• Registered: 2024-11-23
  • Posts: 10

Topic: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

I could use some help. I’m currently on an old Intel Mac Mini with FireWire, a Focusrite Pro40, I use a Kemper for electric and some decent mics for electric. I occasionally record with singers - so for all that having good (or going forward better) mic pres is a given. I also have a not quite so old MacBook Pro for song writing sessions etc.

I know I will have to update my Mac Mini at some point soon (either a tricked out new one or maybe a Studio for more ports). Which will render my Pro40 useless as an audio interface. I know if can be put into standalone mode and connect via ADAT to whatever I buy next.

First thought was to get an Apollo (x4 was on the list). Downside: I don’t want to play their plugin game, no midi, no Spdif (for the Kemper). And made in China.

I’ve only read good things about RME. The Fireface UCXii seems to have all the connections I would use, remains a portable unit (to use with the MacBook Pro outside the house), is made in Germany (is it?) - and would allow me to keep using the Pro40 pres once I get a new Mac.

The only thing I’m wondering now if I’m overthinking things and should get the Babyface instead and save the extra money to later go towards a larger RME 19” unit for my home studio and replace the Pro entirely.

Seems like I could still connect the Kemper (with a Spdif to optical converter, yuck), have two good pres, midi - and an overall smaller and “more stylish” package (yeah, the RME devices don’t win in the design department, but that’s cool).

I have the UCX loaded into my Sweetwater basket with two new monitors, ready to press the button….what am I missing?

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-11-23 19:03:43)

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,263

Re: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

I do not understand why you would want to get a BBF Pro FS 1st instead of UCX II to save money for the next bigger thing.

My advice: do not play the "buy and sell" thing (although you would get good prices for used RME gear on used market).

I would get UFX II or better III, then you are done for a long time.

Think also about the time until you have all the settings done for your use cases.
Once you switch the recording interface, you can redo the whole thing, makes also no sense.

So I would think whether an UFX II is enough or if you want to have MADI as an option.
If you should take into consideration to record in the future at double speed (88.2/96 kHz), then 2x ADAT I/O of UFX II could become "too small" rather quick depending on what you want to connect in the future, one or two 8-port devices.
Lets put an inexpensive Pulse 16 as an example.

If any possible get what will satisfiy your full demand now and for the next 5-10+ years.

The UFX III could also be your last recording interface, that you have to purchase.

Also take into consideration, that BBF Pro FS had to be designed to be energy conservative, as it needs to be able to run USB bus powered.

UFX II and UFX III have
- the converters of the ADI-2 Pro FS reference converter
- Full implementation of FX chip, separate DSP
- therefore also RoomEQ and cross-feed are possible
- triple SPDIF (AES and two independend ADAT I/O, both switchable to SPDIF)
- DURec
- Autoset
- 4 Mic inputs up to 75 dB gain range, switchable to serve as Mic input
- already two excellent headphone outputs

You can use my Excel sheet for comparison purposes: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

My current setup as an example (for inspiration):
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … iii-en-de/

BTW .. if you need something to document your new studio setup, I have something here for you:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … tup-en-de/
My setup documented in one Excel file including TM FX setup / routing and a few other cool things.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2024-11-23
  • Posts: 10

Re: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

ramses wrote:

I do not understand why you would want to get a BBF Pro FS 1st instead of UCX II to save money for the next bigger thing.

My advice: do not play the "buy and sell" thing (although you would get good prices for used RME gear on used market).

I would get UFX II or better III, then you are done for a long time.

Think also about the time until you have all the settings done for your use cases.
Once you switch the recording interface, you can redo the whole thing, makes also no sense.

So I would think whether an UFX II is enough or if you want to have MADI as an option.
If you should take into consideration to record in the future at double speed (88.2/96 kHz), then 2x ADAT I/O of UFX II could become "too small" rather quick depending on what you want to connect in the future, one or two 8-port devices.
Lets put an inexpensive Pulse 16 as an example.

If any possible get what will satisfiy your full demand now and for the next 5-10+ years.

The UFX III could also be your last recording interface, that you have to purchase.

Also take into consideration, that BBF Pro FS had to be designed to be energy conservative, as it needs to be able to run USB bus powered.

UFX II and UFX III have
- the converters of the ADI-2 Pro FS reference converter
- Full implementation of FX chip, separate DSP
- therefore also RoomEQ and cross-feed are possible
- triple SPDIF (AES and two independend ADAT I/O, both switchable to SPDIF)
- DURec
- Autoset
- 4 Mic inputs up to 75 dB gain range, switchable to serve as Mic input
- already two excellent headphone outputs

You can use my Excel sheet for comparison purposes: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

My current setup as an example (for inspiration):
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … iii-en-de/

BTW .. if you need something to document your new studio setup, I have something here for you:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … tup-en-de/
My setup documented in one Excel file including TM FX setup / routing and a few other cool things.

This makes a lot of sense. And no, I never play their buy/sell game (ask my wife with regards to me being a gear hoarder…). I was thinking Babyface as a (even more) portable solution that can still be used with the Pro40 for now - before adding a 19” unit later.

What keeps me from buying the more complete 19” units right now is that I want to have a portable option first. So the UCX may just be the ticket? And I could add in the additional half rack 4 pre version later.

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,263

Re: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

Do you mean UCX (old product) or UCX II ?
What half rack 4 pre?

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2024-11-23
  • Posts: 10

Re: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

ramses wrote:

Do you mean UCX (old product) or UCX II ?
What half rack 4 pre?

Yes, UCX II (around 1700 bucks on Sweetwater).

And the Quad Mic II (later instead of mucking around with the old Pro40 when I need more mic inputs). Those would go into the line in on the UCX2, right?

  • Kubrak
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2023-08-03
  • Posts: 605

Re: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

BF Pro FS is pleasant interface. And also pretty nice looking design. And small, well portable, no need for power adapter/cable. IMHO good companion, when on move. I have bought it just for DJing. I know a bit overkill, but handy and it has all what I need and not much things more. And it is build like a tank.

UCX II is also nice interface, it is on the way to my home. Thanks to Black Friday. But, I would not want to carry it for DJing. Disconnect all the cabling, pack it carefully (protect the display), carry it... And on return reconnect cabling again....

But it is always about one's use case and preferences... I am lazy guy, so I would get BF Pro FS and UCX II or UFX II later on.

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS
  • Registered: 2024-11-23
  • Posts: 10

Re: New user - planning out my computer/interface upgrade path

Thanks everyone for the feedback and suggestions. Went ahead and ordered the UCX II and a set of Adam speakers to start the journey into upgrading my studio/portable recording gear.

It won out against the Apollo for me with better connectivity overall, reputation, and being made in Germany and not China.
What kept me on the fence is the single headphone out and two pres instead of four.
But the downsides of the Apollo X4 (no midi, no Spdif without an optical converter, made in China, focus on selling more plugins, no standalone recording…) outweighed the pros (nicer looking unit, four pres).