RME Fireface 800From real comments

Verdict distilled from 22 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment47%
PROS 47%
CONS 53%

Rank based on 22 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a proven, long-lasting interface with strong converter quality
  • You can work around FireWire via a PCIe card or ADAT connection
  • You're comfortable troubleshooting or repairing aging hardware if needed

What users love

Skip this if...

  • Your computer has no FireWire port and you don't want adapters or PCIe cards
  • You want a fuss-free, drama-free out-of-box experience without repair risk
  • You need modern USB connectivity without workarounds

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
RME Fireface UFX
Rock-solid driver stabilityTotalMix FX routing powerClean, transparent sound and conversionApple Silicon dropout reportsCostly or unhelpful repairsTotalMix learning curve
RME Fireface UFX
Rock-solid driver stability
TotalMix FX routing power
Clean, transparent sound and conversion
Apple Silicon dropout reports
Costly or unhelpful repairs
TotalMix learning curve
2Premium
RME Babyface
Rock-solid, long-supported driversClean, detailed sound qualityUltra-low latencySteep TotalMix learning curveHigh priceNo built-in DSP dynamics
RME Babyface
Rock-solid, long-supported drivers
Clean, detailed sound quality
Ultra-low latency
Steep TotalMix learning curve
High price
No built-in DSP dynamics
3Premium
RME Babyface Pro FS
Exceptional driver stability and longevityExcellent sound quality and conversionTotalMix FX depth and flexibilityMissing onboard dynamics/EQTotalMix learning curveLimited instrument input headroom
RME Babyface Pro FS
Exceptional driver stability and longevity
Excellent sound quality and conversion
TotalMix FX depth and flexibility
Missing onboard dynamics/EQ
TotalMix learning curve
Limited instrument input headroom
4Mid
PreSonus Revelator io24
Powerful onboard DSP
PreSonus Revelator io24
Powerful onboard DSP
5Mid
RME Digiface USB
Channel expansion flexibilityReliable RME driversBus-powered portabilityNot USB class compliantColorless digital soundDriver/static glitches reported
RME Digiface USB
Channel expansion flexibility
Reliable RME drivers
Bus-powered portability
Not USB class compliant
Colorless digital sound
Driver/static glitches reported
6Mid
IK Multimedia AXE I/O Solo
Bundled software and pluginsFlexible input optionsImpedance control (Z-Tone)High price relative to competitorsDriver issuesDynamic and gain range limitations
IK Multimedia AXE I/O Solo
Bundled software and plugins
Flexible input options
Impedance control (Z-Tone)
High price relative to competitors
Driver issues
Dynamic and gain range limitations
7Premium
RME Fireface UCX II
Converter and preamp clarityLong-term reliability and driver supportTotalMix FX routing powerRuns hotHigh price for the feature setTotalMix learning curve
RME Fireface UCX II
Converter and preamp clarity
Long-term reliability and driver support
TotalMix FX routing power
Runs hot
High price for the feature set
TotalMix learning curve
8
PreSonus Quantum 2
Ultra-Low Thunderbolt LatencyExpandable, High-Quality I/OStrong Clocking and Dynamic RangeNaming Confusion With Newer 'Quantum' Models
PreSonus Quantum 2
Ultra-Low Thunderbolt Latency
Expandable, High-Quality I/O
Strong Clocking and Dynamic Range
Naming Confusion With Newer 'Quantum' Models
9Premium
Apogee Quartet
Expandable I/OLong-Term User SatisfactionConverter QualityHardware Reliability IssuesHigh PriceMac-Centric Limitation
Apogee Quartet
Expandable I/O
Long-Term User Satisfaction
Converter Quality
Hardware Reliability Issues
High Price
Mac-Centric Limitation
10Premium
RME Digiface
Massive channel expansion via ADATRevives and pairs well with older gearExcellent, reliable driversUSB 2.0 bandwidth concernsLimited I/O per single unitNot USB class compliant
RME Digiface
Massive channel expansion via ADAT
Revives and pairs well with older gear
Excellent, reliable drivers
USB 2.0 bandwidth concerns
Limited I/O per single unit
Not USB class compliant
You are here
31Mid
RME Fireface 800
Cheap, solder-fixable repairsFlexible I/O and expandabilityGood value on the used marketCapacitor-related output failuresFireWire connectivity headaches on modern systemsDead or malfunctioning units purchased used
RME Fireface 800
Cheap, solder-fixable repairs
Flexible I/O and expandability
Good value on the used market
Capacitor-related output failures
FireWire connectivity headaches on modern systems
Dead or malfunctioning units purchased used

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Built to last, with owners running units well over a decade. One long-term user reports 12+ years of reliable service in a project studio, calling it the best interface they've used and expecting it to outlast everyone. Even after FireWire was dropped on newer macOS versions, they kept it alive via an ADAT connection through a new card, showing the hardware's flexibility survives even as its original connection standard fades from modern computers.

Aging units are prone to specific, sometimes fixable hardware failures. Multiple commenters describe worn capacitors causing dropped or attenuated output levels on specific channels, sometimes fixed cheaply by resoldering a handful of components. Others report dead-on-arrival units with strange noises and random shutdowns despite trying multiple FireWire cards, and one user replaced the power supply to extend its life further, suggesting these interfaces need occasional maintenance as they age.

FireWire connectivity is the interface's biggest modern-day obstacle. Several users ask about connecting the FF800 to modern Macs and Windows 10 PCs that lack FireWire ports, relying on adapters or PCIe FireWire cards. Others are actively considering trading up to newer RME models like the UCX or UFX specifically for USB support and reduced I/O needs, showing that while the hardware itself remains capable, the aging interface standard is pushing owners toward newer alternatives.

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