I've had my UCX II for some time now, putting it through it's paces to know it's capabilities, so far "Outstanding".
My Primary computer is a PC and I'm a fan of RME for over 20yrs, I started with the Babyface then the BF Pro then to
the BF Pro FS (femtosecond). I loved the BF Pro FS but needed more I/O support, plus all that the UCX II has to offer.

Now I love the RME UCX II including the RME ARC Controller (works perfect) it gives me the control that I love, plus it's
adjustable in the future for any arrangement I need! (I have the ARC in black) I got the set (UCX II & ARC) it's Beautiful!
My connections: SM57, R-121, RNDI, AT4040, AXE-FX III, Summit Audio 2BA-221 Tube Mic Pre-Amp. Sounds Amazing, I love it!

I want to Thank Mark M. at Sweetwater for his constant professional help! The folks there are "The Real Deal" Pro's all the way...

So far so great. It's packed with a robust set of useful capabilities. Not true when people say it's too German for a knucklehead musician without an engineering degree. I don't think so.
TotalMix is next level. Route inputs and outputs in different ways for different tasks and save a half dozen configurations for later use so you don't have to dial things in all over again. I set up a pre-set and tracked bass choosing from s/pdif enabled gear, mic'd cabinets, and direct ins, all those options on the table at once. I set up similar guitar and vocal presets and it's all set up the way I set it up. Stoked to get ISA One digital card directly into this. I had some problems with getting midi gear from another room to interface and that's no longer an issue with this thing.
This weekend I'm using it as a standalone in class compliant mode and my cheap old iPad as a control surface. I would never have the time to do all of this without a tool like this. Fun stuff.
I plan to enjoy this for many years ahead, make better use of what gear I have, and not have it be obsolete in five years.
Unfortunately when I first made the purchase I got a defective unit, but I appreciate the quick replacement from the people at
Sweetwater, and I'm convinced that was an anomaly. RME's US dealer and service company has been helpful as well. Quick e-mail follow up.

Writing this review after using it daily for 3 years. Rock solid interface, total mix is great. Love this thing.

I can't give this interface a 5-star rating because; 1) For the price, it should come with the USB ARC controller. And 2) the TotalMix software was a little frustrating.

I couldn't figure out how to change the sample rate and was searching thru the TotalMix drop-down menus. I called RME tech support and I didn't know that setting was installed in the pop-up tray in the bottom right of Windows.

Other than that, this unit runs flawlessly with Windows. I had an Antelope prior and their support had to remote into my PC multiple times. My only regret is not making the RME investment earlier. The RME sound quality is very professional. Top of the line, no doubt. This RME will probably be the last interface I will every need.

I had to part ways with my old Babyface Pro FS, so I got the UCX II and it is just even better.

The versatility of Totalmix along with the internal DSP processing make it possible to set up situations that are really annoying with most other interfaces.

I have meetings, remote recordings, recordings of my own and simultaneous interpretations - Totalmix handles all of that easily and I keep everything tight with the use of the compressors and gate.

All my recordings are EQ compensated thanks to the internal EQ, and My headphones are also compensated through the Room EQ that's available natively as well. I even set up a mixing preset where I load a light room reverb and echo to simulate a mixing room and it really helps mixing along with the crossfeed settings also newly available for Totalmix for the UCX II.

I totally get why people love external DSP like the UAD users, I'm a UAD user myself - I use a satellite setup instead and enjoy the best of both worlds.

1 year of HARD use, no regrets.
+ Get yourself an ARC II controller, you'll need it and it'll make your life easy easy easy.

Everything about this interface is immaculate! From the build quality to the sound of the converters and preamps, 70db of clean gain on tap, built in DSP dynamics and eq for tracking. People complain about Totalmix being difficult to use, but to be honest, if you have trouble with that, you have no business recording audio. Its basic 101 routing on a digital mixing board. That being said, I feel sorry for anyone not using an RME interface and I am so glad I didn't pick up anything else (I'm looking at you, Apollo).

Everybody always say nice things about devices and I don't know if they forget to list some but here are my Cons.
Device gets hot a lot barley 3 minutes into using it
The totalMix software has a bit of a learning curve just 1 hour I'm already getting the hang of it.
One Headphone output. A device this expensive having only one headphone out means you have to get some extra y split cables to use the audio from the back or you get a headphone amp.
Controlling the audio volume can be annoying without the software as you have to menu dive to adjust volumes and control input settings

This is an interface I will continue to use for decades. It has all the ins and outs you could wish for, and Total Mix allows you to route any combination of inputs to any combination of outputs. Room EQ is amazing. Auto gain works well (though it only decreases gain rather than increasing up to a pre-set peak level...will say in this regard my Evo 16 does a better job). Built-in DSP is fully capable of delivering excellent-sounding real-time processing to your client's headphones while they track. Clocking is impeccable, MIDI implementation is better than any other interface I own. DUrec is a more usable feature than I had imagined. More importantly than anything: drivers are rock solid and updates are responsive and frequent. There have been multiple feature upgrades since purchasing this unit for no additional cost and 0 hassle. Lowest imaginable latency on a USB 2.0 system. Is it pricey? Yes. But in this case, you actually get what you pay for.

I bought and returned the UCX II back in August, 2022 and reviewed it. There were issues with the gain - not enough input gain to get good recording levels and I had reservations about the functionality of the effects. (See my 4 star review from August 10, 2022.)

After a lot more research, I took the plunge a second time now in November, 2023 - the price has gone up $ since then - but it's now a keeper and I'm giving it 5 stars.

The updated driver you download from RME-Audio.com changes the gain structure now so that there is considerably more input gain available to boost recording levels which was badly needed, especially when recording from low signal sources, such as instruments plugged into channels 3 and 4 on the front panel. TotalMix is vastly improved over it's old version. I used a FireFace 400 for many years and it's still a great interface, and remarkably still supported by RME. It would be nice if RME could make it so that the old interfaces could be daisy chained and operated from the new TotalMix platform, but evidently they don't have any plans to do that, which renders the aFireFace 400 not quite obsolete but annoyingly difficult to incorporate because I have to continually switch back and forth between two TotalMix screens, the updated one for the UCX II and then the old TotalMix for the Fireface 400.

The effects are okay for tracking, such as a little EQ and reverb to enhance the sound for a singer and to spice up an instrument when tracking but I wouldn't print these effects to the recording. Thankfully, by default, they are not recorded, though you can select that in the settings if you want it. If you use the effects only for tracking or for live performance. they are fine, but in my opinion you will get better quality and functionality in using effects from your DAW plugins post production.

So I've happily made the switch. The UCX II is just great.

I just recently had to rent a space for work because I am accumulating too much gear and I am getting plenty of jobs. However I did not want to completely abolish the home studio. Working from home is nice, when it's called for. So I got a new Interface for the new spot. This one.
At home is a Babyface Pro. The Babyface pro is awesome. If you don't need all this I/O you really should check it out: the quality is just as good (to my ears) and where this thing has 1/4 outputs for your monitors the Babyface is all XLR, baby! Anyway, this thing is awesome. Amazing conversion on the front and back end and TotalMix FX, once learned, is indispensable, especially if you use a lot of outboard processing hooked into your interface.

After a year or so of use Im very pleased with this purchase. everything has been rock solid in terms of performance, I'm on a Mac Pro m1 and no issues. quality of conversion is excellent in and out, and its been super easy to integrate a few pieces of analog hardware. Truthfully the unit has just disappeared into the integration of my studio. I don't really think about it it just works and sounds amazing and I get on with my job! and thats exactly what you want in a unit.

Upgraded from another similar I/O count interface that cost 1/3 as much, boy am I glad I did. This thing sounds crystal clear, the screen is much better, and the control knob feels much higher quality. I haven't done a deep dive into total mix yet, but it looks nice. Perfect I/O count for my needs (5.1 mixing) and this interface makes my Shelford channel sound even better than it did with my prior interface. I'm also guessing the people that made this unit got paid a good wage for their work, which I also really like. Performance over USB2 in this unit so far is better than USB C in my previous interface. I did quite a bit of research trying to find the most affordable but highest quality 5.1 capable interface, and returned another unit from another company before being very happy with this one.
I wish I could have sprung for the full rack space unit, but this one was perfect for my needs and I'm very glad I emptied the bank account to make it happen.

When I bought my new computer last April, it was time to ditch my faithful old firewire interface for something current, and I went with the MOTU 828es. Awesome Thunderbolt device, truly, but one of the headphone outs wasn't working, so Sweetwater sent a replacement which had the same issue (and more). I "upgraded" to an Apollo x6, which I felt under-delivered, so I ran out of affordable/practical Thunderbolt options and after some hesitation I purchased the UCXII.

With this device, USB performance is mostly a non-issue. It's not quite up there with Thunderbolt, but close enough that I don't worry about it. My buffer is set at 128 and it handles most stuff easily. It's definitely as good as or better than the old firewire device. Very stable and reliable all day long.

Where it shines is the super flexible and easy to use Total Mix. Both UA and MOTU could learn a thing or two from RME in this regard. UA is not nearly as flexible, whereas MOTU is not nearly as user-friendly.

And I love that I can throw it in my backpack with my MBP and go anywhere in the world with this setup!

I would still have preferred a Thunderbolt device, but with this thing USB is no longer an issue.

Recommended.

Being able to monitor yourself through TotalMix FX instead of Pro Tools is incredible. Zero latency with onboard DSP providing Compression, EQ, Reverb and Delay for your monitoring mix (or you can print it). Oh, you'd like to track through your outboard Compressor and EQ instead? Well, by utilizing the I/O as a sort of digital patchbay, TotalMix FX can route your signal to outboard hardware (sort of like an insert) allowing you to track the processed-signal. And you still have the option to record the dry-signal simultaneously! Yes, RME hardware and drivers are top notch but TotalMix FX is what will keep me coming back.

Docked the UCX-II a 1/2 star because ProTools Inserts must utilize the same inputs/outputs. On the UCX-II Outputs 1 & 2 are Monitor Outs and Outputs 7 & 8 are Headphone Outs. Leaving only Outputs 5 & 6 to be used as inserts by returning to Inputs 5 & 6 on the rear panel. Additionally, you have the ability to use Outputs 3 & 4 in the same fashion but my opinion is most users will reserve Inputs 3 & 4 for Instruments. IMO, a better solution would have been to make Outputs 3 & 4 Headphone Outs because Inputs 1, 2, 3 & 4 are special purpose (Mic Pres, Instrument Inputs). This would allow the user to abide by the Pro Tools rule of using the same I/O for inserts on Outputs 5, 6, 7, 8.

Great interface but RME support and tech just doesn't know hot connect their products to modern Macs. Do some searching before you buy for a Mac system.

I received this unit today and so far I love it. I had Cubase 12 projects that previously had pop clicks do to CPU over runs while using UAD Driver. The RME is running the same projects better at 512 buffer size than the UAD was at 2048. Marvelous!

I bought this interface a little early in my need to performance ratio, but as a windows user I loved the idea of upgrading to something widely reported to have the best audio drivers available. Short story, they are and it makes a big difference!

The unit itself is solid built, with lots of connection options, Total Mix is a bit of head scratcher but easy enough to setup for general use, and I did buy and optional Arc controller for quality of life and ease of use with my setup. This combo has been awesome to work with, and the power on display here leaves very little to want besides more XLR inputs.

I was previously using the very solid and clean Motu M4, and while it was perfect for my immediate needs, I had a few projects that really pushed both the unit's and the software's capabilities. So after some research I decided to pick up the UCX II with the help of Sweetwater and it has been one of the best investments I've made into my home office/studio. Part of my living is made in post production working on films and commercials, sometimes with massive effects chains and tons of layering - My UCX II hasn't blinked, super dependable and versatile. Spend the money now or spend it later, you can't go wrong here - especially for Windows users!

Very pleased with this unit so far. rock solid performance, excellent conversion (in and out). A solid amount of IO for the price. The perfect unit for my needs and current amount of hardware.

The unit is well build and scream pro right out of the box. Very easy to install and the integration is seamless with any system. I am running Cubase and Studio one and it is a breeze to setup the IO. The routing and other settings can easily be customized via the TotalMix FX. The driver of this system is very stable and I have never had any issue or dropout. One thing I like about it, is this unit can be extended via ADAT, SPDIF, AES/EBU etc... The stand alone capability will let you take it on the road and it is suitable for any gig.
I am glad that I have upgraded my system with this unit.

I bought this to upgrade from a Fireface 400, which RME discontinued some years ago. The UCS has some great features, including DUREC (Direct Usb RECording via a flash drive you plug into the back of the unit) and really intuitive, user friendly front panel controls and front panel display, which makes it possible to operate it really well as a stand alone unit. Unfortunately, for me, the UCX did not show higher quality audio than the RME Fireface 400 I bought many years ago, which I guess is a testament to how good RME interfaces are. The trouble with the Fireface 400 is that it causes the MacBook pro to overheat during playback, making the computer's fan kick on loudly. i've since discovered that with the new M1 Mac, that isn't a problem. It can handle the firewire without over taxing the computer's CPU. So I ended up returning the UCX and keeping the Fireface 400, which, although discontinued, is still supported by current versions of TotalMIx.

While trying it out, I had difficulty figuring out how to assign different effects to different channels. Not sure whether that can be done with this unit. If someone has the solution for that, please comment.

Also, under options on Total Mix, there is a way of adding auxilliary RME devices to the mix console, but at present there is only one RME device that can be daisy chained that way, a 12 channel mic preamp. I had hoped this setting would allow me to add my Fireface 400 as an aux device, but no. So be aware of that if you have multiple RME devices. You can still set up an aggregate device using audio midi settings but you have to navigate to a different total mix console for each device doing it that way.

The gain structure of the UCX is a bit different from the discontinued FireFace 400. On the FF400, I don't have to turn the input gain up nearly as high to get a good recording level. Not sure that matters, but I something I noticed in comparing the two.

You can't go wrong with the UCXII. It's a great unit. I just found I didn't need it after comparing it with the old Fireface 400

Love total mix fx. Super intuitive, flexible and easy to use.

The interface is quality. Low latency, stable performance at 32 buffer on M1 pro.

Setup all the i/o and now I can just make music and not have to worry about tech issues. The interface does its job and stays out of the way.

I got the first generation Apollo Twin in 2014 and then in 2020 got the Twin X, six years total of working with the Twin. Almost two months ago, a friend of mine told me about RME. After a bit of research, I ditched my Twin X and got the RME UCX II. I can tell you from experience that the RME UCX II is leaps and bounds better than the Apollo Twin.

1. The clocking is better.
2. The preamps are cleaner and better. I get 72 dB of clean preamp gain opposed to the 65 dB of gain that's colored from the Apollo Twin
3. Better converters which means better conversion. Converters on the Apollo Twin are sub-par.
4. The soundscape is clearer and wider. I hear things in my mixes that I didn't hear with the Apollo Twin.
5. More inputs and outputs. RME UXC II: 20-in/20-out. Apollo Twin X: 10-in/6-out.
6. You can't bypass the preamps on the Apollo Twin X when using an external mic preamp. The signal still passes through the Apollo Twin preamps, which still add a little bit of color to the sound/signal coming from the external preamp. I found this out about six months ago. This means I wasn't getting the full advantage of my Neve Shelford Channel. After switching to the UCX II, problem solved.

With plugins from Plugin Alliance and now some from UAD Spark (13 native plugins), the ones I was using anyway before I sold the Twin, I don't need the Twin anymore to run those plugins. Plus I can add a UAD Satellite to run more UAD Plugins if I wanted to.

The only thing the Twin X has over the RME UXC II is the ability to track with Unison Preamps, which really doesn't matter if you track with hardware gear. For the price point, I get more bang for my buck with the RME UCX II.

I've owned a Babyface on tour back in the days and I still own a Fireface UFX that I've been using at work. I've been using the UFX for about 8 years now. I've never had a single issue with either units.

Now the UCX II will be my interface for teleworking. I can't say enough good things about Totalmix FX.

I'm not particularly impressed by the UCX II because I'm simply used to the very high quality standards the RME brand carries. Could not be happier with my purchase.

I ordered from Montreal and I got my parcel the very next day using priority shipping with Fedex. I payed around 15% import duties, the usual sales tax in the province of Quebec.

I'd been wanting to upgrade to an RME interface for some time, from my aging Roland Quad-Capture - so when I saw the advance announcements for the new UCX II I was excited to jump onto it. And I must say: it was absolutely worth the wait: the difference is like night and day from what I had been using previously.
The driver install (I'm running Windows 10) was fast and painless, and easy to configure in my two main DAWs, Studio One and Bitwig Studio. I very highly recommend checking out the RME YouTube channel where they have great step-by-step instructions on how to use their excellent TotalMixFX software which is nowhere near as confusing as I'd been led to believe from various online comments that I've read! The many routing options you get are excellent, and easy to put into use.

I heard immediate serious improvement to overall sound quality going out to my studio's nearfields (previously I had been using my Apogee Rosetta 200 converter as my AD/DA frontend to the old Quad-Capture). And with all the additional I/O the UCX II provides for me, I love now having so many more options now to route to and from my various hardware processors.
The build quality of the UCX II itself is excellent: this is a solid piece of well-designed gear, right down to the feel of the encoder knob. The display screen is bright and clear, and provides instant visibility to many functions. I also got the optional RM-19 II rackmount ears for the unit and have it racked. One "duh" piece of information that isn't mentioned in the manual though is labeled on the unit itself: the unit's main power switch is the encoder knob itself - push in once to power up, push in and hold for 2 seconds to power down again.

I was excited to check out the legendary low latency the RME drivers provide. Bundled with the UCX II is Scuffham S-Gear amp sim software, so after I installed it I grabbed a Tele, plugged it straight into one of the two instrument level inputs on the front of the UCX II, set its buffers down to 256 and...whoa! I was shocked at how imperceptible any latency was, with no noticeable impact to system resources - and knowing that I could drop the buffers down even lower if I wanted too. This opens up a lot of new possibilities for me - it's a brave new world...

At the recommendation of another RME user that I know, I also got the optional ARC-USB Advanced Remote Control as well - I highly recommend it too! I'm routing straight out of the UCX II to my nearfields instead of going through my old original Mackie Big Knob I'd had for years (a great unit itself, but now no longer needed), and the ARC is perfect for the job, with a much smaller footprint which freed up desk space as well. That said, I did find the 6' USB cable that comes with the UCX II to be just a little too short for me as far as connecting between the back of the UCX II (using the DURec USB jack) in my rack and the ARC on my desk, leaving the cable hanging up in the air. This was no big deal though, as you can easily get a cheap longer USB cable anywhere to use instead which I did (and they even mention in the manual as being easily/cheaply available). Worth noting is that you don't *have* to connect the ARC directly to the UCX II - if you prefer, you can plug it into your computer and it'll know where it needs to go from there.

I installed the UCX II in my studio about 2 weeks ago and am loving it...and I know I'm so far only scratching the surface of what I know I can do with it. I'm excited to dig in deeper still.
VERY highly recommended.

This unit is astonishing! So much power in a neat little package. You can trust that RME will have the electronics and software on point. The industry leading low latency performance, with lovely audio conversion will have anyone pretty happy to start. But then it gets crazy. Internal DSP- dynamics and effects??? TotalMix FX software mixer with supreme routing flexibility???? 40 channel DURec standalone recording ability???? When I tried DURec out after creating a track and mixing it down-- I felt like I stumbled upon a pot of gold. It's a dream to build around the UCX II and to use. This is my first RME unit, and it's made me wish I had gone to them a long time ago. They've been amazing for years. And I have some other stellar audio interfaces- but this one is so fun along with the outstanding quality. But as I'm learning, this is nothing new to long time RME users.

To be honest I haven't had a chance to properly test out the fire face ucx2 but I have been doing a lot of reviews and checking into the fire face product line and as it stands right now I am truly happy with what I'm learning and what I know about fireface products so in my heart and my mind I believe this was a good purchase and I will get many years of use out of this product.