User`s guide

User's Guide Fireface UFX © RME

29. General

Since firmware 353/153/CC8 the Fireface UFX operates in three different modes: driver-based

USB 2, stand-alone mode, and Class Compliant mode. The latter describes a standard that is

natively supported by operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. No proprietary

drivers are required, the device will be directly recognized when the CC firmware is loaded. The

natively available features will be limited in comparison to those provided by the RME driver for

the UFX. For example there will be no hardware settings, no (Total) Mix and no settings for the

effects. On the iPad (iOS) the UFX can be fully controlled by the optional app TotalMix FX for

iPad.

The Class Compliant mode can be activated and deactivated directly at the unit, as long as it is

not connected to a Mac or PC: SETUP/REV, Options, Hardware/Diagnosis.

Neither Windows nor Mac Class Compliant support is relevant, though, since there are dedi-

cated and matured drivers for both OS X and Windows, which provide ALL the device's features

at lowest latencies. The main reason for implementing Class Compliant mode was to allow con-

necting the UFX to an Apple iPad

The UFX provides the iPad with the professional analog I/O connections it lacks. Superb micro-

phone preamps with EQ, dynamics, even with the AutoSet feature, in addition to professional

balanced line outputs, and hi-power headphone outputs which also excel with high impedance

phones. Plus level and gain adjustments, AES and ADAT I/O, reverb, echo, zero latency moni-

toring, digitally via USB, without any limitation in quality, at up to 96 kHz and 24 bit. And of

course a Sysex-capable double MIDI I/O.

DURec, the direct USB recording on USB memory stick or portable external hard drive, is also

available in Class Compliant mode. Especially in regard to recording on the iPad it is not only a

world-wide unique and extraordinary feature, it also proves to be something you don’t want to

miss in real-world usage.

Note that since iOS 5 multichannel recording is supported, and since iOS 6 multichannel play-

back as well. Currently djay, Auria and Cubasis support more than one stereo output, others

are expected to follow.

30. System requirements

¾ UFX in Class Compliant mode (firmware CC 21 or up)

¾ Any Apple iPad with at least iOS 5

¾ iPhone with iOS 7 or up

¾ Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB adapter