RME Babyface Pro Podcasting Bundle: Is it really a bargain?
If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, or looking to upgrade your podcasting setup, RME has a new offer for you. The RME Babyface Pro Podcasting Bundle includes an audio interface, an Audio-Technica BP40 large diaphragm broadcast microphone, and some software. They’re even throwing in an online course.
Podcasts are more popular than ever, and what started out as a playground for amateurs on a mission is now a professional industry. RME is jumping on the bandwagon with the new Babyface Pro Podcasting Bundle. The goal is to offer “an affordable and professional audio setup that takes [podcasts] to the next level,” according to Synthax, RME’s distributor. At a price of nearly USD 1300, you need to be serious about your podcasts to consider this bundle. But its components are definitely in different league compared to entry-level offers like the Presonus AudioBox 96 Studio Bundle. So is it a bargain after all?
RME Babyface Pro
At the heart of the bundle is the RME Babyface Pro audio interface. While it’s been around for a few years, it still enjoys a reputation for providing professional-grade recording quality in a very compact package. The Babyface Pro is a USB interface with four analog inputs, two of which are equipped with mic preamps and phantom power, and four analog outputs. You also get two headphone outputs, MIDI In/Out (though you probably won’t need that as a podcaster), and even a digital ADAT interface to which you can hook up an external converter for up to eight additional channels of I/O.
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- RME Babyface Pro · Source: Synthax PR
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- Audio-Technica BP40 · Source: Synthax PR
Audio-Technica BP40
No matter what your podcast is about, you need a good quality mic to capture it. Included with the Babyface Pro Podcasting Bundle is the Audio-Technica BP40. The large-diaphragm dynamic microphone for broadcasting applications has a hyper cardioid polar pattern. That’s good for voice recordings in a less-than-perfect acoustic environment, such as your desk. They’re also including a clamp-on desktop boom stand by On-Stage and a microphone cable.
Total Mix FX software
Like all RME audio interfaces, the Babyface Pro comes with RME Total Mix FX, a software-based mixing environment. It lets you mix all input and output channels and add effects such as EQ, reverb, and delay. You can also remote-control it with the free TotalMix FX Remote iPad app. What’s not included is software for the actual recording. But the Babyface Pro is compatible with any recording software on Windows, Mac, and iOS.
Podcast Engineering School online course
Also included is a Podcast Engineering School online course. According to RME, this course teaches you the podcast production workflow with the Babyface Pro, including setup, production, recording guests, and post-production.
Price
The price of the RME Babyface Pro Podcasting Bundle is USD 1299. RME claims that the bundle saves you over 1500 bucks versus buying equivalent components individually, a number which I find a bit arbitrary. Also, the current US retail prices for a Babyface Pro and an Audio-Technica BP40 only add up to around USD 1100 (stand and cable not included). But then there’s the online course, which RME claims is a $595 value. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself if the bundle is really worth it.
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