User`s guide
User's Guide Fireface UC © RME
7
5. First Usage – Quick Start 
5.1 Connectors and Front Panel 
The front of the Fireface UC features instrument, microphone and line inputs, a stereo 
line/headphone output, a rotary encoder with 7 segment display, and several status and MIDI 
LEDs. 
The Neutrik combo jacks of the 
Mic/Line inputs can be used via 
XLR and 1/4" TRS plugs. Both 
inputs display overload (CLIP), 
signal presence (SIG) and phan-
tom power (48V) via green, red 
and yellow LEDs. 
Inputs 3/4, INST/LINE, accept both a balanced line signal as well as an unbalanced instrument 
signal via 1/4" TRS plug. 
The rotary encoder serves to set the input and output levels directly at the unit. This is not only 
useful in stand-alone operation, but for example also when setting up the monitor volume. 
Pushing the knob changes the encoder from CHANNEL to LEVEL mode and back. Pushing the 
knob for more than a second activates either the single channel or stereo setup mode. 
The  State LEDs (WC, SPDIF, ADAT) indicate a valid input signal separately for each digital 
input. Additionally, RME's exclusive SyncCheck indicates if one of these inputs is locked, but 
not synchronous to the others, in which case the LED will flash. See also chapter 9.8/16.2, 
Clock Modes - Synchronization. 
The red HOST LED lights up when the 
Fireface UC has been switched on. It 
operates as error LED, in case the USB 
connection hasn't been initialised yet, or has 
been interrupted (error, cable not connected 
etc.). 
The yellow MIDI LEDs indicate MIDI data 
received or sent, separately for both inputs 
and outputs. 
Phones is a low impedance line output of highest quality. It provides a sufficient and undis-
torted volume even when used with headphones. 
The rear panel of the Fireface UC features four analog inputs, six analog outputs, the power 
socket, and all digital inputs and outputs. 
SPDIF I/O coaxial (RCA): AES/EBU compatible. The Fireface UC accepts the commonly used 
digital audio formats, SPDIF as well as AES/EBU. 
ADAT I/O (TOSLINK): 
The unit automatically 
detects SPDIF or ADAT 
input signals. The optical 
output can operate as 
ADAT or SPDIF output, 
depending on the current 
setting in the Settings 
dialog. 










