1 Topic by yungmatsu (edited by yungmatsu 2023-03-26 19:16:21)

  • Registered: 2023-03-26
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Topic: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

Which of the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 and RME Babyface PRO FS interfaces has the best mic preamps and inputs, please? I want the loudest mic preamp, and I want the greatest gain attainable. I continue to read online that the MK5 has a gain of +74db. However, I'm a little confused about the Babyface Pro FS because some websites claim that the microphone inputs have a gain of 65 dB, while RME's websites claim that it has a gain range of +76 dB. What is the truth?

I will be using Lewitt LCT 540 s condenser mic and i need to know which interface has cleaner/high quality mic preamps.

  • Registered: 2023-03-26
  • Posts: 5

Re: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

bump

3 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2023-03-26 19:40:15)

  • ramses
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Re: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

Both interfaces have PAD: Motu: 20dB, BBF Pro: 11dB

The gain range is the gain of the preamp plus PAD.

Gain of the preamp itself is "gain range incl. PAD" - PAD:
Motu: 74 - 20 = 54dB
BBF Pro: 76 - 11 = 65dB

I would choose the BBF Pro FS, the RME offering is better in many aspects.

If you want excellent mic preamps up to 75 dB gain compareable with UFX II but at a lower price, then have a look at the UCX II. It also offers many more useful features like: DURec and Autoset.

See RME Product pages and if you want my comparison Excel:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2023-03-26
  • Posts: 5

Re: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

ramses wrote:

Both interfaces have PAD: Motu: 20dB, BBF Pro: 11dB

The gain range is the gain of the preamp plus PAD.

Gain of the preamp itself is "gain range incl. PAD" - PAD:
Motu: 74 - 20 = 54dB
BBF Pro: 76 - 11 = 65dB

I would choose the BBF Pro FS, the RME offering is better in many aspects.

If you want excellent mic preamps up to 75 dB gain compareable with UFX II but at a lower price, then have a look at the UCX II. It also offers many more useful features like: DURec and Autoset.

See RME Product pages and if you want my comparison Excel:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

Interesting

Based on your response, I am now leaning towards acquiring the BF PRO FS. Thank you for your informative response regarding the gain range

  • Registered: 2023-03-26
  • Posts: 5

Re: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

ramses wrote:

Both interfaces have PAD: Motu: 20dB, BBF Pro: 11dB

The gain range is the gain of the preamp plus PAD.

Gain of the preamp itself is "gain range incl. PAD" - PAD:
Motu: 74 - 20 = 54dB
BBF Pro: 76 - 11 = 65dB

I would choose the BBF Pro FS, the RME offering is better in many aspects.

If you want excellent mic preamps up to 75 dB gain compareable with UFX II but at a lower price, then have a look at the UCX II. It also offers many more useful features like: DURec and Autoset.

See RME Product pages and if you want my comparison Excel:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35156

And is it possible to disable the pad on BF Pro FS or it an automatic thing?

  • ramses
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Re: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

See the picture of the channel in the manual ch 9.6, you activate/deactivate PAD in TotalMix FX.

https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/bface_pro_fs_d.pdf
https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/bface_pro_fs_e.pdf

All these TM FX settings you can store and recall easily in so-called snapshots and workplaces.

To get an overview of TM FX operation and capabilities, I suggest watching the very informative RME videos which do not take much time, they are really well done "to the point".

More information, please see this sticky article in the forum: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=34394

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2023-03-26
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Re: MOTU UltraLite-mk5 VS RME Babyface PRO FS ?

Thank you ramses smile)
I will check out the vids