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detlef 7 January 2018

Hello, it's been a while since my last post, it's a pleasure to be here again.

I need a new audio interface with the following requirements:

Under 1000 EUR
Best audio quality possible at this price
Windows 8.1 laptop based
4-6 inputs, 2-4 built in pre (I have some very good external pre )
Stability

I know most good interface have at least 8 inputs, anyway I've owned an ECHO Layla 3g for 10 years(8 IN/OUT), I never used more than 2-4 inputs

I keep reading very good things about the RME FIREFACE UFX, although they sell used for at least 1300 EUR here.
Do you think it's wise to spend 1300 for a 7 years old interface?

Are there cards comparable to the RME in sound quality with perhaps less IN/OUT?
What about the new Antelope stuff?

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Comments

KurtFoster Sun, 01/07/2018 - 15:34

imo, in order of preference, UAD Apollo. i like the Apollo because of the plugs that you can get for it. seems like the best thing for home studios at the moment.

anything RME. RME makes a 4 channel interface. they have been very good about support and it's not likely you will get better converters / pres for less.

pcrecord Sun, 01/07/2018 - 16:42

I bought a used RME Fireface 800 from a member here. It's an old workhorse that I wouldn't go without.. it surpasses many new interfaces. Namely the Focusrite liquid saffire 56 I had before the FF800.
Of course like Kurt said. there is other RME interfaces available..
I love RME because the have the best drivers and realtime mixer on the market. And still to this day, updates are still made for it...

detlef Mon, 01/08/2018 - 06:14

Thanks for the replies

There are two Fireface 800 for sale right now for 650-700 EUR.
The FF 800 was introduced in 2004, I think it is a little old for these money.

The Fireface UC, with 2 pre + 6 IN would be ideal for my needs.
It sells for around 800 new right now.
it was introduced in 2010, isn't it a bit old as well?

Truth is that newer RMEs are out of my budget.
UA Apollo 8 is well over my budget as well.
I wish there was an intermediate model between the UA Apollo Twin Duo and the Apollo 8.

Is there a soundcard with similar features to the FF UC but newer, under 1000 EUR?

pcrecord Mon, 01/08/2018 - 10:14

ronmac, post: 454970, member: 24337 wrote: RME BabyFace Pro has 12 inputs (2 mic pres, 2 line inputs, 8 channels of ADAT), and is a rock solid, highly spec'd device.

The one on my desk is my 4th RME device, and I can say you won't get better gear for the money.

The babyface is a good exemple.. I just don't know how the preamps and converters compares to higher models like the UCX.
The other thing is, the OP says he has external quality preamps, so the 4-6 inputs must be analog inputs. Might be short there if he can't use the Adat inputs.

ronmac Mon, 01/08/2018 - 11:06

The OP states: ".... I never used more than 2-4 inputs"

As shown on RME's website, the BF Pro and UFX have very similar specs, with the BF Pro indeed beating out the UFX in some areas.

http://www.rme-audio.de/en/index.php

Here is an endorsement from someone who uses both:

https://www.prosoundweb.com/channels/recording/engineer_alex_chaloff_chooses_rme_babyface_pro_and_fireface_ufx_video/#

pcrecord Mon, 01/08/2018 - 12:23

Don't want to start a battle here, I value your opinion greatly.
Here where mine comes from :
he said : ''4-6 inputs , 2-4 built in pre (I have some very good external pre) '' I just assumed those were seperate needs..
''I never used more than 2-4 inputs'' : could meen 4 at the time but he may have more preamps to use alternately and may not want to unplug them each time...
In any case, the possibility for future expension influenced me to favor the UFX.
I hope he will shine in and refined his needs for use to agree ;)

BTW your interesting reference : https://www.prosoundweb.com/channel...ses_rme_babyface_pro_and_fireface_ufx_video/#
I read he says the same quality converters but no word about the preamps. He also says the he uses the Babyface mostly as a DAC to mix.

I have no doubt any of the RME products are very good and worth buying. I use a FF800 and even if it's very old it still delivers.
I will certainly choose RME when time to change comes.

detlef Mon, 01/08/2018 - 13:33

The UCX seems a good option.
Most of the times I use 1-2 ins simultaneously, fewer times I use 3-4 and occasionally more.

I didn't noticed The Babyface Pro has also 2 line ins.
It is also 3 years newer and 250 EUR cheaper than the UCX.

This are the main options right now.
Any other suggestion?

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