Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,399
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "RME UCX". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.
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Description
The RME UCX is a compact yet powerful audio interface that bridges professional sound and portability for studio recording enthusiasts and live performers. Equipped with USB and FireWire connectivity, this versatile unit is perfect for musicians who need flexibility in their recording setups. The UCX is known for its TotalMix FX - an advanced digital mixer that offers incredible routing and monitoring capabilities, ensuring seamless control over your audio environment.
With pristine sound quality powered by high-end converters, the RME UCX delivers 18 input and 18 output channels, making it a reliable choice for multi-track recording. Its low-latency performance and robust construction cater to the needs of both home studio setups and professional environments. The UCX also supports MIDI I/O, allowing integration with an array of musical equipment. Its compact size does not compromise on functionality, offering a feature-rich experience that is ideal for both new and seasoned audio professionals.
Key Features:
- 18 input and 18 output channels
- USB and FireWire connectivity
- Advanced TotalMix FX digital mixer
- High-quality converters for pristine sound
- MIDI I/O for seamless integration with other gear
- Low-latency performance
- Compact design for portability and convenience
Product specs
| Brand | RME |
| Model | Fireface UCX Firewire / USB Audio Interface |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Firewire, USB |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | Half Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 6 |
| Number of Channels | 34 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 10 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 18 |
FAQs
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What connectivity options does the RME UCX offer for computer integration?
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The RME UCX provides both Firewire and USB connectivity, making it compatible with a wide range of computers and operating systems, including Windows and macOS.
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Is the RME UCX suitable for high-resolution audio recording?
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Yes, the RME UCX supports sample rates up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, ensuring high-resolution audio recording capabilities.
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How many simultaneous input and output channels does the RME UCX support?
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The RME UCX supports 18 simultaneous input and output channels, providing flexibility for complex recording setups.
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Does the RME UCX include MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the RME UCX features one MIDI input and one MIDI output, allowing integration with MIDI-compatible devices.
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What is the dynamic range of the RME UCX?
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The RME UCX offers an impressive dynamic range of 114 dBA on both recording and playback, ensuring high-quality audio performance.
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How many mic preamps are included in the RME UCX?
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The RME UCX includes two high-quality mic preamps, suitable for capturing clear and detailed audio.
Videos
Full Compass
RME Fireface UCX FireWire/USB Audio Interface Overview | Full Compass
RME Fireface UCX FireWire/USB Audio Interface Overview | Full Compass
Full Compass
RME Fireface UCX - NAMM 2012 - Synthax TV
Synthax Audio UK
Fireface UCX with M1 MacBook Pro and External Synth
Bjørnar Kibsgaard
Reviews
PROS
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Superior driver stability ensures low latency performance
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TotalMix software offers robust routing and mixing capabilities
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Excellent preamps and converters for high-quality sound
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Versatile input/output options, including two MIDI ports
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DSP effects enhance recording without latency
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Compact and durable design, easy to transport
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Superior sound quality with clear stereo separation
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Flexible routing allows integration of various equipment
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Low-cut, compression, and reverb DSP effects available
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Capable of recording internet samples directly
CONS
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TotalMix software has a learning curve
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"One knob does it all" approach may initially confuse users
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Breakout cable for MIDI ports not included
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about RME UCX.
Comparisons
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Users report a distinct improvement in sound quality when upgrading from the Scarlett 2i2 to the RME UCX II, noting more depth and clarity in playback.
Source -
The RME UCX's DAC conversion and preamp clarity are seen as an incremental improvement over Audient interfaces, rather than a drastic change.
Source -
The UFX II has slightly lower THD (0.00032%) and higher SNR (118 dB) compared to the UCX II's 0.0004% THD and 115 dB SNR, though differences are often inaudible.
Source
Features and functionality
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The RME UCX II includes TotalMix software, praised for its comprehensive signal routing capabilities, though it may present a learning curve.
Source -
Clean gain is abundant on the RME UCX, sufficient for high-demand mics like the Shure SM7B without needing additional preamps like a Cloudlifter.
Source
Software and compatibility
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RME's long-term driver support is highlighted, with users successfully running older Fireface models on modern Macs using adapters.
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TotalMix can be set to "simple mode," mimicking traditional interface functionality for users preferring minimal setup complexity.
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RME UCX's drivers are reported as extremely stable on Windows 10, even with Ryzen systems, providing a seamless user experience.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The RME UCX II’s eight inputs, including Hi-Z options, are ideal for complex live setups involving multiple synths.
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The UCX II is favored for setups requiring AES output for Genelec monitors and more analog I/O than the Babyface offers, accommodating mics, bass transducers, and mix cubes.
Source
Value and pricing
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While the initial investment is high, the RME UCX II is considered worthwhile for serious producers due to its longevity and enhanced sound fidelity.
Source
User experience
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The power switch placement on the back of the RME UCX is inconvenient for some users, leading to potential frustration during frequent use.
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The RME UCX's ability to power high-impedance headphones like the DT990s and HD660s without issues is noted as a significant advantage.
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It's been noted that the UCX II's I/O meets needs for those with minimal outboard gear, focusing on in-the-box work with occasional vocal and instrument recording.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
138
No Sound At All
Often people ask: How does this interface sound like? RME did the best job to make it disappear behind your signals. The UCX brings enough inputs and outputs to wire up all your project studio gear and comes with a great routing and mixing program that lets you set up individual monitoring for headphones and all outputs.
The DSP effects are great for low-cutting a mic, compressing a headphone mix or putting some reverb on the no-latencie monitoring for your singer. It's also possible to reloop computer intern signals to an input, so you can record the funny sample you found on the net.
Best working interface I had so far.
Live TOP & Studio
Super flexible for your needs, super easy to carry around > half rack looks cool, this Interface is a tank !
Artist usage
Add artist
"The UCX's are connected to the computers via USB. But there are two UCX's per machine, and those two are connected via ADAT to each other which multiplies the outputs and inputs available to each USB connection as you now have two interfaces for each machine. So 4 total UFX's split into two sets working in tandem, one set per machine," said Tycho in a reply on Facebook, outlining how the UCX is used in his setup.
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 UCX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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