RME Fireface 802 is a professional audio interface with a Firewire/USB connection. Just like the original, well-known RME Fireface 800 model, the heart of the Fireface 802 is four fully analog microphone preamplifiers with manual gain controls. While digitally controlled preamplifiers have certain advantages, classic technology is still preferred by many users for various reasons, such as immediate access, faster setup, or the possible loss of settings due to operating system errors. Some people maintain that this type of preamplifier sounds better, although RME's approach has always been (and always will be) a transparent, uncolored sound. The four front panel inputs use XLR/TRS combo connectors and can function as instrument inputs, such as for guitars, for direct recording.
RME Fireface 802 includes two headphone outputs on the front panel instead of one. Aside from this, the rest of the front panel design elements are very similar to those of the original Fireface 800, with the exception of a new chassis with a more modern and cleaner look. Inside the machine, SteadyClock digital clock technology maintains perfect sound quality regardless of the clock source as before, while the rest of the components have been redesigned and improved, such as the latest generation AD/DA converters with a better signal-to-noise ratio, per-channel reference level control, 2 additional analog input and output channels, and support for advanced remote control, to name a few. Support for the Firewire 800 port has been removed in favor of the new USB 2 port because there is also a performance improvement compared to the Firewire 400 port, which is still maintained. To facilitate connection with modern computers, the Fireface 802 includes 6- and 9-pin connectors.
With the latest version of TotalMix FX, the Fireface 802 not only enters the world of mixing, monitoring, and effects like the Fireface UCX and Fireface UFX but also adds Class Compliant compatibility, eliminating the need to install specific drivers, so it can be connected to devices such as Apple's iPad and be fully controlled from the TotalMix FX app for iPad.
RME Fireface 802 combines 60 low-latency conversion channels via Firewire or USB thanks to the legendary stability of RME's drivers. It includes active jitter suppression, support for professional reference levels, and fully standalone operation. Equipped with the latest A/D and D/A converter chips, all inputs and outputs can operate at 192 kHz and achieve a dynamic range of 118 dBA in playback, even on the headphone outputs. The high-power technology offers high volume regardless of the impedance of the headphones used.
TotalMix FX offers a high-end digital mixer and signal router managed through two powerful DSPs with built-in effects and integrated monitoring control. Each input and output channel includes a set of features comparable to a large-format digital console. Effects include 3-band parametric EQ, high-pass filter, auto-leveling, compressor, expander, MS processing, and phase inversion. Delay and reverb effect units are available for all channels. Fireface 802 offers all these effects even when operating at 192 kHz.
TotalMix FX is also an ideal monitoring controller with built-in talkback functions and much more. Control room features are available in the software or through Advanced Remote Control. The flexible management allows assigning any physical output as the main or headphone output. Talkback, Listenback, Mono, Dim, and external output will automatically work on the assigned outputs.
The new RME Fireface 802 surpasses its predecessor, being a highly integrated professional audio solution, a complete studio housed in a 19” rack unit with the look that made the Fireface 800 famous but with the latest RME technology inside that continues to help musicians and producers around the world. Fireface 802 makes no compromises in sound quality, stability, and low-latency operation and offers unparalleled professional features whether working from Mac or Windows.
RME Fireface 802 also comes with RME's DIGICheck measurement and analysis tool