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Average Price: $426
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$150
$501+
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Description
Discover a new realm of audio recording with the RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface. This beast of a device doesn't play around when it comes to delivering top-notch sound quality and performance. It merges the latest RME technology with the quickness of FireWire, offering you a robust, high-performance audio interface that leaves its competitors in the dust. With features like ADI-8 converters and OctaMic microphone technology, the Fireface 800 makes your recording sessions seamless and professional, while the 56-channel record and playback capabilities ensure you never run out of room for your creative ideas.
Key Features:
- Four recording channels
- 56-channel record and playback
- High sampling rate of up to 192 kHz
- ADI-8 converters for optimal sound quality
- OctaMic microphone technology for superior audio capture
- DSP TotalMix mixer for extensive control over your audio
- Fastest FireWire technology integrated for smooth operation and quick data transfer.
Product specs
| Brand | RME |
| Model | Fireface 800 Firewire Audio Interface |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 2000s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Firewire |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 10 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Channels | 56 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 18 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 18 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the RME Fireface 800?
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The RME Fireface 800 connects via FireWire and offers a wide array of inputs and outputs, including 10 analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, 18 digital inputs, 18 digital outputs, and MIDI I/O, making it versatile for various studio setups.
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Is the RME Fireface 800 compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the RME Fireface 800 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, providing flexibility for users on different operating systems.
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How many mic preamps does the RME Fireface 800 have?
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The RME Fireface 800 is equipped with 4 high-quality mic preamps, allowing for professional-grade recording of multiple microphones simultaneously.
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What sample rate does the RME Fireface 800 support?
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The RME Fireface 800 supports a high sample rate of up to 192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback.
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Does the RME Fireface 800 require an external power source?
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Yes, the RME Fireface 800 is not bus-powered and requires an external power source for operation.
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How many total channels does the RME Fireface 800 provide?
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The RME Fireface 800 offers a total of 56 channels, providing extensive routing and recording capabilities for complex audio projects.
Videos
RME Audio
RME FF800 tutorial
RME FF800 tutorial
RME Audio
RME Fireface 800 Audio Interface
DV247 Music Store UK TV
Reviews
PROS
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Stable and high-quality sound performance
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Drivers available online, supporting older operating systems like Windows 7
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Superior dynamic range and analog output quality
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Durable build quality with flexible input/output options
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Incorporates useful software like Total Mix for versatile mixing
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Neutral mic pres for uncolored sound recording
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Instrument input with added features like compression and overdrive
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Supports plenty of inputs/outputs for extensive gear connectivity
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Includes DigiCheck Spectral Analyzer for detailed audio analysis
CONS
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Discontinued by RME, may affect long-term support
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FireWire requirement might limit compatibility with newer computers
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Lacks a physical monitor level knob, requiring additional hardware for volume control
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Pricey compared to some competitors in the market
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface.
Comparisons
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Some users find newer interfaces like the UAD Volt appealing due to onboard DSP features like mic preamp emulations and 1176 compressor, which offer creative flexibility.
Source -
Transitioning from M-Audio Profire 2626 to Fireface 800 is considered an upgrade, with noted improvements in sound quality and driver stability.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Paired with a MIDI controller or iPad, the Fireface 800 expands computer mixing capabilities, offering a powerful solution for diverse recording and playback demands.
Source
User experience
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Grounding issues can occur, potentially leading to CPU clock noise; re-housing the PC or using balanced cables may help mitigate these issues.
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Keeping the Fireface 800 powered on continuously may prevent PSU issues, as turning it off for extended periods might lead to startup failures.
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Users report challenges with FireWire ports, but inexpensive PCIe cards can effectively solve connectivity issues, maintaining the interface's usability on modern systems.
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Owners cite long-term reliability, with some using the Fireface 800 for over a decade without needing repairs, highlighting its robust build and dependable performance.
Source
Features and functionality
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DigiCheck's Totalyzer offers essential tools like spectrum analyzer, goniometer, and phase correlation, beneficial for mixing and mastering without additional software meters.
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The headphone amplifier on the Fireface 800 is considered weak, which might affect monitoring quality during recording sessions.
Source
Software and compatibility
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TotalMix software allows versatile routing, including analog effect loops and surround monitoring, enhancing the interface's flexibility in various recording setups.
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RME Fireface 800 functions flawlessly on Windows 11 with a PCIe FireWire card. Users confirm stability and updated drivers, even on high-resolution 4k displays.
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Adapting the Fireface 800 to modern Macs involves a FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter into a Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter, maintaining low latency.
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Despite its age, the Fireface 800 remains supported on newer Mac systems like MacOS Sonoma, ensuring continued usability through adapter solutions.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Texas Instruments XIO 2213 chipset is recommended for reliable FireWire card use, while older XIO 2200 chipsets may not be compatible with modern motherboards.
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Power supply units (PSU) in Fireface 800s can fail, often due to capacitor issues, but many users have successfully recapped them.
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Connecting the Fireface 800 to modern Macs requires a chain of adapters: FireWire 800 to Thunderbolt 2, then Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 28 Ratings
342
Reliable and High-Quality Recording Interface with Excellent Support
Have had this for years now, NEVER a problem (except when it got fried during a thunderstorm, but I sent it back to RME and they fixed it). Pristine sounds, no compatibility problems, very stable software, the list goes on. A little pricey, but I'd recommend RME products to anyone.
618
RME Fireface 800
The RME Fireface 800 is still a reliable working tool for studio use. The versatile inputs / outputs and routing options make it highly flexible. The converter quality is good, if not more "state of the art". Anyone who uses a neutral-sounding workhorse for recording is always well served with the RME Fireface 800.
120
My reference audio interface
I love it, especially beacause of the DigiCheck Spectral Analyzer. The sound is great
Artist usage
Add artist
Present on the extensive Syro Gear list is the famous RME Fireface 800 Audio Interface.
At 0:20 we can see the RME Fireface 800 under the Tascam 38.
can be seen in this post from May 19, 2022
In this Instagram photo posted by Wolfgang Gartner, his RME Fireface 800 audio interface can be seen (his cat is laying on top of it). Wolfgang says, "when I get into the studio in the morning and somebody's already there"
can be seen in this post from February 25, 2016
You can see the rear of their Fireface 800 in this picture from an interview with XLR8R.
You can see the RME Fireface 800 in the rack to the left of the desk
If you zoom the photo on the right side of the desk, you can clearly see that it is RME interface (blue colour, overall placing of mic inputs and clear RME sign on the left). On first look it looked like Fireface 800 (which would clearly match the timeline when the duo started producing music since the interface at this moment is out of production) and i checked on internet some photos of it and Fireface 800 is only one that has 4 mic level inputs with yellow LED above the mic inputs. The green LED that is lit also matches the Fireface 800 design.
At the :39 second mark, you can see a Fireface 800 Firewire interface mounted in a 19" rack.
Our Axe-FXs are chained up via MIDI into an RME Fireface 800 and into a laptop
Album Usage
The RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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