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RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface

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RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface

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$427.51 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (28)

4 Reviews

Find out who is using RME Fireface 800

1 community setup

8 wishlisted

70 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (12)

$427.51 12 available Used

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Average Price: $428

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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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

What are the main connectivity options for the RME Fireface 800?: 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.
Is the RME Fireface 800 compatible with both Windows and macOS?: Yes, the RME Fireface 800 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, providing flexibility for users on different operating systems.
How many mic preamps does the RME Fireface 800 have?: The RME Fireface 800 is equipped with 4 high-quality mic preamps, allowing for professional-grade recording of multiple microphones simultaneously.
What sample rate does the RME Fireface 800 support?: The RME Fireface 800 supports a high sample rate of up to 192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback.
Does the RME Fireface 800 require an external power source?: Yes, the RME Fireface 800 is not bus-powered and requires an external power source for operation.
How many total channels does the RME Fireface 800 provide?: The RME Fireface 800 offers a total of 56 channels, providing extensive routing and recording capabilities for complex audio projects.

Videos

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RME FF800 tutorial

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RME Fireface 800 Audio Interface

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Reviews

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PROS

Stable and high-quality sound performance
Drivers available online, supporting older operating systems like Windows 7
Superior dynamic range and analog output quality
Durable build quality with flexible input/output options
Incorporates useful software like Total Mix for versatile mixing
Neutral mic pres for uncolored sound recording
Instrument input with added features like compression and overdrive
Supports plenty of inputs/outputs for extensive gear connectivity
Includes DigiCheck Spectral Analyzer for detailed audio analysis

CONS

Discontinued by RME, may affect long-term support
FireWire requirement might limit compatibility with newer computers
Lacks a physical monitor level knob, requiring additional hardware for volume control
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.
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Transitioning from M-Audio Profire 2626 to Fireface 800 is considered an upgrade, with noted improvements in sound quality and driver stability.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Value and pricing

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FireWire connectivity is a notable limitation in modern environments dominated by USB-C and Thunderbolt, potentially impacting long-term use without adapters.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 28 Ratings

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1 star

banstyle

342

almost 13 years ago

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.

peter_schips

618

almost 7 years ago

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.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Funk / Soul