The RME Fireface UFX III is the latest flagship audio interface from RME, designed to serve as a powerful central hub for high-end studio environments. Building upon the renowned legacy of the Fireface UFX series, the UFX III introduces expanded capabilities, refined hardware, and forward-thinking connectivity designed to meet the demands of today’s professional audio workflows.
Featuring a staggering 188 channels of simultaneous I/O via USB 3.0, the RME Fireface UFX III sets a new benchmark for multichannel audio interfacing in a single rack unit. This includes 12 analogue inputs and outputs, 64 MADI channels, dual ADAT ports, AES/EBU, SPDIF, and a comprehensive selection of digital connectivity that ensures compatibility with virtually any system configuration.
The analogue front end of the RME Fireface UFX III includes four high-grade microphone and instrument inputs, each with digitally controlled preamps that offer transparent gain, precision control, and pristine audio quality. RME’s new AD and DA converters boast improved dynamic range and distortion performance, ensuring clarity and accuracy throughout the signal path. All analogue outputs are DC-coupled, further enhancing compatibility with CV-based systems and advanced routing requirements.
At the heart of the interface is RME’s proprietary SteadyClock FS, offering ultra-low jitter clocking for accurate digital signal conversion and rock-solid synchronisation across all connected sources. The RME Fireface UFX III also includes powerful onboard DSP for latency-free monitoring and effects through TotalMix FX, RME’s flexible routing and mixing software. Users can create complex monitor mixes with EQ, dynamics, and reverb/echo processing, independent of the host system. TotalMix FX runs internally on the hardware, making it ideal for live recording and standalone operation.
A standout feature of the RME Fireface UFX III is its Direct USB Recording (DURec) capability. This allows users to record up to 80 channels directly to a connected USB drive without the need for a computer, offering redundancy and portability for live events, sessions, or location recording. This function operates seamlessly alongside the interface’s full computer-based recording capabilities, making the Fireface UFX III a truly versatile solution.
The interface is fully compatible with Windows and macOS via dedicated RME drivers and also supports Class Compliant operation for plug-and-play connectivity with Linux and iPadOS. The front panel features a high-resolution colour display for real-time metering and control, alongside a jog wheel and intuitive menu system, allowing full access to routing, gain, and system settings without requiring a computer.
With its robust build quality, uncompromising audio performance, and extraordinary channel count, the RME Fireface UFX III represents the pinnacle of USB audio interfacing. It is ideally suited to demanding studios, broadcast facilities, and live production environments where reliability, expandability, and sonic precision are paramount.
Features
- Total I/O channels: 188 channels (94 in / 94 out)
- USB connectivity: USB 3.0 with driver support for Windows and macOS
- Class Compliant mode: Compatible with Linux and iPadOS
- Analogue inputs: 4 x mic/line/instrument (XLR/TRS combo), 8 x line-level inputs (TRS)
- Analogue outputs: 8 x line-level outputs (DC-coupled TRS), 2 x stereo headphone outputs
- Digital I/O: 1 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT I/O (16 channels), 1 x SPDIF coaxial
- MADI I/O: 1 x optical (64 channels), 1 x coaxial (64 channels)
- Word Clock: Word Clock input and output with switchable termination
- MIDI I/O: 2 x MIDI in, 2 x MIDI out via 5-pin DIN
- Direct USB recording: DURec enables recording of up to 80 channels directly to USB storage
- Clock technology: SteadyClock FS for ultra-low jitter and high accuracy
- Onboard DSP: TotalMix FX with EQ, dynamics, reverb, and delay effects
- DC-coupled outputs: For CV/gate control and modular synth compatibility
- Standalone operation: Full functionality without computer connection
- Display and control: High-resolution colour display with rotary encoder and front-panel navigation
- Power supply: Internal universal PSU with IEC socket
- Form factor: 1U rackmountable design
