Topic: Babyface Pro FS with Focal Shape 65

Hi everyone!

This is David. I recently expanded my audio setup and welcomed in a new pair of studio monitor speakers, the Focal Shape 65s. This upgrade was forced, as my original KRK Rokits were starting to have loud hissing amplifiers, and I could hear the hiss from around 1 meter where I sit or stand.

First impressions: the Babyface Pro FS has a very detailed DAC that makes very good pairing with the Focal Shapes, the detail I hear in an orchestral performance or piano recordings is second to none. I've noticed that I've been having too much fun just listening to music or playing my piano VSTs simply because the sound I'm hearing is so refreshing.

One slight qualm: because the Focal Shapes don't have a volume / gain knob, all the volume control is dependent on the big round knob of the Babyface Pro FS. I've found that though I can monitor in good volume levels during the day, I'm a bit limited on how low the volume can get during the evening. I want to have even lower volumes, but the audio seem to cut out at a certain level. I think the volume can be even lower, but not sure what to do.

I wonder if the switch at the bottom of the audio interface might help reduce the output volume level? My only gripe about this is I will need sighted assistance as I can't seem to pull the switch with my fingers. So before I ask someone, I want to ask if sliding the switch from the +19 to the +4 position might help? Will this increase the signal to noise ratio?

Thanks very much for answering my question!

David

2 (edited by ramses 2023-09-23 17:22:48)

Re: Babyface Pro FS with Focal Shape 65

Switch to +4 to reduce the output level.
If  0 dB setting of output fader is still much too loud use an attenuator.
See https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=25399
e.g. this switchable https://www.thomann.de/de/jts_ma_123.htm
It doesn't alter the sound.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Babyface Pro FS with Focal Shape 65

ramses wrote:

Switch to +4 to reduce the output level.
....
It doesn't alter the sound.

I see. OK, then I'll ask someone to help me operate the switch using a pencil and see how it works with my setup. Hopefully it can be both loud and soft enough.

4 (edited by ramses 2023-09-23 21:01:51)

Re: Babyface Pro FS with Focal Shape 65

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9mgeny96vc33cd6hldtyc/2023-09-23-21_55_12-bface_pro_fs_e.pdf-Adobe-Reader.jpg?rlkey=7khxf5bp6907ud4jr1n4c0ttk&dl=1

It is only a DIP switch, which is now probably set to +19, the switch can only be moved in one direction.
In this respect, it should be relatively easy to flip the DIP switch, which is somewhat recessed in the housing, with the help of a small screwdriver or a paper clip pulled apart.

Once set into the other direction the output signal should be 15 dB (significant) lower.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Babyface Pro FS with Focal Shape 65

ramses wrote:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9mgeny96vc33cd6hldtyc/2023-09-23-21_55_12-bface_pro_fs_e.pdf-Adobe-Reader.jpg?rlkey=7khxf5bp6907ud4jr1n4c0ttk&dl=1

It is only a DIP switch, which is now probably set to +19, the switch can only be moved in one direction.
In this respect, it should be relatively easy to flip the DIP switch, which is somewhat recessed in the housing, with the help of a small screwdriver or a paper clip pulled apart.

Once set into the other direction the output signal should be 15 dB (significant) lower.

I asked a person to locate this according to your photo and it worked. Now the low volumes can be lower and I can still have a healthy level during the day. Your help is appreciated as always, ramses!!!

Re: Babyface Pro FS with Focal Shape 65

Nice, congrats :-)

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13