RME's Adrian Lehmann shows us how the RME Fireface UFX II can be used to form a mobile recording setup without a computer.
Recording with a computer is the norm these days, but what about musicians looking to record without a computer? Maybe you're looking to create a high quality recording setup that doesn't rely on a laptop. Or you want to record in the simplest, lightest way possible, such as straight to your iPad.
In this video shot earlier this year at Musikmesse 2018, RME's Adrian Lehmann gives us a quick run-through of a simple method of achieving just this. This setup at the RME stand consisted of three synthesizers and a drum machine, with the Fireface UFX II operating as both a recorder and mixer, controlled via the TotalMix iOS App on an iPad.
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DURec – Direct to USB Recording
Both the RME Fireface UFX II and Fireface UFX+ have built-in recording capabilities, thanks to RME's unique DURec feature. Short for 'Direct to USB Recording', with DURec you can make multi-track recordings directly to a USB thumb drive or external hard drive, via the dedicated USB port found on the interface front panel. This can be used solely for recording, or for making simultaneously backup recordings when the UFX II / UFX+ is connected to a Mac or PC. This is also available in class compliant mode, so can also be operated when the UFX II / UFX+ is used with an iPad.
First seen on the original Fireface UFX, this feature has been further refined on the latest versions, including the ability to time-stamp recorded audio files. The UFX+ also features a set of comprehensive controls and a display on the front of the unit, so you can control levels, effects and routing all from the front the unit itself. Further control can be added with the optional RME ARC USB, the Advanced Remote Control designed specifically for use with RME audio interfaces.
TotalMix FX iOS App & TotalMix Remote
If you want to add even further control to your setup, you can also record and mix with an Apple iPad. There are a variety of multi-track recording apps available including Cubasis, and with the dedicated TotalMix iOS app from RME, you can also use your iPad for mixing.
By connecting the Fireface UFX II to an iPad, you can add professional analogue I/O connectivity, first-class microphone preamps with EQ and Dynamics, plus automatic signal overload protection thanks to UFX II's Autoset feature.
In addition, you also have professional balanced line outputs, and high-powered headphones that excel with high impedance headphones. Other features include level and gain adjustments, AES and ADAT I/O, reverb and echo effects, zero latency monitoring, and 2x MIDI I/O for controlling synths, drum machines and sending parameter changes to external effects units.
With this setup you have a powerful mobile-recording studio with professional connections, features and high-end sound quality. TotalMix FX for iPad also provides full support for the ARC USB, making operation and handling of the iPad DAW even easier and more comfortable.
Find out more about the RME Fireface UFX II
Find out more about the RME Fireface UFX+
If you'd like to know more about the RME ADI-2 DAC, give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team, or to arrange a demo.
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