• Registered: 2023-01-06
  • Posts: 5

Topic: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

I am using the Babyface Pro FS to do needledrops from my turntable into Adobe Audition. I am using the TRS inputs (3 &4). Signal is coming as line level from my phono preamp at ~62dBU. Currently I need to use an in-line attenuator to lower the signal coming to the Babyface. If I don't, the signal is too hot even at the lowest gain setting. This is not optimal obviously.

I have the input set to +4dBu in TotalMix. Gain is set to 0 and is too hot.

What do I need to do to make sure I am accepting the line level input correctly? Settings in the unit or in TotalMix need changing? I am operating TotalMix in Digital Audio Workstation Mode.

Thanks.

  • From: Sweden
  • Registered: 2013-12-25
  • Posts: 190

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

Cant you set the level out from your riaa?
Else, I would run the signal though a mixer (any mixer) to be sable to control the level into the line input.

Babyface Pro FS, MSI GS66, Studio One
  • mkok
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  • Registered: 2020-11-04
  • Posts: 633

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

Most phono stages don’t have volume controls. I’ve had a few and not one of them had one. That also goes for ones costing thousands. I haven’t come across this as I haven’t had to try it but it would be a shame if the input sensitivity couldn’t be lowered

Babyface Pro Fs, Behringer ADA8200, win 10/11 PCs, Cubase/Wavelab, Adam A7X monitors.
  • Registered: 2023-01-06
  • Posts: 5

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

I am using a Low Output Moving Coil cart so I am running through a step-up transformer then my phone preamp. There are jumpers in the SUT to lower the output so I can try that. I could also just bypass the SUT transformer and that would reduce the gain by ~26dBu. I may try that.

  • mkok
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  • Registered: 2020-11-04
  • Posts: 633

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

The trouble with that is the phono preamp if a mm may struggle to get a decent sound as it’s not being fed the correct levels. It tends to leave the sound a bit lifeless at best. The jumpers may be better if you have that option.

Babyface Pro Fs, Behringer ADA8200, win 10/11 PCs, Cubase/Wavelab, Adam A7X monitors.
  • Registered: 2023-01-06
  • Posts: 5

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

mkok wrote:

The trouble with that is the phono preamp if a mm may struggle to get a decent sound as it’s not being fed the correct levels. It tends to leave the sound a bit lifeless at best. The jumpers may be better if you have that option.

Very good point, thank you. I will try both and compare but have a feeling the lowering the boost in the SUT will be the way to go.

  • From: Sweden
  • Registered: 2013-12-25
  • Posts: 190

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

Casey737 wrote:

I am using a Low Output Moving Coil cart so I am running through a step-up transformer then my phone preamp. There are jumpers in the SUT to lower the output so I can try that. I could also just bypass the SUT transformer and that would reduce the gain by ~26dBu. I may try that.

So the jumpers can be used for volume control (this is actually what I meant by volume control), but as mkok said dont bypass the sut altogether.

Babyface Pro FS, MSI GS66, Studio One
  • Registered: 2023-01-06
  • Posts: 5

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

The jumpers don't give me enough attenuation to get it to the appropriate levels. I will have to go back to an in-line attenuator - basically an in-line volume control between my preamp and the Babyface. Not the best solution but no choice. Ugh.

9 Reply by oli77sch (edited by oli77sch 2023-01-06 23:32:48)

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

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

I would say, normally the -10dBV setting on the Babyface pro FS is meant for home / hi-fi / dj equipment. So I'm really wondering about the issue.
What phono preamp do you have? Is it one for MC cartridges? If so, I don't understand why you use a step up transformer. I'm not an expert and I don't know your exact setup, but I think you should simply try it once without the additional transformer.

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2
  • Registered: 2023-01-06
  • Posts: 5

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

I am using a step-up transformer because I have a LOMC (low output moving coil) cart. The output on that is only 0.4mV. I use a Darlington Labs MP7 phone preamp and Darlington Labs SU7 step up transformer. This combo outputs ~63dBu into the instruments inputs and this is too hot even at +4dBu. If I change it to -10dBv it's even hotter and I can't dial the gain down to get an appropriate level - -18dBu with a 1kHz tone.

11 Reply by oli77sch (edited by oli77sch 2023-01-07 00:46:01)

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

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

Oh… ok, expecting I understand the tech specs right of both the MP7 (output) and the BFpro (input), there really is a mismatch!
MP7
Maximum output >27dBu or 17V RMS (49V pk-pk) into 10K.
RME:
Maximum input level @+4 dBu, Gain 0 dB: +13 dBu (1MOhm)
Maximum input level @-10 dBV, Gain 9 dB: -5 dBu

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

12 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,599

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

> This combo outputs ~63dBu

Nope. You most probably meant that this combo amplifies by about 63 dB. And with a max output of +27 dBu it would also overload any typical HiFi amp or preamp. So inline attenuators are the way to go.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2023-05-12
  • Posts: 5

Re: Line Level Input for Babyface Pro FS?

Hey, I have the same problem but with an electric guitar. It's strange that you can't lower the gain. Any solution?