The long and eagerly awaited RME Babyface, a new ultra-mobile USB 22-channel audio interface, is now available. Equipped with the latest 192 kHz AD- and DA-converters and two reference class microphone preamps the bus-powered Babyface delivers two high end analog recording channels and four analog playback channels, plus ADAT and MIDI I/O in an attractively shaped enclosure.
The Babyface combines excellent analog circuit design with AD/DA converter chips of the latest generation. RME’s efficient SteadyClock jitter suppression technology ensures an AD- and DA-conversion of the highest reference quality.
Both digitally controlled preamps provide individually switchable 48V phantom power. The extremely low THD+N values let these preamps surpass those of other devices that cost several times the price of the Babyface. All level settings are 100% recallable by software and can be comfortably adjusted directly at the unit.
The feature set includes a digital I/O with up to 192 kHz support, alternatively usable as ADAT port or optical SPDIF I/O. In combination with an ADAT converter, like the RME ADI-8 DS/QS, the Babyface provides an incredible amount of 10 analog input and 12 analog output channels.
The headphone output, driven from an extra DA converter, provides full 192 kHz sound experience, and is available not only directly at the unit but also on the breakout cable.
The additional instrument input – directly at the side of the unit – allows the recording of any instrument, like a guitar or bass guitar, without any other external hardware, by switching one analog input to Hi-Z mode.
With one main control knob and two single buttons the elegant Babyface acts as direct desktop control for all typical studio tasks: volume control, reference volume store and recall, volume dim, input selection/switching and input gain control.
The Babyface connects to the USB 2.0 bus, but is also compatible to USB 3 chipsets. It has been uncompromisingly optimized for highest performance under Windows and Mac OS by using customized firmwares for every operating system. Like other RME USB interfaces, the Babyface provides revolutionary ultra-low latencies even with multiple channels.
The Babyface includes TotalMix FX. The new generation of RME’s famous DSP hardware mixer delivers mixing/routing with lots of new features and a highly improved usability. The DSP mixer not only works with an internal resolution of 46 bit and matches the feature set of expensive high-end digital consoles, but even adds effects like a 3-band parametric equalizer, reverb and echo to the mix.
Full mobility: The ultra-portable Babyface works completely with all features on USB bus power – a power supply is optional available. This turns the Babyface into the perfect partner for mobile recording of live performances, composing sessions in a park or coffee shop, or just wherever you go. Even if just seen as a good looking HIFI music player or home studio companion – it will work perfectly on every desktop and laptop computer.
Babyface features:
– 10 Input / 12 Output channels
– 2 x analog I/O with line and mic level, balanced or unbalanced
– 2 x digitally controlled Mic Preamps in high-end quality
– 4 x analog output with the technology from RME’s high-end M-series converter
– 1 input channel alternatively usable as Hi-Z instrument input
– 1 x ADAT I/O (usable as 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
– 1 x Phones Out (separate DA conversion)
– 1 x MIDI I/O
– Bus-powered operation
– Sample rates up to 192 kHz on all I/Os
– SteadyClock™ for maximum jitter suppression and clock refresh
– TotalMix FX: Integrated high-end mixer with effects and 46-bit internal resolution
– hardware calculated Level Meters Peak/RMS
– includes DIGICheck – RME’s metering and analysis toolbox
– includes “Babybag” (See the picture above!)