During the 2015 Musikmesse and Prolight+Sound shows in Frankfurt, Germany, RME Audio introduced a new version of its Babyface portable audio interface, now called Babyface Pro. Using the slogan “reengineered | not remastered,” RME perfected the mechanics and added newly designed analog and digital circuits.Following the huge popularity of RME’s first Babyface iteration, which was unexpectedly compromised by a flood of unauthorized (and even authorized) copies of the hardware, the German company decided to relaunch the product with an improved and updated version. The new Babyface Pro is basically a 24-bit/192-kHz-capable USB 2.0 (USB 3 compatible) bus-powered interface able to support a total of 24 channels (12x12).
Mechanically designed from a block of aluminium, the new portable interface also incorporates innovative energy-saving technologies and new audio circuits, which the company says allow no compromises in level, noise, or distortion specifications. For the main I/O, RME designed a completely new XLR socket, which seamlessly integrates into the housing and saves space. The two headphone outputs, offering TRS and mini-jack sockets in parallel, have completely separate driver stages to match low and high impedance headphones, guaranteeing better sonic results no matter what type of headphone is used.
One of the most distinct design features is that it rarely requires an external power supply. RME explains that the new Babyface Pro is perfectly stable on USB 3 bus power, and also most USB 2 ports, with no degradation in any technical specification. This makes it perfect for mobile recording, even with a pair of condenser microphones.
Also, the new user interface is informative and clearly laid out, allowing access to every feature and configuration mode of the Babyface Pro. The device can be used also in stand-alone mode, with routing and mixing of inputs to outputs directly on the device, expanding the number of applications.
RME’s two new digitally controlled preamp circuits provide individually switchable 48-V phantom power and feature a gain range of 71 dB, adjustable in steps of 3 dB, while the use of a relay-driven PAD results in exceptional Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) performance as well as line overload protection, and enough gain for even the lowest level microphones.
The new version also uses latest generation super-low latency AD/DA converters, combined with RME’s further improved SteadyClock III technology, results in specifications that justify the new designation as “Babyface Pro.” The comprehensive features also include an optical TOSLINK I/O, which can be used with an ADAT port with SMUX support or SPDIF for sessions up to 192 kHz.In combination with an external ADAT converter, the Babyface Pro fully supports 12 analog inputs as well as 12 outputs, making it ideal for both live and studio multitrack applications. It’s possible to plug line level or high impedance musical instruments directly into inputs 3 and 4, and MIDI I/O is available via the included breakout cable.
The Babyface Pro ships with RME’s recently launched TotalMix FX software, available for Windows, Mac OS X, and optional iOS. This versatile software controls the FPGA-based DSP mixer, a three-band parametric equalizer, reverb and delay, available on inputs and outputs. RME regularly updates software for all its audio interfaces, including new generation Windows and Mac OS X drivers, which is one of the reasons why the German company continues to have high levels of user satisfaction.
www.rme-audio.com
