RME Turns to USB as the future proof interface for musicians.

If you're reading this article, chances are that you've heard that Apple is dropping the FIREWIRE ports from their consumer range of Macs. This move implies that Apple is also going the way of USB, and probably is banking on USB 3.0 as the interface of the future. In anticipation, RME has introduced the USB version of its wildly successful RME Fireface 400 FIREWIRE interface. The RME Fireface UC USB 2.0 interface is basically the same interface as the Fireface 400, but future proof.

Setting Up and Initial Impressions

The RME fireface UC looks, like its older brother, utilitarian at best. Setting up the RME Fireface UC was not a problem on my Windows 7 32-bit laptop. RME is known for its solid drivers and on this laptop there was no problems. In fact, there was no audio drop-out problems as per many other USB/Firewire interfaces. I guess the reason is that the RME drivers reserve a certain portion of the USB bus to allow the Fireface UC to carry out its work.

Sounds

The first thing when I played back an mp3 song was .. WOW. The DA conversion is simply stunning and way better than the onboard audio. To borrow the use of a cliche, it was like taking the blanket off my monitor speakers. The stereo image was noticeably wider - much, much better than my previous FIREWIRE-based interface. Of course, the price is much, much higher - you get what you pay for. Further playing of other songs straight from CD confirmed that the UC is a big step up from my previous interface, at least to these ears.

Recording with the UC

Of course, recording is what I bought this device for. Using two Beyerdynanmic MC930 microphones I recorded some acoustic fingerstyle playing in stereo. Again, I was simply stunned by how much better this sounded over my previous interface. While there is no replacement for good miking techniques and room treatment, the end result felt like I had crossed the line from consumer to prosumer. The immediate difference noticeable was that the recording sounds more crisp and defined. The stereo image is larger. For recording acoustic guitar, one issue was while I love phosphor bronze strings, on my guitar and previous interface they sounded a bit muddy. This was "rectified" in a way by using brighter/sharper sounding 80/20 strings. No longer do I have to compromise, because the UC recorded my phosphor bronze strings equipped guitar beautifully. Again, this is personal as some folks may prefer the sound of 80/20 strings.

My entire experience with the Fireface UC was that it was rock-solid throughout - no dropouts. The mic preamps performed well - 65dB of gain is available, with a wide frequency response range and a clear, uncoloured sound. Plenty of gain is available on the instrument inputs as well. Do not let anyone tell you that the RME mic preamps are sterile because these are plenty capable and if you cannot get a good sound with it, it's probably not the preamps.

Here is the recorded clip : (to be added soon, please check back)

Software

The TotalMix mixer was intimidating at first - partly because of its customizability. However once you've got the hang of it, the flexibility is incredible. Personally, I would never use it beyond 20 percent of its abilities, but you never know. I was extremely pleased with the drivers for this USB interface, as recording with other lesser USB interfaces have been nothing but pain. The solid drivers allow you to focus solely on recording, not troubleshooting the interface.

Conclusion

Musicians tend to be perfectionists, and because they are, tend to spend hard-earned money on things that will allow them even the most miniscule sound improvement while recording. I am pleased to say that while this is true, the Fireface UC is a keeper - I cannot image myself selling this device until the USB interface is obselete - it is simply an excellent piece of gear. Well, if the price were lower, everything would be perfect ;)

The Fireface UC gets a super rating of 9 and a half Singapore Flags!