RME Babyface Pro FS Review (May 2024)
$999.00
Description
In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the RME Babyface Pro FS, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
The thrilling Babyface Pro showcases RME’s unwavering dedication to outstanding craftsmanship, not just in audio circuitry and driver development, but also in mechanics. This high-end yet portable interface was precision-machined from a block of metal and features newly built analog and digital circuits. Its cutting-edge energy-saving technology delivers unrivaled quality with no sacrifices in volume, noise, or distortion.
RME built an entirely new XLR socket for the main I/O, which blends perfectly into the chassis and saves space. The two headphone outputs, which offer TRS and mini-jack connections in tandem, have fully distinct driver stages to flawlessly match low and high impedance headphones, resulting in exquisite sound performance regardless of a headphone type. Individually switchable 48V phantom power is provided by two digitally controlled preamps.
These completely new circuits have a gain range of 76 dB, adjustable in 1 dB steps, and include a relay-driven PAD, resulting in superb EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance, line overload protection, and adequate gain for even the lowest level microphones. Babyface Pro’s exceptionally efficient design virtually never requires an external power supply — it’s fully stable on USB 3 bus power, as well as most USB 2 connections, with no loss in any technical standard. This makes it ideal for mobile recording, even with a pair of your preferred condenser microphones.
The extensive feature set is completed by an optical TOSLINK I/O, which can be used as an ADAT port with SMUX compatibility or SPDIF for sessions up to 192 kHz. The Babyface Pro strongly supports 12 analog inputs and 12 outputs when used in conjunction with an external ADAT converter, making it perfect for both live and studio multi-track applications. Any instrument, line, or high impedance can be plugged into Babyface Pro’s jack inputs 3 and 4. No additional hardware is necessary to record your guitar while on the fly. The kit is completed by MIDI I/O through an accompanying breakout connection.
Product Features
- USB 2.0
- Weight: 680g
- USB powered
- 24 bit / 192 kHz
- Class-compliant
- Includes USB-C cable
- 12 Inputs and outputs in total
- Stand-alone operation possible
- Optimized driver for PC and Mac
- All inputs are digitally controlled
- MIDI input and output via breakout cable
- Dimensions (W * H * D): 108 * 35 * 181 mm
- Optical input and output — either ADAT or SPDIF
- RME TotalMix FX software includes EQ, reverb, and delay
- 4 Analogue inputs for microphone, line level, and instrument
- SteadyClock FS for the lowest amount of jitter and highest jitter immunity
- 4 Analogue outputs: 2x XLR and 2x outputs for high- and low-impedance headphones
- Microphone inputs with up to 65 dB gain, pad, overload protection, and 48 V phantom power
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong build
- Exceptionally reliable
- Fantastic sound quality
- Favorable customer reviews
- Perfect for studio recording and live performance
Cons
- Quite expensive
- XLR cables are still not locking
- The iPad cannot be charged
RME Audio Interface (BABYFACEPRO) Demo
Our Verdict
As previously indicated, this is an improvement of the RME Babyface, their original audio interface released in 2011. Prices for that will most likely start to fall as this model becomes more popular, so if you’re looking to save a few bucks but get something that’s fairly similar (lacks a few of the features the Pro has, such as some fewer ins, the cool XLR ports, or an additional headphone in), look at that instead. In addition, unlike the original die-cast housing, this Pro version is made of aluminum. If aesthetics are important to you, the original Babyface is also available in blue.
When it comes to professional-quality interfaces, RME’s main opponent is Universal Audio. You may also read our top ten best audio interfaces post for more possibilities, but they’re more geared toward lower price points.
Overall, the RME Babyface Pro audio interface is a high-quality piece of hardware designed for those of us who know what we’ve been doing. It’s worth the investment if you have it because of the various ins and outs, 192 kHz audio quality, and overall good build.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
Pricing History
Price History for RME Audio Interface (BABYFACEPRO)
Statistics
| Current Price | $999.00 | April 30, 2024 |
| Highest Price | $999.01 | August 16, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $999.00 | August 22, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $999.00 | January 1, 2024 |
| $999.01 | December 11, 2023 |
| $999.00 | August 22, 2023 |
| $999.01 | August 16, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
Best 4 Channel Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Audio Interfaces For Mac Laptops
Best Audio Interfaces Under $1000
Best 2 Channel Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Audio Interfaces For iPad
Best Portable Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Low Latency Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Small Audio Interfaces (2022)
Additional information
| Item Weight | 1.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.25 x 7.1 x 1.4 inches |
| Item model number | BABYFACEPRO |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 21, 2015 |
| Compatible Devices | Tablet |
| Connector Type | USB Type A |
| Supported Software | WIndows, Mac OS X |
| Output Wattage | 240 Watts |
| Color Screen | No |
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