Replace FF400 with what USB audio interface?

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

Originally Posted by crille

I actually don't need the preamps. Most important to me is the quality of the AD/DA converters. I rather only have 2 great inputs (without preamps) than 4+ inputs with just decent converters and cheap preamps.

Then what about the Babyface?

[crille]

Originally Posted by Bill@WelcomeHome

Then what about the Babyface?

Thanks, I have totally missed that one! Looks plastic/cheap and not as cool as the 400/UCX but whatever :D As long as it sounds great, and deliver the same sound quality as my 400.

(Thought you were kidding first, haha!)

Do you (or anybody) know if the AD/DA converters in Babyface are of same quality as the converters in UCX?

[crille]

Originally Posted by crille

Do you (or anybody) know if the AD/DA converters in Babyface are of same quality as the converters in UCX?

Just got an answer from RME:

"How is Babyface compared to Fireface 400 and UCX in terms of audio quality?"
We have no definition of "sound quality" other than "true to the source signal", and there are no differences in "sound quality" by design. The preamps are the same, converter specs may even be slightly better on paper on the BF.

[crille]

How much money do I have to add to get definitely better converters than the ones RME Fireface/Babyface?

I was also thinking about buying a separate converter - bad idea? (and then some very cheap interface)

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

Originally Posted by crille

How much money do I have to add to get definitely better converters than the ones RME Fireface/Babyface?

I was also thinking about buying a separate converter - bad idea? (and then some very cheap interface)

The reason to have a solid interface rather than a cheap one is that it will serve you well for years to come. Buy cheap converters and upgrade them later.

Anyway, I use Mytek converters. Lavry or Lynx are other options in better but still affordable converters. But I'd start with the right interface.