RME
Fireface 802 FS AE
60-channel, high-end 192 kHz USB audio interface
The Fireface 802 FS AE is the definitive pro audio solution for live and studio use in a 19" housing. This is the interface for users who don't compromise on sound, stability, and extremely low latency. It's the only choice for professionals who demand an unrivaled feature set. This is a game-changing product from RME that sets new standards. With 60 audio channels, high-end microphone preamps, reference-class converters, a complete effects section, and operation at up to 192 kHz, it's the foundation for many other features.
Unparalleled flexibility awaits you
This product offers ultra-low latency operation with RME USB 2 technology, combined with legendary RME driver stability and maintenance. The SteadyClock FS jitter suppression, individually switchable reference levels for all inputs and outputs, full stand-alone functionality, and identical operation under Windows PC and Mac are the icing on the cake.
The Fireface 802 FS AE is based on a newly developed analog and digital board. The analog board offers DC-coupled analog outputs as well as new AD and DA converters. The digital board also offers new features thanks to updated high-tech components.
The Fireface 802 FS AE has four powerful XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone, instrument, and line signals as well as two stereo headphone sockets with a +17 dBu output level. Use high-impedance headphones at high volumes—it's as simple as that.
Connections & Features
The back proves it. The Fireface 802 FS AE offers you an impressive variety of connections. In addition to MIDI and word clock I/O, you have access to two optical ADAT I/Os, one AES/EBU I/O, and eight balanced analog inputs and outputs with line level. With the new multi-mode, you can use the two ADAT I/Os as separate optical SPDIF inputs and outputs in addition to the AES I/Os. Connect the optionally available ARC USB directly via USB A port.
- 30 input / 30 output channels
- 12 x analog I/O
- 4 x Mic / Instrument
- 2 x Phones Output
- 1 x AES/EBU I/O
- 2 x ADAT I/O
- 2 x SPDIF I/O
- 1 x Wordclock I/O
- 1 x MIDI I/O
- USB Operation
- Class Compliant Mode
- TotalMix FX
- ARC USB (sold separately)
- RME USB 2.0
USB 2 Class Compliant Audio
The Fireface 802 FS AE operates in two modes: driver-based USB 2 and Class Compliant. Class Compliant mode is a standard that is natively supported by operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. You don't need any proprietary drivers. The device is recognized as soon as you load the CC firmware. Activate the alternative CC mode with ease via the recessed button on the back of the interface.
The Fireface 802 FS AE offers full USB 2.0 support in Class Compliant mode. This means you can use all channels in driverless mode on Linux, Mac, and iPadOS. An iPad Pro with USB-C can manage up to 60 channels for recording and playback in TotalMix FX for iPad and at system level.
DC-coupled outputs
The vast majority of audio interfaces are equipped with "AC-coupled outputs," which use capacitors to filter out extremely low frequencies.
While these frequencies are generally considered undesirable in audio, DC coupling is essential in the world of modular synthesizers, where static or slow signals are used to control various parameters such as pitch or LFOs.
The Fireface 802 FS AE has fully DC-coupled line-level outputs that allow you to control voltages (CV) or gate information and send them to modular synthesizers (such as the popular Eurorack and Moog/MOTM/synthesizer formats) and other studio hardware.
Enjoy exceptional sound quality without compromise
The Fireface 802 FS AE is the culmination of RME's expertise in analog circuit design and cutting-edge digital converter technology. All balanced TRS & XLR inputs and outputs, as well as the two headphone outputs, offer the lowest noise and distortion values on the market. In the best RME tradition and product philosophy, converters and preamps do not produce "sound." They do not add or take away from the source signal. They record it as it is.
The latest low-latency A/D and D/A converter chips are built in, and all inputs and outputs operate at up to 192 kHz, delivering a high dynamic range during playback—including the two headphone outputs. Their high-power technology guarantees high volumes, regardless of whether you're using high-impedance or low-impedance headphones. RME's SteadyClock FS is the best in the business, guaranteeing state-of-the-art AD/DA conversion thanks to efficient jitter reduction, even when synchronized with an external clock source.
Each input and output can be switched to the levels commonly used in professional studios: -10 dBV, +4 dBu, HiGain (equivalent to +2 dBV, +13 dBu, and +19 dBu at digital full scale). All outputs can be used for ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM).
Professional preamps guarantee maximum transparency.
This is the ideal choice for microphones and instruments with low-latency conversion. The 802 FS AE is the ideal choice for those who demand the highest sound quality and minimal latency. Its four highly transparent preamps with low-latency converters deliver unparalleled audio performance. The microphone and instrument preamps of the 802 FS AE use the proven technology of the OctaMic II, a high-end preamplifier that meets the highest sonic demands and critical applications, such as the professional recording of classical concerts. The balanced preamplifier design is the best on the market, offering extremely low distortion, an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, and a perfectly linear frequency response. This is the best solution on the market for unadulterated transmission and amplification of any audio input. It works with high-level stage signals, typical studio signals, low-level and high-impedance instruments, and dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.
The front panel has four inputs with XLR/TS combo sockets and Hi-Z inputs. Connect up to four guitars or other instruments directly, no additional hardware required. Each channel can be switched to 48V phantom power or instrument mode, depending on your needs. The device's status is clearly indicated by LEDs.
The Fireface 802 FS AE is the definitive, flexible, and expandable audio system from RME. You can easily add additional microphone preamps or analog I/Os to the two ADAT ports on the rear panel.
ARC USB Black Edition Remote Control
Connect the ARC USB to your computer via USB and it will communicate directly with TotalMix FX—it's that simple. The ARC USB has 15 freely assignable, illuminated buttons, an encoder wheel, and a jack socket for connecting a footswitch.
The ARC USB is the ideal USB 1.1 MIDI remote control for the Fireface 802 FS AE. As a UAC-1 device, it is guaranteed to be compatible with Windows and macOS. Once you're logged into the operating system, the ARC USB is automatically recognized by TotalMix FX, and you can control the 802 FS AE with simple MIDI commands.
ARC USB Remote Control
Die ARC USB wird über USB an den Computer angeschlossen und kommuniziert direkt mit TotalMix FX – so einfach ist das. Die ARC USB verfügt über 15 frei belegbare, beleuchtete Taster, ein Encoder-Rad und eine Klinkenbuchse zum Anschluss eines Fußschalters.
Das ARC USB ist die perfekte USB 1.1 MIDI-Fernbedienung für das Fireface 802 FS. Als UAC-1-Gerät ist sie nativ kompatibel mit Windows und macOS. Einmal im Betriebssystem angemeldet, wird die ARC USB automatisch von TotalMix FX erkannt und die Kommunikation zur Steuerung des 802 FS erfolgt über einfache MIDI-Befehle.
Stand-alone operation with setup recall
The Fireface 802 FS AE is ready to use right away. Simply set it up and configure it directly on the device via iPad, MIDI Remote, and ARC USB. It also has six internal memory locations in which all configuration data is stored securely and permanently. The Fireface 802 FS AE can also work completely autonomously without a computer. With the touch of a button, it can be transformed into a wide range of different devices in stand-alone mode, i.e. without a connected computer.
Femtoseconds for
clocking
The SteadyClock FS is the latest clock and jitter suppression technology from RME, and it's the ultimate in audio quality. The SteadyClock FS reduces intrinsic jitter when converting from and to analog across all digital formats to a new all-time low based on a femtosecond clock. The Fireface 802 FS AE is the only choice for audio professionals.
TotalMix FX &
DigiChecK
The Fireface 802 FS AE is equipped with the TotalMix FX DSP mixer, which offers you the best routing and monitoring options on the market. It is also equipped with the DIGICheck analyzer, which can measure and analyze the digital data feed in both directions with unparalleled precision.