• Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 17

Topic: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Hi RME Users,

I dove into the RME ecosystem with an old Fireface 400 to experiment & have enjoyed the experience.

I am considering a much deeper, more expensive & potentially risky dive buying a used UFX+ in 2025.

I know RME maintains drivers well as the FireFace 400 runs well. I'm aware the Thunderbolt chips (2022) were discontinued & devices now moving forward are USB3 only.

Im on an M1 Mac. Run Ventura & Update OSX rarely.
I want Madi so I have expandability & can for example run an X32 Rack into it & integrate that ecosystem which I also enjoy.

UFX+ Requested Price $1250

Is it a fair deal?
Futureproof?
Any considerations or risks?
How have people's experiences been?
Any recent driver issues?
Difference in performance with USB vs Thunderbolt?

  • waedi
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
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Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Is the internal power supply the old original or was it replaced ?
It would be good if it was replaced by RME service partner and you get documents of this.
If this is the case, then the price seems to be fair.

Myself I would not buy because USB3 is the actual way to go.

But there are many users who still use the UFX+ and are happy with it.

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

3 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-08-05 13:46:41)

  • ramses
  • ramses
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Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

If you can get a UFX+ in good condition, why not.
Thunderbolt as additional transport gives you an option in case it's needed.
Yes, MADI is a good thing.

If you get an RME device used then the price is usually 65-80% of street price (depending on age and condition).
If the unit is in good condition I would say the price is very well.

[ EDIT: just see Matthias Carstens remark. Maybe price is even too well; check the unit as good as you can.
I just had an eBay deal. Wonderful Sonnet Pro card which costed €160 years ago (not manufacured anymore)
and now used for €40. One of the four USB3 ports was damaged; I had to return it.
All the efforts that you do not want with such a purchase. ]

The differences between UFX+ and UFX III you can read here in my blog:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … ufx-en-de/

If you want to get an idea of how UFX+ and UFX III compare in terms of RTL, then check this blog article.
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … cts-en-de/

The differences between those products or between USB3 and Thunderbolt are not that high as you can see.

Under Windows, the Thunderbolt driver will give you additionally the pitch feature, which is not available under the USB3 driver. I am not sure whether this is also the case under macOS. I never required it, but it's simply an additional feature that you can make use of if needed.

I upgraded from UFX+ to UFX III mainly for the reason to optimize converter latency as I am using my UFX III as a parallel effect loop for my Marshall amp to add FX parallel not serial. In such a scenario I wanted the lowest converter latency possible even if the difference is low.

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 15, Win10 IoT Ent
  • Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 17

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Thanks for your suggestions.

I Havn't had a closer look at the unit & wouldn't know how to check whether the internal power supply was changed.
Why is this something of particular note? Have you had power supply issues in the past?

You mention you wouldn't go with the UFX+ as USB3 is the future but it is USB 3 compatible.
Is there a signicant difference in the driver architecture between withe the UFX III?

I'm on a budget so looking for a bargain upgrade wink

waedi wrote:

Is the internal power supply the old original or was it replaced ?
It would be good if it was replaced by RME service partner and you get documents of this.
If this is the case, then the price seems to be fair.

Myself I would not buy because USB3 is the actual way to go.

But there are many users who still use the UFX+ and are happy with it.

  • Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 17

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Thanks for your insights.

Thats it, if its in good condition & I can get it cheap & there are no considerable issues for future proofing them I'm strongly considering it.

Matthias Carstens remark is certainly interesting. Whats to say I buy a used unit (no warranty either), DSP works without issue & then unfortunately something goes wrong? Could make the device redundant. For such premium purchases I usually go new for this reason but just not in that position atm unfortunately.

Sorry to hear about your purchase experience, thus my attention to detail in considering mine!

The UFX+ is no doubt a beast & would do an amazing job in my rack. I'll be exceptionally pleased with the latency it delivers.

Very interesting use you have there, I do some similar things with live performance as well in tandem with Ableton & Live effects.

ramses wrote:

If you can get a UFX+ in good condition, why not.
Thunderbolt as additional transport gives you an option in case it's needed.
Yes, MADI is a good thing.

If you get an RME device used then the price is usually 65-80% of street price (depending on age and condition).
If the unit is in good condition I would say the price is very well.

[ EDIT: just see Matthias Carstens remark. Maybe even too well; check the unit as good as you can.
I just had an eBay deal. Wonderful Sonnet Pro card which costed €160 years ago (not manufacured anymore)
and now used for €40. One of the four USB3 ports was damaged; I had to return it.
All the efforts that you do not want with such a purchase. ]

The differences between UFX+ and UFX III you can read here in my blog:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … ufx-en-de/

If you want to get an idea of how UFX+ and UFX III compare in terms of RTL, then check this blog article.
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ent … cts-en-de/

The differences between those products or between USB3 and Thunderbolt are not that high as you can see.

Under Windows, the Thunderbolt driver will give you additionally the pitch feature, which is not available under the USB3 driver. I am not sure whether this is also the case under macOS. I never required it, but it's simply an additional feature that you can make use of if needed.

I upgraded from UFX+ to UFX III mainly for the reason to optimize converter latency as I am using my UFX III as a parallel effect loop for my Marshall amp to add FX parallel not serial. In such a scenario I wanted the lowest converter latency possible even if the difference is low.

  • Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 17

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Thanks for the tip!

Please elaborate on what the display errors will appear as?
Any way to check whether its a newer or older device (manufacture date) ? Serial number range for example?

7 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

I deleted my post above because even me gets confused sometimes - that DSP/RAM issue is known for the original UFX, not the UFX+. The UFX+ may need a new power supply at some point, though. But if it works right now I woudn't worry.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

8 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

waedi wrote:

Myself I would not buy because USB3 is the actual way to go.

The UFX+ is/has USB 3.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

9 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-08-06 08:38:06)

  • ramses
  • ramses
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  • Registered: 2012-10-14
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Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

MC wrote:
waedi wrote:

Myself I would not buy because USB3 is the actual way to go.

The UFX+ is/has USB 3.

It can even be used with USB2 as a 30-channel interface (like UFX II) if there is a technical reason for that.

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 15, Win10 IoT Ent
  • Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 17

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Thanks for the clarification!!

MC wrote:

I deleted my post above because even me gets confused sometimes - that DSP/RAM issue is known for the original UFX, not the UFX+. The UFX+ may need a new power supply at some point, though. But if it works right now I woudn't worry.

11 Reply by claptastic (edited by claptastic 2025-08-07 14:13:05)

  • Registered: 2023-04-01
  • Posts: 17

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

So to follow up on my own question - Yes it is a good idea buying a used UFX+ in 2025 smile

I went to look at the unit, the seller had some serious gear, good sign! He was generous with his pricing.
The UFX+ is in good condition & the seller even provided an ARC controller as part of the deal.
I can see some great possibilities with the ARC.
Functions aside They're lovely looking products too!

I installed both the drivers before leaving home in case I needed to test things myself. A breeze. Install, Allow Security Permissions, restart, done.

Security Permissions: https://rme-audio.de/rme-macos.html

I did not need to use my computer as the card was rack mounted, ready to demonstrate functionality, ins, outs, totalmix, dsp all working!

I got it home & In true RME fashion I plugged it in & it worked immediately.
Connected via thunderbolt adapter to a thunderbolt 4 dock & works a dream (I know not ideal but its easier)
Not tested USB3 yet.
Literally plug & play on M1 Max Mac Ventura. Smooth as butter.

Excited to explore the DSP, Routing & connectivity I now have at hand.

Also impressed with the quality of users on the forum & Admin's transparency & tips, thanks all!

Anything else of notable interest for discussion regarding the UFX+ &/or ARC ?

12 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-08-07 14:13:01)

  • ramses
  • ramses
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Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Cool, congrats, nice to hear. Enjoy your new toy :-)
I am glad that device/purchase worked fine for you.

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 15, Win10 IoT Ent
  • Registered: 2017-01-30
  • Posts: 10

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

MC wrote:

I deleted my post above because even me gets confused sometimes - that DSP/RAM issue is known for the original UFX, not the UFX+. The UFX+ may need a new power supply at some point, though. But if it works right now I woudn't worry.

Hello Matthias,

I've had a UFX+ for 9 years and have never had any problems with the power supply. I didn't know there were problems with it. My concern is if it stops working during a recording in location.Would we advisable to have the spare part with me?

UFX+, ARC USB, Octamic XTC, ADI-2 PRO FS R, 12Mic
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 10,966

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Issues tend to announce themselves before a complete failure, i.e. the unit will take longer to switch on or so. But since replacing the power supply in the middle of the gig could lead to  longish unplugged interlude, you may want to consider just replacing it preemptively.
But even then, consider a backup solution for critical SPOF devices.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2017-01-30
  • Posts: 10

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Ok, thanks.

UFX+, ARC USB, Octamic XTC, ADI-2 PRO FS R, 12Mic
  • Registered: 2018-12-21
  • Posts: 434

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

claptastic wrote:

Connected via thunderbolt adapter to a thunderbolt 4 dock & works a dream (I know not ideal but its easier)
Not tested USB3 yet.
Literally plug & play on M1 Max Mac Ventura. Smooth as butter.
[...]
Anything else of notable interest for discussion regarding the UFX+ &/or ARC ?

Congrats, I did the same, explicitly got a used UFX+ in favor of a UFX III. Running it via Thunderbolt through a Dock and never looked back. No problems whatsoever, which I cannot say about using USB 3 on Macs (e.g. with our MADIface XT...).
I would not bother to install the USB driver for testing, it won't get better wink

  • Registered: 2022-02-10
  • Posts: 4

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

hselters, may you inform me what USB3 problems you encountered with the MADIfaceXT and MacOS?

Which systems and OS version(s) were you running and was it the original MADIfaceXT or the current version?

  • Registered: 2018-12-21
  • Posts: 434

Re: Is Buying a Used UFX+ in 2025 A Good Move?

Original Madiface XT,
I had some dropouts during playback some time ago (around 100 channels parallel…). It has been a while, so can’t remember the config.
Also I remember having problems on Safari with Webradio streams and I experienced very similar problems with the UFX+ under USB 3.0 on different Macs. These issues usually got worse when using hubs other usb devices or slightly longer USB cables, but even with direct connection and the short original cables there were issues.
As I never had any of these severe issues on any RME when using FireWire, USB 2.0 or Thunderbolt, I just try to avoid USB 3.0 when possible. 

At the moment the MadifaceXT is working fine, but I’m currently only using it for stereo playback on the two analogue or headphone out (MacBook Pro M1 under Sequoia).
Maybe things have been fixed and it’s all good now, who knows.