1. You know the Babyface provides two high-end analog preamps, which work before the AD conversion and thus before the recording software and the input channels of TotalMix.
Signal flow: XLR inputs > Analog preamps (digitally controlled, up to 60 dB) > recording software AND TotalMix input channel (signal split)

The preamp gain can be set either in TotalMix (channel settings) or on the Babyface itself (switch to In LED and turn the encoder wheel - separate adjustable for left/right channel or both channels). Check the analog gain of channel AN 2. Open the settings of this channel (spanner tool) and set the gain to the same value as channel 1.

2. You are not aware the Babyface provides four real analog output channels?

Two XLR + 2 for headphones (available on the Babyface case and on the breakout cable). This output setup allows not only to create a completely independent headphone mix but provides a great flexibility for any monitoring situation (e. g. two speaker sets).

best regards
Knut

As far as I know you are the first one complaining about the Babyface has to many knobs.

Yes. A very good solution to switch between the gains of both preamps separately or linked. And the best thing: it works either on the Babyface itself or with TotalMix - and will be of course saved in the software: Total Recall of all parameters, including the preamp gain!

In the default state both analog preamp gains are set to 0 dB - this means no attenuation of the incoming signal. The perfect setting for external line level signals - mics or instruments need of course more gain.

This is very easy to find out (turn the wheel and watch TotalMix):
- For the analog gain of the preamps: only the first green LED (above the yellow phantom power LED) blinks
- For the digital volume of AN 1/2 and headphone output: 0 dB = when only the green LED below the first yellow LED lits (0.5 dB = green + yellow on). After the first step with 9 dB every small "click" changes the gain at 3 dB.

For the main output it´s possible to define 0 dB as Recall level. Set output to 0 dB and press the Recall button for 3 sec to save this value. The main output (= a virtual control room channel) can be assigned to any output. Usually it´s either AN 1/2 or the headphone output.

best regards
Knut

Sorry, the Babyface is very small. We' ve found not enough room to put more elements on it and after all I think it´s a good balance between design, controls and usability.

The iPod is not a tool for creating, recording and mixing music - which is a very complex process - but a lifestyle gadget (and after some years of integrating new features it is far from beeing simplistic). RME on the other hand builds serious tools for engineers and professional working people, which have other priorities and countless demands. That´s also the reason why we integrated a high-end mixer into the Babyface. Even professional engineers need some time to get used to those features. But in the end it´s worth it.

I never thought this could be misunderstanded. Based on the dictionary "Knob" is the usual term for a turning wheel. But thanks for the hint, I will keep it in mind for a new revision of the quickstart guide.

From the manual (page 7):
The rotary encoder is used to change various parameters directly at the unit. First the left key Select is used to select the mode which is then displayed by the Status LEDs:
Input: Setting the gain of the analog stereo inputs. A push on the encoder changes between left, right or both.

I think anybody can understand this explanation.

These are full blown analog outputs - could be used as line outs or to connect headphones.

From the manual (page 7):
"The analog outputs Phones (channels 3/4) are available at the breakout cable and on the right side of the unit ... The low impedance and unbalanced output signal is – in terms of quality – identical to the ones at the line outputs, but limited to +7 dBu."

best regards
Knut