RME Multiface 2 vs. RME Multiface

[lionnelson]

Hello,

After digging through the forum posts, I have decided to invest in a RME Multiface with PCMCIA card. And, after doing a Google search I found that RME has released the updated Multiface 2. This release seems quite new and I have been unable to find any user information regarding the practical differences between the two. For example, does the new Multiface 2 sound better than the original Multiface? And, if so, does the improved sound quality justify spending extra $ for the Multiface 2 vs. purchasing an original Multiface used for less $?

Reading the marketing information, I could tell that the Multiface 2 has a headphone output volume knob, but otherwise could not translate the technical jargon into practical sound quality differences.

Below is the marketing speak detailing the differences...

Thanks for any insight and assistance.

Lion Nelson

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The RME Multiface offered the best possible performance in terms of low-latency operation and CPU load, thanks to the PCI card solution, which still surpasses "slightly slower" technologies like USB 2.0 or even FireWire. That was reason enough for RME to apply the latest technological developments to the Multiface II, an update of the original Multiface, thus making a proven product even better. First of all, the new RME Multiface II is 100% compatible with the current model's firmware and driver. It offers the same set of features and settings and the same low-latency, zero-CPU-load performance. Some significant changes to the circuitry were made along with the incorparation of several features from RME's award-winning Fireface including: Hi-power headphone output with volume knob and 119 dBA SNR - Analog input stages with improved CMRR, lower THD and increased S/N ratio by almost 10 dB - Analog output stages with significantly lower THD. RME's more effective synchronized internal switching power supply was also added. The reference level (+4dB, -10dB) of the analog inputs and outputs can be changed by two independent switches on the front panel. Like the original RME Multiface, the RME Multiface II has to be combined with RME's PCI-card for desktop computers or with RME's CardBus (PCMCIA) card for portable computers, which ensures maximum transfer rates of up to 130 MB/s. The RME Multiface II is compatible with the Windows and MAC platform.

Other improvements of the RME Multiface II include the removal of the ADAT Sync interface (D-sub) on the back of the current Multiface (since it is hardly used any more). The added space allows the analog TRS jacks on the Multiface II to be moved further apart, so that eight Neutrik jacks now fit side by side. Additionally, a cable hook used to secure power and audio cables has been added.

[3phase]

I talked to people from RME in Frankfurt and they stated that the converters are improoved in the Multiface II.
You have a physical headphone out with volume control and the pcmia card has an plastik block attached that houses a standart firewire connector instead the risky pcmia connector used on the generation one pcmia cards...

Go for version 2 or try to get a very good version 1 price