Short answer: the Lynx Hilo 2 USB for better measured performance, the RME Babyface Pro FS for the lower price. The Lynx Hilo 2 USB ranks #3 of 17 audio interfaces, rated 4.0/5, at $3,599. The RME Babyface Pro FS ranks #10, rated 3.6/5, at $849, $2,750 cheaper.
The Lynx Hilo 2 USB is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, and the reviewer counted its results among the best yet seen in an audio interface. Watch for: Lynx doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its suitability for harder to drive headphones is unknown.
Why pick the RME Babyface Pro FS: Audio Science Review measured 108 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. The catch: It costs far more than the MOTU M2, which measured a higher SINAD and rates higher.
Buy the Lynx Hilo 2 USB if measured performance is the priority over the price, or the RME Babyface Pro FS if the price is the priority over measured performance.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Lynx Hilo 2 USB | RME Babyface Pro FS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.00 | $849.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #10 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR balanced line, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial and optical (ADAT switchable) | 2 XLR mic/line, 2 6.35 mm line/instrument, optical ADAT/S/PDIF, USB |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 x 6.35 mm monitor, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT | 2 XLR line, 2 headphone |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 2 (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) | Yes (XLR outs) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | - | 4.3” x 1.4” x 7.1” (108 x 35 x 181 mm) |
| Weight | - | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Lynx Hilo 2 USB:
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M6
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M4
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU 624
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs RME Fireface UFX III
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Lynx Hilo 2 USB: $3,599.00 B&H Photo Video $3,599.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, and the reviewer counted its results among the best yet seen in an audio interface. Connectivity is extensive, with balanced XLR line inputs and outputs, 6.35 mm monitor outputs, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF and switchable ADAT.
Cons: Lynx doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its suitability for harder to drive headphones is unknown. Audio Science Review found it still trails good consumer DACs on noise and considered its interface and driver support due for an update. It costs far more than the Topping M62, which rates higher.
Full Lynx Hilo 2 USB review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR balanced line, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial and optical (ADAT switchable) |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 x 6.35 mm monitor, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RME Babyface Pro FS: $849.00 Amazon $849.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 108 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. It is well equipped, with two XLR mic inputs, two instrument inputs, optical ADAT or S/PDIF input, balanced XLR monitor outputs and two headphone jacks (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm). Audio Science Review praised its compact hardware and noted it runs without an external power supply.
Cons: It costs far more than the MOTU M2, which measured a higher SINAD and rates higher. RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, and Audio Science Review found the headphone output fine for casual monitoring but short on power for difficult or low impedance headphones.
Full RME Babyface Pro FS review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 1.4” x 7.1” (108 x 35 x 181 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR mic/line, 2 6.35 mm line/instrument, optical ADAT/S/PDIF, USB |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 headphone |
| SINAD | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons