Remember the blue RME Babyface audio interface released in 2010? Now it's back in a new color. RME announced the Silver Edition Babyface 22-channel USB 2.0 audio interface, which apart from the color, is identical to the Blue Edition. This new audio interface provides the same features and the same solid aluminum housing as its blue predecessor.

Equipped with the latest 192 kHz AD- and DA-converters and two reference class microphone preamps, the bus-powered Babyface offers two analog recording channels and four analog playback channels, plus ADAT and MIDI I/O in a slim enclosure. RME’s SteadyClock jitter suppression technology ensures high-quality AD- and DA-conversion, while digitally controlled preamps provide individually switchable 48V phantom power. According to RME, the low THD+N values let these preamps surpass those of other devices that cost several times the price of the Babyface. All level settings are recallable by software and can be adjusted directly at the unit.

The Babyface also features digital I/O with up to 192 kHz support, alternatively usable as ADAT port or optical SPDIF I/O. In combination with an ADAT converter such as the RME ADI-8 DS / QS, the Babyface provides 10 analog input and 12 analog output channels. The headphone output, driven from an extra DA converter, provides full 192 kHz and is available not only directly at the unit but also on the breakout cable. Likewise, the additional instrument input, directly at the side of the unit, allows the recording of any instrument, like a guitar or bass guitar, without any other external hardware, by switching one analog input to Hi-Z mode.

With one main control knob and two single buttons, the Babyface acts as direct desktop control for all typical studio tasks: volume control, reference volume store and recall, volume dim, input selection / switching, and input gain control.

The interface connects to the USB 2.0 bus and is also compatible to USB 3 chipsets. It has been optimized for both Windows and Mac OS by using customized firmware for every operating system. Like other RME USB interfaces, the Babyface provides low latencies even with multiple channels.

There's more -- the Babyface includes TotalMix FX, the new generation of RME's DSP hardware mixer, which delivers mixing / routing with new features and improved usability. The DSP mixer works with an internal resolution of 46 bit and even adds effects like a 3-band parametric equalizer, reverb, and echo to the mix.

Babyface features:

• 10 Input / 12 Output channels
• 2 x Analog I/O with line and mic level, balanced or unbalanced
• 2 x Digitally controlled Mic Preamps
• 4 x Analog output with the technology from RME's M-series converter
• 1 Input channel alternatively usable as Hi-Z instrument input
• 1 x ADAT I/O (usable as 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
• 1 x Phones Out (separate DA conversion)
• 1 x MIDI I/O
• Bus-powered operation
• Sample rates up to 192 kHz on all I/Os
• SteadyClock for maximum jitter suppression and clock refresh
• TotalMix FX: Integrated mixer with effects and 46-bit internal resolution
• Hardware calculated Level Meters Peak / RMS
• Includes DIGICheck -- RME's metering and analysis toolbox
• Includes "Babybag"

The Silver Edition Babyface is now available from all RME distributors. For more details, please visit RME's Web site at rme-audio.de.