Introduction
The RME Fireface 802 is a high-performance hybrid audio interface designed for professional audio recording and production. It offers extensive connectivity with 60 channels of input/output, including four high-quality microphone preamps, advanced digital converters with active jitter suppression, and a powerful DSP mixer with integrated effects. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Fireface 802.
Key features include:
- 30-in/30-out hybrid audio interface with high-speed USB and FireWire connectivity.
- 12 Analog inputs, including TRS line jacks and 4 combination DI/XLR microphone preamps based on the acclaimed OctaMic II.
- RME's top-shelf converters with active jitter control for extreme clarity and superb stereo imaging.
- Optical and XLR digital I/O supporting up to 18 channels (ADAT, SMUX, AES/EBU protocols).
- DSP-driven mixer (TotalMix FX) offering latency-free monitoring with EQ, dynamics, reverb, and delay.
Setup
1. Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the Fireface 802 from its packaging. Verify that all components are present and undamaged. Retain the packaging for future transport or storage.
2. Driver Installation
Before connecting the Fireface 802 to your computer, it is recommended to download and install the latest drivers and firmware from the official RME website (www.rme-audio.de). The device is compatible with Windows operating systems.
- Visit the RME website and navigate to the downloads section.
- Select the Fireface 802 model and download the appropriate drivers for your operating system.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
- After installation, restart your computer if prompted.
3. Physical Connections
The Fireface 802 offers flexible connectivity options. Ensure all connections are secure.
Figure 1: Front and rear view of the RME Fireface 802 audio interface. The top unit shows the front panel with four microphone/line inputs, gain controls, phantom power buttons, and monitor section. The bottom unit shows the rear panel with various analog and digital inputs/outputs, USB, FireWire, MIDI, and power connections.
Power Connection
- Connect the supplied power cable to the AC IN socket on the rear panel of the Fireface 802.
- Plug the other end of the power cable into a suitable electrical outlet (240 Volts).
Computer Connection
- USB: Connect a USB cable from the Fireface 802's USB port to an available USB port on your computer.
- FireWire: Alternatively, connect a FireWire cable from the Fireface 802's FireWire port to an available FireWire port on your computer.
Audio Input Connections
- Microphone/Line Inputs (Front Panel): Use XLR or 1/4" TRS cables to connect microphones or line-level instruments to the four combination inputs on the front panel.
- Analog Line Inputs (Rear Panel): Connect line-level sources using 1/4" TRS cables to the balanced line inputs on the rear panel.
- Digital Inputs: Connect ADAT, SMUX, or AES/EBU compatible devices to the optical (ADAT 1/2) or XLR (AES/EBU) digital input ports.
Audio Output Connections
- Analog Line Outputs (Rear Panel): Connect studio monitors or other line-level devices using 1/4" TRS cables to the balanced line outputs.
- Headphone Outputs (Front Panel): Connect headphones to the 1/4" stereo headphone jacks.
- Digital Outputs: Connect ADAT, SMUX, or AES/EBU compatible devices to the optical (ADAT 1/2) or XLR (AES/EBU) digital output ports.
MIDI and Word Clock
- MIDI: Connect MIDI devices to the MIDI IN and OUT ports using standard MIDI cables.
- Word Clock: For synchronization with other digital audio equipment, connect a Word Clock cable to the BNC Word Clock I/O.
Operating Instructions
Front Panel Controls
Figure 2: Detailed view of the RME Fireface 802. The top unit highlights the front panel controls including four mic/line gain knobs, 48V phantom power buttons, instrument (DI) buttons, and the Phones/Line Monitor section with volume controls and state indicators for ADAT, MIDI, USB, and FireWire activity.
- MIC/LINE Inputs 1-4: Combination XLR/TRS jacks for connecting microphones or line-level signals.
- GAIN Knobs: Adjust the input gain for MIC/LINE inputs 1-4.
- 48V Buttons: Engage +48V phantom power for condenser microphones connected to the respective XLR inputs.
- INST Buttons: Activate instrument (DI) mode for high-impedance instruments connected to the TRS inputs.
- PHONES/LINE MONITOR Section:
- CH 9/10, CH 11/12 VOL: Volume controls for the two independent headphone outputs.
- STATE Indicators: LEDs indicating the status of ADAT, MIDI, USB, and FireWire connections, as well as sample rate (AS) and clock synchronization (SYNC).
- POWER Switch: Turns the unit on or off.
Rear Panel Connections
- AC IN: Power input.
- MIDI IN/OUT: Standard 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI data.
- WORD CLOCK I/O: BNC connectors for external clock synchronization.
- USB: USB 2.0 port for computer connection.
- FIREWIRE: FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) ports for computer connection.
- ADAT 1/2 IN/OUT: Optical TOSLINK connectors for ADAT/SMUX digital audio.
- AES/EBU IN/OUT: XLR connectors for AES/EBU digital audio.
- BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUTS 1-8: 1/4" TRS jacks for balanced line-level audio input.
- BALANCED LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS 1-8: 1/4" TRS jacks for balanced line-level audio output.
TotalMix FX DSP Mixer
The Fireface 802 features RME's powerful TotalMix FX DSP mixer, which provides comprehensive routing and monitoring capabilities with zero latency. This software application allows you to:
- Create multiple independent stereo submixes for monitoring.
- Apply EQ, dynamics (compressor/expander), reverb, and delay effects to inputs and outputs.
- Route any input to any output, or multiple outputs simultaneously.
- Control all hardware parameters directly from your computer or an iPad (via RME's TotalMix FX for iPad app).
Refer to the dedicated TotalMix FX manual for detailed instructions on using the DSP mixer and its features.
Maintenance
Cleaning
To clean the Fireface 802, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, aerosols, or solvents, as these may damage the finish or internal components. Ensure the unit is powered off and disconnected from the power source before cleaning.
Software and Firmware Updates
RME regularly releases driver and firmware updates to improve performance, add features, and ensure compatibility with new operating systems. It is recommended to periodically check the official RME website for the latest updates.
- Visit www.rme-audio.de/downloads.html.
- Download the latest drivers and firmware for your Fireface 802.
- Follow the provided instructions for installation.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Fireface 802, please review the following common troubleshooting steps. For more detailed assistance, consult the comprehensive RME Fireface 802 manual available on the RME website or contact RME technical support.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- No Power:
- Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the Fireface 802 and a working electrical outlet.
- Check the power switch on the front panel is in the 'ON' position.
- No Connection to Computer:
- Verify that the USB or FireWire cable is securely connected to both the interface and the computer.
- Ensure the correct drivers are installed (see Setup section).
- Try a different USB or FireWire port on your computer.
- Check the STATE indicators on the front panel for USB/FireWire activity.
- No Audio Input/Output:
- Check all audio cable connections.
- Verify input gain levels on the front panel and in the TotalMix FX software.
- Ensure the correct input/output routing is configured in TotalMix FX.
- Confirm that the Fireface 802 is selected as the audio device in your operating system and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
- For microphones, ensure 48V phantom power is engaged if required.
- Audio Dropouts or Crackling:
- Increase the buffer size (latency setting) in your DAW or RME driver settings.
- Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
- Check for conflicting software or background processes.
- Verify clock synchronization if using external digital devices.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FF802 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, FireWire |
| Hardware Interface | USB, FireWire, XLR, TRS, Optical, BNC |
| Number of Channels | 60 (30 In / 30 Out) |
| Microphone Preamps | 4 x Combination DI/XLR (OctaMic II based) |
| Analog Inputs | 12 (4 x Mic/Line, 8 x Line) |
| Analog Outputs | 8 x Line, 2 x Headphone |
| Digital I/O | ADAT (2x In, 2x Out), AES/EBU (1x In, 1x Out) |
| MIDI I/O | 1x In, 1x Out |
| Word Clock I/O | Yes (BNC) |
| DSP Mixer | TotalMix FX (EQ, Dynamics, Reverb, Delay) |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Operating System | Windows (check RME website for macOS compatibility) |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Item Weight | 11.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 1.7 x 19 x 9.5 inches |
| Date First Available | June 4, 2014 |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
The RME Fireface 802 comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific details regarding the warranty period, coverage, and terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official RME website. Warranty terms may vary by region and retailer.
Technical Support
For technical assistance, driver updates, or further inquiries, please visit the RME Audio official website:
The RME support page provides access to FAQs, forums, and contact information for their technical support team.
