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RME Babyface USB Audio Interface

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RME Babyface USB Audio Interface

^# 49

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$416.64 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (17)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using RME Babyface USB

13 wishlisted

46 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (7)

$416.64 3 available Used

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Average Price: $417

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, RME Babyface USB Audio Interface is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The RME Babyface USB Audio Interface is your gateway to premium sound quality in a compact and portable design. Ideal for musicians and audio engineers who demand pristine audio fidelity and versatile connectivity, this interface is engineered for both studio and mobile recording environments. With top-tier 192kHz AD/DA converters and two high-end microphone preamps, the Babyface ensures that every nuance of your performance is captured with exceptional clarity.

Harness the power of the Hammerfall USB audio core for low-latency performance, delivering smooth and reliable audio across both Mac and PC platforms. Its TotalMix FX software provides robust mixing capabilities, offering a 3-band parametric EQ, reverb, and echo, all without burdening your CPU. Whether you're recording vocals, instruments, or using the MIDI I/O for electronic music production, the Babyface accommodates a wide array of setups.

Featuring balanced XLR I/Os and dedicated TRS outputs for headphones, it guarantees low noise and distortion. The intuitive design, with a single control knob and clear LED indicators, ensures easy access to all functions, making it perfect for on-the-go adjustments. The unit's bus-powered operation further enhances its portability, letting you take your studio wherever you go.

Key Features:

192kHz AD/DA converters for high-resolution audio
Two reference-class microphone preamps with 48V phantom power
TotalMix FX software with parametric EQ, reverb, and echo
Hammerfall USB audio core for ultra-low latency
Balanced XLR I/Os and TRS headphone output
Optical TOSLINK I/O for ADAT or SPDIF optical
MIDI I/O for complete audio integration
Compact, bus-powered design for maximum portability

Product specs

Brand	RME
Model	Babyface
Finish	Silver
Year	2010s
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	No
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	USB
Digital Output Format	ADAT/Optical
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	2
Number of Analog Outputs	2
Number of Channels	20
Number of Digital Inputs	8
Number of Digital Outputs	8
Number of Headphone Outputs	1
Number of MIDI Inputs	1
Number of MIDI Outputs	1
Number of Mic Preamps	2

FAQs

How many input and output channels does the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface have?: The RME Babyface USB Audio Interface features 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 8 digital inputs, and 8 digital outputs, providing a total of 20 channels for comprehensive audio routing.
Is the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface compatible with both Windows and macOS?: Yes, the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it versatile for different computer setups.
Does the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface support ADAT connectivity?: Yes, the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface includes an optical TOSLINK I/O, which can be used as an ADAT port with SMUX support or as SPDIF for high-resolution sessions up to 192 kHz.
Does the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface require external power?: Yes, the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.
How many mic preamps are included in the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface?: The RME Babyface USB Audio Interface includes 2 high-quality mic preamps, suitable for capturing clear and detailed audio recordings.
What is the bit depth of the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface?: The RME Babyface USB Audio Interface supports a 24-bit depth, ensuring high-resolution audio quality for professional recording and playback.
Does the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface have MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the RME Babyface USB Audio Interface features 1 MIDI input and 1 MIDI output, allowing for integration with MIDI-compatible devices.

Reviews

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PROS

Portable and perfect for mobile setups
Superior sound quality compared to similar price-range products
USB bus-powered for convenience
Low latency enhances performance
Excellent pre-amps for clear audio capture
Compatible with both Mac and PC
Includes useful features like audio loopback
Solid construction ensures durability

CONS

TotalMix software has a steep learning curve
Higher cost relative to channel count
Breakout cable design can be cumbersome for some
Limited hardware controls necessitate software reliance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about RME Babyface USB Audio Interface.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Reducing sample rate to 44.1 or 48 kHz can prevent CPU strain and latency issues, avoiding cracking and popping during playback.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Komplete Kontrol 3 is less stable than 2.9.6, with many owners preferring the older version for performance.
Source
0 0

It's highlighted that RME interfaces receive driver updates even for older models, with some Firewire cards still supported after nearly 18 years.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Focusrite 18i8 3rd Gen and Motu M2 are alternatives with good latency performance, but RME is preferred for professional-level audio demands.
Source
0 0

While the UAD Apollo offers the appeal of DSP for real-time effects, the Babyface is favored for clarity and stability, particularly among users not reliant on DSP plugins.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Windows systems generally experience latency bumps without an interface, with Apple M1 Macs performing better in this regard.
Source
0 0

The Babyface is recommended for those working primarily in-the-box, while still providing high-quality mic preamps for occasional recording needs.
Source

User experience

0 0

RealTek audio devices may cause inconsistent latency and volume when switching instruments in Komplete Kontrol, highlighting the need for a pro-level interface like RME.
Source
0 0

Many users praise the RME Babyface for its long-term stability and reliability, especially in Windows environments over a period of up to 6 years.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Babyface Pro FS offers two XLR inputs with preamps, requiring ADAT expansion for additional physical inputs like 1/4" jacks for multiple synths.
Source
0 0

RME Babyface is noted for its low latency performance, making it suitable for playing VST instruments with a MIDI controller at low buffer rates.
Source

Critic Reviews

RME Babyface

soundonsound.com

RME's Babyface Audio Interface is a powerhouse in a compact design, ideal for musicians needing portability without sacrificing functionality. The interface boasts ultra-clean sound, reliable low latencies, and versatile routing through RME's Totalmix FX software. Its digitally controlled mic preamps are a highlight, ensuring precise stereo matching and recallable settings. However, the headphone amp's power may fall short for some, and the breakout cable's labeling could be improved. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Babyface's performance and driver support make it a top choice for both home and location recording, offering serious capability in a stylish package.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

groovizm

533

almost 4 years ago

Very stable, very low latency, awesome converters

Specs:

On breakout cable

2 mic inputs on XLR
2 outputs on XLR
Midi in and out
Headphone out

On the device itself:

Instrument input ( disables input 1 on the breakout )
A second headphone output. It does not have it's own amplifier, though.

A breakout cable with cinch instead of XLR's is available as well.

Pro's:

Rock solid drivers
Extremely Low latency
Sounds awesome, a lot cleaner than the focusrite scarlett 18i20 mk1, and even better than the motu 828 mk2 I used to have.
That big wheel is nice for controlling volume
Audio loopback, to record from one application into the other, without patching cables...

Cons:

RME seem very proud of their TotalMix software but I do not find it very intuitive.
It is expensive for the channel count.
I hate the break out cable, I'd rather have a little desktop box with the IO on the back.
Not enough controls on the hardware.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic