The development of the RME Fireface series, especially from the Fireface 800 to the Fireface 802 FS, reflects the technological evolution of audio interfaces in the professional audio sector over the last two decades. When the Fireface 800 was launched in 2004, it set new standards for audio interfaces in the studio and live environment. It was based on the very fast FireWire 800 standard and offered first-class latency times, high stability and support of up to 192kHz sample rates. Particularly outstanding was the comprehensive I/O equipment with 56 channels (28 in/28 out), including ten analog inputs and outputs as well as ADAT, SPDIF and MIDI interfaces. The Fireface 800 quickly established itself in professional recording studios and was considered to be extremely robust and reliable.
The Fireface 802 FS was launched in 2023 and definitely replaced the original FireWire with a 30-in/30-out USB 2.0 interface, 24-bit/192kHz, keeping the ADAT and SPDIF connectivity. The new Fireface 802 FS AE is technically identical to the Fireface 802 FS and offers the same powerful features and functions. This includes precise AD/DA conversion, flexible I/O options and the renowned high audio quality that professional users have relied on for two decades.
The Fireface 802 FS AE is a highly integrated pro audio solution for live and studio use in a 19" enclosure and offers 60 audio channels, high-end microphone preamps, reference class converters, a complete effects section and operation at up to 192kHz. Active SteadyClock FS jitter suppression, DC-coupled outputs for all 8 analog line outputs, individually switchable reference levels for all inputs and outputs, full stand-alone functionality and identical operation on Windows PC and Mac complete the package.
The Fireface 802 FS AE comes with the TotalMix FX DSP mixer offering comprehensive routing and monitoring options, as well as the DigiCheck NG Analyzer allowing to measure and analyze the digital data feed in both directions with maximum precision. TotalMix FX can completely replace an external mixer, enabling the creation of multiple latency-free monitor mixes with EQ, Dynamics, Reverb and Delay for any outputs, incl. main monitors and headphone mixes for musicians.
Additionally, the Fireface 802 FS AE features the Room EQ known from the Fireface UFX III with 9-band PEQ, Delay, Volume Calibration and Crossfeed - four very useful features for speaker surround setup and optimized headphone usage.
Femtoseconds for Clocking
With the SteadyClock FS, the Fireface 802 FS AE features the latest clock and jitter rejection technology from RME. Based on a femto clock, SteadyClock FS reduces the intrinsic jitter of the Fireface 802 FS AE to an absolute minimum and filters clock jitter efficiently from as low as 1Hz.
The Fireface 802 FS AE also offers an optional Class Compliant mode (30 channel I/O with up to 192kHz) and operation with TotalMix FX for iPad, RME's app to fully control the Fireface 802 FS AE from the iPad without any computer. The alternative CC mode can be activated via a recessed pushbutton switch directly at the back of the interface. For controlling TotalMix FX including the latest Room EQ feature, users will find a USB-A port for direct connection of the optional available ARC USB.
For larger channel counts, RME offers the Fireface UFX III,which is a Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 audio interface for 94-inputs/94-outputs at 24-bit/192kHz.
The RME Fireface 802 FS AE is available now.
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