RME Babyface Pro FS Portable Interface Review

[Bland_username42069]

Hello - I have a question about usage of the Babyface Pro FS with microphones. I am just about to return the one I recently bought, because I don’t think it works for me, but I figured I’d double check I’m not doing something wrong.

With the BFP connected to my mac in host-mode or whatever it’s called, where TotalMix works, is TotalMix the only way to turn on and off phantom power?

(Note that I’ve tested all of this and am describing what I think is expected behavior, and what I observed; I am trying to figure out if I did something wrong or misunderstood something.)

I have read that I should not send phantom power to mics when not in use, to maintain longevity, so I like to leave it off. I also do this because then my mics aren’t always live, which produces less visible distraction and creeps me out a little less. And I regularly switch between two different mics, so I need to swap phantom power *and* monitoring from to the other (I often use one mic without monitoring, but sometimes with, so the switching is important).

It looks like, from the manual, that I have to switch into compliance mode, then the physical buttons can be used to enable/disable phantom power. But then I can never use TotalMix, which is a bummer. I don’t want to have to use it every time I use a mic (too fidgety for my use cases), but it’d be nice to have it. And, if I remember correctly, the mics always come through as a single channel in compliance mode, vs in a stereo mix.

(FWIW my use cases are basically using microphones (condenser and shotgun) for video calls and such. Yes this device is total overkill but fits for multiple other reasons, including I need balanced outs and I’ve tried all of the cheaper ones; my Motu m2 is flaking out, and I’d prefer to get something that will last longer.)

Thanks!

From memory you can only turn phantom power on and off on the baby face itself in standalone mode.

If it is connected to a computer then you can only turn phantom power on and off from totalmix.

 

[LTig]

@ikanies: make sure to switch phantom power off when connecting or disconnecting the microphone (those which need phantom power), to prevent damage the mic or the BFP.

 

[designfx]

I have come nowhere near reading the whole manual.

TotalMix is your friend. Yes it's cryptic, but there's a good chance there is way to do what you want. For example, you can customize the buttons on the BFP under Options -> ARC and Key Command Settings. In there you'll see some cool options to set up shortcuts from physical BFP buttons so you don't have to open TotalMix every time. See around 3:57 of the following video and maybe it will get you what you want:

Also, BTW, if you want even more remote control power, then you can buy the RME ARC USB which has a number of buttons that can be customized... it works great with the BFP.

Good luck!

 

[designfx]

From memory you can only turn phantom power on and off on the baby face itself in standalone mode.

If it is connected to a computer then you can only turn phantom power on and off from totalmix.

Not technically correct since you can customize the buttons on the BFP to do a variety of things without having to open TotalMix. See my prior post and video link.

 

[lkanies]

That would be a good feature to have available in all operating modes of the BFP, not only stand-alone and CC.

Agreed. And it's a bit confusing that it's missing. It's not like that button sequence does something else, it just... works in some modes and not others.

 

[lkanies]

TotalMix is your friend. Yes it's cryptic, but there's a good chance there is way to do what you want. For example, you can customize the buttons on the BFP under Options -> ARC and Key Command Settings. In there you'll see some cool options to set up shortcuts from physical BFP buttons so you don't have to open TotalMix every time. See around 3:57 of the following video and maybe it will get you what you want:

Also, BTW, if you want even more remote control power, then you can buy the RME ARC USB which has a number of buttons that can be customized... it works great with the BFP.

Good luck!

Thanks! I will definitely check this out.

 

[Bland_username42069]

Not technically correct since you can customize the buttons on the BFP to do a variety of things without having to open TotalMix. See my prior post and video link.

I’ve never tried customising the buttons, but I am just going by this (after learning the hard way). I never did get far into the manual before I got lost though.

 

[designfx]

I’ve never tried customising the buttons, but I am just going by this (after learning the hard way). I never did get far into the manual before I got lost though.

Yep, it's easy to get frustrated with TotalMix, unfortunately. But that info above is not the complete story. You can definitely customize some of the buttons. It's very powerful, but NOT user friendly IMO. At some point I wonder if RME will ever release a more friendly option or mode... but alas, it's been this way for years and years. On the other hand, once someone takes the time, it's like unlocking a ton of power and flexibility. Perhaps a future Babyface Pro Mk3 will have a little LCD screen with lots of control, but for now, it's still cryptic (at least to use the more advanced features).

 

[lkanies]

TotalMix is your friend. Yes it's cryptic, but there's a good chance there is way to do what you want. For example, you can customize the buttons on the BFP under Options -> ARC and Key Command Settings. In there you'll see some cool options to set up shortcuts from physical BFP buttons so you don't have to open TotalMix every time. See around 3:57 of the following video and maybe it will get you what you want:

Also, BTW, if you want even more remote control power, then you can buy the RME ARC USB which has a number of buttons that can be customized... it works great with the BFP.

Good luck!

You're right, this dramatically simplifies my workflow. I can set the gain on the microphones and never mess with it; just turn phantom power on and off when I need a given mic.

Any chance there's an easy way to adjust monitoring on a given mic in a similar way? I always have monitoring turned on for one mic, but only sometimes for the other. This is the last feature I'd regularly use TotalMix for. And I can't see any way to adjust monitoring for a mic from the device. It seems like maybe it's possible, but I don't understand all the terms well enough yet. (e.g., no idea what "group one" means, specifically.)

Either way, thanks!

 

[designfx]

You're right, this dramatically simplifies my workflow. I can set the gain on the microphones and never mess with it; just turn phantom power on and off when I need a given mic.

Any chance there's an easy way to adjust monitoring on a given mic in a similar way? I always have monitoring turned on for one mic, but only sometimes for the other. This is the last feature I'd regularly use TotalMix for. And I can't see any way to adjust monitoring for a mic from the device. It seems like maybe it's possible, but I don't understand all the terms well enough yet. (e.g., no idea what "group one" means, specifically.)

Either way, thanks!

It depends on how much time you want to spend figuring out TotalMix. It might be possible to do what you want. The main idea to understand is that the Babyface Pro FS has THREE configurable "remote control" buttons... "A," "B," and "DIM" -- to which you can assign many different functions, as you can see in the Options -> ARC and Key Commands menu.

So think of the THREE shortcuts you need the most, and you can set them up in TotalMix and assign them to the three buttons on the BFP. You could, for example, set up a complex TotalMix "snapshot" which could configure a *bunch* of settings exactly as you like, then assign that snapshot to one of the three buttons. You see what I'm saying? So experiment with setting up snapshots, and "store" them to one of the EIGHT snapshot slots, and you can then assign one of the snapshots to a button. Voila. Lots of flexibility, without the need of the TotalMix screen.

Also, I should note there are a handful of other TotalMix functions that the hardware interface of the BFP can already directly control by default. Not a ton of options, but it might cover a few other needs too.

Hope that all helps.

BTW if you want to leave your computer running, you can also use the ARC USB to control TotalMix, in conjunction with the BFP's existing controls. That's a different discussion though.

Good luck!

 

[designfx]

P.S. To clarify a bit more, I should have mentioned that when you create a "snapshot" you can actually include tons of TotalMix features in one snapshot, including routing, gain settings, phantom power, sends, and so forth. So my suggestion is to think of the three most needed "states" you need your BFP to be in, then store those as "snapshots" and then you can assign those to the three physical buttons on the BFP. Cheers.

And with the ARC USB, you have 15 buttons that can have assigned functions and snapshots, etc., plus footswitch, and other flexibility. So in theory, it's entirely possible to operate a huge amount of the TotalMix features without ever looking at the screen. But again, in the case of the BFP + ARC USB combo, you need the computer to be on. Some other higher end RME interfaces can *directly* connect to the ARC USB though, for future reference. It's obviously a hugely powerful system.

 

[designfx]

P.P.S. And I totally didn't get into TotalMix's ability to be controled by a MIDI controller! I have NOT personally used it this way, but in theory, if you spent the time (I recommend RME's own forum for technical guidance on this advanced feature!), then you could *theoretically* have even more direct control over TotalMix via MIDI.

Again, it just highlights the unusually advanced capabilities of TotalMix compared to other audio interfaces, and how most of us are just scratching the surface of what can be done. It's definitely overkill for most people who just need the basics with a Babyface Pro FS, but the raw potential is there. RME does not shield you from the feature set... hence the learning curve, the frustration for some users, etc... it's NOT a simplistic built-in mixer. It's far more than that for sure.

 

[lkanies]

I've now got it set up so the device can do basically everything, more easily than any other device I've used:
- A toggles phantom power for one mic
- B toggles phantom power for the second mic
- Dim switches between speakers and headphones (with the headphone jack running through a separate headphone amp)

I still don't fully understand the "Main" speaker setups, but it's working for me now, which is all that matters at this point.

The only thing I have to go into TotalMix for is when I want to change monitoring on the mics -- I have not found a way to do that from the device. Otherwise it's great.

But I've run into what is maybe a hardware failure...

So... if I'm only getting one channel out of the small headphone jack (i.e., the right headphone)... does that mean it's broken ? Or have I just managed to screw up the mix somehow? I've tried resetting the mix fully, but that didn't change it. It worked for the first little bit I tested it, then it just stopped at some point yesterday.

 

[designfx]

I've now got it set up so the device can do basically everything, more easily than any other device I've used

Good to hear!

So... if I'm only getting one channel out of the small headphone jack (i.e., the right headphone)... does that mean it's broken ?

Unlikely, but I suggest you try all the normal tests if you haven't done so already. Check the other headphone jack too, double check your TotalMix settings, routings, etc. Those RME devices are very robust. Perhaps it's your headphone cable, etc., and so forth. I'm sure you've done all the logical tests. And yes it is possible you have faulty hardware. Unlikely, but possible. I've been using various RME devices for years and years, and it's one of the most reliable brands in my experience. But best to check with the RME forum on this or directly with RME, they'll steer you in the right direction. Good luck with it.

 

[ra990]

I've now got it set up so the device can do basically everything, more easily than any other device I've used:
- A toggles phantom power for one mic
- B toggles phantom power for the second mic
- Dim switches between speakers and headphones (with the headphone jack running through a separate headphone amp)

I still don't fully understand the "Main" speaker setups, but it's working for me now, which is all that matters at this point.

The only thing I have to go into TotalMix for is when I want to change monitoring on the mics -- I have not found a way to do that from the device. Otherwise it's great.

But I've run into what is maybe a hardware failure...

So... if I'm only getting one channel out of the small headphone jack (i.e., the right headphone)... does that mean it's broken ? Or have I just managed to screw up the mix somehow? I've tried resetting the mix fully, but that didn't change it. It worked for the first little bit I tested it, then it just stopped at some point yesterday.

Unfortunately, the two headphone outputs are not independent, so if you're getting full stereo in the 1/4" output and only one channel in the 3.5mm output - it's likely a faulty connection (perhaps your 3.5mm plug and not the RME jack). If you've tried multiple devices with 3.5mm plugs and they all only play mono, then it's probably the RME's 3.5mm output.

 

[lkanies]

That's what RME said, too. I'm doing a replacement with Sweetwater. Both of their support has been fantastic; Sweetwater is sending me a replacement before I even return the defective product.

 

[traqel]

I believe this applies more to dynamic drivers and not so much to planars.

BTW, the Topping L30 II recommended earlier is an excellent choice for ultra clean amplification, small foot print, at a great price. I keep one paired to another RME interface I have. I keep its volume full and control my headphone volume through the RME's phone's output level in TotalMix, just like I would if they were plugged in directly - except I have gobs more power.

Could you please help me , is there an audible difference (probably due to better THD) between these two options?

1. RME Babyface Pro FS → 6.3mm HP out → low-impedance planar headphone
2. RME Babyface Pro FS → Line out → Topping L30 II → low-impedance planar headphone

 

[somebodyelse]

Could you please help me , is there an audible difference (probably due to better THD) between these two options?

1. RME Babyface Pro FS → 6.3mm HP out → low-impedance planar headphone
2. RME Babyface Pro FS → Line out → Topping L30 II → low-impedance planar headphone

It depends how sensitive the headphones are and how loud you listen - the Babyface headphone output has low distortion below clipping, but doesn't have much output power available. Does the Babyface give you enough volume?
The 3.5mm output might be better than the 6.35mm as it is supposed to have lower output impedance. Planars usually have flat impedance vs. frequency so it probably won't change the sound, but should waste a little less of the limited power available.

 

[traqel]

somebodyelse​

Does the Babyface give you enough volume?

Yes

The 3.5mm output might be better than the 6.35mm as it is supposed to have lower output impedance.

During blind A/B testing, I can distinguish a noticeable difference and prefer the 3.5mm output.

Also let me rephrase my question:
Do I need an additional headphone amp alongside the RME Babyface Pro FS — one with better THD, more headroom, and so on — to improve overall sound quality (not volume or power)?

Headphones: Audeze MM-100, Ananda Nano and [may be other models soon]

 

[fin]

somebodyelse​

Yes


During blind A/B testing, I can distinguish a noticeable difference and prefer the 3.5mm output.

Also let me rephrase my question:
Do I need an additional headphone amp alongside the RME Babyface Pro FS — one with better THD, more headroom, and so on — to improve overall sound quality (not volume or power)?

Headphones: Audeze MM-100, Ananda Nano and [may be other models soon]

If you can get enough volume with the 3.5mm then you are fine.

With planars it's also OK to use the higher output impedance 6.35mm as planar impedance is frequency independent.