• Registered: 2025-09-21
  • Posts: 1

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hello! I am a new Babyface Pro FS user.

After a few weeks, I love this unit, and have enough understanding of TotalMix FX to use it reliably for my simple needs.

But I do have a question about a phantom power behavior that I do not understand, not noted in the manual (but not the manual's oversight) nor online that I can find. It concerns a specific mic, but I post here to learn if this behavior could harm the Babyface. (I'll go to the mic manufacturer to ask them about their part in this behavior.)

Question
I have a Rode NT1 and an Earthworks Ethos. I've discovered that the Ethos, when 48v power is engaged or disengaged, causes the Babyface's corresponding LED meter to rise to the red level, then settle back down, accompanied by several audible pops, not loud but certainly present.

Further, only when disengaging 48v power, the Ethos input audio turns to static (like white noise) which then dissipates over 5-6 seconds. I assume this is residual power in the mic draining away audibly as the LED meter falls. The effect is always with the Ethos, not the NT1.

So my question is: Is this normal behavior for some phantom powered mics, and could it damage the Babyface?

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 10,659

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

This is normal and does not cause any damage.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

1,453 Reply by Hopslost

  • Registered: 2025-02-06
  • Posts: 23

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

got some (totally unrelated) quick questions.

Question 1: Is it feasible to make a software implementation of AutoSet in Totalmix? It wouldn't be as fast as in the DSP, but still be useful.

Question 2: What input gain and output volume and dBu switch setting should I choose if I want to input a mic and output it with exactly the same level?

Question 3: A Mac Mini is connected to the BBF via USB and runs a DAW or software instrument like Pianoteq that lets you choose sample rate. A PC is connected via Toslink to mix in all kinds of audio, like a CD Player. As stated in the manual I set clock source of the BBF to Optical In. It is also stated that a DVD Player (in this case the Mac) will be synced backwards from the BBF. So the PC syncs the BBF and the BBF syncs the Mac (via USB) and all is good?

FF UCX II, BBF Pro FS, Quadmic II, FF 400, PCIe/PCI HDSPe Multiface I/II

1,454 Reply by waedi

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 6,564

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

1 It would be a nice feature, a helping hand for soundchecks, even better if it can be a auto-soundcheck, setting the input gain 5dB lower than the auto-set.

2 A line level output shall output a mic level signal ?  I would do a cable loopback and compare and adjust the levels in Totalmix.

3 Yes, the Mac audio driver Core-Audio does sample rate conversions on the go to provide the correct music to you.

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

1,455 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-10-24 05:41:31)

  • ramses
  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 14,939

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hopslost wrote:

Question 1: Is it feasible to make a software implementation of AutoSet in Totalmix? It wouldn't be as fast as in the DSP, but still be useful.

Question 2: What input gain and output volume and dBu switch setting should I choose if I want to input a mic and output it with exactly the same level?

[...]

to 1) not possible, because audio flows are not going through TM FX. TM FX is only for the control of the DSP.

to 2) I do not understand what your problem is. Input and output signal should be the same if the output fader is at 0 dB setting.

You can easily check it using an online tone generator: https://onlinetonegenerator.com/.
Send a sine wave and route it to any free HW output, ensure that the output fader is at 0dB setting.
Compare signal strength, its the same.

With the mic it will be the same, compare the input and output metering.

Maybe another thing we talk here about levels in the digital domain. The final level at the analog output depends on the reference level that you choose on the output. This line level signal is of course much higher compared to the very low signal which comes out of the mic and is being highly amplified by the preamp.

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 14, Win10 IoT Ent

1,456 Reply by Bassman

  • Registered: 2013-11-22
  • Posts: 11

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hi ramses and waedi,
As you are "masters" of Babyface (and others), may I ask you if you have an answer to my post #1397? I never received a response, unfortunately... THANKS A MILLION!

1,457 Reply by Kubrak

  • Kubrak
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2023-08-03
  • Posts: 1,303

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Bassman wrote:

When I compare software loopback in TM versus hardware loopback (cable) on the analog input 1 and 2, I see a level difference of approx. 9.5 dB (input and output faders set at 0 dB, Gain set to 0 dB, and Pad=OFF). This difference does not appear when the output signal is connected via cable to input 3 or 4. Loopback via optical input/output also shows 0 dB difference between the two methods. Does it mean, that input 1 and 2 have an “initial” gain of approx. 10 dB when everything is set to 0 dB? Digicheck confirms that 0 dB corresponds to 8 dBu (approx. 2 Vrms). can someone confirm and explain, please?

I would have to try on my BFP, but no time right now. The difference between Mic and instr inputs may be also in setting the reference level in insr inputs (it may be +4 dBu, -10 dBV and boost). And tiny switch on bottom of BFP allows to switch output to +19 dBu or +4 dBu.

So, if you set switch to +4dBu and set Instr input to +4 dBu, the signal strenght should be more or less the same. Not so, if other combinations of settings are used.

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS

1,458 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-10-30 18:39:04)

  • ramses
  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 14,939

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Bassman wrote:

Hi ramses and waedi,
As you are "masters" of Babyface (and others), may I ask you if you have an answer to my post #1397? I never received a response, unfortunately... THANKS A MILLION!

Bassman wrote:

My apologizes if I am wrong here.
When I compare software loopback in TM versus hardware loopback (cable) on the analog input 1 and 2,
I see a level difference of approx. 9.5 dB (input and output faders set at 0 dB, Gain set to 0 dB, and Pad=OFF).
This difference does not appear when the output signal is connected via cable to input 3 or 4.
Loopback via optical input/output also shows 0 dB difference between the two methods.
Does it mean, that input 1 and 2 have an “initial” gain of approx. 10 dB when everything is set to 0 dB?
Digicheck confirms that 0 dB corresponds to 8 dBu (approx. 2 Vrms). can someone confirm and explain, please?

Before I look to manuals and technical data, could you please 1st of all clarifiy which product you have?
Babyface, Babyface Pro or Babyface Pro FS?

Then can you be more specific? You have at your output a signal (e.g. sine) of 0 dBFS
and then you see it on Analog 1+2 IN 9.5 dB higher or lower than 0 dBFS?
And on Analog 3+4 IN you see 0 dB? Same as on Analog 1+2 OUT?

When you use loopback in the digital domain, then you will get the same level. Maybe a little difference. If I remember right, MC told on forum that the Loopback signal will be slightly reduced (~ -0.2) to prevent overload/overs when recording at the input.

Suspicion, could have to do with different reference levels in the analog domain.

Thanks.

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 14, Win10 IoT Ent

1,459 Reply by waedi

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 6,564

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Make sure no other channels are routed to that output and FX are OFF

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

1,460 Reply by Bassman

  • Registered: 2013-11-22
  • Posts: 11

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

@ramses: I have Babyface Pro and Babyface Pro FS, same behavior on both units. You correctly interpreted regarding signals.
@waedi: Correct, no other channels routed to that output and FX = OFF
@Kubrak: I am aware of the gain switch on Babyface Pro FS, it is set to + 4 dBu
I am using NTi MR-Pro Signal Source.
Thank you for your response, highly appreciated :-)

1,461 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-10-30 19:21:11)

  • ramses
  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 14,939

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Bassman wrote:

@ramses: I have Babyface Pro and Babyface Pro FS, same behavior on both units. You correctly interpreted regarding signals.
@waedi: Correct, no other channels routed to that output and FX = OFF
@Kubrak: I am aware of the gain switch on Babyface Pro FS, it is set to + 4 dBu
I am using NTi MR-Pro Signal Source.
Thank you for your response, highly appreciated :-)

Still you didn't answer my question regarding the level difference of 9.5 dB.

So you have a cable from AN 1+2 OUT to AN 1+2 IN.

Did you use a sine wave for testing?

Was the output signal 0 dBFS if not what is the exact value.

How strong was the input signal at AN 1+2 at 0 dB gain and without PAD?
a) - 9.5 dB
b) + 9.5 dB
c) other value.

Between AN 1+2 OUT and AN 1+2 IN: is this a balanced or an unbalanced connection?

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 14, Win10 IoT Ent

1,462 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2025-10-30 19:52:30)

  • ramses
  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 14,939

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

This is my calculation for BBF Pro FS

You should see a difference of 9 dB not with loopback cabled between AN1+2 OUT -> AN1+2 IN,
you should see this between AN1+2 OUT -> AN 3+4 IN
which is "case 2" in the screenshot below, balanced connection assumed.

See also manual ch 9.6 Analog recording:
Input channels 3 and 4 are found as TS jacks on the right side of the Babyface Pro. These Hi-Z universal inputs have an input impedance of 1 MOhm. The input gain is controlled and per-formed digitally and limited to 9 dB. An additional hardware-based
reference level optimizes the signal to noise ratio. Choices are +4 dBu and -10 dBV.

Therefore please ensure for AN 3+4 IN, that
a) the digital gain is set to 0 (click to wrench symbol) and
b) that ref level has been set to +4 dBu.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5skhr648 … k&dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5skhr648gwrjrrkbbx2rk/2025-10-30-BBF-Pro-FS-Line-loopback-cabled-AN1-2-OUT-to-AN1-2-IN-and-AN3-4-IN.jpg?rlkey=bpai0ejerejdatrwreyghcjzv&st=z7y6mv6k&dl=1

BR Ramses - HDSPe MADI FX, M-1620 Pro D, 12Mic, UFX III, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, Nuendo 14, Win10 IoT Ent

1,463 Reply by Bassman

  • Registered: 2013-11-22
  • Posts: 11

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

@ramses: Thanks a million, your calculation helped me a lot. For verification of my interpretation, I did some tests:
a) A signal (sinewave, 1 kHz and 440 Hz) with amplitude of 0 dBu is fed (symmetrically) to XLR 1, resulting in a -8.2 dBu display (which is correct for 2 V = 0 dB fullscale, gain = 0)
b) This signal is routed in TotalMix to XLR 1 out, also showing - 8.2 dB output signal in TotalMix
c) The ch 1 output signal on XLR 1 is (symmetric cable, + 19 dB gain) connected to XLR 2 input (PAD = ON = - 11 dB), resulting in total gain of 8 dB (19 - 11 = 8)
d) Input signal rading on channel 2 now shows - 8.9 dB, which is quite accurate and plausible.
Thank you again! Problem solved.

1,464 Reply by allreitzreserved (edited by allreitzreserved 2025-11-15 09:49:29)

  • Registered: 2025-05-22
  • Posts: 1

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hi everyone,
I’m experiencing a recurring issue with my Babyface Pro FS that I haven’t been able to diagnose, and I’m hoping someone here may have seen something similar.

Setup

MacBook Pro 16" (M1 Pro)
macOS Sequoia 15.5
RME USB driver 4.16
Babyface Pro FS powered by an external power supply
USB connection through Intona 7055-B (High-Speed USB Isolator) Intona plugged directly into the MacBook USB-C port
→ No USB hub in the chain
MacBook is powered via MagSafe (not via USB)

Issue

After power-up, everything runs perfectly stable at first
After about 60–90 minutes, sporadic audio dropouts begin
The issue occurs regardless of software:
Ableton Live, Apple Music / Spotify, YouTube / Safari
CPU / system load does not affect the issue
The Babyface does NOT fully disconnect
BUT: the orange microphone icon in the macOS menu bar briefly disappears, then reappears
During that moment, audio drops out completely for ~0.3–0.5 seconds
The dropouts become more frequent over time
Rebooting the MacBook does not fix the issue
However: switching to a different USB-C port on the MacBook immediately resolves the dropouts
→ then the system runs stable again for a longer time

Potentially relevant context

Before switching to the Babyface Pro FS, I previously used an RME Digiface USB, which also suffered from dropouts / brief USB interruptions during live shows.
Because of this, I purchased the Intona USB Isolator and a power conditioner (Furman).
Now with the Babyface Pro FS, the problem is different (no full disconnect), but it is similarly reproducible: dropouts that worsen over time.
In the studio, the same Mac USB port is 100% stable:
A CalDigit hub with multiple SSDs, display connections, other USB devices and an RME Fireface 802
No dropouts even during multi-hour sessions
So far, the issue appears only in live rigs, not in the studio.


Has anyone seen the behavior where the macOS microphone icon briefly disappears (but the interface doesn’t fully disconnect), causing short audio dropouts?
Could the Intona be forcing a USB resync that macOS handles silently as a brief audio interruption?
Are there macOS USB / power management settings or known workarounds that could influence this behavior with Apple Silicon Macs?
Would it be useful to test the Babyface without the Intona, or are there recommended USB port configurations for Apple Silicon laptops?
Are there known improvements or fixes in upcoming firmware/driver revisions regarding USB stability on macOS Sequoia?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated — especially if someone has experienced similar long-runtime-related dropouts without a full disconnect.

Thanks in advance!

1,465 Reply by waedi

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 6,564

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

You may update the RME driver to 427

Sue the firmware of the Babyface is the latest ?
What version is shown in the driver settings ?

Similar issues been reported and solved thru macOS upgrade to Tahoe 26

M1-Tahoe, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue