The Fireface 800 from RME is a multi-channel FireWire audio interface for use both the Mac and Windows. Up to sixteen analog sources can be connected at one time, which include four microphone preamps with phantom power available. Dual ADAT ports add further connectivity by inputting or outputting up to sixteen digital channels from the correct digital sources. The latest "plug and play" technology guarantees a simple installation, even for the inexperienced user.
A front-sided headphone output delivers a high volume, adequate enough for low-impedance headphones, and represents the playback channels 9/10. The headphone output can be used directly with ASIO Direct Monitoring. The Fireface 800 also provides a Hi-Z instrument input for the use of guitar and bass. A soft limiter, a drive circuit and a speaker emulation filter can be used to further enhance the sound of these instruments.
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates |
Internally: 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 128, 176.4 and 192kHz Externally: 28kHz to 200kHz |
| Analog Input |
4 x XLR/4 x 1/4" TRS phone (front) 8 x 1/4" TRS 1/4" phone, software controlled switching of reference levels -10dBV, +4dBu or HiGain (rear) 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Analog Output |
8 x 1/4" TRS phone, servo-balanced, DC-coupled 1 x 1/4" TRS unbalanced |
| Digital Input |
2 x ADAT optical or S/PDIF optical 1 x RCA S/PDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible) |
| Digital Output |
2 x ADAT optical or S/PDIF optical 1 x RCA S/PDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible) |
| MIDI In/Out | Yes |
| Sync In/Out |
2 x BNC WordClock S/PDIF |
| Headphone Output | Yes. Headphone output can be used directly with ASIO direct monitoring |
| THD + N |
AD: < -104dB (< 0.00063%) DA: < -100dB (< 0.001%) |
| Dynamic Range |
AD: 109dB RMS unweighted, 112dBA DA: 116dB RMS unweighted, 119dBA (unmuted) |
| Frequency Response |
-0.1dB: 5Hz to 21.5kHz @ 48kHz -0.5 dB: <5Hz to 43.5kHz @ 96kHz -1.0 dB: <5Hz to 70kHz @ 192kHz |
| System Requirements |
Drivers: Mac:
PC:
|
| Specialties | The unit has a second port for hub functionality, bi-lingual mode for full FireWire 400 compatibility and an additional FireWire 400 port |
Displaying reviews 1-4
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
Great product at discounted price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
The unit performs great as an audio interface - very high marks, great software mixer and patchbay included.
I've had issues with the MIDI in shutting down the main audio outs after playing a Kurzweil K2500 into the unit's audio and MIDI ins simultaneously.
In all fairness to RME, this might be a Kurzweil issue, as it has done the same thing with 2 FF800's. My Akai MPK 61 controller keyboard does not seem to do this via its MIDI port, though I haven't really put it through a serious torture test yet.
Jeff, the tech support guy at Synthax (U.S. Distributor for RME) says he's never seen this before in 5 years since the product's debut. And, we couldn't sort it out after about 10 emails (each) back and forth. So I'm left to conclude after trying different MIDI cables, changing preferences, re-loading all relevant software, that my old K2500 may be sending garbage down the MIDI pipeline.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
I use the FF800 on my Mac bases composing setup working mostly with samples and virtual instruments. I do some tracking of guitar and bass, but also for voice over recordings and the occasional instrumentalist. It sounds very good for all these uses. The routing flexibility of the included Fireface Mixer and the rock steady performance are simply awesome. The audio loop back feature has become an indispensable part of my setup and enables me to do things I would have to spend a lot more otherwise. The dual ADATA inputs come in handy for connecting my "sampler" computers to my main DAW machine - very well thought out. considering the price of the unit, I don't know of a better audio interface for my setup
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
Incredible product - worth each cent of its value.High quality Pre amp class A - Interface drives are best in class - Very robust assembly - all kinds of connection are possible with the interface mixer settings.[...]No issues or conflict with another Audio interface that I have in my System.Very Very good !!
Displaying reviews 1-4
Displaying reviews 1-4
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
Great product at discounted price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
The unit performs great as an audio interface - very high marks, great software mixer and patchbay included.
I've had issues with the MIDI in shutting down the main audio outs after playing a Kurzweil K2500 into the unit's audio and MIDI ins simultaneously.
In all fairness to RME, this might be a Kurzweil issue, as it has done the same thing with 2 FF800's. My Akai MPK 61 controller keyboard does not seem to do this via its MIDI port, though I haven't really put it through a serious torture test yet.
Jeff, the tech support guy at Synthax (U.S. Distributor for RME) says he's never seen this before in 5 years since the product's debut. And, we couldn't sort it out after about 10 emails (each) back and forth. So I'm left to conclude after trying different MIDI cables, changing preferences, re-loading all relevant software, that my old K2500 may be sending garbage down the MIDI pipeline.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
I use the FF800 on my Mac bases composing setup working mostly with samples and virtual instruments. I do some tracking of guitar and bass, but also for voice over recordings and the occasional instrumentalist. It sounds very good for all these uses. The routing flexibility of the included Fireface Mixer and the rock steady performance are simply awesome. The audio loop back feature has become an indispensable part of my setup and enables me to do things I would have to spend a lot more otherwise. The dual ADATA inputs come in handy for connecting my "sampler" computers to my main DAW machine - very well thought out. considering the price of the unit, I don't know of a better audio interface for my setup
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about RME Fireface-800 Audio Interface:
Incredible product - worth each cent of its value.High quality Pre amp class A - Interface drives are best in class - Very robust assembly - all kinds of connection are possible with the interface mixer settings.[...]No issues or conflict with another Audio interface that I have in my System.Very Very good !!
Displaying reviews 1-4