Topic: Fireface UC(x) or ADI-8 MK lll

Hi everyone,

Currently i only use an UCX.
I plan to expand my set up with 8 more ins/outs. Main reason is to use the 8 outs to send to a studer mixer.

I cant figure out what the advantages would be of buying an ADI-8 DS instead of another UC/UCX...

both are AD/DA converters right? Is there any difference in sound quality?

is there anyone who can convince me :-)


cheers
Bo

Re: Fireface UC(x) or ADI-8 MK lll

If you like the sound of the UCX get another UC(X). All RME's have the same sound, neutral. Some have a little less noise or distortion but you need pretty esoteric gear, studio and mics to hear any difference. Advantage of the UC is also 2 extra mic pres and a headphone output.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
Babyface pro fs, HDSP9652+ADI-8AE, HDSP9632

Re: Fireface UC(x) or ADI-8 MK lll

Only drawbacks I see with selecting the UC(X) are outputs 7/8 will be unbalanced from the Stereo HP Jack on the front.  If that is not an issue, I would also recommend the UC(X) as you will have a second computer interface for redundancy should one fail.

The ADI-8 is strictly a standalone AD/DA converter with no computer connectivity options, but might "spec out" a little better overall (likely inaudible to 99.99% of users)?  The ADI-8 also allows DB25 connections and all I/O is identical/symmetrical - so that can be a plus when interfacing with an analog mixer.  Connection to UC(X) would be over ADAT - and since the UC(X) only has a single ADAT - you are limited to 44/48K for all 8 channels, or if using 88/96K you will only have 4 channels of ADAT I/O from ADI-8 to UC(X)...

If you go with a second UC(X), I would recommend using only one UCX to the PC, and then connect the second UCX to the first over ADAT (standalone mode - just like the ADI-8).  This will allow a single instance of TMFX to route all signals instead of having two separate TMFX mixers to manage (but two TM's would net you additional TMFX DSP power if needed).  44/48K ADAT restrictions also apply here - BUT you could also choose to connect both UC(X)'s to your PC (with proper USB/FW controller provisioning) and get 96K-192K across all 16 I/O's (both units).  Using the same driver for both means any DAW should handle that setup - but you will have 2x TMFX's to wrangle as needed...

Pros and cons to each - Up to you to decode which will fit your workflow best smile

MADIface-XT+ARC / 3x HDSP MADI / ADI648
2x SSL Alphalink MADI AX
2x Multiface / 2x Digiface /2x ADI8

Re: Fireface UC(x) or ADI-8 MK lll

Randyman... wrote:

Pros and cons to each - Up to you to decode which will fit your workflow best smile

Interesting typo :-)

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Re: Fireface UC(x) or ADI-8 MK lll

^^ Hehehe.  Saw it after I posted it and opted to leave it tongue

MADIface-XT+ARC / 3x HDSP MADI / ADI648
2x SSL Alphalink MADI AX
2x Multiface / 2x Digiface /2x ADI8

Re: Fireface UC(x) or ADI-8 MK lll

Thanks a bunch @randyman and @vinark!

I've decoded your messages and buy myself a second interface unit ;-)

There's a nice UFX on marktplaats now for a nice price


cheers! Bo