Babyface Pro With Outboard Compressor

[KXNG iLLuSioN]

Hi Avid Community!

I have an issue and I’ve been trying to figure it out and I just can’t find any information on it. I have a Babyface pro interface and a WA76 compressor. I’m trying to figure out the best way to connect them. I’m using a AKG 414 condenser mic, windows 10 and protools. I read about two different ways but not sure if they will even work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First scenario: mic > compressor > interface > PC
But someone said it won’t work due to not having a line level signal.

Second scenario: mic > Interface > compressor > back to interface > PC
But someone said there won’t be enough inputs left for monitors.

These two products are arriving in a couple days and I want to be ready when they show up. Thank you

[BScout]

You have to use the second. You can't just plug a mic into a compressor. Need a mic pre first.

You can always use the headphone outs as two extra output channels. The are independent of other DA conversion. (And you hook balanced speakers to unbalanced headphone outs with a TRS cable that splits to XLR (wired unbalanced))

[albee1952]

Hmm, I see a pair of TRS line-level inputs and I would put them to use by adding a good external mic pre(routed via the WA76). Warm Audio makes a Neve 1073 clone that is quite good and they have the Tone Beast(which is based on the API 312) and that's another good option, though with a 414, I would lean more toward the Neve clone. Of course, there are dozens of other options, but these are my recommendations. The only way to use the RME preamps WITH the WA76 will involve either more hardware, or some very "creative" patching. Alternately, since everything is coming to you brand new, I would consider returning the WA76 and use a plugin compressor. Just an opinion

[BScout]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Hmm, I see a pair of TRS line-level inputs

They are TS line-level inputs. Unbalanced.
Balanced inputs are only 1/2.

His problem is he doesn't have enough outputs -- but that is solved with my solution of using the headphone outs (and unbalanced outputs)

[albee1952]

Hmm, pasted from the current B&H info:

Uses same output opamps as ADI-2 Pro
Output impedance of 3.5 mm TRS lowered from 2 to 0.1 ohm
Mic inputs SNR improved from 112.2 to 113.7 dB
TRS line inputs SNR improved from 114 to 116 dB RMS (120 dBA)
THD line inputs improved by 8 dB
Latency improved by six samples on the AD side by new ADC (5 samples AD, 7 samples DA)
No increase in power consumption, despite new features

In any case, your method may well work, but I get the feeling that our OP is not nearly as well-versed as you and I are I try to make things as easy as possible in these cases

Quick followup as I just looked at specs on the RME site and I believe you are correct. But unbalanced is not a deal breaker by any means

[BScout]

The TRS line inputs are the "mic inputs"
Lines 1/2
They are combo jacks

Update: This is wrong, they aren't combo jacks. Got it wrong

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by BScout

The TRS line inputs are the "mic inputs"
Lines 1/2
They are combo jacks

Hmmm, didn't look like combo jacks on the photos I saw I guess retailers are getting lazy

[BScout]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Hmmm, didn't look like combo jacks on the photos I saw I guess retailers are getting lazy

They aren't. Got it wrong.
I rarely use the inputs but today had to and noticed they weren't combo jack.