Impeccable A/D/A converters and lots of I/O.

The RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface offers 8 balanced line I/Os with software-controlled switching of the levels in the analog domain. All levels are under software control except the mic pre-amps and the headphone outputs. High-level A/D and D/A converter chips, I/Os that operate up to 192kHz, and 119 dBA dynamic range on playback speak to the stellar level of sound quality.

The front features 4 balanced mic inputs with class-A stage, 48V phantom power and individual jack and XLR inputs, which can also be used as additional line inputs. 2 of the 4 mic inputs are available permanently as channels 9 and 10, while the other 2 can be used together with or instead of inputs 7 and 8 on the rear.

A hi-Z instrument input for guitar and bass includes a soft-limiter, custom-tuned for musical instruments, that affords overload protection of the A/D-converter. The limiter's harmonic distortion can be used for tube-like distortions. A special circuit delivers fuzz-box-type guitar distortions. A multi-stage filter hi- and low-frequency filter lets you clean up the sound as desired.

The FireWire 800's digital I/Os include 2 ADAT I/Os for connecting and inserting effect devices, mixers, or external converters. The 192kHz SPDIF-I/O works concurrently with 10 analog in- and outputs at the highest sample rate, plus 2 digital ones. All inputs and outputs are active at the same time. For example, the instrument input can be used either instead of, or together with, the line input on the back. The jack and the XLR sockets of the mic inputs can even be used simultaneously. To summerize, up to 35 signal sources can be connected to the Fireface 800 and recorded to 28 separate tracks.

The DSP-based TotalMix mixer derives from the popular Hammerfall DSP series, with all inputs and outputs having the ability to be freely mixed, distributed and routed. Up to 14 completely independent stereo submixes are possible. The internal flash memory enables all settings including TotalMix to be recalled on startup. The device also works stand-alone as a submixer, A/D and D/A converter, headphone mixer, format converter, instrument or mic pre-amp, and monitor mixer.

The SteadyClock sync and clock technology enable the unit to be used as a sync reference for your whole studio. SteadyClock refreshes clock signals and removes jitter. A time code option (TCO) for synchronizing to LTC, video and VITC can be added with the insert slot on the back.

The Fireface 800 has a second port for hub functionality, a bi-lingual mode for full FireWire 400 compatibility, and an additional FW 400 port. With the multi-ports, several Fireface 800s can be used in parallel and at the same time with no problems.

RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface Features:

• 8 balanced line I/Os with software-controlled switching
• Pristine 192kHz A/D and D/A conversion
• Up to 119 dBA dynamic range on playback
• 4 balanced mic inputs on the front with 48V phantom power and individual jack and XLR inputs
• Hi-Z instrument input for guitar and bass with soft limiter
• Special guitar distortion circuit
• Multi-stage filter hi- and low-frequency filter
• 2 ADAT I/Os
• Up to 35 signal sources can be connected to and recorded to 28 separate tracks
• TotalMix mixer allows all inputs and outputs to be freely mixed, distributed and routed
• Up to 14 completely independent stereo submixes
• Internal flash memory enables all settings to be recalled on startup
• Works stand-alone as a submixer, A/D and D/A converter, headphone mixer, format converter, instrument or mic pre-amp, and monitor mixer
• SteadyClock sync and clock technology
• Time code option (TCO) for synchronizing to LTC, video and VITC can be added with the insert slot on the back
• Includes a second port for hub functionality, a bi-lingual mode for full FireWire 400 compatibility, and an additional FW 400 port
• Several Fireface 800s can be used in parallel at the same time
  
  

Add the world's most powerful FireWire interface to your studio today!

RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface

Write A Review

Average of 12 User Ratings

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Customer Reviews

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Still the best Firewire interface out there.

Posted by MusicByDesign from Tex-Sar-Kana (Texas) on Mar 12, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Engineer/Producer/Artist

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Lounge, and TripHop

Ive had this for a few years and its always been rock solid and though its pricey, RME is so good at cramming tons of goodies into a box that might seem similar to the rest but really is much more than it seems. Those crafty Germans did this box right with its EXCELLENT A/D and D/A Converters and very flexable routing with its software mixer that even has a matrix mode where you can see all routings at a glance. This is my computer's "soundcard" and while it works great with recording to software, It can even be used as a multi-channel A-D conveter for a hardware recorder whos built-in converters leave some to be desired. I use it with my Roland VS-3400cd along with an ADAT to R-Bus converter. I couldn't use another unit than this one because it does what it does so well.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

When I first stared recording in my...

Posted by Surf on May 7, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Instrumental

When I first stared recording in my home I was using an old GNX4 as an interface. That was back in 2003 and since then I have upgraded to the Presonus FirePod, then to the Mackie 800R, from there I used most recently a MOTU Traveler. This was a lot of money spent upgrading because if it was pops and clicks, dropouts, or just plain lifeless recordings I always felt I needed the updrade.

Well for the last month I have been using my new RME Fireface 800, I never have any latancy issues, great software mixer interface, tons of headroom, Firewire 800, and simply put the cleanest, most acurate recordings I have ever made. You will immediatly hear the difference in the quality of this converter compared to the others listed, I am just upset I waited so long to spend the money to buy this. I can't say enough good things about it, but I will tell you that even at $1600 it is really worth it, yes the recordings are that much better. Again if you are going to upgrade your A/D/A converter please give the RME a look, the sound quality is amazing.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Outstanding Sound!

Posted by HGPro from Boston, MA on Dec 14, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Producer/Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Anything and rock

The install was easy enough to produce a state of minor disbelief, plug and play with Live 6, Reason 4, Pro Tools, etc. Up and running from the box in less than an hour with control surfaces, ADAT mixer, etc. Until now firewire latency and sound quality issues have made me shudder. I do alot of critical live work (portability is key), as well as run multiple DAW, sequencer, plug-ins, and rack gear to record and master. The fireface 800 rewrote the firewire book as I knew it. It may color the sound in a very minor way, but this is tough to perceive as a negative or otherwise, detail, character, high presence, and big musical warmth are what you hear, no harsh sterile artifacts associated with some units. Class A low noise preamps with massive headroom, ultra low latency, quality A/D converters and I/O, ADAT 16 channels, MIDI is solid, just rock solid overall. Great factory/driver support, build quality. This proved to be one of the best investments I have made in my studio in recent memory and has gone way beyond my expectations. In my opinion RME towers over MOTU and Presonus in fundamental sound quality, drivers, and support. Apogee has a contender in this unit for considerably less money. Worth every penny, hear it and be the judge.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

It was ok but

Posted by KrakaHead from Malibu on Nov 5, 2007

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Whatever I am paid to play

A little overpriced, I use the motu 1224 in 2 different studios I record at with great results. I read the hype on the RME and wanted to see if I could improve my sound. I bought one, did numerous A/B tests and took it back. The 1224 had a warmer sound and a slightly higher dynamic range. I could not hear any difference between the two in regards to jitter or timing. The RME software had a few minor issues and was a little cumbersome to deal with changes on the fly.

Now, I have had every Motu 2408 they have made and the Digi 001 and 002, must say they were shite compared to the RME and the 1224.

For the money, and performance, I chose the 1224. Although, for a laptop or computer without pci slots the RME would be the only way to go.

Don't know why Motu discontinued the 1224, it's still better than most of the new boxes they are making???

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

No Brainer!!!

Posted by Merel Bregante from Austin, Texas on Nov 3, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Producer/engineer/player

Reviewer's Play Style: alt rock, alt country, folk rock

The RME Fireface 800 is a spectacular piece of gear. The mic pre's actually do sound great. The conversion is 'analogue' accurate, and the clock is the best I have ever used. I have two in my studio rack interfaced with Nuendo v3.2. I am getting a third for location recording. If you can afford it, don't even think about it. Just get the 800 and enjoy.

View more product reviews »

If you would like to write a review, please see our product review guidelines.

RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface

Read 12 Reviews

$1,699.00

MSRP: $1,999.00 Savings: $300.00(15%)

Finance Now for $170/mo.

Availability: In-Stock & Ready To Ship!

Qty:Add To Cart Add To Wishlist