The RME Fireface 800 is the world's most powerful FireWire audio interface ever. Up to 56 channels record/playback, up to 192 kHz sample rate, and true FireWire 800 sum up to an unsurpassed high-end, high performance and high speed FireWire audio interface. Since the Fireface first shipped in July 2004, the unit became the reference for FireWire audio -- and still is today!
The RME Fireface 800 combines the proven technologies of previous RME products with the fastest FireWire technology. Analog technology of the ADI-8 converters, microphone technology of the OctaMic, TotalMix technology of the Hammerfall DSP series, years of experience in programming of efficient and reliable drivers, up to complete support from DIGICheck - only the best of the best, and even a bit more. The RME Fireface 800 offers the best worked out instrument input that could ever be found in an audio interface, a high power headphone output and signal-to-noise ratios of 119 dBA.
RMEs Fireface 800 is seen as reference by users and editors, when talking about FireWire audio and mobile recording.
Features
All inputs and outputs can be used at the same time*!. E. g., the instrument input can be used either instead of the line input on the back, or together with it. Even the TRS jack and the XLR socket of the microphone inputs can be used simultaneously. This way, up to 35 signal sources can be connected to the RME Fireface 800 and recorded onto 28 separate tracks!
Thanks to the DSP-based TotalMix mixer, known from the Hammerfall DSP series, all inputs and outputs can be freely mixed, distributed and routed. Up to 14 completely independent stereo submixes are possible. Each of the mixer's output channels, that is every single submix channel, can be recorded directly, without the need of external cable loops. And there's more: TotalMix can be MIDI remote controlled with any Mackie Control compatible controller.
All settings including TotalMix are recalled during boot via flash memory. After making all desired settings, the device works stand-alone even without computer as a submixer, A/D and D/A-converter, headphone mixer, format converter, instrument or microphone pre-amplifier, monitoring mixer and much more.
The RME Fireface 800 is equipped with SteadyClock(TM), RME's unique sync and clock technology. With this, the device becomes a sync reference for the whole studio. SteadyClock refreshes clock signals, removes jitter, and takes permanent care of optimal conversion quality, thus guarantees a sensational sound quality, completely independent from the reference clock's quality.
SteadyClock allows the RME Fireface 800 to control the sample rate freely on its own. The Settings dialog includes a direct choice of the video and audio world's most often used sample rates. Additionally, two faders can be used to set the sample rate freely and in real-time, within the range of +/- 4% and +/- 0.4%.
Via an insert slot on the back, a Time Code Option (TCO) for synchronizing to LTC and video can be added. Thanks to SteadyClock, the RME Fireface 800 does not only extract absolute positions, but also a very clean low-jitter word clock.
The RME Fireface 800 has a second port for hub functionality, bi-lingual mode for full FireWire 400 compatibility, and an additional FireWire 400 port. Several Fireface 800 can be used in parallel and at the same time on one FireWire port.
Audio Connections
Analog I/Os: Eight balanced line inputs and outputs with software controlled switching of the reference levels (-10 dBV, +4 dBu, HiGain), of course realized discretely in the analog domain, guarantee highest dynamic range and highest fidelity. Apart from the levels of the microphone pre-amps and the headphone outputs, all device settings are software controlled. Equipped with high-quality A/D and D/A converter chips, all I/Os operate up to 192 kHz and reach 119 dBA dynamic range on playback - even the headphone output (playback channels 9/10), whose high power technology delivers high volume even with low-impedance headphones.
On the front side, the RME Fireface 800 has 4 discrete balanced microphone inputs with class-A stage, separate activation of 48 V phantom power and separate XLR/TRS inputs, where the latter can also be used as additional Line inputs. Two of the four mic inputs are permanently available as channels 9 and 10, the other two can be used together with or alternatively to the inputs 7/8 on the back.
The RME FireFace 800's Hi-Z instrument input offers a soft-limiter, which has been tuned especially for musical instruments. Due to a soft transition and deliberate creation of harmonics, the input signal is compressed steplessly according to taste, or the limiter can be used for distortion with tube sound. Activate the Drive circuit too for broad guitar distortion. The Speaker Emulation filter, which can also be switched on separately, takes low- and high-frequency disturbances away and guarantees an optimal basic sound even when recording directly into the computer, or when monitoring through a mixing console.
Digital I/Os: Two ADAT optical I/Os allow for a connection and insertion of effects devices, mixing consoles or external converters. Of course, these 16 channels are available simultaneously with the analog channels. Using two additional ADI-8 DS, there are 26 analog inputs and outputs, which remain still 18 at 96 kHz. The coaxial SPDIF I/O works up to 192 kHz, so that there are still 10 analog in- and outputs at the highest sample rate, plus two digital ones.
zZounds is an authorized dealer of RME products.
Input AD: 8 x 1/4 in. TRS, 4 x XLR Mic, 1/4 in. TRS Line, all servo-balanced. 1 x 1/4 in. TS unbalanced
Output DA: 8 x 1/4 in. TRS, servo-balanced, DC-coupled signal path. 1 x 1/4 in. TRS unbalanced
Input Digital: 2 x ADAT optical or SPDIF optical, SPDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible)
Output Digital: 2 x ADAT optical or SPDIF optical, SPDIF coaxial (AES/EBU compatible)
Dynamic range AD: 109 dB RMS unweighted, 112 dBA
THD AD: < -110 dB (< 0.00032 %)
THD+N AD: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
Crosstalk AD: > 110 dB
Dynamic range DA: 116 dB RMS unweighted, 119 dBA (unmuted)
Driver support Windows 2000 SP4, XP, XP 64, Vista and Vista 64: Full ASIO multi-client operation of WDM, MME, GSIF 2.0 and ASIO 2.0. WDM (DirectSound) with stereo and multi-channel support. Full hot-plugging. Up to 3 units operational.
Mac OS X (10.3. or up): Core Audio, Core MIDI. Up to 3 units operational.
RME Warranty
RME offers a warranty of 2 years from original date of purchase from the dealer with proof of purchase.
If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 330-259-0308
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Because I slip back and forth in A/D for mixing and mastering I want to make sure the convertors are the best. RME has the best"
Sound:
Sound is pristine, clear and real.
Feature:
It has more features than I presently use, but they're there if I need them.
Quality:
very sturdy, well built.
Value:
With all the features included on this unit I would expect to pay more.
Manufacturer Support:
I have needed some advice on a couple occasions and George responded quickly with clear explanations.
The Wow Factor:
Great visual appeal, user friendly, most of the connections I use are in the back and out of the way.
Overall:
I don't expect to be replacing this unit in the foreseeable future.
Style of Music: contemporary rock, folk, country, choirs, steel drum band, pipe bands,
22 of 23 people
(95.65%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
"At last and interface i can roll with, and afford at the same time!"
Sound:
The sound is crips clean and transpearent. fantastic connectivity, and ease of use. This product files where similar products don't on both my mobile and stationary DAWs. I tried a dozen interfaces (firewire), and the RME Fireface 800 represents the best marriage between sound fidelity and driver functionality. I love, love, love it!
Feature:
great mic pres and software. good build. great sound. would be a 10/10 if there was better metering and a dedicated Vol Pot attached to main outs (this is available only through the software).
Quality:
Teh build on my unit is fantastic. I have 3 friends with them and everyone is completely pleased.
Value:
I would and probably will buy another.
Manufacturer Support:
10 - I think... I haven't had to deal with them, due to the build quality.
Overall:
I tried a dozen interfaces (firewire), and the RME Fireface 800 represents the best marriage between sound fidelity and driver functionality. I love, love, love it!
Style of Music: Hip-Hop a experimental
4 of 4 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Our extended 45-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on
this product
Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "The representative at zZounds was extremely professional and did his best to answer all my questions. He explained the financing options and how the programs worked. No pressure and all pleasure." - Customer on February 2, 2019
Questions? Our gear experts can help!
800-zZounds(800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code
201-1WYJ.
Llame Gratis en Español: 844-432-7449
Lunes-Domingo de
9AM a
7PM EST
Customize Search Results for Your Location
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
close [x]Select a model from above to add to your cart.
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
1. zZounds offers the industry‘s most musician-friendly payment plans
zZounds offers a variety of Play as you Pay® installment plans that allow you to get the gear you want today. While our competitors might offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check, our payment plans are easy to get, simple to use, and, best of all, accrue zero interest. Unlike those house credit cards that can leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the promotional period ends, we never have and never will charge interest when you take advantage of one of the zZounds Play as you Pay® plans.
Seen it for less somewhere else? Get it for less at zZounds. Simply click the “Seen it for less?” link on any product page and as long as we‘re not losing money, we‘ll beat any legitimate competitor‘s lowest price, usually within two hours. Want our best price even faster? Call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll provide you with a lower price on the phone. Also, if you purchase from us and later find the product for less elsewhere, call or email us within 45 days, and we‘ll refund you the difference.
At zZounds, we know you want your gear fast, and shipped to you free of charge. That‘s why we have absolutely free ground shipping on every single order shipped within the continental United States. This includes heavy and oversized items. No minimum purchase required. No exclusions. We also ship over 90% of our orders with FREE 2-day shipping. We pull it all off with our strategically placed, coast-to-coast warehouses.
Buy it, try it, like it, or return it to us for a full refund. It‘s just that simple. If you‘re not in love with what you bought, return it to zZounds within 45 days, and we‘ll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund. No hassles. No hidden charges. And if a product‘s defective or damaged, call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637), and we‘ll email you a prepaid shipping label so you can easily return it to us at zero cost to you.
zZounds has received multiple Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Platinum awards, placing us in the top 0.7 percent of Bizrate‘s network of 5,200 retailers. Our success in meeting the needs of our customers -- since 1996, we‘ve satisfied over 1,000,000 people -- is due in large part to the fact that zZounds only hires experienced musicians to answer your calls and emails, and they are never paid a commission.