• Registered: 2023-08-03
  • Posts: 4

Topic: RME Fireface UCX2 headphone output

I'd like to know how the headphone output of the RME Fireface UCX2 compare to the headphone output of the RME ADI-2 DAC. I see there's a difference in output impedance (1ohm and 0.1ohm respectively).

Context: I'm doing a lot more mixing/mastering than recording these days so I'd like to upgrade my monitoring. I have Beyerdynamic DT 770 (250 Ohm), Audeze LCD-3 (110 Ohm) and Tannoy Reveal 802s. I'm using a couple of interfaces: Apogee Duet 2 and Focusrite Scarlett 4i4. Both fine for recording but I understand the ADI-2 DAC should offer a pretty big improvement for monitoring. If the Fireface UCX2 isn't that far off then I might opt for that for the convenience of only having one device on my desk. Or maybe the ADI-2 Pro FS R would be the best of both worlds since I can borrow mic pres when I need them.

I probably won't have the chance to audition any of these devices so any advice is greatly appreciated.

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2023-09-09 15:25:18)

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,161

Re: RME Fireface UCX2 headphone output

Don't miss the chance to be able to fine tune your headphones with EQ presets.
Especially now, everything is superb operateable with the new ADI-2 Remote software.
The ADI-2 DAC/Pro has definitively the better and richer feature set.
Integrate it into your environment and perform all your monitoring over it, like described in my blog.
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/Ent … our-Setup/

BTW, I have also a LCD-3, nice headphones. Fine tuned an oratory EQ curve, its a nice alternative and gives a sound as if you hear it through the speakers. Now with ADI-2 Remote its easy to exchange EQ curves. That will be fun.

ADI-2 * gives you also the advantage to protect your env/ears not to get big level jumps by accidently dialing-in 0dB settings for outputs in TM FX. The devices remember the volume settings and when changing channels there is a ramp-up of volume. This gives some extra safety belts to prevent / solve level mismatches.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2023-08-03
  • Posts: 4

Re: RME Fireface UCX2 headphone output

Thanks ramses. I've gone through your blog. I'm sure the ADI-2 series of devices will provide a huge step up for mixing and mastering with the additional functionality of inbuilt EQ etc. I'm still interested in any information as to how the headphone output of the Fireface UCX2 compares.

  • Registered: 2023-08-03
  • Posts: 4

Re: RME Fireface UCX2 headphone output

I suppose what I really want is THIS! I'd actually be happy with just 2 additional line inputs as I rarely record more than 4 mics at a time, but this is what I could fit on the back. I also only need 1 x headphone out. Not sure if there's space in the box for two preamps.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/b2c9340pvj7dh0h4aq66x/RME-ADI-2-FS-RI.png?rlkey=6mr9nf3nnit7xbxugwiagyjjz&dl=1