RME Babyface vs Babyface pro FS

[Ben Jenssen]

Hey.

I have a 2nd gen Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 that replaced my Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen last year, because I liked the extra I/O flexibility. However, I can't help but wonder; didn't the 3rd gen sound just a little bit better?

I see now that I really don't need the I/O flexibility. I really don't record anymore, I mostly remix old stuff, or mix other peoples' stuff. So the only thing I want is a good sounding D/A for my Dynaudio/Sony monitors/amp. I've tried alot of interfaces over the years, so I know the differences can be huge.

I've looked at Clarett and SSL2, but what tickles me is a couple of RME options. There's a good price of $800 for the Babyface Pro FS, new, and a used original Babyface for about $300.

Is the old Babyface a generation behind in audio quality? I mean D/A conversion and output stage. Or would I get the same sound as with Pro FS for $500 less?

Thanks in advance.

[Darryl Ramm]

You mean an Babyface Pro for $300 or really a Babyface? If a Pro is in good condition at $300 I would grab that in a heartbeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRipaPeGO4E

I've posted my opinion of hyped FS clock marketing here recently, but I have never A/B tested these the Pro and Pro FS.

[edit snip wrong comment on ADAT support]

(The MADIface Pro was discontinued, if I run across one cheap I'd probably buy it if only as an oddity.).

Can you buy and return or resell both and do your own comparison?

[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

You mean an Babyface Pro for $300 or really a Babyface? If a Pro is in good condition at $300 I would grab that in a heartbeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRipaPeGO4E

I've posted my opinion of hyped FS clock marketing here recently, but I have never A/B tested these the Pro and Pro FS.

Now my own preferences would be more for something that has at least ADAT expansion input, but that's me. And ironically the original babyface has ADAT.. but that's where I'm suspecting you might hear some audio difference.

(The MADIface Pro was discontinued, if I run across one cheap I'd probably buy it if only as an oddity.).

Can you buy and return or resell both and do your own comparison?

I'm talking about this:



vs this:

[Darryl Ramm]

My 2c I'd go with the new one.

[Ben Jenssen]

But there'a $500 difference, and my question is, is the newer model that much better; or, is the old model not so good. Keep in mind, I'm talking conversion/output sound quality only.

[Darryl Ramm]

It's in the era where I suspect you can hear differences, but for many other reasons the Pro is a better model. It gets rid of the stupid dongle cables for a start. It would be an instant decision with the Pro for me.

(edit: and the Pro FS does have ADAT... was getting all confused).

[Sardi]

Technically, there’s three Babyface interfaces. The original Babyface (blue and grey models), the newer Babyface Pro and then the Babyface Pro FS which now supersedes the Pro. The last two look physically identical.

If you’re happy with your current interface and want a better DAC, why not get a dedicated DAC and connect it via the SPDIF outputs on the Focusrite?


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[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by Sardi

Technically, there’s three Babyface interfaces. The original Babyface (blue and grey models), the newer Babyface Pro and then the Babyface Pro FS which now supersedes the Pro. The last two look physically look identical.
If you’re happy with your current interface and want a better DAC, why not get a dedicated DAC and connect it via the SPDIF outputs on the Focusrite?

Thanks for that info. 3 babyfaces then.
Absolutely, I've had in mind the SPDIF route as a way to go, but I don't know how to go about it. Do I look for Hifi stuff, what do I look for? And I'm talking affordable stuff, like less than $500.

[Sardi]

I’d look at the second hand market and buy an older DAC. You’ll be amazed at how good some of them sound.

It’s not just about the converter chip used. The analog stages make a big difference. I noticed a considerable difference when I switched to my Dangerous monitor controller.

As an example, in my analog mastering chain I still use my Mytek Stereo 96 DAC/ADC boxes connected optically. They are not a recent converter, but they still sound better (IMO) than every interface outputs I’ve compared them too.

Benchmark DAC1s also get a lot of praise. Again, older model, but will probably hold their own.

In your price range, that would be where I would be looking. Older mastering grade converters.


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[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by Sardi

I’d look at the second hand market and buy an older DAC. You’ll be amazed at how good some of them sound.

It’s not just about the converter chip used. The analog stages make a big difference. I noticed a considerable difference when I switched to my Dangerous monitor controller.

As an example, in my analog mastering chain I still use my Mytek Stereo 96 DAC/ADC boxes connected optically. They are not a recent converter, but they still sound better (IMO) than every interface outputs I’ve compared them too.

Benchmark DAC1s also get a lot of praise. Again, older model, but will probably hold their own.

In your price range, that would be where I would be looking. Older mastering grade converters.


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Many thanks. So it's not like because it's ten years old, it's not good. That's good.
I'll be investigating that path. It's not like I'm in a hurry.