RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface 

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

This is everything I hoped it would be. I'm not using it for conventional means, and I had almost given up on finding something that allowed me to do what I wanted. This thing is amazing.
A side note, the box did not come with a firewire cable (some mix up on RME's side I think) and initially I was told that my iMac had a bad chipset for the FW800 port. But I'm using a 9 pin to 9 pin cable with no problems. Just FYI for anyone who might be concerned about the iMac chipset problem from around 2007.
I produce the MetalsPeak podcast and have struggled to find hardware that can accomodate recording audio from multiple sources live into separate channels. I have a PC where Skype hosts join in, two different iPods we use for Shuffle Battles, and audio coming from my iMac which doubles as my DAW. Plus up to three mics for in studio hosts. The Fireface allows me to record all of the sources in stereo in separate channels. Prior to using the Fireface, I was using an Alesis USB 2.0. It was nice but the A/D converters were weak and there weren't enough inputs to record full stereo from all my sources. The Fireface makes everything sound pristine. And then there are plenty of outputs, so each host can have their own stereo mix.
The sound quality of everything I've plugged in to this thing is amazing.
It's pricey. Worth it, but pricey.

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

I've owned both Presonus and M-Audio. Nothing against those, they're great products. But the RME is in another league, hence the price.
The routing capabilities are as versatile as you could ever need, endless. I only give this a 9 because front panel metering couldve been a bit better. But this is all monitored on the input/mixer section anyway. Very minor gripe, almost not worth mentioning.
The unit is quite solid, feels like German enginneering. The first thing noticed is what we're all in this business for; the sound quality. Outstanding converters. Before I purchased, I read all the reviews. This unit will make you want to re-record all your stuff.
There have been numerous reviews, by producers with far more experience, who point out the old saying, "You get what you pay for." That definitley holds true here.

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

After using a MOTU Traveler for 6-7 years, and setting up and breaking down my studio every time I needed to perform, I finally decided it was time for an upgrade so that I could have a second interface just for studio work. I bought the RME Fireface because it's one of the only models out there right now that uses Firewire 800 ports. As Apple has started to move away from Firewire 400 ports, I wanted to buy a device that would have longevity and a top-notch connection speed. What I got was much more than extra bandwidth. Right away, I noticed a difference in the sound between my old MOTU and the RME. Other users have mentioned RME's pristine A/D conversion. The sound is so much cleaner coming from my RME Fireface! The box itself is also designed rather well. I love the feel of the knobs, very sturdy, and I also love that there are no convoluted digital menus to deal with. I have more to learn still about this amazing little box and all it can do but so far, I'm such a happy customer that I've decided to write my first review!

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

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.

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

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.

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

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.

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

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???

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

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.

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

After a long run with MOTU 828's, some issues with my MKII (primarily driver related) began to crop up and prompted me to begin considering other options. My goals for an interface are fairly simple - I/O features that roughly match the 828, ability to use the interface w/o the computer powered up and above all - reliability and stability.Enter RME Fireface 800...The unit is solidly built and has excellent driver support for Windows. Sound quality is fantastic and to me it seems a bit more transparent than the 828 did. The preamps shine. They definitely sound better to me than the 828 and many other options I've heard and having 4 available on the front panel is really nice. The 5th front panel input is line/inst and can be configured to provide speaker emulation or basic line level operation. The software mixer and config utilities cover everything pretty well and allow for a variety of different configs recallable at the click of a button.There's way too much good about this unit for me to capture here so I'll just finish by saying that it has exceeded my expectations and is a very worthwhile investment for a firewire based studio. The fact that it does Firewire 400 and 800 is just icing on the cake :)Excellent all around...

Comments about RME Fireface 800 FireWire Computer Recording Interface:

I am so pleased with this unit. I actually cut the box that it came in and framed the picture of the unit on my studio wall. This thing sound excellent. Far better than any other converts I have worked with. I smile every time I go to mix, because I have never worked with converters this stunning. What goes in comes out - no color what so ever- The noise floor is extremely quite. I am amazed at how quite 20-30 tracks of audio can sound being tracked threw the analog inputs. BUT the best thing of all.. are the drivers..I come from the school of Digi 002, Mbox, and M audio cards. So I just thought "Dae Errors", "Random Freezes" and the like were just part of DAW life..I was wrong. I have used this unit for extended periods of time 14-20 hours. loads of tracks. 192khz, 96khz. The software NEVER even hiccup's . It simply works out of the Box. I actually had heard about the stability and quality of this unit since it came out.. I always winced at the price.. For a working (9-5) musician 1500.00 + is not easy to fork over. So I went the cheap route and bought a MOTU MK2 -> After 2 sessions and 5-10 lock ups, freezes -> and having two sessions worth of "useless" "hazy" audio. I took it back to Sam Ash.. I got my $750.00 Back in cash.. And finally put my new 0% AMEX Blue to work .. Buy this unit.