1 (edited by ramses 2024-08-16 18:32:50)

Topic: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

I have compiled information about different RME USB/FW/TB recording interfaces to help you compare the products.
The information comes from different sources: manuals, product pages from the web, information from RME User Forum.
Such a detailed compilation of information is not available anywhere else and saves a lot of time.

Motivation:

  • to learn more about the different products and features

  • support for consultancy in the RME user forum

  • hope that it will be useful for others as well

Direct link to Excel:

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/attachme … 8-16-xlsx/

Blog article:

https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … B-MADIfac/

Latest additions/changes:

As of 08/16/2024:

  • MADIface XT II

  • RoomEQ, Crossfeed

  • Updated prices

  • Added Triple SPDIF as feature

  • Cosmetic (translation, ...)

I have tried to transfer the information as error-free as possible, but of course, I can't guarantee that. If someone finds a bug, I am happy about every bug report. Have fun using it.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

2 (edited by MetalHeadKeys 2022-04-09 01:37:42)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Thanks, Ramses!!
Great article!!

RME Gear: Digiface USB, HDSP 9632

3 (edited by Carnenestr 2022-09-27 12:50:53)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Hi, is there something similar for Google docs? I have two documents that I need to compare. When creating them, I used Free Google Docs Templates, and in general, they are identical, but there are some differences. Since both documents are very large, it is difficult for me to find the differences manually, and I would be glad if there were a way to do this using some automatic algorithms. Has anyone already faced a similar question? Somehow it can be done without extra time.

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Not to my knowledge and as a side note, I do not intend to change the format/application, if this is possibly your next question.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

5 (edited by ramses 2023-03-18 10:40:07)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Update March 2023.
Links and update information: always see 1st post in this thread.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

I hope ramses doesn't mind but I recreated the English page of the RME Chart on Goolge Sheets:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ … sp=sharing
I'm happy to transfer ownership of the document or delete it.

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Many thanks for the notice.
I prefer to continue using my local Excel files.
On the long run it's easier for me as I won't run in any potential issues of a cloud platform.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Some updates, fixes.
New device: 802 FS.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Nice work. And espacially your articles in the blog. Very informative!

“Do It For Her”
My Gear: Bontempi Magic light Keyboard

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Thanks maggie, very kind from you.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

11 (edited by maggie33 2023-06-26 22:45:50)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

https://em-content.zobj.net/thumbs/160/apple/124/face-throwing-a-kiss_1f618.png

“Do It For Her”
My Gear: Bontempi Magic light Keyboard

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

ramses wrote:

Some updates, fixes.
New device: 802 FS.

Thanks Ramses for your efforts!  It's really helpful. I didn't find info about the converters of the 802 FS - do you know if they are ESS or AKM?

13 (edited by ramses 2023-06-29 21:04:13)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Sorry, don't know and I also do not know what you would expect from such an answer and why it should have any relevance for your applications.

Reasons for my thinking:

- the device is compliant with published specs
- RME will choose components / converters which are available and deliver the desired specs and
- will use them in the best possible way regarding circuit design

- RME has no "house sound", you will simply get a high and transparent conversion quality
- all converters being used for recording interfaces use the one D/A filter which gives you the most linear frequencies, fast conversion (even if multiple should be available in the chip -> UFX III, AKM).

This all ensures high conversion quality without changing the sound. This is IMHO prio one for a recording interface to record the sound as it is.

If you are looking for mojo / sound character, then I would seek for it
- for inputs: by using certain channel strips for recording between Mic and RME recording interface
- for outputs: different reference converters for monitoring and mastering

Or by using something like an analog mixbus, see the manley in this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doHG32aXBDY

My personal opinions to this topic, your mileage may vary .. wink

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

excellent overview ramses. thanks

ADI2, Digiface, ARC

15 (edited by ramses 2023-11-12 12:00:31)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

You're welcome fieldstu.

Here the changes in the version before.
Devices: UCX II, Digiface AES, UFX III, 802 FS
Features: track names, lock Keys, remap Keys, format converter between
Fixes: misc, wording
Improvements: smaller graphics all over the place to stay below 5 MB

Todays changes, as of 12.11.2023:

  • Updated german prices.

  • Update UFX II (update of analog section according to manual v 2.0, now like UFX III).

  • Fix. MADIface Pro, Babyface [Pro]: no Dynamic section; updated comments to clarify.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Thanks a lot for maintaining this resource!

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

idimata wrote:

Thanks a lot for maintaining this resource!

You're welcome, thanks for your positive feedback.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

18 (edited by ramses 2024-08-13 15:12:51)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

New version: 08/13/24.

Latest additions/changes: MADIface XT II, RoomEQ, Crossfeed, Updated Prices.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

19 (edited by maggie33 2024-08-23 02:56:28)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Thanks!

“Do It For Her”
My Gear: Bontempi Magic light Keyboard

20 (edited by chrysalis99 2024-09-26 02:15:47)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

I got the email today from Gearspace advertising the Sythax Bundles and started itching for a UFXIII until I saw the spreadsheet. I currently have a UCXII and added the 802FS last year. I’ve almost have a UFXIII between the two sans MADI and the number of channels of course but close enough. Granted I paid more by purchasing them separate and I could regain some rack space but I think I’ll stand on what I have. That spreadsheet is awesome, thanks Ramses!

MacBook Pro Max M1
32GB Ram, 2TB HD
UCX II & 802 FS via OWC Thunderbolt dock.
DAW - Logic

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Thanks for the flowers. Well, I am the opinion that one recording interface has always advantages over using two.
Especially the UFX III is the most feature-rich, compact and the basis for a more versatile setup in one unit.

You are more flexible in creating monitor mixes as everything can be routed through the internal matrix with only the converter latency. With two devices makes routing more challenging and cumbersome. In some scenarios you will have to route channels between the two different recording interfaces through the DAW with the full RTL. The one digital ADAT I/O of the UCX II supporting only 8ch at single speed won't help much.

Another (IMHO) disadvantage is, that with the 802 FS you do not have the possibility to digitally save and restore all channel settings (mic channels and phones).

Furthermore, in cases if you want to use stand-alone features, you will only have it more tricky when having to operate two units separately. Especially if you should need to operate / change routing on the display.

Finally, you are with MADI much more flexible. Number of channels / devices allows for more grows. Much more possibilities to distribute devices across rooms using multimode fiber. More spare channels in TotalMix FX for special routings, monitor mixes and mixes for loopback recordings. You can add converters with higher number of ports and having the same type of converter with the same converter latency over ADAT, MADI.

When using e.g. 12Mic (which has no MIDI port) you will need MIDI over MADI (which you only get with MADI) to remote control the unit via Auxdevice support. Workaround is to use RME connector in combination with LAN connection, but this can be more tricky in life scenarios compared to the possibility to use MADI are multicore and to run remote control over it.

Based on my experience and running a quite flexible setup with a lot of functionality, I would always recommend UFX III instead of a combination of multiple interfaces to be open and more flexible for new demands.

Maybe for your application this is sufficient, but I still could imagine, that working with one unit and having the flexibility of MADI brings more features and value for you in the long run.

If, then I would sell the other units to cross finance just right now when they are new. Chances are high of reaching prices in the range of 75-80% of street price.

Just my $0.02 on this topic, your mileage may vary.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Valid points and MADI is a big miss but after spending the last year plus getting setup and configuration to my liking I wont miss the granular advantages you point out but I could see it being important for some. I know the resell value is good and it would be a breeze moving to the UFXIII but selling equipment is a hassle I dont like. Knowing me I would buy the UFXIII and put my current gear to the side for another use or kept for some future need (that I never end up needing).  So there's that. LOL

MacBook Pro Max M1
32GB Ram, 2TB HD
UCX II & 802 FS via OWC Thunderbolt dock.
DAW - Logic

23 (edited by ramses 2024-09-30 07:33:18)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

By the way, I'm currently revising my setup and routing again. In doing so, I've realized another advantage of a "1 interface" setup.

I now proceed in such a way that I delete all factory routings and only configure the necessary ones. If I additionally hide all the channels that are not required (channel layout), everything fits conveniently into the matrix overview without having to scroll through it. This gives you a fantastic overview of all routings and makes it easier to maintain and troubleshoot TM FX snapshots / the routing.

With one screenshot per TM FX snapshot, I can also document the routing of the various snapshots in the best possible way. The whole thing would not give this excellent overview via 2 matrix views and would also unnecessarily complicate each check of the routings.

I've also worked with 2 recording interfaces, RayDAT and UFX as a mixture of converter and preamp. So I know how it feels and how much more complicated it is to handle. My recommendations (and please understand them only as such) are based on all these experiences.

I get your point, but tbh, selling RME components is easy, there are many people who are happy if they don't have to pay the full price and can buy a used unit in good condition.

For me, it is important to have an optimum in terms of workflow and operating / maintaining the environment.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

This is amazing and exactly what I was looking for! Currently doing a "deep dive" because I'm gonna switch over to RME soon. I've got one question (probably in hindsight very obvious and sorry if I am overlooking something glaringly obvious here): Why are some things in the spreadsheet green, others yellow?

25 (edited by ramses 2024-10-08 18:24:05)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Thanks, am glad that you like it.
Please see the comments in the rightmost column .. in the same color ...

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

very odd, it doesn't display the comments in color both in Libre software and in Numbers (macOS). Im sure im gonna find a way to display it correctly somehow though.. thanks

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

Have you considered also specifying preamp and DAC chip models as you did in ADI-2 series comparison?

28 (edited by ramses 2024-12-26 22:58:33)

Re: Updates: Excel sheet comparing RME Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt Interfaces

romanass wrote:

Have you considered also specifying preamp and DAC chip models as you did in ADI-2 series comparison?

No.
It was not the intention to add all RME products, only FW, USB, TB based recording interfaces.

For ADI-2 series of USB based reference converter, this gives you a good overview:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=32506

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14