RME = important producer?
Yea, that makes sense!

A lil' help for ya. Babyface got 24 inputs. If he really wants 16+ analog inputs for under 500 it's mostly like impossible.
He can get that Behringer Xenyx series crap.

 

Show some information which states it has 24 inputs, because hopefully you are not counting digital connections with multiple channels, i.e. ADAT, as individual inputs. That's how manufacturers imply higher i/o counts in their model numbers. But that's basically BS.

Spoiler

RME Babyface Pro / RME Babyface Pro FS (Pro Series – more I/O)
Analog I/O

• 4 inputs / 4 outputs total:
  • 2 × XLR balanced mic/line inputs with switchable 48 V.
    
    
  • 2 × TRS line/instrument inputs (Hi-Z capable).
    
    
  • 2 × XLR balanced main outputs.
    
    
  • 2 × headphone outputs (6.3 mm + 3.5 mm).

Digital I/O

• 1 × optical ADAT or SPDIF in/out (TOSLINK).
  
  
• MIDI I/O via breakout cable.

Performance

• Up to 192 kHz / 24-bit on all I/O.
  
  
• Gain range ~-11 dB to +65 dB on mic inputs.
  
  
• High dynamic range (~115 dB), very low THD.

Power & Connectivity

• USB-B (USB 2.0, compatible with USB-C).
  
  
• Bus powered (often stable without external supply on most USB ports).

Extras

• Includes TotalMix FX (software mixer/routing).
  
  
• Robust aluminum construction and portable size.

And from another source:

Analog Inputs 2 x XLR (mic), 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z/line)
Analog Outputs 2 x XLR (+4dBu/+19dBu)
Digital Inputs 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT, S/PDIF)
Digital Outputs 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT, S/PDIF)

It's portable. Same relative size as UA Apollo or Apogee desktop units. Nobody with a patchbay and many sound sources (synths, etc) will be happy with 4 analog ins. You need 8 for only 1 snake from the patchbay.

 

Last edited: Jan 28, 2026 at 10:30 PM

There are some under 500$ with that many inputs, even decent ones or at least great for a home studio. OP brought up the 16 and 18x interfaces so it's safe to assume he wants that many channels. OP do you really need that many channels?

BTW I want everybody to know I use MOTU and it's rock solid. And it looks cool on the desk. And the U stands for Unicorn. It's the best.

Okay sorry guys I have to apologize I guess I was just triggered how this post turned into the typical Circlejerk of "I see you want a cheap interface but let me tell you why you need the top of line RME/MOTU/Apollo this or that". Even the Behringer UMC would probably do. I used that for years before switching to MOTU and the preamps were just fine. Totally good enough.

Btw, I checked the Babyface and it seems it has about 4 analog inputs(?) Are you trying to troll me back or something?

 

Fender Quantum LT 16

 

It got 24 digital channels.

I highly recommend going for a proper device and using an external mixer to manage all inputs, or alternatively using a patch bay.