RME Babyface AI. I WANT ONE!!

LinearLineman

Just saw this AI out of Germany. Never heard it mentioned here. Maybe the price point... I have no real need for such a gadget, but when they say it is made out of a solid block of aluminum... Who can resist that!

http://babyface.rme-audio.de/

Telefunky

It's in fact the price point - which is justified for their extremely great drivers.
But that's of few concern in IOS land, in which things are based on Apple's one and only implementation. Under Windoze things look much different
Btw the interface won't look as slick once fully cabled

If I were in need for a high quality interface now, I'd choose the Audient ID44.
https://audient.com/products/audio-interfaces/id44/overview/
(2 more analog channels for $100 less)
I prefer Audient's channel design based on discrete transistors with straight analog control over the Baby's integrated PGA2500 channels which are digitally controlled.
The latter can store preamp gain and control it via software, which is probably much appreciated, but personally I prefer the immediacy of dials.
Input channels are identical to the ID22 (which I use for several years), but converters are slightly different in the new model.

The most important change is that the ID44 can store it's settings permanently, which the ID22 couldn't, so it should perform flawlessly under IOS.
So it's a valid alternative to the Apogee Quartett, which is twice the price. FYI:
https://www.apogeedigital.com/products/quartet

Artefact2001

@Telefunky looks like an interesting bit of kit! Sorry for the noob question — I’ve never understood the benefit of mic pre’s for ‘non acoustic’ purposes, are they any use to someone who is recording synths?

vitocorleone123

For Windows, Audient drivers have not been as good in comparison to others, if I remember online comments correctly. Great interface, otherwise. If on Windows, I would probably not choose Audient... I'd probably stick with Focusrite up to a certain price point, but that's because I don't record anything acoustically, I suppose.

@Artefact2001 None, really. The input jack still works though - I just plugged my SE-02 monosynth into one of the mic/instrument jacks on the front of my Focusrite 6i6 (running at line level).

DEADCIRCUITGOD

I don’t know if I’m the only one w an Arturia Audiofuse here, I mention it a lot lol, but I’ve had no issues with it with windows or iOS, it works great with either. Also super low latency, I can plug in acoustic instruments, mics, or line level and run effects in real time w no lag. That was the selling point for me, but it’s been great for everything so far. But ya, 500 bucks, it’s worth it, but there are certainly cheaper interfaces. My issue with cheaper ones is that they feel cheap, both physically and functionally.

Telefunky

@Artefact2001 said:
@Telefunky looks like an interesting bit of kit! Sorry for the noob question — I’ve never understood the benefit of mic pre’s for ‘non acoustic’ purposes, are they any use to someone who is recording synths?

as @vitocorleone123 mentioned: they aren't needed (or rather an obstacle) and bypassed on all interfaces with XLR combo inputs. In that case the center TRS plug disables the 1st stage of the preamp.
On the ID44 you have an ultra-accurate line input though: if a synth is plugged into the return input(s), it's directly connected to the converter chips with a single protection buffer in between. The synth should deliver a sufficiently high level signal, though.
Useful for top quality analog synths, for signature FX units like Lexicon 480L or high end preamps like a Telefunken V76.
The monitor section is also excellent - guessing from my ID22.
Bottomline: without microphone use it's a bit expensive, but the overall price/performance ratio is incredible.