User Manual

User's Guide Babyface Pro © RME

28. General

The Babyface Pro operates in three different modes: driver-based USB 2 (Windows, Mac OS

X), stand-alone mode (without being connected to a computer), and Class Compliant mode,

mainly for iPad

connectivity. The latter describes a standard that is natively supported by oper-

ating systems like Mac OS X and Linux. No proprietary drivers are required, the device will be

directly recognized when CC mode is activated. Obviously, native features will be limited in

comparison to those provided by the RME driver set. For example there will be no (Total) Mix

and no effects.

Still the Babyface Pro provides the iPad with the professional analog I/O connections it lacks.

Superb microphone preamps, in addition to professional balanced line outputs, and a hi-power

headphone output that excels with both high and low impedance headphones. Plus gain and

level adjustments, SPDIF and ADAT input and output, at up to 96 kHz and 24 bit. And of course

a Sysex capable MIDI I/O.

In stand-alone mode the Babyface Pro needs to be powered. You have the choice to use USB

bus power by one of the numerous LiPo batteries with USB ports, sold as mobile power for your

smartphone and iPad, or an external power supply.

In Class Compliant mode connected to an iPad the Babyface Pro needs to be operated with an

external standard power supply, like the ones provided by RME ( 9 to 12 Volts and around 1 A).

For mobile applications please note that LiPo batteries are also available in advanced versions

which offer a 9 to 12 V output.

The Babyface Pro features no automatic power on/off due to its low idle power consumption of

below 3 Watts.

29. System requirements for iPad Operation

¾ Babyface Pro with external power supply and activated Class Compliant mode

¾ Any Apple iPad with at least iOS 5 or an iPhone with at least iOS 7

¾ Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB adapter

30. Class Compliant Operation

Activation of the Class Compliant mode

: Hold down the SELECT and DIM button until the level

meters show CC, confirming CC mode is activated. CC mode is shown on the level meters on

every power-on of the unit. When nothing is shown then the unit is in PC mode.

Using an external power supply and USB disconnected the mode can be changed back and

forth between CC and PC. In this case PC is shown on the level meters after the reconfigura-

tion.

Connect the USB cable to the Camera Connection Kit/Lightning adapter. Start the iPad and

plug the Kit/adapter into the iPad’s socket. If everything works as expected, the unit will be used

for all audio I/O. Audio playback in iTunes will automatically be performed by the Babyface Pro,

using analog outputs 1/2, and - with Copy mode - active on phones outputs 3/4 and

SPDIF/ADAT.

Apps that support MIDI and are ready for Core MIDI (available since iOS 4.2) will offer dialogs

to select the desired Babyface Pro MIDI input and output.