j.stribling2565]

I have been trying get my hands on a UFX+ since around mid 2022. Finally I called my guy at Vintage King and told them to just please send me a BabyFace Pro FS. Why? The answer is simple: TotalMix. As Barry as has stated, RME has the best drivers known to man. Additionally, TotalMix is (IMHO) a game changer. I can't say that I fully understand all its capabilities yet. That is why I am eagerly anticipating Barry's tutorials on TotalMix.

[@jermaineflowers1538]

@@j.stribling2565 yeah total mix is kind of confusing but once you get it it's almost limitless possibilities all done internally. I was going to get one of those software based patchbays but Total mix does what I needed from it. If they included more onboard plugin effects processing it would completely demolish everything else.

[@terrygray7465]

This video is spot on. I've owned many interfaces over the years (Avid, M-Audio, Focusrite, Apogee and Audient) and finally bought my first RME two years ago. Other interfaces may have more bells, whistles and comprehensive feature sets, but as everyone says, it's about the drivers. I plugged my Babyface Pro FS in, and in a technical sense, all but forgot about it. The damn thing is rock solid. No issues over USB. Just good clean conversion and operation. I share your consternation with Total Mix. It can be confusing to wrap your head around, but once you do, you'll ask yourself how you lived without it. I'm already looking at upgrading to a UCX II and dedicating my Babyface Pro to my laptop.

[@-musiclee-]

I use and Love Audient Audio Interface. Their drivers are rock solid. And sound is super CLEAN

[@pippzzz]

Audient is right up there with RME when it come to audio and drivers quality. Today, state of things is that we're left with a handful of companies who are continuing doing things right, audient, RME, tascam, NI and some other are still doing what they can to keep going the right way. Lots of newer or long-timers are either to new to that game, or have given-up. Standardized audio is a complex topic, but at the end not that complicated implementation-wise...either that brand and product is doing things right today, either they don't... Audient is right up there, they're doing things right, so far you can trust them IMO :)

[@bolttracks]

Audient on Windows has been a nightmare for me tbh. Can’t wait for my Fireface to show up.

[@jamesuchek.1657]

I love your videos. Real, Honest and sincere. Not people doing reviews of products they have not actually used.

[@CaptainMoto]

Traded up from a Focusrite Clarret to an RME UFXII. Still working on Total mix, it's quite a powerful system.

[@Cookie-Yeah09]

Just got an RME UCX II a few months back, blown away by its quality and conversion.

[@derived-doom]

Hi Barry, the point is value for money: i bought an RME HDSPe AIO card back in 2011for my Windows rig. Today it is running in Thunderbolt-case for my Mac. Nearly 12 years old - but I get current drivers with no issues. TotalMix is the same for each device - very nice! Even new devices like the ARC USB are supporting old cards without any issues. But even more important is the support of RME: Within the last couple of month, Big Sur "forgots" trusted drivers and nothing was running. A short request at the RME-forum and within a day Matthias Carstens (Head of RME) explained how to fix that on the OS level. Tried it - the computer is running again. Clearly not a driver but an OS issue - but they helped me knowing, that the last time I threw money at them were a decade ago... My only issue is that I have no good reason to buy a new toy, since the old one just works... 🙂

[@jahsoul357]

This is why I'm still on my Motu PCIe-424 setup for my virtual instrument setup. Rock solid drivers and latency that still can't be touched by 95% of interfaces out there today. Like you, I have zero reason to look for anything new. If it works, it works..lol.

[@AnnoDominiAudio]

I bought the MADIface Pro for my broadcast setup and I can't even begin to explain how reliable the interface is! I have hot swapped from Mac to PC with not a single hiccup, which is quite the technological achievement I might say! Not to mention it sounds amazing, and having the ability to use optical MADI for 128 channels in this form factor is insane! I love this device.

[@johnc.4625]

Thanks!

[@BarryJohns]

I just found out about that a Super Thanks even existed, so I'm sorry its take long to respond, I had no idea you had done this. Thank you so much, I truly appreciate the support!

[@giuseppenovella]

I have an RME UFX since ten years, i hooked it up ten years ago and never had to worry about anything. I was so imoeessed with reliability and totalmix routing and flexibility that i bought an RME UC for my home setup. Those interfaces are are the most reliable piece of gear i own and by far the best interfaces i worked on. They just works, no matter the hardware or OS…they work, and that’s crucial to my business

[@heart_of_dankness9430]

I also like their forum. Always a good prompt response from them and other users if I ever run into any issues. 👍

[@bigdap100]

RME Driver Stability. I once, out of curiosity, ran my UFX serially through TWO super cheap Dongles that were connected one to the other for midi, iLock and other stuff.... And The RME was frikking ROCK SOLID...with no cracks or stutters....flawlessly. I was blown away. 🤯🤯

[@Jonathan-ec9pp]

I've been using my Fireface 802 since 2015. Not a single error in 9 years. And as you said, preamps are transparent, and conversion is pristine! Everything sounds so open. I love it

When I was a beginner I used to use a lot of RME stuff including interface, preamps and converter. But since the very moment I heard AD/DA of Prism Sound and Lynx I sold literally all my RME stuff. It took me a while to figure out that RME’s sound isn’t my favorite.

[@thorstenweimar1190]

What I love about the LYRA2 is that you can do analog in/out without using additional hardware just to give a track more analog feel. You can even do analog clipping with the LYRA2. That’s amazing. But I am curious how the ADI 2 series compares to it. There is a serious video comparison regarding converter quality of the PrismSound Titan, RME Babyface and UFX+, and literally there was not much of difference.

[@ezrashanti]

@@thorstenweimar1190 The ADI 2 series is extremely better than UFX+ and more on the level of Dangerous, Cranesong, etc. Totally worthy mastering / printing converter.

[@thorstenweimar1190]

@@ezrashanti Thanks! That’s the reason I bought the Lyra2. Mastering Grade converters plus top class preamps (you really don’t need any Rupert Neve Pre’s anymore). Also you can do analog clipping which is amazing and can take your mixes/masters to another level. The sound of the Lyra2 is pure gold. Maybe someday I will try the ADI 2 line.

[@ezrashanti]

@@thorstenweimar1190 I've never had any Lynx stuff but I typically heard good things. The ADI series does not have preamps, they are only line ins. I used the ADI to as a sort of makeshift monitor controller / printing converter for a while but I currently use it at as the DAC for a Hi-Fi system. I suffer from gas so I think I need every preamp lol

[@thorstenweimar1190]

@@ezrashanti Yes, we are talking about the price range of around 2k. But you can definitely get a converter for >10k 😉, but then the question remains: Is your room ready for that lol...besides the budget. By the way, the Lyra2 is from PrismSound not Lynx.

[@officialpoa3171]

*My live SAC RIG | SOFTWARE AUDIO CONSOLE, is 72in/72out, we mix stadiums, arenas, festivals and use (x3) RME DIGIFACE adat with Behringer ADA8200 in WINDOWS 7 on a DELL running 24bit@48k! Never crashes, sound ANALOG SILK SMOOTH, tons of headroom and with SAC we run up to 25 full mixers LIVE all in the box and still have 12 channels of SPDIF from the DIGIFACE units to use!* .....dig this I purchased those RME digifaces for a total of $750 USED, these units are 18 years old

[@charleshuguley9323]

I'm glad to hear someone else admit he was baffled by TotalMix.

[@park171]

The drivers are exceptional. Even my first generation BabyFace works flawlessly, a buffer of 16. Simply a technical wonder.

[@g.o.9513]

16? Are you serious?

[@wackerburg]

That is because RME employs real engineers. Solid knowledge, dedication towards achieving set goals with solid methods. No wonders. Plain, but great engineering skills. German engineering that is.

[@bulletproofzest]

After 10 years of using my RME UFX, which has been ultra reliable and glitch free, I finally started having an issue with the unit dropping out and generating noise. A google search revealed it was a problem with the caps in the power supply. $15 in parts and a half hour of labor later and it’s back up. I have been absolutely pleased with this unit. Never even had so much as a crash, couldn’t say the same for my previous interface which would need constant reboots.

[@shashankdeshpande8802]

Sir , you are really excellent in speaking as well as knowledge. I am thankful to you for such video.

[@hipskind]

I love all of this. I've had a Fireface UFX (the previous version) in my home drum studio for the last 6-7 years, and I couldn't be happier with it. In fact, I just added a UCX II to my system for more high-quality inputs! The setup is incredible. One more RME user right here who can't find one bad thing to say. Thanks!

[@Aurakamenec]

Does usx II sound different in conversion and preamps than ufx?

[@hipskind]

@@Aurakamenec You know, that's a good question. Since I got the UCX II, I haven't done any critical A/B testing on them. I will say it's not noticeably different or better, but RME does claim that the A/D conversion and preamps are slightly improved on the newer units. I'm inclined to believe them, but I should do my own blind test one of these days when I get the chance.

[@illegalgiant_]

thanks for the video. i keep coming across people saying they love RME but it really does stand out when someone makes a video this long fishing for them. I know what brand the interface i’m upgrading to is, just need to figure out which one. Cheers!

[@LukaPanik]

Live audio world has been using madi and Dante for years now. That's what is and will be in my studio. Reliability is the most important.

[@ScantlessBeatz]

I have had a apollo twin usb for about 2yrs now and it has been flawless no issues now with the dsp i can only run about 10 plugins before i run out of dsp but i dont use a lot of of uad outside my vocal chain but starting to use more plugins on projects i have the subscription base also now.

[@gregrodrigueziii8075]

Still using Fireface 800 and still working solid. Those drivers alone are just worth it. Then they give you total mix! we aint talking about the hardware yet.

[@karmelomarin9592]

Have RME Fireface 800 since 2007. Still working, drivers till updatable. RME built quality is the greatest. I think of buying me some babyface pro. You cannot go wrong with RME.

[@kirkegodfrey414]

Absolutely with you on the future of Ethernet audio.

[@billschnake6378]

I hopped on the RME bandwagon about 7 months ago. I purchased the Fireface UCXII for my home project studio. I have paired it with my Focusrite Clarette+ 8 pre. I use the Clarett+ for drums with the exception of kick in, kick out and snare up. It makes for a great combination for me. I am amazed at the difference in quality and clarity of sound between the UCXII and my previous Clarett+ 4 pre. All you have to do is listen to a headphone mix on the RME and you will hear the difference. I am with you on Total Mix. It is complicated, but once you are setup, it can do so much. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

[@barrakingbeatz7794]

Been using rme for years and I will never change tbh

[@larryroyovitz7829]

Coming from a Pro Tools TDM system from PT 4 to 6 (mix cards, 888s etc), then to Focusrite, I was almost ready to pull the trigger on Audient, but after doing MUCH research I am finally, also joining the RME ecosystem. Still using Pro Tools, which sometimes feels like an abusive relationship.

[@RoyMaya]

I've used RME interfaces on Windows for the last 17 years. Rock solid, never any issues and low latency for VST instruments. Started with the Fireface 800 and now use the 802. And Total Mix isn't really that hard, once you get the hang of it.

[@TheParagonAxis]

What a timing! I have just unboxed my Fireface 802 and I literally just opened up KZbin in order to test / mess around with Totalmix for the first time and your video jumped into my face!

[@markshaffer4514]

Just thought I would add a comment as a long time RME user. I agree with your endorsement of RME products as being the most reliable and robust in the industry. I have been using their products ever since the Fireface 400! I presently use an UFX+ as you do and have been for 3 to 4 years. However, my unit failed a couple of months ago. My dealer couldn't believe it either as it was one of the first units he had ever heard of with a hardware issue. The power supply failed. I was able to get it repaired here in the US at a reasonable cost, about 10% the cost of a new unit and the turnaround time was within a couple of weeks. As a retired electronics engineer, heat is the enemy of any integrated electronics system. What I have decided to do and what I would recommend is that, if your unit is installed in a mixing desk or rack, to add some type of cooling fan near the unit. Nothing sophisticated but as simple as a muffin fan mounted near the unit so there is some air circulation around it so you don't have any heat buildup that can't be dissipated normally. Maybe even some spacing between pieces of hardware would be sufficient but I preferred to have the active air flow around my unit which is now cool to the touch! Finally I agree with you regarding TotalMix. It is a great piece of software but RME could do a better job of explaining its functions. Do you know that you can host VST plugins inside TotalMix? There is a video on KZbin but again its a bit of a struggle to get through. I thought it would be interesting of hosting one of the headphone correction programs inside TotalMix without modifying your DAW mix to get the same effect. Happy mixing !!!

[@TrevorNew]

No kidding! Going to go find that one

[@officialpoa3171]

*INDEED!!!!! RME, THERE IS NOTHING BETTER.... BEST IN ALL CLASSES AND HAVE BEN FOR DECADES!*

[@mattrixx_audio]

You can still get drivers for current OS's for RME Multifacete, which came out around 2001. Quite the feat!! I've been using RME product since then and they are absolutely incredible.

[@mattrixx_audio]

Oh and Barry... totalmix frees your mind once ya' get ya' head around it.. It offers so much. ... as you're clearly discovering. I've just managed to setup scenes with Totalmix and a Streamdeck, that associates with muti-chanel Sonarworks Sound ID... all switchable from the Streamdeck.. It's so amazing

[@mattrixx_audio]

Oh and I'm also preparing to do some crazy stuff videos on using Totalmix, SourceNexus, Sonarworks Sound ID multichannel... all controlled by a stream deck.

[@BarryJohns]

@@mattrixx_audio let me know when you’ve got those videos out

[@mattrixx_audio]

@@BarryJohns I certainly will mate. Just wrangling some time in the next few days to sort. We definitely need to change the stigma re TotalMix being unintuitive. When you’ve been using for so many years, you kind of get this sense of “why don’t people get it?”… however, we’d all been there.

[@andiindigo]

I also have the RME UFX+ and added the Ferrofish A32 with MADI to integrate my analogue gear. But I'm also a longterm user of RME audio interfaces since more than 15 years and I can confirm that I didn't have one single issue or dropouts or any other problem in any DAW I used. The drivers are stable as a rock, no glitch at all. And even that I use all 40 analog IO (RME & Ferrofish) I know I can extend the analogue setup with additional 16 IO via the 2 ADAT connections. I don't use the internal DSP because usually the latency of the plugins are sufficient enough to track live in a DAW. Total Mix is another USP since you get a patch bay (even for your hardware) for free and this is only one use case.

[@AironExTv]

I've used RME interfaces for around 20 years, and I've used just two of their devices in that time. The Digi-96 with an ADI-2 converter, and for the past 12+ years the Fireface UC. One thing went bad, but not in the actual units. The power brick. Support in the forum recommended I try a power source with 12V/2A. Anything decent works. A replacement unit costs ~30 Euros here, so it was a very easy fix after I'd tested with a power brick I use for hooking up various external harddrives that could be set to 12V and had the ampage. The drivers are still up to date. M1 compatibility and all for those Mac users. I love this thing. They're the top of the line of reliability. I've been mixing shows for ten years with this.

[@KyriCB]

Hi Barry, great stuff, I've always shouted it out for RME because they are that good in every aspect!! Loved it man!!!!!!!!

[@Screaming-Trees]

Well they are good in some aspects not sure about every aspect though. I used to be a RME customer but then I discovered things like Crane Song, Burl, Mytek, Lavry etc and just couldn't go back to very "meh" RME converters :(. Great support, great drivers, great latency, shitty sound. Which is kind of a big deal unfortunately. They should hire someone with good ears to design something for them. But otherwise I agree in a lot of aspects RME are tough to beat.

[@fam0usright]

@@Screaming-Trees which one could you recommend in the RME price range?

[@Screaming-Trees]

@@fam0usright I don't really know the RME price range that well anymore. I think probably Mytek 8x192. 8 channels of spectacular AD/DA, a real analogue mix bus and a mastering potentiometer with a basic monitoring section. It is also a good option if price is no object. Sound quality is on par with anything Crane Song or Burl etc etc.

[@eman0828]

MOTU has always made great drivers too and they write them in-house. They supported some of their old legacy interfaces for 17 consecutive years. They did have some compatibility issues with some USB and Firewire controllers. The majority of people that had issues were simply using the built in firewire port on their motherboard. All those issues resolved if you bought an Intel firewire 400 card. The modern AVB interfaces don't have any issues that works flawlessly on both Mac and Windows. I had my 828ES for close to 3 years now. Not a single issue on Windows 10.The latency is extremely low even with just USB. I'm how ever going to switch to thunderbolt as I'm rebuilding a new PC. There is an issue with many motherboards out there that has USB port ground noises causing pulse or buzzing noises that travels through the USB line into your interface. I bough one of those USB isolator dongles but that didn't help which is why I'm switching to Thunderbolt. My 828ES has 3 different interface connections as you can connect it USB, Thunderbolt or AVB* (Mac Only). Lynx and Halo Metric also support their drivers long term like RME and MOTU. Lynx also has fantastic drivers. They still support their original Aroura. I much rather buy an Aurora n for the price as a Firewire face UFX II as you are getting mastering grade converters. I only had experience with using the original Aurora 16 which I loved the conversion. My Studio Partner still using it still to this day after buying it 10 years ago.

[@juwayonclarke5755]

I agree with this. I only had to stop using my Motu Ultralite MKII because Apple doesn't support firewire on the new processors even though I tried with 3 adaptors hahah. It worked flawlessly with my 2014 Macbook pro until I upgraded. Had it since 2009 I think lol

[@eman0828]

@@juwayonclarke5755 yeah that's the only problem with interfaces is the computer connection becomes obsolete once hardware is no longer made anymore. Almost no one uses firewire today. Driver support really shouldn't exceed 20+ no way. I think 10+ is good enough for most manufacturers. Most commercial studios upgrade their converters around 8 to 10 years or so. Not many are using interfaces from early 2000s, Def not the 90s. Lol

[@LosFicosMusic]

I am getting mines tomorrow.. Those NEW ES Sabre Ships I heard are Amazing🔥 IN TERMS of outputs signal Quality

[@LosFicosMusic]

@@eman0828 I STILL HAVE A MAC 5,1 (Firewire).. I brought a “Hacked Flashed Card” called “Titan Ridge 2.0” via ebay and it allows me to Run thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 2. Just need to restart my Mac once after the device is on for it to detect it.. works perfect

[@officialpoa3171]

*#timepoint** **18:05** JEFF over at SYNTAX, north American support for RME - class act! Its been over 15 years and the man never lets you down!*

[@jordanchilders4500]

Hey Barry, it was a pleasure talking with you a few weeks ago! Love the videos!

[@TheListeningParty_TLP]

I’ve owned a Fireface UFX since about 2010. 100% glitch free (no exaggeration) with USB 2. Unbelievable right ? Believe it ! In addition I now own an Apollo Twin Duo.. kind of forced into it because of my L22 Sphere mic. Honestly, RME sounds smoother and more transparent on input (a/d conversion) or on output. Apollo sounds slightly hyped in the low-mids and not as smooth on the top end. Don’t get me wrong, it still sounds good and the plugins are second to none. Anyway, just my two cents.

[@FLOSPhotographer]

RME Digiface Dante and Babyface Pro here. Everything you laud in your video is spot on. Latency on my Digiface (USB) is on par with the PCIeR card I used for Dante connectivity previously. RME rocks.👍

[@dr00beats]

Couldn't agree more, just got the ADI-2 PRO FS R, I talk about it on my channels new video. All the best Barry 🙂

[@LaminarSound]

Hell yeah!!! I knew the RME fanboy video was coming at some point. Theyre just that damn good. Barry, i think if youve spent many years in other workflows, particularly analog workflows, Totalmix has a larger learning curve. Im a tad younger (37) and never worked in analog. I went straight from an Mobs 2 to my Fireface UFX gen 1 back in 2012 and Totalmix made perfect sense to me from day 1. I even tracked a full band while running FOH from Totalmix, with 6 different IEM sends and a separate send for an aux fed sub with crossovers on the Totalmix outputs all while tracking via DuRec at the same time. There is no other interface that can do that. And it did it with ZERO errors, issues, interruptions or blips. I spent 6 years with first gen UFX, then went to Apollo for 2 years and that entire time i was just desperately missing TotalMix. Ive now been back with RME since Jan 2022, UCX II and boy was that an upgrade in conversion from Apollo Twin X. Hugely! Im so glad to hear the latest RME conversion is basically on par with Carbon. I suspected it was but happy to hear your confirmation. Great video! Cheers!!!

[@petersinol]

Waiting for ufx+ successor. Maybe around march 2023?

[@WITELITE]

In part because of this, I upgraded to UFX III from my Apollo. I also got the Dante Digiface. Flexibility is unparalleled. Digiface converts MADI to Dante and Vice Versa so you can integrate with the UFX MADI coax inputs. What an incredible setup this is. THANKS!!

[@floriansimon2578]

UFX+ has 4 Mic Preamps + 8 Line Ins. Still the best USB Interface I am aware of. (2x Adat IO, Madi, Wordclock, Durec, Totalmix including EQ, Compression, Reverb/ Delay under 0,5ms latency which feels analog in the headphones when tracking vocals). Keep working on totalmix. For me it has become the most logical mixer out of all interfaces. It took me a bit, but I now use pretty much every feature of it and couldn't be happier.

[@MrTesla808]

RME Total Mix is really simple and logical🤷🏼‍♂️

[@AprilRoxStudios]

Well said about total mix needing to be simplified or explained in a simpler manner. This video is right on time as I’m shopping for my 2nd RME interface in updating my studio.

[@AndrewCCM]

I have the same setup.. UFX+ and Pulse via MADI. You're right about TotalMix. For me, I use a console for my hybrid setup and have Total Mix setup to match the channels on my console In/Out. I then have all of my outboard gear through a patchbay which is patched into the Inserts on the console. Works extremely well. My previous interfaces were the UAD X4 Quad and a X8. This RME setup not only sounds slightly better, the flexibility and price for expansion makes the ROI great. The new Pulse 32 channel sure is interesting. I would have gotten that if it was available at the time. While my console is 48ch, I really only use around 32 typically. Anyway, I left your channel a while back and decided to return. Pretty cool to see you're now on my same platform (sans DAW). Take care.

[@constantinestavropoulos2808]

Looking forward to your TotalMix videos!

[@AdamMGuitar]

Thank you for all the videos on interfaces. This one in particular convinced me. I've just set up my new UCX II and I'm loving it!

[@MaestrroMusician]

Ditto

[@p.m-audio]

me too i have now the UFX2 i love it men,

[@Bcwilderness]

had 4 rme units, prism tops it and solid on windows, solid focused sound

[@suffohobbs1]

you have great taste my 2 ufx and 800 are a fantastic trio no stutter ever and with the total mix software lets just say its just awesome...

[@bobfamiliarmusic]

Agreed, I have the 2 M-1610 Pro’s for conversion, those connected to the Digiface AVB and that to my PC via USB. The conversion quality is stellar and the configuration is extensible via AVB, MADI, and ADAT.

[@MattCollisMusic]

I've been rockin the original Babyface for 10+ years and it has never faltered once... I'm considering an RME upgrade soon though for more i o 's.

[@allthingsmusic2939]

Bought a ufx II because of your videos and it’s levels above my apollo twin. Thanks for the information and I agree with the total mix 😂 I was lost for a few minutes figuring out how to get headphone volume and KZbin didn’t help at all lol

[@ezrashanti]

Rme actually made some totally solid instructional videos a few years ago (finally)

[@jangerhard4039]

We at FERROFISH designed the PULSE16 series to give the users a reliable good sounding and affordable converter with a maximum level of convenience (seperate I/O level setting, preset management, routing). If you are looking for best-in-class-specs regarding THD(+N) and DNR, keep an eye on the A32pro series. ;)

[@pierreblenderbuss9807]

Been using an RME Fireface UCX for 11 years+ -- still working FLAWLESSLY. Just ordered an RME Fireface UCX II --which is for the jam space as you can do direct to USB recording and run TotalMix on an iPad . . . and you're right about TotalMix -- powerful but I've been trying to train myself on it for a while.

[@BarryJohns]

Check out my tutorial videos.

[@runutsutube]

I've been using my fireface 400 everyday since 2009, and it was a second hand. Wouldn't think of going to another brand if it died, which I highly doubt at this point.

[@rayholhoy]

Thanks Barry, very interesting as I am now in the position that requires a new mac (chose the mac studio M2max) but all my interfaces (I have 3 now!) are no longer supported! So I am looking for something that will outlast me so RME looks interesting (especially its longevity). I run a home studio tracking drums, bass and guitar live. I'm looking at the 12 mic 12 channel interface, so thanks for the recommendations. Ray

[@foxrobynrec]

We just ordered our first RME interface and its very exciting to see how it works...

[@krokmiten]

I just ordered the new 20th anniversary Fireface 802 FS AE in black with the matching remote. I think your TotalMix tutorials will become handy real quick when I'll receice it in a couple of weeks. Time to retire my Apollo X4.

[@dire4048]

Hi Barry, I enjoy listening to you talk about gear and studio stuff. When I got serious about putting together a serious home studio the first thing I researched was a high end audio interface. I didn't want the UA Apollo because I already had lots of plugins that I liked and was used to using. My search lead me to a company that I had not heard of before, RME. The more research I did the more I obsessed over the RME company. RME is used in some of the best professional & home studios around the world. I pulled the plug on a RME Fireface 802 that I got a great deal for on Reverb. It was my first Reverb purchase ever and its been a year and half later and I still love this interface. The UFX + is a step up from the 802 but I did not need the extra I/O and I knew I would be using external preamps anyway. I bought the Ferrofish Pulse 16 and hooked it up via ADAT. Now I have 16 channels going out of the Ferrofish into a dangerous music summing box, going out of the summing box into my 2bus chain which includes a Dangerous Music BAX EQ>Warm Audio Bus Compressor> SSL Fusion and finally my latest splurge a Manley Massive Passive going into my Handsome Audio Zulu Tape emulator back into the RME 802 AD. I plan on adding an AD Converter, either Rupert Neve or Dangerous Music AD. Right now I prefer the RME AD converter to the Ferrofish. I would also like to upgrade my Warm Audio bus compressor to the RND MBC. Then Ill be done I promise! My wife is less than pleased with what she calls a "money hole" but I knew all along that it was possible to get a "professional" sound at home. Most of my gear seems to be holding its value pretty well on the used market. I treated my room with GIK Acoustics panels, bass traps, and diffusers. It took about 7 months for them to send everything but other than that I am pleased with the treatment. Yes, music production can be very expensive but Ive bought my gear one piece at a time and sometimes I take advantage of the payment plans that Sweetwater and Affirm offer. I have a 9 to 5, and I also produce and mix for clients on the side. The goal is to do music full time. Again, I appreciate all of the great information you provide. Your channel is a huge value to music makers and gear addicts out here.

[@riktascale4]

Hi. How did you set up your 2 bus chain? I have both a d box and a 2 bus +. Wondering if to use the insert knob of the 2 bus + to work my bus chain. Also, what is the purpose of of adding the Dangerous music AD if your interface is already doing this job? Thanks

[@dire4048]

@@riktascale4 Hi! I set up my 2bus chain by sending 16 channels via ADAT (Digital Cable) from my RME interface into my Ferrofish AD/DA converter. Then I have 16 channels going out of the Ferrofish into the Dangerous summing device. From the dangerous summing box out goes two channels (Left/Right) into my hardware units. All of my hardware units are daisy chained (Going out of the bus compressor into the Fusion, out of the fusion into the EQ etc..) You have two summing devices for a total of 24 Channels of summing. You will need 24 outputs if you want to take full advantage of both devices. You have the option to have two 2 bus chains. For example you can have the DBox summing 8 channels of vocals & effects, and have the 2Bus + summing 16 channels of your music. My RME interface does have a very good sounding AD converter so buying a stand alone converter is not necessary. But, I would like to have the advantage of having a mastering grade AD converter at the end of my chain. I think if you have really nice outboard gear, the cherry on top is a great stand alone AD converter to capture all the goodness that the outboard gear is doing and bring it back into the DAW. I am particularly interested in the Rupert Neve AD Converter because it also has a limiter as well as the option to add red/blue silk at the very end of the chain if desired. I hope this helps.

[@riktascale4]

@@dire4048 Yes thanks. I have the two summing boxes set up with two UA devices so that is sorted out already. I only have a Manley Core mono pre-amp as my only hardware so based on your response I would not need a dedicated mastering AD seeing that I have no HW but I am contemplating either getting a Fusion or Neve MBP to connect to the 2 BUS+ since this has an insert know in which case I can route processing in easily at the tap of a button. I am not too good with the jargon so I hope I explained it well🙏🏿

[@infopalmtree]

I'm an engineer, I just read the specifications and then buy. Most of the time it's way beyond my budget what I want to buy, I'm also a perfectionist. So, I ended up with the RME 12mic. An ear opener so to say, for the first time ever I've heard the differences in microphones so clearly. Beyerdynamic DT880 and my ears and now with the RME 12mic plus triple Austrian Audio OC818's, unbeatable combination to record music, it's all you'll ever need! Live performance and PA, just hook up and it's done. Best buy ever! So yes, RME - Simply The Best.

[@juwayonclarke5755]

RME is the Best!.. I bought my UFX (the first edition) in 2013. Worked flawless with my PC. Then I bought a MacbookPro in 2014. Thats when nobodies drivers worked with the new Mac's ( I think it had to do with rosetta being introduced or something like that). I was about to head on tour RME and Motu were the only companies that seemed to have figured out the driver for Mac. The macbook pro came in a week into tour I installed all my stuff on the road and it worked flawlessly. Also USB is the truth. Got another new MBP recentlly. Got a little USB C to USB adaptor and I was off to the races. I can say without a doubt that this piece of gear is still the best studio purchase I have made. Oh and the flexibillity to do what ever you want in TOTAL MIX has come clutch on random shows, rehearsals where I needed to dial up Headphone mixes. not to mention routing any of the outputs to also be used as mixes if needed! I completely understand Barry's Comment on how complicated it is. It is much different if you are coming from other interfaces Mix consoles. I have the oposite problem. After being spoiled with TOTAL MIX it was challenging learning UAD'd Console as was more analogue console oriented. Spent a long time wondering why I couldn't just do what ever I wanted like in TOTAL MIX haha. I currently use an apollo rack via adat and RME as my main interface.

[@Titusultra]

I do the same thing in focusrite control that you are describing about total mix. And yes it took me a while to get my head around it but now I'm able to do it with even thinking. It's amazing. It's essentially like having multiple heaphone amps that you can send individual mixes to and on top of of it control the entire mix level of the overall mix like you would a heaphone amp that you're sending out of the the DAW where you want your DAW playback to go. I'm looking at switching over to RME so it's great to know they have something similar. I do have a question though. Just to clarify. Are the line inputs on the back of the fireface 802 directly hitting the converters without any sort of preamplification. In other words do they complete bypass any kind of preamplification. Love your content! Always learn so much from you!

[@MadanPsytrusTheerthaPathy]

Hey Barry. New to your channel. Great stuff! RME user for 14 years, best decision in my life. When i was setting up my (then) new studio in 2010, USB wasn't an option, firewire and TB was not very PC friendly. I opted for the HDSPe AES. It has served me well so far. Never had major issues, drivers stull being updated. However, I feel it's time for an upgrade. I'm reliant of external convertors right now. My Apogee Rosetta is failing. I'm considering a USB solution. UFX definitely checks all the boxes for me.

[@BarryJohns]

Great Box!

[@louistotalcontrol]

Happy Fireface UFX+ user here!!

[@Spyritmyx]

Looking forward to your total mix vids. I'm still trying to understand it. Great video. thanks

[@andyclarke1976]

I’m a huge RME fan mostly as they sound so great, and converters have been excellent. I’ve had the FF800, and upgraded to UFXii - however I’ve had both fail at the connection end of the unit. Was tempted to change to a new unit, but I’m invested now, so a £300 repair seemed warranted; although still very frustrating. FF800 was 6 years old, UFXii was 19 months old. No explanation - just broke.

[@williammchugh4361]

I've finally got to a point where my old M-Audio interface works but is causing major issues with Windows 10. I've narrowed it down to their ancient drivers which have not been updated for some time. I'm definitely leaning toward a Babyface but 2 independent headphone outs is almost a must for me for tracking vocals. Does the Babyface have separate routing between the 1/4 and 1/8? My other choice is the Audiofuse.

[@nathanwarrick]

I’m on the wait list for a UCX II. Installed TotalMix to play around with it before my hardware arrives. Coming from Metric Halo land, which is amazing by the way, TotalMix seems so logical and intuitive. Everything just makes sense once you get a handle on it. I can’t understand why people think it’s confusing. Inputs top row, software middle, outputs bottom row, route as required.

[@p.m-audio]

exactly, i think its logical

[@nathanwarrick]

Couldn’t wait, bought a UFX II. Brilliant! Had it up and running in 10 mins, with 2 headphones and speaker A and B. Piece of cake!

[@ADGreen-es6hm]

I have an RME Babyface fs , best interface than I’ve ever had.

[@j.cameronbrett2660]

I know a small fraction about sound engineering as you do, but still somehow ended up in the Cubase/RME system. Kindred spirits. My next step is looking into 500 series lunchbox saw your vid on that too. Keep up the amazing work.

[@andymakii7344]

I have always used cheaper interfaces for my hobby home studio. Just bought this and it felt the same as I did when I bought my first expensive acoustic guitar. I had my jaw on the floor by the balance and clarity of the sound. I use a UAD modelling mic and with my audient id14 they barely sounded different, now I can tell them apart so clearly. Like the U47 model was crunchy with the audient and it was so smooth and rich with the RME. My mind is blown and years have been wasted.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

After flip flopping over the years between different interfaces I have come back to the Presonus Studiolive Series III mixer. My goal was to have 24 channels for tracking a band and have a few left over for USB returns for DAW, computer and amp sim playback. To get the same number of inputs and keep it all within the RME family I would have to spend 3x the amount of money and for what I do at this time in my career my clients don't care how much money I have tied up in gear. I am getting great results with my humble setup. Another factor in my decision was the hands on faders and processing on every channel and it being able to control the SL from an iPad incase I was recording drums and wanted to adjust mic pre gain remotely. As much as I liked RME it wasn't worth the extra cost.

[@dpinskey]

I was lucky to find an RME Digiface unit on Reverb in good condition for just a few bills when I needed to add some ADAT I/O to my system. It has to be clocked via ADAT but is really solid and have not had any glitches/or sync issues ever, which I cannot say the same about my Quantum 2626, which connects via thunderbolt and needs to be clocked with an external clock generator or it suffers some really bad drift. The only thing I don’t like about it, and not sure if it’s just an issue with my particular unit, is that the headphone jack signal has some high-pitched noise. But it records clean, and I manage to monitor its signal through my DAW monitoring which I’ve worked pretty hard to very low imperceptible latency. The TotalMix software to control it does take a little bit to understand but once you get it you’re good. I don’t think the Digiface has DSP though, or at least I have’t found it in any of the dropdown menus in TotalMix.

[@gabrieldonl2311]

I have an legacy RME Fireface UFX for about 10 years now, which I love. Do you think there's a huge upgrade on AD/DA converters from there to the new UFX 3 ? In terms of features and channel count I don't really need much more than the legacy UFX already gives me.

[@didadere7212]

I have both. Original UFX is definitely a keeper. No need to sell it, even though the 3 has more depth in sound stage.

[@lowerfreq2873]

Really looking forward to your videos for TotalMix--- still struggling using outboard gear with my Babyface Pro and DAW (Studio One)... I'm one of those simpletons for sure... Keep up the great work!

[@pamboscharalambous3770]

Motu is also a king in their own price range... Still have an Ultra lite Mk3 FireWire... That thing still sounds great works flawlessly and has very low latency

[@BarryJohns]

Agree!

[@iliketowatch986]

BTW, I'm *really* looking forward to your videos dedicated to understanding and using Total Mix!!!

[@BarryJohns]

Hopefully by the end of the month.

[@iliketowatch986]

Great!!

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

After dealing with some horrible customer service from Audient (gave me the run around for almost a year after the a/d chip in my asp800 went bad) I found a used RME Octamic D for $800 to connect to my motu 8pre es so I can gave 16 mic channels The rme preamps are night and day and compliment my motu interface.

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

I got the RME Fireface UCX II this year for my online teaching and recording rig and it’s the best decision I made!

[@redhousemusicacademy]

You are absolutely right. I've had my RME Fireface 800 for years, and I can't figure out Total Mix, as it doesn't really make sense with how they teach it. I'm a teacher as well, and we always have to approach another way of teaching something, if students don't quite "get it," or there isn't that light bulb that goes off. I'll watch your Total Mix Video.

[@BarryJohns]

Let me know if they help you.

[@DaveDaves]

I've owned the Babyface for a decade and agree with pretty much everything said in this video. I have less experience with high-end outboard mic preamps and have begun to wonder if the Babyface's mic preamps are holding me back for my vocal recordings (of myself).... when I bought it I don't think I understood that just because RME's built-in preamps are considered very good and best-in-class for something built into an interface/mixer, doesn't mean they're the ideal mic preamps. The Babyface has performed rock solid all this time just as you say, Totalmix FX too (hard to wrap my mind around at first but then just fantastic, especially w the iOS remote). Totalmix could be easily explained if RME just tried to do it more straightforward, I TOTALLY agree! But now I'm wondering if my ideas about upgrading to a UAD Apollo even makes any sense; I love their plugins but am using the native versions just fine, I don't know that their mic preamps w the emulation technology would yield as good results as just getting a dedicated mic preamp (and maybe outboard compressor) to use with the RME. I got a sweet deal on the SPL Crimson which I use as a monitor controller and to integrate the babyface with more inputs for monitoring, oh my god all the things I take for granted as a RME user are just absent with the SPL .

[@jamesgregg5689]

been using the HDSPe AIO for over 10 years, still works perfectly.

[@markbeling3330]

Hi Barry. I absolutely LOVE your channel and your personality. How can I get to hear your work , could you pls post we all your fans can support your music? Thank you j I’m nice again for a wonderful channel and extremely Informative content 🙏

[@mrvron]

Hey Barry happy thanksgiving. Great video We didn’t see your Black Friday pick

[@BarryJohns]

I didn’t even think about that, OK next year, I promise!

[@Filipmarinchev72]

I steel using my RME FF 800 ! . Amazing product !!!