RME Fireface 802 FS AE USB 2.0 Audio Interface - Black Anniversary Edition

The RME Fireface 802 FS AE is technically identical to the Fireface 802 FS and offers the same powerful features and functions. These include 60 channels of audio, high-end microphone preamps, reference class converters, a complete effects section and operation at up to 192 kHz. Active SteadyClock FS jitter suppression, individually switchable reference levels for all inputs and outputs, DC-coupled outputs for all 8 analog line outputs, full standalone functionality, DigiCheck metering and analysis toolbox and identical operation on Windows PC and Mac completes the package.

The Fireface 802 FS AE also offers an optional Class Compliant mode (30 channel I/O with up to 192 kHz) 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 now find a USB-A port for direct connection of the optional available ARC USB.

UNMATCHED FLEXIBILITY

Ultra-low latency operation with RME USB 2 technology, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance. SteadyClock FS jitter suppression, individually switchable reference levels for all inputs and outputs, full stand-alone functionality and identical operation on Windows PC and Mac completes the package.

The Fireface 802 FS is based on a newly developed analog and digital board. While the analog board offers, for example, DC-coupled analog outputs as well as new AD and DA converters, the digital board also enables interesting new features thanks to updated high-tech components.

The front panel of the Fireface 802 FS provides four high-performance XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone, instrument and line signals and two stereo headphone jacks with +17 dBu output level, to provide high volumes even with hi-impedance headphones.

The rear panel reveals the full connectivity of the Fireface 802 FS. Besides MIDI and Word Clock I/O, the two optical ADAT I/Os, an AES/EBU I/O, and eight balanced analog inputs and outputs with line level are available. With the new Multi-Mode, the two ADAT I/Os can be used as separate optical SPDIF inputs and outputs in addition to the AES I/O. Users will also find a USB A port for connecting directly the optional available ARC USB.

POWERFUL APPLICATIONS FOR MIXING, MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT INCLUDED

The Fireface 802 FS comes with the TotalMix FX DSP mixer offering comprehensive routing and monitoring options, as well as the DigiCheck 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.

The additional TotalMix Remote is a remote control for TotalMix FX, to control the hardware mixer and effects in RME audio interfaces. TotalMix Remote mirrors the current state of the host system on the iPad and Windows/Mac computers - the entire mixing state, the complete routing, all FX settings, up to the level meters, and everything in real-time. Easily adjust all the mixer and FX settings from a distance, via Ethernet and WiFi.

USB 2 CLASS COMPLIANT AUDIO

The Fireface 802 FS operates in two different modes: driver-based USB 2 and Class Compliant. The Class Compliant mode is a standard that is natively supported by operating systems like Windows, Mac OSX and Linux distributions. No proprietary drivers are required, the device will be directly recognized when the CC firmware is loaded. The alternative CC mode can be activated via a recessed pushbutton switch directly at the back of the interface.

The Fireface 802 FS offers full USB 2.0 support in Class Compliant Mode. This makes all channels available in driverless operation for Linux, Mac and iPadOS. An iPad Pro with USB C can manage up to 60 channels for recording and playback in TotalMix FX for iPad and on system level.

DC-COUPLED OUTPUTS - CV/GATE VOLTAGE CONTROL

Most audio interfaces are traditionally designed with what is called 'AC-coupled outputs', where capacitors are used to filter out any extreme low frequencies.

Whilst these frequencies are generally considered undesirable for audio - eating into headroom and potentially causing damage to other equipment - one instance where DC-coupling remains desirable is the world of modular synthesizers, where static or slow-moving signals are used for control over various parameters such as pitch note values or LFOs.

All of the Fireface 802 FS line-level outputs are fully DC-coupled, allowing for the sending of control voltages (CV) or Gate information to modular synthesizers (such as the popular Eurorack and Moog/MOTM/Synthesizers formats) and other studio hardware.

ARC USB REMOTE CONTROL - PLUG’N PLAY PLUS

The optional available ARC USB connects to your computer via USB, and talks to TotalMix FX directly. It has 15 freely assignable and illuminated buttons, one encoder wheel, and a TS jack to connect a foot switch.

The ARC USB is a USB 1.1 MIDI remote control for the Fireface 802 FS. Thanks to operating as a UAC 1 class device, it is natively compatible to Windows and Mac OS X. As soon as it is present in the operating system, TotaIMix FX will automatically detect the ARC USB, and communicate with it via simple MIDI remote commands to control the 802 FS.

EXPERIENCE UNCOMPROMISING AUDIO QUALITY

Like other RME products before the Fireface 802 FS combines excellent analog circuit design with latest digital conversion technology. All balanced TRS & XLR I/Os as well as the two phones outputs offer outstanding low noise and distortion values. In best RME tradition and product philosophy converters and preamps don’t produce “sound”, they do not add or remove anything from the source signal, just capture it as it is.

Equipped with the latest low latency A/D and D/A converter chips, all I/Os operate at up to 192 kHz and reach high dynamic range on playback - even both headphone outputs. Their high power technology delivers high volume no matter if high or low impedance phones are used. Due to its efficient jitter reduction, RME’s superior SteadyClock FS guarantees state-of-the-art AD/DA conversion, even when clocking to an external clock source.

Every input and output is individually switchable to these common professional studio levels: -10 dBV, +4 dBu, HiGain (equivalent to +2 dBV, +13 dBu and +19 dBu for digital full scale). All outputs can be used for ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM) purposes.

PROFESSIONAL HIGH-TRANSPARENCY PREAMPS

For Microphones and Instruments with Low Latency Conversion. The 802 FS has four high-transparency preamps, also with low latency converters. Microphone and instrument preamps of the 802 FS use the classic technology of the OctaMic II, a high-end preamp for supreme sonic demands and critical applications, like the professional recording of classical concerts. The symmetrical preamp design impresses with extremely low distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and a perfect linear frequency response. A premium solution for transmitting and amplifying any audio input truly unchanged, be it high-level stage or typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones.

The four inputs on the front use balanced XLR/TS combo sockets and operate alternatively as Hi-Z inputs. Directly plug in up to four guitars or other instruments - no other hardware required. Each channel can be individually switched to 48V phantom power or instrument mode. LEDs for signal, clip, TS operation and activated phantom power provide overview on the unit's status.

The Fireface 802 FS follows RME's tradition of providing flexible and expandable audio systems. Adding additional preamplifiers or more analog inputs is easily done via the dual ADAT optical I/Os on the rear.

STANDALONE OPERATION WITH SETUP RECALL

The Fireface 802 FS can be set up and configured directly via iPad, MIDI remote and ARC USB. Additionally 6 memory slots are present where the current configuration can be stored permanently. This way the 802 FS operates independently from a computer. In stand-alone operation it can turn itself into different devices by the simple push on a button.

ICC - INTELLIGENT CLOCK CONTROL

Not only displays every clock status, but will also retain the last valid input sample rate in case of failure of the external source. Other renowned RME technologies like SyncCheck offer a quick detection of clock problems.

FEATURES:

• 30-in/30-out USB 2.0 audio interface
• Reference-quality AD/DA conversion
• SteadyClock FS technology provides jitter-free sound reproduction
• Low-latency hardware and driver design
• Four mic/line preamps provide ample gain
• 8 TRS line inputs
• Optical ADAT(switchable to S/PDIF) and AES/EBU XLR provide comprehensive digital connectivity
• Word clock and MIDI I/O
• Dual headphone outputs
• DC-coupled outputs can send control voltages and gate information to modular synth rigs
• TotalMix FX allows for routing and mixing of all inputs to physical outputs
• DSP EQ, dynamics, reverb, and delay for any outputs
• Standalone functionality and class-compliant mode allow for driverless operation with Windows, MacOS, Linux, and iPadOS OS
• TotalMix Remote software provides remote control from Mac, PC, or iPad
• Use DigiCheck tool to measure and analyze digital data