To UFX or not to UFX?

[EisenAudio]

Check out the drum recordings on the web page below, which used an RME UFX with external preamps, and only 4 or 5 mics. I've used an older RME Fireface in tandem with a Lynx Aurora 16 for the last few years and like them more or less equally (different tones for different projects), but now I think (as a convertor) the UFX sounds better than both. Haven't tried the UFX mic pres, and never bothered with the Audiofire series myself, because of what I read about their headroom and noise shaping.

Media: Audio Samples from AwTAC

According to the Audiofire 8 manual, yes, you are bypassing the mic input circuitry on all 8 channels (incl. 1&2) when you use the 1/4" TRS inputs. The rest of the preamp circuitry w/gain trim is still in the signal path, however, and from what I understand these circuits aren't optimized for high-level transformer balanced preamps the way a more professional dedicated A/D would be. Granted, you're likely to get more mileage from the outboard preamps you already have if upgrading the interface. RME only has a dB more headroom going in, but it's line inputs bypass the preamp circuitry completely, and really sound quite good.

[cheu78]

I'd get the rme UFX! sounds good, the preamps are pretty good too, they're absolutely usable (of course different from the what you have).

when cash allows a good neve-ish preamp, one or two channels.. like the BAE preamps (DMP or 10xx series), Avedis MA5 or Aurora Audio GTQ2 (the aurora is more open in the top end though, and as the MA5 is not a clone).



Cheu

[SabreChris]

I just picked up a new UFX and I am still taking it through its paces.

The first really cool thing I noticed is the s/n ratio is insane. Monitoring with headphones, it gets really loud without any noise! I have never had an interface where you crank the volume and don't hear any hiss. This speaks to the quality level. I can't confirm the quality of A/D conversion at this time.

The other *really* nice thing about the UFX is that it is essentially a 30ch digital mixer. I already love the big knob control over level of mains and phones. The routing possibilities are nearly endless and you can save patching configurations so you don't have to do any physical cabling. This was the main reason I got it, and for the onboard DSP to use for monitor mixes.

Also, the pres are better than "good enough".

I had an Echo Layla 3g which is equivalent sound quality to the audiofire. This is a step up.

[John The Cut]

I think Echo's pre-amps are really nice, real sleepers for things like backing vocals - I would definately keep the Echo as a box of 8 v. useful pres. Just hook it up digitally to whatever else you get... ime Echo units benefit from being slaved to a better clock.

[manysounds]

Yes, do

[AwTAC]

I recently got one of these (as linked above) to do some demos with and its ****ing incredible. My experience is definitely not in high end converters in the slightest, Ive always been a tape guy. Using the UFX is the very first time Ive worked with protools and not walked away from the session either completely frustrated with the work process or completely frustrated with the sound of the session (and to date myself Ive been using PT since it was session 8). RME makes a really really really nice sounding box that is just really easy to work with.

[Dysanfel]

The UFX is great, but you already have an interface that can bypass the mic pres. I would take that $2k+ that you would spend on the UFX and buy more high quality mic preamps that will last you for your whole lifetime. Any audio interface will be obsolete in just a few years.

If you didn't already have mic pres and an interface I would say get the UFX. Just a different viewpoint... =)