Saffire is a new breed of Firewire interface with onboard DSP and 24-bit/192kHz processing. Saffire fuses state-of-the-art hardware with highly integrated software to take audio interfacing one giant step closer to the professional studio experience.
Four inputs (two digital) and 10 outputs (two digital) with unrivalled foldback and monitoring options ensure the engineer has all he needs to navigate through a modern recording session. Focusrite build and sound quality, intelligent front-end design and cutting-edge compression, EQ and foldback reverb software combine to guarantee an intuitive and trouble-free recording experience.
The brand new software accompanying the Saffire hardware is a revolutionary new platform from the team that produced LiquidControl and the Forte Suite. This stylish application floats comfortably over any recording software and allows extensive control over the sound of the recorded signals and the multiple (monitor and headphone) output paths.
Compression, reverb, amp modeling and EQ Saffire-powered plug-ins are included. All four are also available as a suite of plug-ins from within the recording platform in use. Up to five separate user-defined stereo mixes can be created of all incoming signals and recorded tracks from the recording platform. With such comprehensive monitoring/foldback options and onboard high quality signal processing and effects, the Saffire is truly the interface of choice for the serious recording engineer.
Saffire features at a glance:
Ultra-low latency Firewire 400 interface with onboard DSP
24-bit, 192kHz integrated A-D/D-A*
Four inputs; two Focusrite preamps and SPDIF I/O
Eight balanced outputs for creating separate headphone/monitor mixes or 7.1 surround monitoring
Suite of Saffire-powered plug-ins; compression, EQ, amp modeling and monitor path reverb available on analogue inputs, for recording wet and or monitoring
Free accompanying software allows the engineer to create up to five unique stereo mixes of all incoming and recorded tracks
Plug-ins also available for use within the user's software platform
MIDI I/O
* DSP plugin suite operate up to 96k Mode only
Host based Plugin suite operate up to 192K
FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE Specs
MIC
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Noise: EIN > 120dB (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
LINE
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N: 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Noise: -88dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
INSTRUMENT
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
DIGITAL PERFORMANCE
Clock Source: Internal clock or sync to word clock on SPDIF
Q: What is Saffire?
A: Saffire is a new breed of Firewire interface with onboard DSP and 24-bit/192kHz processing. Saffire fuses state-of-the-art hardware with highly integrated software to take audio interfacing one giant step closer to the professional studio experience. Intended for the project studio, home musician, educational/music labs and computer enthusiasts, Saffire will set a new level of price & performance due to its impressive feature set and attractive price point.
Q: Will this be the only Saffire product?
A: No. This will be the first of a family of computer I/O products from Focusrite.
Q: What comes in the box?
A: The Saffire hardware and accompanying CD containing software (SaffireControl application and AU/VST EQ, Compression, Amp Sim and Reverb plug-ins) and drivers. There is also a firewire cable and power supply. The hardware powers off a standard 6-pin firewire port, with the power supply only necessary when connected to the smaller 4-pin ports on some laptops (that cannot supply power). A Getting Started Guide and complete User Guide pdfs are both included on the accompanying CD.
Q: What are the USP's of SaffireControl (the free Focusrite software application that comes with the hardware)?
A: First of all, it's best to think of the Saffire as more of a Focusrite channel strip than just a simple interface. Obviously, it's got Focusrite front end as you can see from the hardware but all the additional controls you'd expect to see on a channel strip are included in SaffireControl, and much more. In SaffireControl, the user can apply processing to the two analogue inputs in the form of quality Focusrite EQ and compression (designed by the same team that created the Forte Suite for Pro Tools), as well as being able to simulate classic amplifiers if plugging a guitar straight into the Saffire. The other significant USP is the monitoring/output matrix. Within SaffireControl, the user can create a total of five independent mixes of the pre-recorded audio (the ‘backing tracks') for latency-free monitoring purposes without having to adjust the levels of the tracks within your sequencer etc. which may have already been mixed and which the user may want to leave alone. Furthermore, all of these unique mixes, which can also include different amounts of all four inputs and foldback reverb, can be seen at all times from the main SaffireControl window without having to access additional buried windows. It is the closest the user can get to simulating an entire recording studio with a single portable interface! It's also important to mention that, despite the software's complexities, SaffireControl has been designed to be as easy to use as possible. As such, there are preset buttons for S/Card and Tracking modes (explained in more detail later) and both Compression and EQ plugs are multimode, having a template mode with settings for Voice, Acoustic Guitar, Piano and the other main instrument groups for anyone that's new to signal processing.
Q: Is Saffire cross-platform?
A: Yes. Windows XP and Mac OSX.
Q: Is Saffire a USB device?
A: No, Saffire is a Firewire 400 device. Firewire has a much larger bandwidth then USB, allowing Saffire to have multiple i/o and sample rates up to 192kHz. There are also two Firewire ports on the Saffire so that you can chain/connect additional Firewire devices to your computer, such as hard drives, even though your computer may only have one Firewire port.
Q: What is the difference between Firewire 400 and 800 specifications?
A: The main difference is bandwidth. Firewire 400 is really all you need for audio applications unless you're running 48 tracks at 192 kHz. Of course, there is a higher price associated with Firewire 800 and we wanted to keep the Saffire price as low as possible.
Q: Does the disk track specification change based on sampling rate used?
A: In analogue terms, no; Saffire's 2 in x 10 out are available even at 192kHz. At 96kHz; you have 14 data paths (2 analog in and 2 digital in x 8 analog out and 2 digital out). At 192kHz; you have 12 data paths (2 analog in x 8 analog out and 2 digital out).
Q: What are Saffire's system requirements?
A: Mac: OS X Panther (10.3.3 or later), G3/800MHz, G4/700MHz, 256MB RAM
PC: XP, Pentium Celeron, or Pentium compatible processor of 900MHz, 256MB RAM
Q: I hear Saffire has its own built-in DSP. What does this mean and what is the DSP used in Saffire?
A: This allows the Saffire to power plug-ins and software that mean the tools available to the user are extended far beyond what you can see on the hardware alone. The DSP used is Analog Devices Black Fin.
Q: Does any free recording software come with Saffire?
A: Yes, Steinberg Cubase LE.
Q: What other popular sequencer/audio software packages have been “qualified and tested” to perform with Saffire?
A: Saffire will work with all ASIO, WDM and Core Audio compatible software, in other words all software apart from Pro Tools. It's been tested thoroughly with many software packages including Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, and Propellerheads Reason to name a few. If you have a question about compatibility of Saffire with other software, email tech@focusrite.com.
Q: What are the differences between Cubase LE and the real thing?
A: Cubase LE is the real thing in as much as it's an excellent entry-level package. You get 48 tracks of audio and 64 MIDI tracks. The only difference between LE and SE there is that SE has unlimited MIDI tracks, but 64 is hardly going to feel limited. (This is already a much higher spec than Pro Tools LE, which only manages 32 audio tracks.) The MIDI spec is much more integrated with Cubase too, as this is where Cubase began (as a sequencer) whereas Pro Tools has always been more of an audio workstation. You also get a large range of Cubase plug-ins and VSTs. Of course, if the user ever decides to upgrade to Cubase SE or SX, all of their sessions will be compatible.
Q: Why is having 8 analog outputs important?
A: The concept of Saffire is to extend the physical outputs of a laptop or desktop computer. This enables the end user to get 8 discrete channels of audio. Do not discount the fact that many industries like gaming will want to use this feature for surround production. Plus, the multiple outputs mean that the small desktop box can offer the monitoring capabilities of a larger desk in a recording studio, making recording multiple artists simple.
Q: Can I run the digital inputs & outputs with the analog inputs & outputs simultaneously?
A: Yes, with the exception of 192 kHz as previously mentioned.
Q: What is Saffire's maximum track count at 96 kHz with the enclosed Cubase LE software?
A: 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks. This is the maximum number of tracks allowed in Cubase LE.
Q: Does Saffire's track count increase at lower sampling rates?
A: No it does not.
COMPATIBILITY
Q: Which audio software packages are compatible with the Saffire?
A: Saffire will work with any ASIO or WDM compliant software on a PC. On a Mac Saffire uses Apple's CoreAudio driver, so it will work with any CoreAudio compliant software. It has been fully tested and is working with all of the most popular software packages. If you're not sure if a particular software is supported, please consult the user manual to determine if it supports ASIO or WDM on PC or CoreAudio on the Mac.
SAFFIRE CONTROL
Q: What is the difference between input mix and cue mix?
A: Each pair of outputs (1/2 – 9/10) can be assigned its own unique mix of both the four input channels and 10 channels of audio from the recording software in use (Logic, Cubase, etc.). These mixes are created in stages; first, the input channels are balanced, for example if you want a little more of input 1 than 2 and even less of inputs 3 and 4 (the signal connected to the SPDIF In) going to the main monitors then you simply set the levels of the inputs accordingly in the IN 1/2 BAL section of outputs 1/2. This then becomes the INPUT MIX for that stereo output pair. If you only want to hear this signal with no pre-recorded audio from you sequencer then set the slider in that section in the extreme left position. The mix of pre-recorded audio coming from you sequencer is called the PLAYBACK MIX and is set generically across all outputs using the faders in the top right of the SaffireControl window (S/W 1/2 – 9/10). Alternatively, a custom P/BACK MIX for each pair of stereo outputs can be set in the corresponding section. This way, if one artist wants a little less drums or a little more bass compared to another then it is easy to achieve. To blend between amounts of the INPUT MIX and the P/BACK MIX on a stereo output pair, simply use the slider in each output section. A CUE MIX is another name for a HEADPHONE MIX. There are two main HEADPHONE MIXES/CUE MIXES in SaffireControl, which are outputs 5/6 (Headphone 1) and outputs 7/8 (Headphone 2). If even more headphone mixes are required by the engineer then outputs 3/4 could be sent to a distribution amplifier, so technically 3 unique headphone mixes are achievable.
Q: How do you select what audio returns to each Saffire bus (meaning the S/W tracks within SaffireControl, e.g. the audio that becomes the PLAYBACK MIX) from your software (e.g. Logic, Cubase etc.)?
A: When you have chosen the Saffire as the audio interface within the audio recording software (ie your sequencer), the input and output options audio that is available will relate to those within SaffireControl. For example, the user can select inputs 1 to 4 to be recorded to an audio track, which will relate to inputs 1-4 in SaffireControl, and similarly will be able to select outputs 1-10, which will become S/W tracks 1-10 in SaffireControl.
Q: So I can only send ten tracks from Logic to SaffireControl to become the Playback Mix for my artists being recorded? What if my song has 20 tracks?
A: You can assign as many audio tracks to be sent to SaffireControl S/W 1/2 as you like. That way, if tracks 1-8 in Logic are all drums, you can group them together by assigning them all to Outputs 1/2 within your sequencer, which will become S/W 1/2 within SaffireControl, e.g. the level of all the drums in the PLAYBACK MIX in SaffireControl will be controlled by the first fader in the PLAYBACK MIX section.
Q: If there are only 8 analogue outputs, how come there are 5 output pairs available in the lower half of SaffireControl?
A: As you can see from the symbol at the bottom of each output pair section, the last pair (9/10) is the SPDIF Output. Also, outputs 5/6 and 7/8 are the same signals as Headphones 1 and Headphones 2 on the front panel respectively.
Q: What does float actually do?
A: The float feature means that the SaffireControl window will sit permanently above all applications rather than disappearing each time the mouse clicks in another application's window. This allows the SaffireControl window to be shrunk down to either of its reduced window formats and then positioned in one corner of the screen, where the meters for the inputs can be viewed continuously whilst making edits on Cubase/Logic, without having to cycle through different applications.
Q: What is the soundcard setup all about?
A: SaffireControl has two preset buttons to step through two main modes of operation; the first is the standard tracking mode for recording (the default mode when SaffireControl opens) and the second is for mixdown (Soundcard mode) when you want analogue outputs 1-8 on the rear of Saffire to match outputs 1-8 within you sequencer. The comprehensive monitoring capabilities of Saffire mean that, without preset buttons, numerous settings would need adjusting on SaffireControl to simply route 8 tracks from you sequencer to the relevant outputs on the Saffire (Soundcard mode). This is because, simply selecting a stereo drum track to be outputs 3/4 on the mixer in your sequencer will not route that track straight out analogue outputs 3 and 4 of the Saffire hardware but instead into S/W tracks 3/4 within SaffireControl. This is so that, in tracking mode, those tracks can be mixed with the audio being recorded to make monitor mixes for artists. Focusrite's clever design team have taken all this into account and included a button to route the outputs set as 1-8 within your sequencer straight to Saffire's analogue outputs – this is listed on the Getting Started A4 sheet that comes in the box and also explained as being a good way of getting to grips with the workings of SaffireControl.
Q: How do you select different sample rates?
A: Simply press the S/RATE button in SaffireControl and a smaller window opens up where the sample rate can be selected simply by clicking on the desired value. From this window, the Saffire can also be made to synchronise from an external source connected to the SPDIF In.
PLUGINS
Q: Does Saffire include any plugs ins? If so, what are they?
A: Yes: EQ, compression, guitar amp simulation and reverb.
Q: How do I power Saffire's plug-ins?
A: Not only can they run under VST or Audio Units format on the host, but Saffire also has its own DSP. The plug-ins can run off the Saffire's DSP (2 channels), the host computer or both! This is one of Saffire's key differentiators.
Q: How do I choose which versions of the plug-ins to use?
A: When recording with the Saffire, no choices need to be made as all the plug-ins work within the free application SaffireControl and run off the Saffire hardware's DSP. This way, if wanting to record some additional audio into a track that's already maxing out the computer's processor, the user can still utilise Compression and EQ/Amp Modelling on both inputs as well as using the foldback (headphone mix) Reverb at no extra expense. If, on the other hand, the user is mixing a track and just using the Saffire as a means of outputting audio to the speakers then the AU or VST plug-ins can be used, in the same way as any other plug-in, within the audio recording/sequencing platform in use.
Q: What are the limitations/possibilities of each plug-in?
A: For the plug-ins running within SaffireControl: One instance of both Compression and either EQ or Amp Modelling can be applied to both analogue inputs 1 and 2 as well as foldback reverb in dual mono or stereo mode. No plug-ins can be applied to the SPDIF In, but if the engineer has an X-Station or a Platinum unit with digital i/o connected then no processing would be required anyway (for example J). If not using the SPDIF In, then inputs 3 and 4 (which are the SPDIF signal when the button below the meters within SaffireControl is active) default to become a second mirrored set of inputs 1 and 2 but without any Compression or EQ/Amp Modelling applied. That way, a backup of the ‘dry' analogue inputs can be recorded, providing a safety copy that can have processing applied at a later date.
For the AU/VST plug-ins: The limitations/possibilities are the same as for all other plug-ins. The user can activate multiple instances of all up to the limit set by their computer's processor. This means that the Saffire Reverb can be applied to a signal for recording, whereas within SaffireControl it is solely used for monitoring, e.g. to boost a singer's ego during a session.
Q: Assuming I have a 1GHz Pentium processor, how many instantiations of the Focusrite plug-ins can I reliably count on using my CPU's on-boards processor?
A: Lots. The plug-ins are not too demanding on the processor. The exact number will depend on the user's CPU.
Q: Quality wise, how do these plug-ins compare with other Focusrite plug-ins like d2/d3 and Forte Suite?
A: There is no sonic difference between Forte and Saffire; Focusrite's world famous sound quality will come through. However, due to recent technological advancement in the area of software modelling in-house at Focusrite, the Forte Suite and Saffire plug-ins are both sonically more impressive than the d2/d3 and truer to the original Focusrite analogue sound.
HARDWARE
Q: Is there a word clock input?
A: No. But in the applications that the Saffire would be used for, this is not needed. Synchronisation is only used if timing is crucial (for example when doing 'laybacks' of audio in post production), or if there are several digital sources being recorded at one time, or if converters are rubbish due to having poor quality clocks. With the Saffire, the only sources being recorded are the analogue inputs and possibly a SPDIF signal, therefore the only digital clock sources that may need synchronizing are within the Saffire hardware and whatever is connected to the SPDIF In. This is why the Saffire only needs to be able to synchronise to its SPDIF Input and no word clock option is provided.
Q: Can I use Pro Tools with Saffire?
A: No. Only Digidesign hardware is compatible with Pro Tools. However, Saffire will work with all other ASIO or Core Audio compatible platforms, i.e. all other platforms.
Q: How can Saffire hook up with other FF or Novation gear?
A: The ideal combination for recording four microphone sources would be to have a Focusrite Platinum TwinTrak Pro with optional digital card connected to the SPDIF input on the Saffire, providing a full complement of Focusrite front-end. (Any Platinum with digital card would be fine though.) Novation's X-Station has a SPDIF Out, which would also be a good combination with the Saffire; a backing track could be played on the keyboard and recorded whilst a singer and guitarist are recorded simultaneously. Alternatively, the Focusrite owner with no digital i/o could go directly into the Line input(s) to convert to digital, gain access to additional signal processing and then send to the recording platform.
Q: What if I only have 4-pin firewire?
A: The only difference between the two FW ports is that the 6-pin can supply power and the 4-pin can't. If you only have 4-pin then simply connect up the Mains adapter that's provided to power the Saffire.
Q: What is the Dim Switch all about?
A: This is a feature that is common on large consoles in studios, it reduces the output level of the monitors (any outputs with the ‘H' button active in SaffireControl - normally just o/ps 1 and 2), in this case by 12dB. This gives you more control over a highly sensitive pair of connected speakers. Explained more simply: Imagine the gain dial is turned down really low on the amp/speakers connected to the Saffire and the music is still coming out pretty loud and just turning up the dial a little bit makes it significantly louder. The solution to this is to press the DIM button on the Saffire, then the volume of the music will go down (by 12dB) and you can turn up that dial and have a much better control over the volume.
Other views of FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE (Click to enlarge):
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Focusrite Saffire FW Audio Interface
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