RME Fireface UFX III
A 188-channel USB 3.0 flagship interface combining mastering-grade conversion, MADI/ADAT/AES/analog I/O, rock-solid drivers, and DURec.
Overview
Building on the UFX+ architecture with redesigned analog/digital boards, the Fireface UFX III delivers 94×94 I/O (188 channels total) across MADI, ADAT, AES and analog, four premium mic preamps, TotalMix FX and DURec. It targets studios and broadcast facilities that demand transparent conversion, high channel counts, and robust routing on USB 3.0. [1]
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]Independent Audio Precision testing by Sound on Sound reports 119.1 dB(A) dynamic range for both A-D and D-A (AES17), and THD between 0.0001% and 0.00045%—well below audibility. Outputs are DC-coupled. These measurements substantiate transparency and place UFX III among mastering-grade references. [1]
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]- USB 3 provides up to 94×94 I/O; at higher rates digital channel counts drop: MADI 32 ch @ 96 kHz, 16 ch @ 192 kHz (ADAT reduces via SMUX). [1]
- Class-compliant: USB2 CC (no MADI) works on Windows/macOS/iOS/Linux; USB3 CC currently works on macOS and some iOS configurations. Full functionality and channel count require RME’s USB3 drivers on Windows/macOS. [1]
- DURec supports up to 80 simultaneous channels to USB media (configuration-dependent). [2][3]
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{1.0}\]We found no cheaper single-unit that matches or exceeds the UFX III’s 94×94 I/O with onboard MADI, TotalMix FX/DURec, and measured transparent conversion. Nearby options either cost more or fall short in I/O:
- Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen 2 Essentials+: 16×22, 3,499 USD. [4]
- Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII: 16×16 Dante, 4,399.99 USD. [5]
- Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core: up to 32×32, 2,995 USD (insufficient I/O). [6]
- MOTU 112D: 112×112 with MADI/AVB, 1,495 USD but no analog I/O or mic pres (digital bridge). [7]
Given the absence of a cheaper equivalent-or-better unit, CP = 1.0.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]RME’s long-term driver stability and build quality are widely recognized. Warranty varies by region: USA 2-year manufacturer warranty [8]; UK 5-year with registration (UK-only initiative) [9]; Japan 3-year with registration [10]. Documentation and tools (TotalMix FX, DIGICheck) support reliable daily operation.
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]Engineering resources focus on verifiable performance—low noise/distortion, SteadyClock FS jitter control, robust routing, and backup via DURec—rather than cosmetic features. Technical constraints (rate-dependent MADI/ADAT channel counts; CC caveats) are clearly stated, aligning expectations with real-world requirements. [1][2]
Advice
If you need very high simultaneous I/O, MADI integration and transparent conversion in a single rack unit, the UFX III remains a top pick at 3,199 USD. For DSP-centric plugin tracking, consider Apollo; for Dante-centric facilities, consider RedNet. But for maximum I/O per unit with lab-verified performance and proven drivers, UFX III is hard to beat.
References
[1] Sound on Sound: “RME Fireface UFX III Review” (measurements, CC caveats, MADI channel counts), https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/rme-fireface-ufx-iii (accessed 2025-08-14)
[2] RME USA – UFX III product page (DURec up to 80 ch), https://www.rme-usa.com/fireface-ufx-3.html (accessed 2025-08-14)
[3] RME Germany – UFX III product page (DURec up to 80 ch), https://rme-audio.de/fireface-ufx-3.html (accessed 2025-08-14)
[4] Sweetwater – Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen 2 Essentials+, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ApolloX8PG2–universal-audio-apollo-x8p-gen-2-essentials-16x22-thunderbolt-audio-interface-with-uad-dsp (accessed 2025-08-14)
[5] Sweetwater – Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RedNetA16RMk2–focusrite-rednet-a16r-mkii-16x16-dante-audio-interface (accessed 2025-08-14)
[6] Odyssey Pro Sound – Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core (2,995 USD), https://www.odysseyprosound.com/thunderbolt/antelope-audio-galaxy-32-synergy-core/ (accessed 2025-08-14)
[7] Sweetwater – MOTU 112D (1,495 USD), https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/112D–motu-112d-112x112-thunderbolt-usb-2.0-audio-interface-with-avb (accessed 2025-08-14)
[8] RME USA Support/Warranty (USA 2-year), https://www.rme-usa.com/support.html (accessed 2025-08-14)
[9] Synthax UK – 5-Year Warranty Registration (UK-only), https://www.synthax.co.uk/latest/rme-5-year-warranty-registration/ (accessed 2025-08-14)
[10] Synthax Japan – 製品ページ(3年保証, 登録要), https://synthax.jp/fireface-ufx-iii.html (accessed 2025-08-14)
(2025.8.14)