RME Babyface Pro FS

RME Babyface as asynchronous DAC, driving balanced outs into a Hafler Transnova P4000. Running B&W DM604 S3s

I've had much pricier setups but this is by far the nicest sounding. I don't ever see upgrading lol.

For that price you might try getting a used RME Babyface (older model, 2 inputs only) or even UC (many inputs). Good preamps, rock-solid drivers. Probably will be the last interface you ever need.

Edit: Downvoted? Really?

The RME BabyFace Pro FS/MadiFace Pro. RME are known for their software support which is why I recommend them so much. They have drivers supporting M1 as they aren't reliant on 3rd parties because they develop their own interface core.

Having just gone through the same decision making process, I consulted some colleagues of mine who work in production studios across the country and wound up with the following:. Hardware: RME Fireface UCX II (main interface), RME Babyface Pro FS (portable interface), Focusrite ISA One, Austrian Audio OC818 (has not yet arrived but I hear great things about it), Shure SM7B x2.

2 days ago I finally decided to go back to RME and ordered UFX+ plus Babyface Pro FS. In my experience Apogee, RME, and Antelope Audio indeed all sound different, Antelope Audio sound really good, may not be Lavry or Cranesong or even Prismsound kind of good but definitely sound more open and detailed compares to Apogee and RME, it's very subtle though. But the reason I am going back to RME, the sound is just a very small part of the consideration when you choose your main audio interface, plus the current-gen AD/DA converters are extremely capable, even the cheaper options are way too good to be blamed on when you can't get a good mix from it. I would endorse RME with all my heart, their analog circuitry is very well designed, both hardware and driver are extremely stable, Top-notch customer support (their support actually know what they are doing and very quick to resolve your problem), Totalmix is awesome and super flexible.

No reflections -> standing waves. 2. speakers: a7x is fine, maybe u wanna check neumann kh120a too. 3. interface: I personally would rather go for smth like RME Babyface Pro FS unless u need all the ins/outs of a clarett+ 8pre. 4. if u really want a complete flat response, try sonarworks, it will normalize (flatten) the frequency response.

Also, I had a RME Babyface Pro FS (that cost over 3 times more) for 6 months with my Motu M2, no audible difference, no better latency, no better preamps, no better outputs and drivers from both interfaces were stable. I sold the Babyface Pro FS, it's a good interface, but overpriced for what it is, and also made in China like Motu anyway. Audient is good but not as good as the M2 if you ask me, maybe the contender would be the Focusrite Clarett series, very good too, but more expensive than Motu I think, and I don't think latency performs so well.

RME gear is top notch stuff, I have a babyface pro fs myself. However other companies offer similar quality and drivers are honestly quite good from everyone (aside from UAD on windows). You can't go wrong with RME, but I haven't had problems with Motu or Behringer.

RME. Stability, reliability, quality.

Look at a babyface Pro Fs. Used if you have to.

2io via XLR, 2in via TRS and a good headphone output. Expand preamp inputs with an adat device down the road when you need to.

I upgraded from a Presonus Studio 26 to an RME Babyface Pro FS last year. My main reason for the upgrade was that I needed something that is portable (the babyface can be powered by usb) but also has ADAT for additional I/O. I also went for RME because their drivers & routing software are top notch. Audio quality played only a minor role tbh because even budget Interfaces nowadays have extremely good audio quality.