RME Babyface Pro FS 24-Channel USB-B Audio/MIDI Interface

The RME Babyface Pro FS 24-Channel 192 kHz USB 2.0 Bus-Powered Audio Interface is a 24-channel audio interface that operates at 192 kHz and connects via USB 2.0, making it suitable for a diverse range of studio and live recording scenarios. Those familiar with the original Babyface Pro will recognize its compact design, featuring dedicated XLR inputs alongside parallel phone jacks (1/4″, 3.5mm, and TRS connections).

Returning users will appreciate the enhancements introduced in the Babyface Pro FS. RME has added a +19/+4 dBu switch located on the underside, which allows for output level adjustment to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio of the preamps as needed. The already high-quality clocking has been further refined to achieve ultralow jitter and enhanced jitter immunity. Additionally, the power of the 3.5mm headphone output has increased from 70 to 90mW, and both headphone outputs now exhibit improved total harmonic distortion (THD) by up to 10 dB. The latency has also been significantly reduced, with typical delays of 5 samples for analog-to-digital conversion and 7 samples for digital-to-analog conversion, representing a fifth of the latency found in earlier models. These enhancements are just a few highlights of the improvements made.

The interface is equipped with the company’s TotalMix FX, a software mixer compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and iOS platforms. When connecting the device to an iPad, it is essential to utilize an external power adapter, as the iPad alone cannot supply sufficient power to the interface. The mixer software facilitates a broad range of applications, from basic signal mixing to more intricate routing setups.

Additionally, the unit features an FPGA-based DSP mixer that incorporates a versatile 3-band parametric equalizer for all inputs and outputs. It also provides options for delay and reverb effects. With the capability to achieve sample rates and resolutions of up to 192 kHz / 24-bit, this interface presents a professional recording solution within a compact design.

New Features over Previous Babyface Pro

• +19/+4 dBu switch on the bottom adds a direct way to reduce the output level, improving SNR for sensitive active monitors, as well as avoiding distortion/overloads, and keeping TotalMix FX faders near 0 dB instead of high attenuations
• Full SteadyClock FS circuit for ultralow jitter and high jitter immunity
• 3.5 mm TRS phones output power rises from 70 mW to 90 mW
• THD of both phones outputs improved by up to 10 dB
• Uses same output opamps as ADI-2 Pro
• Output impedance of 3.5 mm TRS lowered from 2 to 0.1 ohm
• Mic inputs SNR improved from 112.2 to 113.7 dB
• TRS line inputs SNR improved from 114 to 116 dB RMS (120 dBA)
• THD line inputs improved by 8 dB
• Latency improved by six samples on the AD side by new ADC (5 samples AD, 7 samples DA)
• No increase in power consumption, despite new features
• K-slot for theft protection