NI KA6 to Babyface

[brannmann]

I am curious about this myself. I am considering upgrading from the NI Audio Kontrol 1.

In terms of latency I read that RME drivers are knows for being solid. Also the pre-amps and converters are said to be very good.

However I read about some people who have to use an external headphone amp in order to get the signal loud enough. This is a bit strange as the device is made to be super portable. Anyone who can confirm this issue?

My Audio Kontrol 1 is giving me a hell of a lot volume, and I want to keep it that way.
(I am using 80 ohm headphones btw)

[e3p0]

The D/A in the Babyface is supposed to be the same as the Fireface UFX. I have the Babyface. For monitors I use a cheapo Samson Servo 240 and Tannoy PBM 6.5's. I use Shure SRH 440 headphones (44ohm). I NEVER have an issue with headphone volume and I like it loud. The Babyface has 2 headphone outs that share the same mix and amp so volume is not independent, but with two sets of headphones I still get plenty of volume.

I get plenty of gain for EV RE20 and the DI sounds great too.

I like the jog wheel on the BF too for input trim and volume settings. Total mix rocks also.

My recording computer is a busted old dell laptop (core 2 duo) and I have zero latency issues also.

Coming from an Edirol interface, this thing is night and day. With the volume CRANKED on my output (headphones or monitors) I cannot detect a peep of noise. I am not sure it will be as extreme for you guys, but will likely be an improvement in quality and latency.

I hope this helps.
-e

[rksguit]

Sometimes,I do believe,you get what you pay for.......in Australia,you could buy"3"x N.I. Komplete Audio 6 interfaces,for less than "1" RME Babyface!!!

If the N.I.Audio 6,has comparable performance to the Babyface,then it's the deal of the year!

I'm looking into the Audio 6,as apparently,it does have pretty good "Low Latency Performance",and although I'd love an RME "Anything",it's just too much money for me.
RK

[e3p0]

I sold a Micromoog (needed repair) and a tailpiece from a vintage es-175 to pay for mine so I too know the cost is high.

No regrets though. I got one of the 1500 "snow edition" produced too and I think it looks very nice.

-e

[brannmann]

When using the Babyface do I have to use Total mix? or can I control everything from my DAW?

[e3p0]

I can't think of a scenario where you couldn't use it, but imagine you could set a "default" setting though. As long as you didn't need to change phantom power, mutes, headphone mix, toggle between XLR or DI on channel 2, or software playback volumes.

It is so very useful though so I don't imagine you wouldn't want to use it. It has great reverbs and delays that you can choose to print or not, depending on the routing.

You can change input gain (together or independently), output volume (headphones or mains) and alternate listening levels (dim) on the unit itself.

-e

[brannmann]

What I dont like about the Babyface is that ugly chord-thing. Looks messy.
I prefer when everything is built into the box. But I find the RME UC to big to carry around.

I wish RME would make a portable interface, sized like the KA6.

[e3p0]

The breakout is no big deal. It would be nice to have a breakout "box" for it though.

The UCX is not too much bigger.
-e

[brannmann]

Originally Posted by e3p0

The breakout is no big deal. It would be nice to have a breakout "box" for it though.

The UCX is not too much bigger.
-e

That is true about the UCX, but it requires a power-supply when being used with USB. Which is lame

[e3p0]

Is it better than what you already have? Only you can say for sure. If the pres or the converters or both are better, than a external P/S is an easy tradeoff.

When you are remote, is your laptop on mains power or battery. If battery, I'm sure you bring your power cable, right??

The size is right. I just simply don't track more than 4 things simultaneously and the Babyface and ISA one with digital option gives me that in style. I could always rent or buy a 8 ch pre with ADAT if I needed more ins. If I were to do it again, I might consider the UCX or maybe the UFX, but I am much more than happy.

If I had a mac, I was leaning towards the Duet II. Babyface kills on the Apple stuff too. Duet is only mac and no expansion. I'm glad my buddy suggested the Babyface as it was cheaper than buying a Duet AND a Mac.
-e