• Registered: 2012-01-06
  • Posts: 6

Topic: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

I would like to buy the RME Fireface UCX as a field recorder. I already own the Fireface UFX and really enjoy using the interface which I am now familiar with. However, my only problem would be powering the unit? Could I use an external battery? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. How long could I expect the battery to last?

2 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,604

Re: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

External battery is no problem. 12V 3 Ah or bigger is recommended, will run for about 1.5 hours.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2011-05-07
  • Posts: 37

Re: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

I have been researching external power supplies and these two batteries meet the requirements

https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome/pr … ergorilla/

and

http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/us/products/xp18000/

I'm not sure how long they would last. I'm also unsure if they would have the relevant connections to connect to the UCX.

  • Registered: 2011-05-07
  • Posts: 37

Re: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

There is also a possibility of using a generator but there are size/ weight issues.

  • all
  • AES/EBU artist
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  • Registered: 2011-12-02
  • Posts: 179

Re: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

well, ucx + laptop/ipad + dozen of batteries, or worse, noisy generator, what kind of field rec session this would be...
good luck :-)

i hope someone would report about it.

once i wished i could do it with only my ufx and some of my mics, but i just gave up, these power issues can't be solved (as a field recordist i have to be ready to rec at least one full day...)

  • Registered: 2011-05-07
  • Posts: 37

Re: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

all wrote:

well, ucx + laptop/ipad + dozen of batteries, or worse, noisy generator, what kind of field rec session this would be...
good luck :-)

i hope someone would report about it.

once i wished i could do it with only my ufx and some of my mics, but i just gave up, these power issues can't be solved (as a field recordist i have to be ready to rec at least one full day...)

I'm starting to feel this is a bit of a lost cause. The UCX is the right size but I need a power pack roughly the same size as the unit which will last for about 3 hours. I've owned other field recorders and I know RME quality is as good as any of them but this power issue needs to be sorted.

7 Reply by Fidel73 (edited by Fidel73 2012-08-27 13:53:11)

  • From: France
  • Registered: 2007-09-14
  • Posts: 113

Re: Using the new Fireface UCX as a field recorder

k

winniepooh wrote:

...once i wished i could do it with only my ufx and some of my mics, but i just gave up, these power issues can't be solved (as a field recordist i have to be ready to rec at least one full day...)

I'm starting to feel this is a bit of a lost cause. The UCX is the right size but I need a power pack roughly the same size as the unit which will last for about 3 hours. I've owned other field recorders and I know RME quality is as good as any of them but this power issue needs to be sorted

I have recently upgraded from using lead acid batteries (very badly stopping safe servicing after some recharging cycles within two years) to a performing Li-Ion pack that can power effortless your UCX, as it does with my Korg recorder + sonosax pre, and obviously my RME UC

If you are in the EU , go at this point
http://www.all-batteries.fr/batterie-li … 810-2.html

but you need to invest in its dedicated charger as well
http://www.all-batteries.fr/chargeur-li … 802-6.html
which brings the whole pack to ~300 euros

But the safe operation, very low self discharge and steady power delivery, and much important its transient current capability to secure your RME gear power-up - lowering the risk of booting issues -  makes the investment worth over time

HDSP9632, HDSP9652, ADI-8QS, FFUC, Quadmic II