RME Babyface

A USB audio interface for a mobile recording setup must be able to capture microphone, line and instrument signals without relying on an external power supply. The blue RME Babyface is bus-powered and combines two analogue inputs with ADAT or optical S/PDIF I/O, as well as MIDI. The converters support resolutions of up to 24 bit/192 kHz.

The two digitally controlled preamps capture microphone and line signals via balanced XLR inputs; 48 V phantom power can be switched on individually for each microphone channel. Input 2 can alternatively be used as a Hi-Z instrument input. This lets you connect a guitar or bass directly, for example, while leaving the second input free for a microphone or another signal.

Via the optical TOSLINK I/O, you can choose either ADAT or S/PDIF. In ADAT mode, up to eight channels can be transmitted at 44.1/48 kHz; with S/MUX, the channel count decreases at higher sample rates. Combined with an ADAT converter, the interface can expand its channel count to 10 inputs and 12 outputs. MIDI input and output are provided via the breakout cable with two five-pin DIN sockets.

TotalMix FX serves as a DSP-based mixer for monitoring and routing. It provides a three-band parametric EQ, including low-cut, on the inputs and outputs, as well as separate effects sends with reverb and echo. The effects and routing settings can be edited in the software; peak and RMS levels are calculated by the hardware, without using the computer's CPU. DIGICheck adds a tool for level metering and signal analysis.

On the device, you can control the volume, select inputs and adjust their gain using encoders and buttons. Settings can be saved and recalled; level meters help you monitor levels directly on the interface. SteadyClock reduces jitter and supports synchronisation with an external digital source. For desktop and laptop recording, mobile recording and small studio setups, the Babyface is a suitable solution when two analogue inputs, digital expandability and direct hardware control are required.