Topic: Fireface UFX+ -10dBV noise floor higher than Fireface 800 (!)
After many years I decided to upgrade from an old Fireface 800 to a Fireface UFX+. Spending more than twice as much as back then, I expected a serious upgrade. Sadly upon reading the manual I was shocked to find there is no longer a switchable -10dBV sensitivity! It instead recommends to use 9 dB gain on the +4 preset.
Sure enough, this raises the noise floor by 9dB, as it appears to be a purely digital gain. The resulting noise floor is about 5 dB worse than on my old Fireface 800 and 10 dB worse in higher frequencies (96 kHz operating mode). And even without gain it's only 5 dB better than with the old interface.
I would be okay with the mere 5 dB improvement but 5 dB degradation? I'm very disappointed to say the least. Why one has to cut corners on a 2000+ EUR flagship product is beyond me.
After looking up the other manuals, it would appear this same problem affects the UFX II, only the old UFX seems to still have the actual electronical switching to -10dBV.
Edit: And at frequencies approaching 96 kHz in 192 kHz operating mode, the noise floor is a whopping 15 dB higher with -10 dBV level and 5 dB higher at normal +4 level. Jesus Christ.