Focusrite

Impressive flexibility with lots of I/O and advanced control software.

The Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 I/O is the ideal FireWire interface for music recording enthusiasts on a mobile multichannel mission. It provides more inputs and outputs with higher performance specs than any other interface in its class. You get eight award winning preamps with sixteen channels of ADAT, and two channels of SPDIF (up to 192kHz) backed up by 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 panel.

The preamps featured in Saffire PRO 26 I/O are a derivative of the award winning Green Series. This preamp design upholds the same high bandwidth philosophy while boasting class leading specifications. In addition, the converters adhere to performance specifications far beyond other similarly priced interfaces. As with all Saffire solutions, the unit can be either bus powered or powered via an external power supply. The unit has also been designed to take full advantage of the external power supply and to maximize performance when powered in this way.

SaffireControl PRO software delivers a control application that avoids any annoying dropdown menus and provides comprehensive custom mix solutions. It also offers quick select 'tracking' and 'playback' solutions, as well as both the float and shrink/expand facilities found in the original.

Saffire Pro 26 I/O also features MIDI I/O alongside a host of additional processing features. Two channels with DI are also provided, eliminating the need for a separate DI box.

Focusrite Specifications:

• 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: 90dBu (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 sources: Internal clock, Sync to word clock on S/PDIF, Sync to word clock on BNC word clock input, Sync to word clock on ADAT1 or ADAT2 inputs
• A/D Dynamic Range: 110dB 'A weighted' (all inputs)
• D/A Dynamic Range: 110dB 'A weighted' (all outputs)
• Clock Jitter: < 250 pico seconds
• Sample rate: 44.1 to 192kHz
  
  Analog Inputs:
• Mic: 8 x XLR on rear panel
• Mic gain: +13dB to + 60dB
• Line 1 8: 2 x 1/4" TRS Jack (front panel)
• Line 1 8 gain: 10dB to +36dB
• Instrument: As above, switched to instrument (inputs 1 & 2 only)
• Instrument gain: +13dB to +60dB
  
  Analog Outputs:
• Line level 8 x 1/4" TRS Jack
• Nominal output level 0dBFS = 16dBu, balanced, +22dBu globally switched with external PSU connected across all outputs
• Frequency response: 20Hz 20kHz +/ 0.2dB
• THD+N <0.0010% ( 100dB) (measured with 0dBFS input 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter, un weighted)
• Software switched hardware DIM 12dB in output pairs 1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 8
• Software Digital Volume control for all outputs
• All outputs are useable as monitoring outputs
  
  Digital I/O:
• 2 x SPDIF (RCA phono) on rear panel (24 bit, 192kHz) Output transformer isolated
• 2 x ADAT In/Out (44.1 / 48kHz), 16 channels
• 1 x ADAT In/Out (88.2 / 96kHz), 8 channels S MUX
• Word clock input on BNC
• Word clock output on BNC
  
  MIDI I/O: 1 In/1 Out on rear panel:
• Firewire S400: 2 ports
• Power: Either via FireWire or external PSU (included)
• Headphones/index.html">Headphone monitoring: 2 x 1/4" TRS Jack on front panel (mirrors outputs 5 6 and 7 8), high power Headphones/index.html">Headphone drivers
  
  Dimensions: 13.77"W x 1.77"H x 9.25"D
• Weight: 6.61lbs (3kg)
  
  NOTE: Version 1.0 software allows input mixing at 44.1/48kHz and 88.2/96kHz (ADATS disabled). When ADATs are enabled, at 88.2/96kHz mode, the input mix functionality is no longer available.
  
  System Requirements:
• Mac: OS X Panther (10.4.8 or later)
• Comp: Mac series with on board FireWire
• CPU/Clock: G4/800 MHz
• Memory (RAM): 256MB or more
  
  PC: Windows XP Home Edition/XP Professional
• Comp: Windows XP compatible equipped with an IEEE1394/FireWire port
  
  Analog I/O:
• 8 Analog Inputs: (mic/line/inst): 8 x XLR (mic/rear), 8 x TRS Jack (line/inst(1 or 2)/front)
• 8 Outputs: 8 x balanced TRS Jacks (rear)

Focusrite Features:

• 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

Ready to put a serious front end ahead of your software setup? Get your Saffire PRO 26!