The RME Fireface UFX III is the company’s most powerful flagship interface to date, featuring SteadyClock FS, upgraded AD/DA converters and mic preamps, USB 3.0 and USB-C connectivity, internal DSP effects, and more. True to RME’s reputation, it delivers ultra-low latency performance and rock-solid driver stability for flawless operation in any environment.
This 94-in/94-out audio interface is built for large-scale productions, offering four onboard microphone preamps and a massive 128 channels of MADI I/O. Direct USB recording is made possible with RME’s DURec feature, while the internal DSP provides 188 channels of EQ and dynamics processing, a dedicated reverb/delay bus, extensive control room functionality, and automatic microphone gain. A comprehensive suite of plug-ins and standalone software further enhances the Fireface UFX III’s versatility for recording, mixing, and mastering.
The Fireface UFX III represents a major step forward over previous generations. Upgraded AD/DA conversion combined with RME’s advanced SteadyClock FS technology ensures pristine, jitter-free audio quality. Four newly enhanced microphone preamps deliver exceptionally accurate sound capture with ample gain for demanding microphones, while USB 3.0 and USB-C connectivity provide fast performance and long-term future-proofing.
Designed to handle demanding studio and live applications, the Fireface UFX III offers an expansive array of I/O. Four mic/line preamps and eight TRS line inputs are complemented by two XLR outputs and six TRS outputs. Optical ADAT and AES/EBU digital I/O allow for flexible system expansion, while 128 channels of MADI I/O support complex, large-format setups. Dual headphone outputs and MIDI I/O complete this highly capable connectivity package.
The Fireface UFX III is powered by RME’s acclaimed TotalMix FX internal digital mixer, enabling fully independent routing and mixing of all input and playback channels to any physical output. Independent stereo submixes and a comprehensive control room section deliver advanced monitoring and routing flexibility. With 188 channels of EQ, 188 channels of dynamics processing, a reverb/delay bus, and automatic mic gain, the internal DSP is exceptionally robust. Control is further extended via TotalMix Remote software for Mac, PC, and iOS devices.
The Fireface UFX III is the central hub of any multitrack studio, effortlessly handling up to 94 channels of I/O. Its exceptional flexibility, broad compatibility, DURec (Direct USB Recording), and RME’s renowned low-latency hardware and driver design ensure flawless operation across all modes and applications.
Equipped with professional-grade features such as SteadyClock FS, 64-channel MADI I/O, a powerful DSP engine, USB 3.0 with full 94-channel Class Compliant support, TotalMix FX, Direct USB Recording, and compatibility with the optional Advanced Remote Control USB, the Fireface UFX III stands as the preferred solution for professional recording, mixing, and mastering.
The Fireface UFX III is built around newly developed analog and digital boards. The analog section offers DC-coupled outputs and new AD/DA converters with improved THD+N performance, while the redesigned digital board enables advanced new features through updated high-tech components.
The front panel of the Fireface UFX III features four high-performance XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone, instrument, and line signals, two stereo headphone outputs delivering up to +19 dBu, MIDI I/O, and a front-mounted USB port. When combined with the DURec function, this USB port enables independent recording of selected input and output signals—up to 80 channels—directly to connected USB storage media.
The rear panel reveals extensive connectivity, including an additional MIDI I/O, dual optical ADAT I/Os, AES/EBU I/O, and eight balanced line-level analog outputs, including XLR stereo monitor outputs. Using Multi-Mode, the ADAT I/Os can also function as separate optical SPDIF inputs and outputs alongside AES. An optical MADI (SC) interface provides 64 bidirectional channels, while Word Clock BNC connectors can alternatively operate as coaxial MADI I/O.
The Fireface UFX III opens access to a wide range of RME and third-party digital and analog I/O solutions. Expanding analog channel counts and routing within the digital domain allows for highly flexible studio configurations, while multiple external MADI devices can be daisy-chained with ease.
RME-style advanced features further enhance MADI flexibility. Even in USB 2 mode, limited to 30 channels of I/O, the MADI I/O remains accessible via the TotalMix FX hardware mixer. Word Clock I/O can be switched to coaxial MADI, and a special split mode allows simultaneous use of optical and coaxial MADI, each carrying 32 channels.
The Fireface UFX III includes TotalMix FX, a comprehensive DSP mixer offering advanced routing and monitoring, alongside the DIGICheck Analyzer for precise measurement and analysis of digital audio streams in both directions. TotalMix FX can fully replace an external mixer, enabling multiple latency-free monitor mixes with EQ, dynamics, reverb, and delay for all outputs, including main monitors and headphone mixes.
TotalMix Remote extends control of TotalMix FX to iPad, Windows, and Mac systems, mirroring the complete mixer state in real time. All routing, effects, levels, and meters can be adjusted remotely over Ethernet or WiFi, providing flexible and intuitive control from anywhere in the studio.
While most audio interfaces rely on AC-coupled outputs to filter extremely low frequencies, DC-coupling remains essential for modular synthesizer environments that rely on static or slow-moving control signals.
All line-level outputs on the Fireface UFX III are fully DC-coupled, allowing the transmission of control voltages and gate signals to modular synthesizers such as Eurorack, Moog, MOTM formats, and other compatible studio hardware.
The Fireface UFX III supports both driver-based USB 3 operation and Class Compliant mode. Class Compliant operation is natively supported by Windows, macOS, Linux, and iPadOS, allowing immediate device recognition without proprietary drivers when CC firmware is loaded.
As RME’s first interface with full USB 3.0 Class Compliant support, the Fireface UFX III enables full-channel, driverless operation across platforms. An iPad Pro with USB-C can manage up to 94 channels of recording and playback using TotalMix FX for iPad and system-level audio routing.
The optional ARC USB remote connects directly via USB and communicates seamlessly with TotalMix FX. It features 15 freely assignable illuminated buttons, an encoder wheel, and a TS jack for connecting a footswitch.
Operating as a USB 1.1 MIDI remote control, the ARC USB is natively compatible with Windows and macOS. Once detected by the operating system, TotalMix FX automatically integrates the controller, enabling immediate hands-on control of the Fireface UFX III via MIDI commands.
DURec is an integrated digital recorder that captures all inputs and outputs directly to USB storage devices via the front-panel USB port. Supporting USB drives and hard disks up to 2 TB, recording is handled entirely by the internal DSP, independent of any connected computer.
This functionality transforms the Fireface UFX III into a standalone field recorder and multichannel playback device, ideal for live concerts, rehearsals, virtual sound checks, and spontaneous sessions—all without requiring a computer or software.
Since 2001, TotalMix has provided unlimited routing and mixing for RME interfaces. Its ability to create independent submixes for every output makes it one of the most powerful and flexible mixers available for both studio and live applications.
RME interfaces include DigiCheck, a powerful software suite for metering, testing, measuring, and analyzing digital audio streams with exceptional precision.
SteadyClock FS delivers excellent performance across all clock modes, providing ultra-low jitter, high jitter immunity, and superior analog conversion for accurate, transparent monitoring.
RME develops its own USB audio core, ensuring reliable, stable, and regularly updated drivers for both Mac and PC. This independence from third-party solutions allows seamless compatibility with the latest operating systems without disruption.
The Room EQ feature enhances TotalMix FX with optimized handling of the built-in PEQ, including 9-band EQ, volume calibration, and crossfeed functionality for precise room and monitoring correction.
| Computer Connectivity | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Rackmount |
| Simultaneous I/O | 94 x 94 |
| Number of Preamps | 4 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| A/D Resolution | Up to 24-bit / 192kHz |
| Effects | DSP EQ, Dynamics, Reverb, Delay |
| Analog Inputs | 4 x XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), 8 x 1/4" TRS (line) |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x XLR, 6 x 1/4" TRS |
| Digital Inputs | 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT), 1 x Optical MADI, 1 x XLR (AES/EBU) |
| Digital Outputs | 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT), 1 x Optical MADI, 1 x XLR (AES/EBU) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| MIDI I/O | In / Out |
| USB Ports | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A (Remote) |
| Clock I/O | 2 x Word Clock |
| Included Software | RME DigiCheck, TotalMix FX |
| OS Requirements (Mac) | macOS 10.12 or later |
| OS Requirements (Windows) | Windows 8.1 or later |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Supply | Standard IEC AC Cable |
| Height | 1.73" |
| Width | 19" |
| Depth | 8.5" |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Manufacturer Part Number | Fireface UFX3 4260123363406 |
