ROAD TEST
RME Babyface Pro Audio Interface
By Eric Price
RME ’ s new Babyface Pro audio interface once again confirms the old adage that good things come in small packages .
RME has introduced a successor to its highly regarded Babyface interface , employing the marketing slogan “ Reengineered , not remastered ,” and it appears they are good to their word having redesigned the unit from the ground up .
First Impressions A little larger than my hand , the new Babyface Pro has been machined from a solid block of aluminum , making for one robust and sturdy device . Everything about this interface feels quite substantial . From the various connectors to the rotary encoder to the buttons , all are improved from the original Babyface .
The top , with its refined look , features the aforementioned rotary encoder , six buttons , and the meters . The metering comes in a fairly basic arrangement that works well for quick referencing and live use ; however , one might find it challenging to rely solely on them under more demanding situations .
In Use The interface has been sonically retooled as well , with completely overhauled audio circuitry and starting with two phantom powered , discretely switchable preamps , each having a gain range of 76dB , variable in 1dB increments . The 24-bit AD / DA converters are capable of up to a 192 kHz sample rate and include SteadyClock technology , which is where the converters ’ clock works with the internal clock to keep jitter to a minimum . I found all of this made for a very clean and transparent sound – something RME interfaces are already known for and it didn ’ t disappoint here . Keyboards , drums , vocals , guitar – all sounded great with minimal to no tweaking .
It will run on both Mac and PC and its ability to switch to CC ( Class Compliant ) mode can allow it to work with an iPad or iPhone , though you will need the camera connection kit or the lightning-to-USB adapter to get it connected . While running off a computer , the unit is USB powered and can get power from either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connections . When running it standalone with an iPad , though , you will need to use a DC adapter .
Getting signal into the Babyface can be accomplished several ways : using the pair of chassis-integrated XLR connectors , the pair of 1 / 4-in . line inputs , or the TOSLINK connector , which will automatically detect whether it ’ s receiving a stereo SPDIF or eight-channel ADAT signal . The ADAT channel also supports SMUX . By employing an eight-channel ADAT converter , the Babyface has the ability to provide 12 inputs at once . Pretty impressive for a palm-sized interface .
For outputs , “ variety ” is once again the word of the day . We are looking at two short circuit-protected XLR connectors along with a TOSLINK port which , again , has the potential to provide up to eight outputs when utilizing an ADAT converter . There are also two headphone jacks , run in parallel but having discrete driver stages , allowing you to use headphones with either high or low impedance . Along with having both a 6.3 mm and a 3.5 mm ( for the metrically challenged , 1 / 4-in and 1 / 8-in .) connectors , you have several headphone options to work with , so just like the inputs , there is the potential for 12 outputs , giving this little guy the flexibility of having up to 12 inputs and 12 outputs for a total of 24 channels .
Lastly for connections we have the DC power connector for use when in standalone mode and a mini-MIDI connector for use with the provided MIDI breakout cable to handle MIDI in and out data .
Of course , managing all the routing and other settings can be done from the controls on top of the interface , though it is much handier when employing the provided TotalMix FX software . This program is a fairly comprehensive mixing and routing application with the routing matrix allowing you to distribute the audio to any of the monitoring or recording paths . The software does include some onboard DSP with EQ , reverb , and delay , which you can use in your headphones while tracking . If you are using the Babyface with an iPad , you will need to download the TotalMix FX app to get these features , though using the interface with an iPad does exclude some functions .
RME throws in a hard plastic travel case with dedicated slots for storing both the USB cable and the MIDI breakout cable , the USB cable being heavy duty and using a right-angle connection to help keep it out of the way . On the bottom is a mic stand thread for handy mounting . These are the type of professional touches that help put this unit in the upper echelons of interfaces .
Summary Cost-wise , the interface may be a little dearer than some of its competitors , but then again , RME is known for its upmarket professional products . The higher price is more than offset by its clean look , robust build , flexible input possibilities , and most importantly , its professional-quality sound .
To sum things up , this unit is not a toy . I found it extremely easy to operate and it was quite capable of doing serious studio work with pro-quality performance . If you are in the market for a powerful , portable interface then the RME Babyface Pro is definitely worth considering .
Now in his 10 th year writing for Canadian Musician , Eric Price is still out . Way out . Out where the fun is ! Questions ? He can be reached at eric @ gepconsulting . ca .
20 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN