RME Babyface Pro vs Motu Ultralite Mk4

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by Djoezie, Oct 11, 2018.

  1. Djoezie

    Djoezie Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2014
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Hi guys,

    I got a question,

    I'm looking to but a new audio interface and im doubting between the RME Babyface Pro or the MOTU Ultralite Mk4.
    Does any of u can give me some advice/tips/pro's&con's/etc... about the above 2 audio interfaces.
    I'm also open to new suggestions in the same price range so please shoot!!
    thanks in advance guys!
     
  2.  
  3. m9cao

    m9cao Producer

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2012
    Messages:
    377
    Likes Received:
    109
    rme : better performance and stability, portable
    motu : has a screen and more I/O
    i cant recommend you any product at this price range, everything in mid price range are shit,
    if you need a cheap buy a steinberg, for mac buy apogee and for pc buy rme
    remember, cheap or top
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
  4. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2011
    Messages:
    3,914
    Likes Received:
    2,754
    Location:
    Sweden
    The decision for me was simple. RME is rock solid and top of the line (I've had several RME audio interfaces in the past, and one MOTU Ultralite MK2). So I bought the Babyface Pro. I don't regret a second in doing so.
    Can't really speak for the Ultralite MK4. I'm sure it's also good, but my previous experience with RME (low latency, quality converters, zero issues/problem with drivers, compatibility, I/O, etc) just made me confident to go with RME.
     
    • Like Like x 5
    • Agree Agree x 4
    • List
  5. Djoezie

    Djoezie Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2014
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    What would you recommend me then :p?
    Im useing a focusrite now but i feel its time to invest in something better.
     
  6. Talmi

    Talmi Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2015
    Messages:
    2,043
    Likes Received:
    1,707
    RME is excellent, and the babyface has a lot of the most important quirck of the upper range (stability mostly, top notch converters, all has been said). I have the UCX, which adds a few ins and outs, fxs in their mixer, but unless you really need to go there, going with the Babyface gets you the RME quality with no fuss, at a "reasonable" price (it depends on the budget perspective, always a relative thing).
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
  7. bluerover

    bluerover Audiosexual

    Joined:
    May 3, 2013
    Messages:
    1,333
    Likes Received:
    1,182
    Any RME interface is a better performer than MOTU imo. MOTU starts to become more viable at around the $1,000+ USD mark.

    Go Babyface Pro RME for sure.
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Like Like x 1
    • List
  8. SmokerNzt

    SmokerNzt Rock Star

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2013
    Messages:
    536
    Likes Received:
    337
  9. TW

    TW Guest

    A babyface pro is the heart of my current portable rig. It is RME so no complains just pure fun. However, I read that the mk4 Ultralite is really great and I tend to buy one and sell my babyface pro. More IO and on paper the latency and the dynamic range of the converters is outstanding.
    ...
    "round-trip latency (RTL) of 1.83 ms (milliseconds) on OS X and 1.84 ms on Windows over USB (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer)"

    If that is true - it is in the ballpark of my babyface

    ...
    "UltraLite-mk4 now includes renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology, delivering the 123dB dynamic range and the same proven, award-winning audio quality as MOTU's flagship 1248".

    This is really tempting.
     
  10. Djoezie

    Djoezie Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2014
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Haha this is indead tempting.
    Only making my decision harder :(.
     
  11. Djoezie

    Djoezie Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2014
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • List
  12. tzzsmk

    tzzsmk Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2016
    Messages:
    3,757
    Likes Received:
    2,307
    Location:
    Heart of Europe
    RME all the way, no turning back,
    question remains, if you want/need Babyface Pro, or Fireface UCX or Fireface 802 - depends on I/O you need, I personally consider Babyface Pro overpriced, prefer to use old good UFX :))
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • List
  13. Olymoon

    Olymoon Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    5,777
    Likes Received:
    4,447
  14. SmokerNzt

    SmokerNzt Rock Star

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2013
    Messages:
    536
    Likes Received:
    337
    my friend got it and it's amazing sound card , quality amazing

    why strange ? if it come from china AliExpress = Alibaba.
    and Alibaba has all the factories which come from china

    you can login to Alibaba with the same account. of AliExpress and then speaking with the factory

    best websites to buy amazing stuff plus cost nothing , plus Chinese people genuineness.
    just speak with the seller in the chat ask him everything .

    you can find it on Alibaba even more cheep here
    https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...galleryofferlist.normalList.33.b0f279fcwVGhq8
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2018
  15. Caldera

    Caldera Producer

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2012
    Messages:
    269
    Likes Received:
    147
    Both are good. RME products have an open sound with lesser density than others imho. Their AD-DA converters are topnotch! However I should really consider to look at the Tascam USB 20x20 too which is cheaper and sounds fantastic!!
     
  16. Djoezie

    Djoezie Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2014
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    Oke thanks and i will take a look at the Tascam too. Only making my decision even harder :rofl:
     
  17. Djoezie

    Djoezie Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2014
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    1
    I actually need only 2 or 3 inputs so if i would choice a smaller Tascam would the audio quailty still be that good as the 20x20?
     
  18. Does the Alibaba unit use an RME.driver? If not, then don't go there because it is.the driver that will make or.break any interface. They could even use the same ad/da chip but it will make narry a difference...RME all the way at this price point even if the Babyface Pro is a bit overpriced. Word!!!
     
    • Winner Winner x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • List
  19. Piszpunta

    Piszpunta Kapellmeister

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    74
    RME user here. Get RME - rock solid,
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • List
  20. KidPix

    KidPix Producer

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2017
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    121
    Babyface Pro without *any* doubt! :like:
    No other USB audio interface comes close in the latency, see
    https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showpost.php?p=13368351&postcount=2186

    If you got Thunderbolt, check the PreSonus Quantum 2
    https://www.gearslutz.com/board/mus...presonus-quantum-should-i-look-elsewhere.html
    https://www.gearslutz.com/board/pro...nnounces-quantum-2-thunderbolt-interface.html
    Will also need an adapter and cable.

    ***********************

    Guys looking for cheap($100), Beringer Euphria HD series got an excellent DAC, see
    https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/budget-dac-review-behringer-umc204hd.1658/
    The weak part of the Behringer UMC204HD is the headphone AMP, see
    https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...04hd-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-review.2013/
    I would get the Behringer UMC404HD, as it got external power probably will have better AMP.
    The latency is +-(poor config? Driver?) at http://kailuamusicschool.com/tech/round-trip-latency-roundup/
    But it got a lot better latency at http://caulixtla.com/JP-08/UMC204HD.html
    and here too https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showpost.php?p=11995067&postcount=886
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
  21. j.cnnr

    j.cnnr Kapellmeister

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2015
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    47
    Never had an RME, and is not my intention to question its good reputation, but as a Motu user for years, (before i had an Ultralite MK3, and recently i bought the Ultralite Mk4) I can only say that the Mk4 is everything solid and stable that you can expect from an interface of that price, all the problems related to the drivers which had the Ultralite Mk3, have disappeared with the new generation ..... Take my word that i haven't had to restart my Mk4 for any type of failure in the 6 months that I'm working with...and about the new features, just to say that everything is wonderful....you will have all the power of routing, audio quality and connectivity you want and much more......you only have to read the tech specs. :wink:
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2018
Loading...
Similar Threads - Babyface Motu Ultralite Forum Date
RME Babyface and ADAT / Patchbay (help!) Soundgear Aug 2, 2024
I narrow it down to the RME Babyface Pro FS 24:Thoughts? Soundgear Mar 31, 2021
RME Babyface and Subpac? Soundgear Mar 9, 2021
Babyface: Power Supply Suggestions? Computer Hardware Sep 23, 2020
Strange Latency Reports in Ableton for Babyface Computer Hardware Sep 23, 2020
Loading...