RME Fireface 802 Audio Interface
The Fireface 802 renews RME’s reputation which has been built on the legendary Fireface 800. 60 channels of audio, high-end microphone preamps, reference class converters, a complete effects section and operation at up to 192 kHz are the base for this feature heavy interface:
Ultra-low latency operation with USB or FireWire, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance. Active jitter suppression, individually switchable reference levels for all inputs and outputs, full stand-alone functionality, RME’s unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox, and identical operation on Windows PC and Mac.
TotalMix FX, RME’s digital high-end mixer and signal router, driven by two powerful DSPs, with integrated EQ, Dynamics and Reverb/Echo effects at up to 192 kHz, plus a built-in monitoring controller.
Analog I/O
The Fireface 802 has 12 analog I/Os.
12 Inputs – 8 balanced TRS on the back and 4 XLR inputs with Mic/Instrument preamps on the front.
12 Outputs – On the rear: 8 balanced TRS. On the front: Two hi-power TRS stereo phones outputs provide high volumes even with hi-impedance headphones (playback channels 9/10 and 11/12).
Sound Quality – Like other RME products before the Fireface 802 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 118 dBA 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 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.
Preamplifiers or Microphones and Instruments with Low Latency Conversion.
The 802 has four high-transparency preamps, also with low latency converters.
Microphone and instrument preamps of the 802 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 pot-controlled gain of up to 60 dB, adjustable over a range of 54 dB, is individually set for every preamp on the front of the 802.
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 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.
Digital I/O
AES/EBU: The Fireface 802 has one professional AES/EBU I/O operating at up to 192 kHz.
ADAT: Two 8-channel ADAT I/Os allow for a connection of two additional AD/DA converters or the insertion of effects devices and mixing consoles. Both I/Os support sample rates at up to 192 kHz (S/MUX4). Like AES/EBU, these 16 ADAT channels are available simultaneously with the analog channels. Using two external converters like the ADI-8 QS, the 802 will provide 28 analog inputs and outputs, 20 with a sample rate of 96 kHz, and still 16 at 192 kHz.
SPDIF: The second ADAT I/O can be used as optical SPDIF I/O, making the Fireface 802 connections even more flexible.
Word Clock & MIDI: A word clock input and output (BNC) with switchable termination and a MIDI I/O complete the list of connections, turning the Fireface 802 into a professional audio system with universal usability.
Specifications
- 30 Input / 30 Output channels
- 12 x Analog I/O
- 4 x Mic/Instrument Preamp
- 1 x AES/EBU I/O
- 2 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x ADAT I/O plus 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
- 1 x Word Clock I/O
- 1 x MIDI I/O
- FireWire or USB operation
- TotalMix FX