View other reviews for this product:
uttrillo « A very good sound card for home studio! »
Published on 12/08/13 at 08:12What characteristics have motivated your choice?
8 preamps and the fact of having the mic input AND lines + 10 analog outputs and 18 (16 ADAT and SPDIF 2) digital channels. The standalone mode allowed me to use the card as converto which is handy! And the best of the best is the second firewire port that allowed me to connect an external hard drive to record concerts! Great!
Which instruments and systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ...
I use Direct to Disk coupled to an adder and a UA2192 Phoenix Audio nicerizer. I use Pro Tools 9, which allowed me to keep this card!
Here is my patchwork: Sound Card Focusrite used as a converter (I mainly mix) Firewire connected to the computer - UA2192 clock World clock connected to the Focusrite master - Eleven Rack connected to the SPDIF and Focusrite AES to UA2192 - The first 8 outputs are connected to the Focusrite Nicerizer outputs a LR to enter the UA2192.
For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard, ...)?
Essentially rarely mix up taking it except a few guitars but with the eleven rack and I happened to save battery with Focusrite preamps of:
- Kick
- Snare
- HH
- Tom 1
- Tom 2
- Tom 3
- OH The preamp with Liquid in TRANY fashion 1H (API) that I love the drums
- OH R Liquid preamp with same mode
My config:
- Mac pro 5.1 quad core 2.6Ghz 10GB RAM
- 1 internal 256GB SSD for the system
- Disc 1 "hybrid" 516Go for sessions
- 1 standard 1TB disk for backup
UTILIZATION
The drivers are stable? Are they often updated? What software do you use most often? What you get lag? How many tracks you get record / playback simultaneously? ...
So that's where things get tricky. I had several problems when using particular level of stability. Before moving to Pro Tools 9, I had to turn on the map and then the computer so that all goes well but then the sound was cutting and I had distortion in the signal. It took me some time to realize that I had to do the reverse to fix the problem.
But since the last update (2.4) from time to time, happily ever when I run audio software, map frieze for a few seconds and made the Christmas tree before everything returns to normal. Nothing too good but well ... not tip top. Focusrite but frequently releases updates, besides I did not the latest (3.2) so I do not worry too much. In addition they offer beta versions we just try and replace the advice directly to the brand!
GETTING STARTED
The installation is done it without problems?
Installation is no problem whatsoever on Mac OS or Windows, I've done both and I have not encountered any problems.
Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
Never
The general configuration is easy?
Very simple and intuitive. The Saffire Mix Control software is really well done and complete and the best of the best is the monitor section:
- Possibility to go up to 7.1 through all configurations
- Sun and mute
- Mono function (very convenient, I do all my EQ mono, I think it is more accurate and to check the phase is top!) And reverse L / R
The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Very clear as long as you take the trouble to read it! Besides, I advice to all those who are interested in this card to consult, it is free to download on the website of Focusrite. Come on, I'll mash the work:
https://global.focusrite.com/firewire-audio-interfaces/liquid-saffire-56/downloads
OVERALL OPINION
How long have you use it?
I use it for almost 3 years.
What is the particular feature you like best and least?
Goodies: 8in/8out converter very good quality for the price. In comparison, the eleven rack is rather vague at the bottom and the lower medium is a happy mess. With Focusrite, there are a lot of precision in the bass and lower midrange is less clutter. I prefer to be honest with you, considering the price of this card and what it is intended, the converters are not at an RME or Apogee for example, but they remain, and this is just my opinion, above brands like Motu or TC Electronics.
Number of inputs digital outputs = top! 18 to 44.1, 10 and 96 6 192.
Both pots Firewire.
Saffire mix control software and monitor section with the possibility of two independent networks headphones.
Both pramps liquid, which provide a choice in the color decision myself I used it mainly to saturation by adjusting the harmonic distortion, emulations old tube (Pultec) and 72 deutsch (telefunken) do the job very well. But do not tell you that this is the perfect emulation offered in the manual machines. I had the opportunity to hear almost all original designs and I can assure you that the reproduction of the liquid is far preamp (see far depending on the model) of the original. BUT, they nevertheless provide a choice of color that can be interesting to see really good decision (for a grand piano, I find emulation Class A2A really nice!).
She has a pretty face (because it counts too!).
Cons:
- Gain preamps a little weakling must push 3/4 according to sources.
- Small stability problems on version 2.4 but I have not installed version 3.2 and as I said above, Focusrite offers beta versions so good ... not really a downer.
Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Motu 896mkIII, Mbox 2, Digi 003R, RME Fireface 400 and 800, lexicon ionix FW810, Prism Sound Orpheus (if only it was cheaper ...), Metric Halo ULN8 (... no comment ...).
How would you rate the quality / price?
Even today, I think it's one of the best quality / price ratio: 26I/28O 8 pramplis, Mic AND lines, 2 ADAT ports, port 1 SPDIF switchable to AES converters above average, all for 700euros!
Shop around, me personally I have not found equivalent (except 896mkIII Motu I do not really enjoy) at this price!
With experience, you do again this choice? ..
Currently I go to a range above as I pass the apollo 16. So I do not have all the same value or the same config before. But if I had a small budget (less than 1000euros) and need a map that embeds several preamps, lots of digital inputs / outputs and decent converters, I do it again this choice without hesitation. To me this card is part of the top of the basket as regards sound cards at less than 1000 euros!
8 preamps and the fact of having the mic input AND lines + 10 analog outputs and 18 (16 ADAT and SPDIF 2) digital channels. The standalone mode allowed me to use the card as converto which is handy! And the best of the best is the second firewire port that allowed me to connect an external hard drive to record concerts! Great!
Which instruments and systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ...
I use Direct to Disk coupled to an adder and a UA2192 Phoenix Audio nicerizer. I use Pro Tools 9, which allowed me to keep this card!
Here is my patchwork: Sound Card Focusrite used as a converter (I mainly mix) Firewire connected to the computer - UA2192 clock World clock connected to the Focusrite master - Eleven Rack connected to the SPDIF and Focusrite AES to UA2192 - The first 8 outputs are connected to the Focusrite Nicerizer outputs a LR to enter the UA2192.
For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard, ...)?
Essentially rarely mix up taking it except a few guitars but with the eleven rack and I happened to save battery with Focusrite preamps of:
- Kick
- Snare
- HH
- Tom 1
- Tom 2
- Tom 3
- OH The preamp with Liquid in TRANY fashion 1H (API) that I love the drums
- OH R Liquid preamp with same mode
My config:
- Mac pro 5.1 quad core 2.6Ghz 10GB RAM
- 1 internal 256GB SSD for the system
- Disc 1 "hybrid" 516Go for sessions
- 1 standard 1TB disk for backup
UTILIZATION
The drivers are stable? Are they often updated? What software do you use most often? What you get lag? How many tracks you get record / playback simultaneously? ...
So that's where things get tricky. I had several problems when using particular level of stability. Before moving to Pro Tools 9, I had to turn on the map and then the computer so that all goes well but then the sound was cutting and I had distortion in the signal. It took me some time to realize that I had to do the reverse to fix the problem.
But since the last update (2.4) from time to time, happily ever when I run audio software, map frieze for a few seconds and made the Christmas tree before everything returns to normal. Nothing too good but well ... not tip top. Focusrite but frequently releases updates, besides I did not the latest (3.2) so I do not worry too much. In addition they offer beta versions we just try and replace the advice directly to the brand!
GETTING STARTED
The installation is done it without problems?
Installation is no problem whatsoever on Mac OS or Windows, I've done both and I have not encountered any problems.
Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
Never
The general configuration is easy?
Very simple and intuitive. The Saffire Mix Control software is really well done and complete and the best of the best is the monitor section:
- Possibility to go up to 7.1 through all configurations
- Sun and mute
- Mono function (very convenient, I do all my EQ mono, I think it is more accurate and to check the phase is top!) And reverse L / R
The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Very clear as long as you take the trouble to read it! Besides, I advice to all those who are interested in this card to consult, it is free to download on the website of Focusrite. Come on, I'll mash the work:
https://global.focusrite.com/firewire-audio-interfaces/liquid-saffire-56/downloads
OVERALL OPINION
How long have you use it?
I use it for almost 3 years.
What is the particular feature you like best and least?
Goodies: 8in/8out converter very good quality for the price. In comparison, the eleven rack is rather vague at the bottom and the lower medium is a happy mess. With Focusrite, there are a lot of precision in the bass and lower midrange is less clutter. I prefer to be honest with you, considering the price of this card and what it is intended, the converters are not at an RME or Apogee for example, but they remain, and this is just my opinion, above brands like Motu or TC Electronics.
Number of inputs digital outputs = top! 18 to 44.1, 10 and 96 6 192.
Both pots Firewire.
Saffire mix control software and monitor section with the possibility of two independent networks headphones.
Both pramps liquid, which provide a choice in the color decision myself I used it mainly to saturation by adjusting the harmonic distortion, emulations old tube (Pultec) and 72 deutsch (telefunken) do the job very well. But do not tell you that this is the perfect emulation offered in the manual machines. I had the opportunity to hear almost all original designs and I can assure you that the reproduction of the liquid is far preamp (see far depending on the model) of the original. BUT, they nevertheless provide a choice of color that can be interesting to see really good decision (for a grand piano, I find emulation Class A2A really nice!).
She has a pretty face (because it counts too!).
Cons:
- Gain preamps a little weakling must push 3/4 according to sources.
- Small stability problems on version 2.4 but I have not installed version 3.2 and as I said above, Focusrite offers beta versions so good ... not really a downer.
Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Motu 896mkIII, Mbox 2, Digi 003R, RME Fireface 400 and 800, lexicon ionix FW810, Prism Sound Orpheus (if only it was cheaper ...), Metric Halo ULN8 (... no comment ...).
How would you rate the quality / price?
Even today, I think it's one of the best quality / price ratio: 26I/28O 8 pramplis, Mic AND lines, 2 ADAT ports, port 1 SPDIF switchable to AES converters above average, all for 700euros!
Shop around, me personally I have not found equivalent (except 896mkIII Motu I do not really enjoy) at this price!
With experience, you do again this choice? ..
Currently I go to a range above as I pass the apollo 16. So I do not have all the same value or the same config before. But if I had a small budget (less than 1000euros) and need a map that embeds several preamps, lots of digital inputs / outputs and decent converters, I do it again this choice without hesitation. To me this card is part of the top of the basket as regards sound cards at less than 1000 euros!