• Registered: 2023-01-26
  • Posts: 7

Topic: Expanding the UCX / Babyface

Hi,

I've had an RME UCX for many years and recently replaced it with the UFX III, intending to use my UCX as a mobile recording rig interface.

The thing is, that the UCX has only 2 mic inputs, and my remote recordings often include 3 to 4 mics. I know the UCX can be expanded via ADAT, but buying another big rig with 4/8 more inputs via ADAT feels like a bit of an overkill to the small setup I have in mind.

So I was wondering - is it possible to somehow use the line inputs (Ins 3 and 4) on the UCX as mic inputs? The inputs already have preamps on the RME, but are just the wrong shape.. (TRS instead of XLR).

Thanks all,

Daniel

PS same question applied to the Babyface, which I believe also has the same 1-4 input layout.

2 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2024-03-19 16:17:20)

  • vinark
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 2,782

Re: Expanding the UCX / Babyface

If you buy mic preamps then yes. They are available for all budgets and all sizes.
Like this one https://www.bax-shop.nl/voorversterker/ … versterker

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,213

Re: Expanding the UCX / Babyface

You can also expand less expensive by using this RME product and connect it using analog cables.

https://rme-audio.de/de_quadmic-ii.html
https://www.thomann.de/de/rme_quadmic_ii.htm

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

4 Reply by oli77sch (edited by oli77sch 2024-03-19 19:32:16)

  • Registered: 2016-06-14
  • Posts: 1,142

Re: Expanding the UCX / Babyface

danson6 wrote:

…
So I was wondering - is it possible to somehow use the line inputs (Ins 3 and 4) on the UCX as mic inputs? The inputs already have preamps on the RME, but are just the wrong shape.. (TRS instead of XLR).
…

No, there aren’t mic preamps on inputs 3/4 of UCX and Babyface. These are line inputs which also work for instruments, but not for microphones.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2