Topic: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Hi all,
after many years with HDSPe ExpressCard + Multiface i've just bought a Babyface PRO.
First thing i noticed is that on my laptop (HP EliteBook 8560w with an i7-2670QM) HDSPe perform glitch free at 64 buffer both on Reaper and Live 10.
Babyface PRO at 64 samples ASIO buffer perform glitch-free on Reaper but with frequent glitches on Live 10 using the most demanding VST (u-he stuff, MadronaLabs stuff etc.).
After some tweaking on the USB3 and USB2 (M.S.I. stuff on USB3, disabling IRQ sharing stuff on USB2) things on Live 10 improve a little but not so much.

So i'm out for a new laptop and i've seen this.
https://www.pcspecialist.it/notebook/octaneVI-15/

It's based on Clevo P751TM1-G.

I ask their support if the USB 3 ports are on different busses and they told me that USB3 bus is only one and that share the bus with other stuff internally.

So i wonder if RME or some of Babyface PRO users here have some hints or suggestions.

thanks!

2

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

That is pretty much wrong. First you need separate USB 2 busses, which you get when connecting your stuff to different USB 3 sockets. Second that unit has at least two USB 3 busses, one from the Intel chipset (which is one controller but allows to connect at least two USB 3 devices as if they use separate busses), and one within the Thunderbolt controller (accessible via USB-C to USB  A adapter). Via TB you can also easily add more USB 3 and 2, fully separated from anything else.

I can't guarantee this over-equipped notebook will work, but there is no apparent reason (à la busses) it shoudn't.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Many thanks Matthias! In case a i must go the USB 3.1 (type C) way, can you suggest a cable that works with Babyface? And if i decide to or must go a TB->USB 3 can you suggest an Hub that can work? In my live sets i use several USB controllers so i must keep them separate from Babyface in terms of USB connection. Thanks again for your precious suggestions and opinion!

4

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

The hub had been talked about in length:

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopi … 66#p136666

You want the real deal, not a cheap fake dongle that uses the included USB 3.1. Explained in that post.

USB-C adapter cable is not critical.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Many thanks for the info Matthias! I'll report back as soon as i'll have the new laptop on on my bench.
best! (ps wonderful tech help!)

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Hi again, as i wait for the new laptop, Matthias do you think i can improve my old laptop performance with BabyFace Pro buying an ExpressCard to USB adapter? I noticed that my HDSPe performance is totally glitch-free and that BabyFace (mostly on Ableton Live) is more "stressful" for my laptop and i have frequent glitches and crackles. thanks and bests

7

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Basically yes, that could work. Depends a bit on the USB chip that will be in the ExpressCard then.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Thanks Matthias, wich kind/brand of USB chipset should i look for?

9

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

I would avoid Asmedia and GenesysLogic if possible...

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

Thanks. I see that NEC is often mounted on those ExpressCard Adapters like this one
https://www.icintracom.biz/express-card … -5662.html
or this
https://www.ebay.it/itm/2-Ports-USB-3-0 … .l4275.c10

hope they can work

Re: Babyface PRO - Looking for new laptop

and this is a Startech one (6 times more expensive) and has a NEC chipset to.
https://docs-emea.rs-online.com/webdocs … 6f5b66.pdf