>I'm new to recording and considering the Babyface Pro FS. I understand to get more I/O,
>I can attach a device (or devices) via ADAT/SPDIF?
The BBF Pro FS has one ADAT I/O port. The ADAT input port recognizes automatically whether the connected device uses ADAT or SPDIF protocol. The ADAT output port can be set by you in the driver settings whether to use ADAT or SPDIF protocol.
In terms of protocols:
- SPDIF is a 2ch protocol for all supported sample rates from 44.1 up to 192 kHz
- ADAT offers 8ch @44.1/48 kHz, 4ch @88.2/96 kHz, 2ch @176,4/192 kHz
To support higher sample rates ADAT combines two or even four ports, as a consequence of this the amount of channels becomes less with double/quad speed (50%, 25%). For this reason some devices have two or even four ADAT I/O ports to support more channels even at higher sample rates or to simply support connection of more devices to have more ports.
> I'd like to have from 4-8 additional stereo channels (L/R) or between 8-16 (mono?) inputs.
For 16 mono/8 stereo channels you need at least two ADAT ports for single speed (44.1/48 kHz).
And if you would like to record in double speed, you would even need 4 ADAT ports for that.
If you choose a bigger interface like e.g. the UC, then you would have already 8 analog inputs.
Analog ports can be either balanced or unbalanced (TS or TRS).
More professional devices can be connected balanced (which is more invulnerable to outside noise).
But there are many devices which do not support balanced connection, in such a case a normal unbalanced port is sufficient.
Tip: analog and Mic ports which are directly located at the recording interface (not connected through ADAT) do not have this "inflation" in the number of channels when using higher sample rates. Therefore it can be a good idea to have already a certain amount of Mic and Analog Ports directly at the recording interface. In this regards the BBF Pro FS has only few ports on the device.
> I want to be able to input mics and instruments - from acoustic instruments, electric guitar + bass, digital piano,
> synths, etc. I think this means I need the ability to input unbalanced signals (or maybe use an adapter for
> balancing signals)? I'm somewhat fuzzy on line vs mic - does it have to do with the impedance or strength of signal?
> I'd also like the ability to have more outs - for supplemental recording, monitoring, routing, and
> perhaps for currently unknown uses.
To be able to connect a Microphone you need a Mic input. It can also be an external Mic Preamp that you connect to an analog input usually a balanced input. In both cases this can either be a port on your recording interface or on a device that is connected through ADAT (or MADI, AVB).
> I'd like to keep the quality in-line (or exceeding) the Babyface Pro FS - but only spend around 100-1000 USD smile
> Are there some recommended devices to achieve this? I'd like to keep latency low (obviously!)
Starting at 100 Euro hmmm .. not possible. The absolute minimum is €700 (Option C), but I wouldn't recommend this setup.
Option A: UC and 1x ADA8200 (€845+€169=€1014)
Option B: RayDAT PCIe and 2x ADA8200 (€585+€169+€169=€923)
Option C: Digiface USB and 2x ADA8200 (€357+€169+€169=€695)
Only limitation: ADA8200 does only support single speed (44.1/48kHz) but for normal use this is fine. I also use exclusively 44.1 (CD quality) in my projects.
RayDAT is the more professional interface supporting even more I/O ports that could be useful in a studio like AES, SPDIF, 2xMIDI and WordClock (if required by an optional WC module).
> The Behringer ADA8200 looks interesting (and affordable!), but is it only for mics?
> It would seem I could use it via ADAT to add 4 stereo channels (or 8 mono)?
The 8 inputs can be used as Mic inputs or as Line inputs and it has 8 analog outputs, this gives you a certain flexibility
> Is it good enough quality?
Sure, but remember, you have certain budget restrictions to honor ..
> Can the Babyface send audio as output to one of the ADA8200's 4 stereo (8 mono) output ports?
Yes but only to one ADA8200, but you want more ports.
> Is a device like the ADA8200 even the type I'm interested in, i.e. is it appropriate for Babyface Pro FS I/O expansion?
Remember, don't you have certain budget restrictions to honor ?
> Can the Babyface use all of the above inputs?
On the BBF you
- need to dedicate 2 analog outputs for your active monitors and
- 2 for your phones.
And you have the only 2 Input ports that can either act as Mic input or Line input.
ADAT offers 8 more channels, but thats it ...
> I think I've read it can use 12 (does this mean 6 stereo)? In this case would a 12 (6) channel device be better?
> Also maybe the Behringer ADA8200 cannot do 192khz?
The ADA8200 is limited to 44.1/48 kHz.
> What is the S/PDIF port intended for on the Babyface Pro FS?
For SPDIF protocol: 2ch up to 192 kHz
> I've seen timing connections on some devices - what is it for, will I need to worry about it?
Timing connections ? Do you mean perhaps word clock ?
> It would be nice to have a few recommendations for good and good value devices that are recommended
> to expand input and output on the Babyface Pro FS.
You should decide between Option A) and Option B), see above.
Option A) gives you a lot of ports, but you are always limited to 44.1/48 kHz and Behringer quality analog + Mic ports.
Option B) gives you a RME UC with RME quality analog ports and mic preamps where you can use sample rates up to 192 kHz. There you connect monitors, phones and your best mics. For 44.1/48 kHz recordings you can use the ports of the ADA8200 as well.
If you limit your requirements in terms of the number of ports you can use a BBF Pro FS as well instead of the UC.
I recommend to take a piece of paper and then to draw all the connections to devices with which you want to work in parallel and most often and without the need having to re-cable instantly because of missing ports.
BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13
