• rexet
  • rexet
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  • From: Paris
  • Registered: 2007-05-08
  • Posts: 66

Topic: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

Hi all,

I've been using RME systems for years now starting with a Multiface v1 and ending with a FF800.

Today I want to change my configuration for a mobile one. Since I don't need all the capabilities of the FF800 anymore, I'm thinking of switching to a Babyface which has enough I/O for my everyday needs. I'm just wondering if I will get the same audio quality from the converters, the plugs, etc.

Thank you.

Cheers.

Current: RME UCX II
Previous: Multiface > Fireface 800 > Babyface > Babyface Pro > Babyface Pro FS
  • Gr8h8m
  • AES/EBU artist
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  • Registered: 2007-12-20
  • Posts: 157

Re: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

I switched out one FF800 for a Babyface and overall I'm really happy. Sound quality is certainly on par.
2 problems I had to solve - BF doesn't have switchable output reference levels, and I found them way too hot for my monitors. Buying a pair of passive attenuators ( http://www.dv247.com/microphones/shure- … tor--29318 ) solved that.
The other slight niggle I had was that the headphone output is really underpowered for harder to drive reference headphones, eg Sennheiser 600/650/800 etc. This I'm still looking to resolve through an additional headphone amp.

  • rexet
  • rexet
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  • From: Paris
  • Registered: 2007-05-08
  • Posts: 66

Re: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

Hi Gr8h8m,

Thank you for your feedback!
What do you mean by "switchable output reference levels" ? Are you talking about -10/+4 output level ?
Actually I am using a Presonus Central Station for managing my monitors and headphone outputs so it won't be a real problem with my DAW. But in mobile situation...

Current: RME UCX II
Previous: Multiface > Fireface 800 > Babyface > Babyface Pro > Babyface Pro FS
  • Gr8h8m
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  • Registered: 2007-12-20
  • Posts: 157

Re: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

rexet wrote:

Hi Gr8h8m,

Thank you for your feedback!
What do you mean by "switchable output reference levels" ? Are you talking about -10/+4 output level ?
Actually I am using a Presonus Central Station for managing my monitors and headphone outputs so it won't be a real problem with my DAW. But in mobile situation...

Sure, the -10/+4/High ref levels of the FF800. YMMV but I just found the BF ref level too hot. As mentioned in-line attenuators sorted that no problem!

  • rexet
  • rexet
  • AD/DA expert
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  • From: Paris
  • Registered: 2007-05-08
  • Posts: 66

Re: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

Would it be possible that you experience an hardware failure? I mean, a reference level should be a "reference" and may not vary in term of level output!

Current: RME UCX II
Previous: Multiface > Fireface 800 > Babyface > Babyface Pro > Babyface Pro FS

6 Reply by MC

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

Re: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

The Babyface has just ONE output ref level, while your FF 800 has 3. I fail to see how this can be misunderstood and lead to a questionable comment like yours.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • rexet
  • rexet
  • AD/DA expert
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  • From: Paris
  • Registered: 2007-05-08
  • Posts: 66

Re: Switching from FF800 to Babyface...

You failed because I just misunderstood the experience of Gr8h8m probably due to my poor english skills and my obvious non-experience with the Babyface. Lack of knowledge from customers oftenly lead to that kind of failure... Fortunately you were professionnal enough to refomulate the statement I missed.

Anyway, I just the read the Babyface manual and I noticed that it provides 2 balanced line outputs at level +15 dBu. I got it now.

Thank you again Gr8h8m for your feedback.

Cheers.

Current: RME UCX II
Previous: Multiface > Fireface 800 > Babyface > Babyface Pro > Babyface Pro FS