I have to admit that my decision to purchase RME products again, and specifically the RME Multiface 2 PCIe, came as a direct result from my previous experience with RME products. In our complicated, modern computer based studios, if it ain't broke, don't fix it !

Another big factor was my reluctance to go with a Firewire or a USB2 audio card which seems to be all the rage at the moment. PCI(e) has been an ultra fast and an ultra reliable technology in my studio whereas Firewire....hmm....not so much.

Foremost in my mind, when you have clients paying by the hour that are trusting you with their precious takes, you need rock solid reliability first and foremost...only then followed by great sound/great converters. It's no good if you have to explain that their takes are gone due to a system freeze..."ya man, but, uh, while it lasted, did it ever sound fantastic."

The space saving external Multiface 2 unit uses half the space of a 19" rack, optional rack ears available, and, offers ADAT optical I/O, SPDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, word clock I/O and a separate hi-power monitor output. There are 8 analog balanced inputs and outputs all available at 24-bit/96kHz and the Multiface 2 PCIe be used on desktops or laptops with ultra low latency or zero latency direct monitoring. I use the unit in direct monitor mode with Cubendo since many of the percussionists that I record do not accept even the smallest amount of latency...."what is that slapback 'effect' you've got on there dude and turn it off."

All RME products come with the amazing Digicheck software which they claim is "the ultimate measurement, analysis and test tool." Digicheck has truly become an indispensible software tool set in my daily work. K-System Metering and a variety of other analysis tools including RT spectrum analysis, phase meter, etc... In a word, fantastic ! Digicheck was one of the other factors in my decision to stick with the RME line.

Other impressive and pertinent tech-specs that I'd like to include are :
Dynamic ratio analog AD: 111.5 dB(A), DA: 112 dB(A)
THD+N AD: -98 dB (0.0012%), DA: -97 dB (0.0014%)
Dynamic ratio stereo monitor output: 119 dB(A), 119 dBA
Supported sample rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, variable
88 buffer sizes/latencies available: 1.5 ms, 3 ms, 6 ms, 12 ms, 23 ms, 46 ms, 93 ms, 186 ms
Unsurpassed Bitclock PLL (audio synchronization) in ADAT mode
Enhanced Zero Latency Monitoring for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring

This is a compact, professional product designed with a certain set of audio needs and options in mind, but, without compromise in sound quality.
I've been in the recording business now for 15 years using computer based systems and RME products just keep on rockin' without so much as a hitch or a glitch of any kind and the score that I'm giving this product ? Man, I cannot find a fault with the product. If you can let me know.

This is the RME Multiface that is 18 in and 18 out AD DA Converter. What is nice about RME is not just the brand and the sturdy and rock solid way in which it is packaged and presented but the sturdiness is in the quality of its sound.

You have a variety of cards to connect to your computer and interface with your DAW but the software was easily installed and the fact that it has MIDI ports on the Multiface allows for you to integrate all aspects of your studio into this one little box.

The lack of mic pres allows you the engineer to select your favorite mic pres that you are already working with, to work and incorporate its defining color into your workflow.

You have the ability to expand the inputs from just taking analog inputs to ADAT ins and outs that would allow for you to maximize and get the full 18 inputs both digitally and with 8 analog, 8 digital inputs and the last two being SPDIF. Total Mix Software allows you to interface and makes the unit more user friendly.

Right out of the box it connected to my Hammerfall card and my interface was improving the quality of my sound. So much so that I had a basic mic preamp that I returned because it did not add to the already pristine transparent quality of the converter. The word clock syncs it with your other digital gear and the clock on RME is as rock solid as the build of the unit.

I believe the most important area of RME is that whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner in the music production trade you would appreciate the sound and the music you are making with the RME Multiface.