20 Years Uncompromising
 AUDIO EXCELLENCE

From the very beginning, unsurpassed performance has been one of the cornerstones of RME‘s product design, and this is even more evident today. RME were the first to deliver professional performance over USB 2.0 and have recently paved the way for multichannel audio on USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technology for Windows. RME‘s refusal to compromise on any aspect of product design or manufacture has resulted an unrivalled reputation for quality, performance and reliability.

Our Audio Core and Steady Clock technologies are just two examples of our dedication to superior design. We place a high level of attention on the development of reliable, stable, and regularly updated drivers for our products and an unwavering focus on audio quality. All RME devices are designed to preserve music as it was originally intended and audio signals are passed in their entirety, with nothing added or taken away.

The Evolution of a Worldwide
Outstanding FireWire Audio Interface

The development of the RME Fireface series, especially from the Fireface 800 to the Fireface 802 FS, reflects the technological evolution of audio interfaces in the professional audio sector over the last two decades:

2004

Fireface 800

When the Fireface 800 was launched in 2004, it set new standards for audio interfaces in the studio and live environment. It was based on the very fast FireWire 800 standard and offered first-class latency times, high stability and support of up to 192 kHz sample rates. Particularly outstanding was the comprehensive I/O equipment with 56 channels (28 in/28 out), including ten analog inputs and outputs as well as ADAT, SPDIF and MIDI interfaces. The Fireface 800 quickly established itself in professional recording studios and was considered to be extremely robust and reliable.

2014

Fireface 802

Ten years later, in 2014, RME released the Fireface 802, a greatly improved version of the Fireface 800 with a new design language. Despite the similar design and I/O configuration, the Fireface 802 brought significant upgrades in terms of converter technology and internal processing. It offered improved AD/DA conversion with lower distortion and greater dynamic range. The integration of the TotalMix FX mixer was also a significant innovation, enabling effects such as EQ, delay, reverb and dynamics processing in real time. One of the most notable changes was the option to use USB 2.0 in addition to FireWire, further increasing compatibility with modern systems.

2023

Fireface 802 FS

The latest generation, the Fireface 802 FS, was introduced in 2023 and brings numerous improvements that further support modern studio environments. With the FS model, RME introduced their unique SteadyClock FS technology, which guarantees even more precise clocking and less jitter. This leads to a significant sound improvement and higher stability, especially in complex digital audio environments. In addition, the analog circuitry has been further optimized, resulting in even better signal quality and reduced latency.

The Fireface 802 FS also offers an optional Class Compliant mode (30 channel I/O with up to 192 kHz) and operation with TotalMix FX for iPad, RME’s app to fully control the Fireface 802 FS from the iPad without any computer. The alternative CC mode can be activated via a recessed pushbutton switch directly at the back of the interface. For controlling TotalMix FX including the latest Room EQ feature, users will find a USB-A port for direct connection of the optional available ARC USB.

RME has always focused on continuously improving audio quality, stability and compatibility over the years. While the Fireface 800 was a breakthrough at the time, the Fireface 802 built on this foundation and brought significant upgrades to meet the demands of modern audio setups. The Fireface 802 FS continues this tradition with a focus on precision and durability.