User Manual

User's Guide Babyface Pro © RME

9.6 Analog Recording

For recordings via the analog inputs the corresponding record device has to be chosen (Baby-

face Pro Analog (x+x)).

Channels 1 and 2 of the Babyface Pro have digitally controlled

microphone preamps of the highest quality. The digital control offers a

gain setting in steps of 1 dB within a range of 0 dB to +65 dB. The

configuration is done either directly at the unit via the rotary encoder, or

via the Settings panel of the input channels 1 and 2 in TotalMix, with the

knob Gain. The current gain is displayed in dB beside the knob.

Additionally a PAD can attenuate the input signal by 11 dB, to prevent

overloads by hard driven microphones or high level line signals. This

useful feature extends the gain range and increases the maximum input

level from +8 dBu up to +19 dBu at the XLR input.

Above the knob Gain the inputs can be set separately to provide 48V

phantom power at the XLR sockets. Phantom power is required for

condenser microphones.

Input channels 3 and 4 are found as TS jacks on the right side of the Babyface Pro. These Hi-Z

universal inputs have an input impedance of 470 kOhm. The input gain is controlled and per-

formed digitally and limited to 9 dB. An additional hardware-based reference level optimizes the

signal to noise ratio. Choices are +4 dBu and -10 dBV.

It often makes sense to monitor the input signal or send it directly to the output. This can be

done at zero latency using TotalMix FX (see chapter 21).

An automated control of real-time monitoring can be achieved by Steinberg’s ASIO protocol

with RME’s ASIO drivers and any ASIO 2.0 compatible program. When 'ASIO Direct Monitoring'

has been switched on, the input signal is routed in real-time to the output whenever a recording

is started (punch-in).

9.7 Digital Recording

Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is

present, digital interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording.

Taking this into account, RME added a

comprehensive I/O signal status display to

the Babyface Pro, showing sample frequency,

lock and sync status in the Settings dialog,

and a status LED directly at the unit.

The sample frequency shown in the Settings

dialog is useful as a quick display of the

current configuration of the unit and the

connected external equipment. If no sample

frequency is recognized, it will read ‘No Lock’.

This way, configuring any suitable audio application for digital recording is simple. After connec-

tion the Babyface Pro displays the current and external sample frequency. This parameter can

then be changed in the application’s audio attributes (or similar) dialog.