1,351

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Any chance for a low pass filter on the hardware outs of the babyface? Surely the dsp can support it.

1,352

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Surely there is no DSP.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

1,353

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

MC wrote:

Surely there is no DSP.

Surely you jest. Is the DSP meter bar in totalmix decorative?

Doesn't even have to take up any additional resources. I mean, if it can have a high pass on every output, it shouldn't be that hard to give it an option for a low pass instead, right? Right?

I'd be more than happy with a configurable high or low cut per hardware out.

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

stej wrote:

Surely you jest. Is the DSP meter bar in totalmix decorative?

Surely as an owner of the BF Pro you should know it does not have DSP.

I mean, if it can have a high pass on every output, it shouldn't be that hard to give it an option for a low pass instead, right? Right?

Wrong. The filters are implemented in the FPGA

I'd be more than happy with a configurable high or low cut per hardware out.

Then you should look at interfaces that have DSP, such as the UCX II.

Fireface UCX II + ARC USB > ADI-2 Pro FS R BE > Neumann KH 750 DSP + MA 1 > KH 120 A

1,355 (edited by ramses 2024-11-16 16:40:53)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

The Babyface Pro FS is an excellent device, but its design emphasises portability and operation via the USB bus. To achieve this, it does not include a DSP as this would increase power consumption beyond what the USB power supply can handle.

If you are looking for more advanced features, such as an integrated DSP for effects or advanced connectivity, upgrading to the UCX II would be a significant step forward. It offers a more robust feature set while maintaining exceptional audio quality.


For this reason, I often recommend considering a slightly larger model first. The Babyface Pro FS is characterised by being compact and versatile, but it's not designed to replicate the full feature set of its larger counterparts. By upgrading, you'll get a more future-proof setup and get even more useful functions, some of them from the flagship devices like Mic Preamp with 75 dB Gain, DURec, full implementation of DSP chip, RoomEQ and cross-feed.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hence the name Babyface...

1,357

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

unpluggged wrote:
stej wrote:

Surely you jest. Is the DSP meter bar in totalmix decorative?

Surely as an owner of the BF Pro you should know it does not have DSP.

I mean, if it can have a high pass on every output, it shouldn't be that hard to give it an option for a low pass instead, right? Right?

Wrong. The filters are implemented in the FPGA

I'd be more than happy with a configurable high or low cut per hardware out.

Then you should look at interfaces that have DSP, such as the UCX II.

You're coming off a bit hostile for no apparent reason.

No, as an owner of a BF pro fs for a few years now I did not know that it doesn't have a DSP. Nor do I think that I should have reasonably known. How should I? The manual mentions multiple times a DSP and there's a DSP FX meter in totalmix. I don't even think there's mention of FPGA anywhere in the manual. If there is, I haven't seen it and I've read it multiple times over the years.

Regardless, so this FPGA or whatever it is, is not programmable via firmware update?

As for the suggestion to use an entirely different product instead, that is not portable, please refrain from assuming. You know what they say.

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

stej wrote:

You're coming off a bit hostile for no apparent reason.

Not any more hostile than you, mocking Matthias.

No, as an owner of a BF pro fs for a few years now I did not know that it doesn't have a DSP.

This does not speak in your favor.

Nor do I think that I should have reasonably known. How should I?

This is what BF Pro's description says on the RME website: "The FPGA-based DSP mixer adds a flexible, 3-band parametric equalizer to all inputs and outputs."

Also by reading through this very thread (and just the very first post of it) one can learn that there is no dedicated signal processor and the DSP functions are implemented in the FPGA. At least I could figure this out.

The manual mentions multiple times a DSP

It mentions DSP in context of signal processing; nowhere does it say that BF Pro has a dedicated fully-featured programmable digital signal processor.

there's a DSP FX meter in totalmix.

TotalMix FX uses the same UI for all RME interfaces. Besides, this meter indicates how many FX are activated, not the actual DSP processor time usage. And it says in the manual that the indicator is only for information purposes.

I don't even think there's mention of FPGA anywhere in the manual.

It took me two seconds to find it, even though I don't own the BF: section 21.6, second paragraph

The Babyface Pro uses a DSP engine within its FPGA for all the calculations of all the EQs and
Low Cuts

If there is, I haven't seen it and I've read it multiple times over the years.

Too bad.

Regardless, so this FPGA or whatever it is, is not programmable via firmware update?

FPGA has limited hardware resources and it is not as versatile and flexible as a software-driven DSP.

As for the suggestion to use an entirely different product instead, that is not portable, please refrain from assuming. You know what they say.

The BF Pro is more compact, but it is limited when used in standalone mode. So you need a DAW to be able to use all of its features. The UCX II, OTOH, is slightly bulkier, yes, but it can be used in fully standalone operation and is better suited for such scenarios due to having a display and six preconfigured setup slots. So it's a matter of a debate which of the two is more portable.

Fireface UCX II + ARC USB > ADI-2 Pro FS R BE > Neumann KH 750 DSP + MA 1 > KH 120 A

1,359 (edited by vinark 2024-11-16 19:48:55)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Regardless, so this FPGA or whatever it is, is not programmable via firmware update?
Yes it is, it a programmable field gate array. But it has very limited size and no ram, so might not be possible. Advantage, the dsp and ram can not break, cause they are not there.
Will negative values on the hi shelving filter not do the job?

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

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Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

unpluggged wrote:

Not any more hostile than you, mocking Matthias.

I did no such thing. It was a light-hearted comment that you misinterpreted.
I have great appreciation for Matthias's constant presence in these forums.

Disregarding everything else as I'm not in the mood for forum bickering.

1,361

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

vinark wrote:

Regardless, so this FPGA or whatever it is, is not programmable via firmware update?
Yes it is, it a programmable field gate array. But it has very limited size and no ram, so might not be possible. Advantage, the dsp and ram can not break, cause they are not there.
Will negative values on the hi shelving filter not do the job?

Well, they kinda do, but it's a bit janky.

Need it for crossovers and you know how it is. Can never get it quite right without high/low pass filters.
Or at least I can't. If anyone got an awesome recipe for doing crossovers with shelving filters I'm all ears.

Anyway, if it's programmable and it's possible to give the option of a high cut with a firmware upgrade, it would be a fantastic addition.

1,362 (edited by vinark 2024-11-16 21:12:34)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

If you don't need the mid band both shelving an mid together get very close. First do it by eye so that it looks like a low pass. Then adjust freqs. just test on a track that needs it how close you get to a lowpass in your daw

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

1,363

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Maybe it does not fit in FPGA, otherwise it would have been, IMHO, implemented from very beginning....

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS

1,364

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

MC wrote:

Surely there is no DSP.

More correctly: It does not have DSP chip, while it has certain DSP calculations done by FPGA.

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS

1,365

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

vinark wrote:

If you don't need the mid band both shelving an mid together get very close. First do it by eye so that it looks like a low pass. Then adjust freqs. just test on a track that needs it how close you get to a lowpass in your daw

What I'm doing currently is 2 shelves on each output. All set to the crossover frequency, Q 0.8, +20/-20 gain.
And phase inverting one of the two outputs.

It's much steeper than a regular crossover, it won't completely fade out the rejected side and needs lowering faders by 20db to counter the +20 eq boosts, but eh, kinda works.

If I understood correctly your suggestion is to use a single higher Q shelf per output and use the mid band to take out the notch?

1,366

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

No just use the mid band to take out even more of what needs to be removed and/or make it steeper.
Of course I have no idea what you are practically doing, so my advice might be totally off.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632

1,367

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

vinark wrote:

No just use the mid band to take out even more of what needs to be removed and/or make it steeper.
Of course I have no idea what you are practically doing, so my advice might be totally off.

Right. So a wide bell on the crossover frequency to make the slope steeper. It's on the same spirit of what I'm doing with the double shelves I suppose. I'll see if it can work since I'd really like to get rid of the positive gain shelves.

1,368 (edited by Hexspa 2024-11-29 21:12:57)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

I've been experiencing full scale noise in my headphone output. It may be just one side (L), and it happens on computer restart. Windows 11, driver from October 17, 2024 (version does not appear in Fireface USB Settings window), HW rev. 206. I believe this has only been happening since the last driver. Muting the output in TMFX stops the sound from reaching the headphones, but the noise continues (don't remember the block diagram of the unit so I mention this). I have an ADAT unit hooked up and I'm running at 96kHz with a 256 sample buffer, as of the last incident. Toggling the EQ on the HP output off and on stops the noise. This has happened twice so far, and needless to say it's extremely unpleasant. A forum search turned up no matches for full scale noise or noise burst. Can anyone help me resolve this issue? Thanks.

EDIT: I see there are two or three other threads. Reading them now:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=40435
- Will try firmware 225.
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=37598
- I see this is not resolved. Happening for HW 206, apparently (firmware).
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=39519
- Different unit.
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?pid=228228

Ok, I downgraded to HW203, but I'm currently too scared to turn the EQ on the headphone output. I'll be sure to post any changes. No noise on first restart.

EDIT: added another topic with the same problem.

1,369

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hi all,

I wish to expand my Babyface Pro FS over ADAT. I have a question that I suspect has a simple answer, but I can't answer it myself at the moment.

My question is about the possibility of clocking two external devices (an input device and a separate output device).

Would the master clock from the INPUT device be reliably passed through the Babyface to the OUTPUT device?

Would such an arrangement likely be stable?

This is what I want to do specifically:

Connect an Arturia X8 OUT, slaved to the Babyface. This will work with no issue at all.

Here is where I'm not as confident: in a few months, I would likely buy an input expander (eg Audient ASP800 or similar). This would by necessity be set as master, and the Babyface and X8 OUT as slaves. I can't tell from the manual if this will actually work.

Is this how it typically works with an AD/DA device (eg ADA8200)? As in, the two stages are usually separate anyway?

Thanks in advance for any info you might be able to provide. I've been an admirer of RME since the day I bought my old Fireface 802 (now sadly sold).

1,370

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Would the master clock from the INPUT device be reliably passed through the Babyface to the OUTPUT device?

Would such an arrangement likely be stable?

Yes to both, there should be no issue with this setup.

Regards,
Jeff Petersen
Synthax Inc.

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Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Thanks Jeff, much appreciated.

1,372

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

@Willo
Also, if Arturia X8 has WC out (or ADAT/SPDIF/AES out) and ADA8200 (or other AD) has corresponding clocking input (WC/ADAT/SPDIF/AES in), you could have Babyface as master and the other two as slaves. Clocking of ADA8200 would be delivered by Arturia X8.

BF<--- ADAT -----  ADA8200
|                            ^
|                            |
|                  WC/ADAT/SPDIF/AES
|                            |
|----- ADAT ----> Arturia X8

FF UCX II, Digiface USB, Babyface Pro FS

1,373 (edited by integra 2024-12-10 10:39:18)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hello.
My babyface pro fs have a new features.
1. Out 1/2 LED indicator is bilking when LED meter is overloaded and Red LEDs flashed.
2. Dont overload any channels showing in Total Mix when LED level meters is flashing.
What is this…Help

1,374

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

integra wrote:

Hello.
My babyface pro fs have a new features.
1. Out 1/2 LED indicator is bilking when LED meter is overloaded and Red LEDs flashed.
2. Dont overload any channels showing in Total Mix when LED level meters is flashing.
What is this…Help

In the bottom of the unit is a switch for output level setting, try play with it.

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

1,375

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Level switch is standart +4dBu level.

1,376 (edited by integra 2024-12-11 03:26:00)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ns6RxdMiUxrgo3fg9

Video about this problem

1,377

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

@Kubrak

Thanks for the tip.

I had the same idea, but the Arturia only has ADAT and Wordclock in.

I contacted Arturia about my question about a month ago, they figured it would work, but suggested I check with RME to be sure. I tried to figure it out myself first before asking here!

1,378 (edited by Dario Sanfilippo Today 21:35:36)

Re: The official Babyface Pro Thread

Hello, people.

Around the same time, I installed the Roland Octa Capture device on my MabookPro M1 2020, and I updated to macOS 15.2. Everything was fine with 15.1.

I'm not sure what the cause was, but after that, there just doesn't seem to be any way to get my Babyface Pro FS recognised by the OS or any other software.

I have tried rebooting in recovery mode and running what is indicated here: https://rme-audio.de/rme-drivers-macos-reset.html. Then, I have reinstalled the drivers, trying both USB Series DriverKit Driver 4.17 and USB Series Kernel Extension Driver 3.33.

I wanted to try a Flash Update but the RME USB Series Flash Tool.app just won't open when clicking on it, and there is nothing in my Privacy settings that needs to be given permission.

Total mix won't open either, although it looks like the app is open on the toolbar. Fireface USB Settings app just won't open.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Dario