Focusrite Saffire Pro Firewire Audio Interface

FOCUSRITE SAFFIREPRO Details ^top

Overview

Saffire PRO 26 i/o is the ideal Firewire interface for music recording enthusiasts on a mobile multi-channel mission, providing more inputs and outputs with higher performance specs than any other interface in its class. Saffire PRO 26 i/o combines eight award-winning pre-amps with sixteen channels of ADAT, and two channels of SPDIF (up to 192kHz). Also employed are Focusrite's high performance 24-bit digital converters.

Saffire PRO 26 i/o is much more than just a high performance breakout box; the Saffire PRO package includes Focusrite's highly acclaimed Saffire plug-in suite, comprising EQ, Compression, Amp Simulation and Reverb, in both VST and AU format. The hardware features 2 headphones outputs and a global monitor control with mute and dim options, as well as two 'super channels' featuring variable mic impedance and instrument input, instantly accessible on the front fascia.

The SaffireControl PRO software features many of the attributes of the original SaffireControl software, ensuring intuitive control over monitoring and level.

• High Quality 24-bit/192k Bus-powered Firewire Interface

• 8 high quality Focusrite preamps with unrivalled A/D and D/A conversion

• TOTAL i/o count of 26 inputs and 26 outputs

• Free suite of Saffire VST/AU plug-ins (Compression, EQ, Reverb, Amp Sim)

• 2 ‘super channels' with instrument input and variable impedance

• 2 separate Headphones buses on the front panel

• Free SaffireControl PRO software for advanced monitoring and level control

• MIDI In and Out

• Word clock In and Out

• Front panel Level, Dim and Mute controls assignable to all outputs

FOCUSRITE SAFFIREPRO Specs ^top

Analogue I/O
8 In via 8 x XLR (mic - rear)
or 8 balanced TRS Jack (line)
8 Out on balanced TRS Jack

Digital I/O
Stereo S/PDIF 192kHz (RCA phono)
ADAT - 16 channels*

Performance

Unavailable at present, but keep checking our website for confirmed specifications. Rest assured, Saffire PRO 26 i/o will deliver class-leading performances - exactly as you would expect from Focusrite

Review of FOCUSRITE SAFFIREPRO

RATING:

Sound Quality	8
Features	10
Ease Of Use	6
Value	10
Reliability	10
Overall	9

My Setup: I've been recording live shows using this as my main interface to a laptop. I also have a Focusrite Octopre (connected via adat lightpipe) for a total of 16 preamps. The BNC word clock connection keeps them steady and has worked flawlessly so far. Preamp sound quality: I think the preamps sound good and clean, although the frequency response seems to be not quite as good as the Octopre. Definitely better than the Presonus Firepod, though, which is what I used prior to this. I m interested to hear the MOTU 8Pre although it does NOT appear to have a BNC clock connection :( The Bad: There are some weird things about this box software-wise, which is probably to be expected given Focusrite's hardware background. The phantom power can only be assigned 4 channels at a time and I have experienced some weird noise and stuff. Even weirder is that you can only turn it on using the Saffire control software. Some functions such as control room volume can be controlled either from the knob or the software. Unfortunately preamp gain can only be controlled from hardware. I would LOVE to see this controllable from software also so that it could be adjusted remotely. The power supply is a giant honking thing with a proprietary connector. On the one hand, it is nice that the power is screwed in, but forget finding another power cord in a pinch if you lose this one. The Saffire Pro 26 can be powered via bus power, but I don t think there are many laptop firewire interfaces capable of this. When you make changes such as enabling the adapt ports it takes the Saffire a while to do this and sync up. It seems like perhaps the Saffire has to do a mini-reboot whenever you make a change like that. The Good: I believe this interface to be a great value for the cost. I m glad to see the line between professional recording studio and great-sounding home personal studio continue to be blurred by entries like this one. I hope that Focusrite will continue to refine this product and improve the software.

-Kurt
-Texas, 01/04/07

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