1 Topic by Porry187 (edited by Porry187 2024-05-25 23:13:14)

  • Registered: 2024-05-25
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Babyface Pro FS External Pre-amp

My current chain is U87 > 1073 > BabyFace Pro FS

Ive read the babyface has transparent pre-amps which can be used as a line-input, but from my testing I find that with the XLR inputs 1/2 the sound is a little hot compared to other interfaces I’ve used where the pre-amp can be bypassed.

For example, the volume knob from the 1073 is usually set to about 30-35db, but with the babyface I have to keep it at about 20db to get a similar level.

I’m considering buying a XLR female to TS to use the line inputs 3/4.

Do those 3/4 inputs completely bypass the RME pre-amp?

I plan to use a short 2m cable, will I have any noise issues in my home studio running to an unbalanced input?

Should I just return my babyface pro fs and go straight for the UCX II with balanced line level inputs?

Thanks

  • Registered: 2021-04-01
  • Posts: 31

Re: Babyface Pro FS External Pre-amp

I though there should be an option to switch XLRs to line-level in TotalMix. No?

- Fireface UFX III + ARC USB + [Genelec 8331 + 7350]/[Genelec 8341 + 7360]
- ADI 2 DAC FS
- BFP FS
  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,541

Re: Babyface Pro FS External Pre-amp

borisovonline wrote:

I though there should be an option to switch XLRs to line-level in TotalMix. No?

Gain zero is Line, opening the gain is pre-amp activation.
The preamp is always there, it's not something to switch on or off.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

4 Reply by oli77sch (edited by oli77sch 2024-05-26 08:32:32)

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

Re: Babyface Pro FS External Pre-amp

Gain at minimum plus pad activated is line level on inputs 1/2. No 'line switch' available.
Inputs 3/4 are unbalanced line inputs without any mic preamp circuit.
To my ears, both ways to connect an external preamp sound equally well. With short and good quality cables there are normally no problems with hum or noise.
Please read in the manual about the correct wiring of the unbalanced cables XLR > TS. Btw there is also also all the information related to your question in there… wink

UCX - FF 400 - Babyface pro - Digiface USB - ADI-2 (original)
Mac mini M1 - Macbook pro - iPad Air2
  • Registered: 2021-04-01
  • Posts: 31

Re: Babyface Pro FS External Pre-amp

oli77sch wrote:

Gain at minimum plus pad activated is line level on inputs 1/2. No 'line switch' available.
Inputs 3/4 are unbalanced line inputs without any mic preamp circuit.
To my ears, both ways to connect an external preamp sound equally well. With short and good quality cables there are normally no problems with hum or noise.
Please read in the manual about the correct wiring of the unbalanced cables XLR > TS. Btw there is also also all the information related to your question in there… wink

Very valuable info! Thank you oli77sch and waedi!

- Fireface UFX III + ARC USB + [Genelec 8331 + 7350]/[Genelec 8341 + 7360]
- ADI 2 DAC FS
- BFP FS

6 Reply by tonpalt (edited by tonpalt 2024-05-26 13:26:32)

  • From: Valencia, Spain
  • Registered: 2024-04-18
  • Posts: 62

Re: Babyface Pro FS External Pre-amp

Hi all, my first post here in RME forum. I'm saxophonist and not advanced Audio user, also a home studio enthusiast.

Porry187 wrote:

Should I just return my babyface pro fs and go straight for the UCX II with balanced line level inputs?

I recently bought my first RME interface, the FF UCX II and I couldn't be more satisfied, I doubt I will ever use or need all the options it offers. If RME maintains its approach by offering software updates for many years, it will possibly be my last audio interface, here is the main reason to pay for it.

Baby Pro FS was never among my options but reading your OP I was surprised that a ~€900 interface does not support a balanced signal through 3/4 inputs ....

Taking into account first of all that your art will not be limited by unbalanced inputs and adding the clear and concise answers from waedi & oli77sch it seems that it is not necessary go straight for the FF UCX II but IMO I say yes, because I have spent a lot (within my budget) on an external preamp and I want the front or rear Jack inputs of my interface to let me choose whether to use a balanced or unbalanced signal, simply for this reason.


+1 thanking waedi and oli77sch very much for being here smile

UCX II FW106/34/104 v1.253 TM1.97 - PC Win11 23H2 / Fedora WS 41 - Reaper 7.27