Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 i/o

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 26 comes with a very good price tag on it for the features. The preamps are very good, there are 8 of them in total and it also comes with some very good plug ins. There are some small latency issues with it comes to using it with Mac computers because of Apples FireWire drivers which I have had many issues with in the past. This interface is very portable though and gets its power from the computer.

UTILIZATION

Setting up this interface does not take long, it comes with manual to walk you through the process and it comes with all of the proper drivers for both Mac and Windows systems. I used this with my MacBook and had it sitting underneath of my laptop on the desk so it didn’t take up much room. It is a “long” interface in width and it cannot be racked.

GETTING STARTED

I have used the original Saffire that came out years ago from Focusrite and it is almost the same to me as far as quality goes but this version looks a lot better. The EQ and compression that comes with it is very good but I am more impressed with the amp simulation. Using the phantom power is easy, but there is not an actual switch on the unit, you will need to control the phantom power from within the software. You can control the phantom power for the microphone channels from channel 1 to channel four easily.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I do like this interface but I am on the fence about it and if I could do it all over again I am not 100 percent sure if I would get it again. The latency issues on my MacBook gave me plenty of problems to deal with and that really is more Apples problem than it is a problem on Focusrite’s hands.

(Originally written by Ambassadeur/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

- I was looking for an audio interface with 8 quality preamps, 192MHz/24bit resolution and a Firewire connection for laptop or desktop. My main concern was the audio quality.
- Chamber music or jazz recording
- Laptop (Medion Akoya S5610 MD96715) or desktop (Athlon 3GHz CPU)
- Used with 4 Oktava MK-102 mics and 2 Rode NT2 mics

UTILIZATION

- No installation problems
- But I did had setting problems regarding drop outs and noise due to latency.
I rapidly solved the problem with the Asio control panel,
which is different from the input/output panel.
- The user's manual could be clearer and mention the Asio control panel which is very important.

GETTING STARTED

- The drivers are stable but there hasn't been an update in one year. The inputs/outputs panel has no VU-meter
- Works seamlessly with Sonar 7 and Wavelab 5
- Up to 2 ms latency
- Simultaneous recording of 6 tracks is not a problem if you choose the proper latency.

OVERALL OPINION

- I've been using it for 1 year
- I especially like the sound quality: warm, accurate, no noise, no saturation but slightly colored
- I also have a M-audio 1010 card
- excellent value for money. I would buy it again considering my priorities and goals.

-What characteristics have motivated your choice?
characteristic cited below, and especially the reputation of preamps

-For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / RAM / Disk, ...)?
HP EliteBook 8530w

-With what instruments or systems (console, preamp, DtDs ...) use it and how you connect? ...
mainly for audio recording of my group, rehearsing or re-re (drums, bass, banjo, Gratt, trumpet, lead and hearts)

UTILIZATION

-The drivers are stable?
no problems found

-Are they updated frequently?
but not ever need, it works nickel

-What software do you use most often?
6 cubase, wavelab 5, windows seven

What You Get-latency?
5 ms recording, 7 ms read (to the mix, I increase the max latency (40 ms) for more flexibility

- How many tracks do you manage to record / play simultaneously?

8-track recording
21 track playback with effects (and I reach the limits of my Proco)

GETTING STARTED

-The installation is done it without problem? Have you encountered any incompatibilities? The general configuration is easy? The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
For me everything is clear except for MIDI (I use it)

OVERALL OPINION

-How long you use it?
5 months

-What is so special that you love the most, least?
most: running windows on nickel

the least: I had to buy the run on linux (ardor) ffoad with the driver.
the card is recognized by the driver, but jackd refuse to mount the inputs and outputs. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!! (But I had not understood something, or miss a step ...)

-Did you tried many other models before buying it?
I did a lot of recording as in various professional studio musicians and less pro. I listened quite a sound card! this one really does not blush: beautiful sound, great quality pre-amps, very good dynamics. short, but happiness for an amateur like me!

-How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice?

Great Value, (400 neurons bought Cygnus) and I plan to buy one for 16 channels at once!

This is the sound card of my 2nd config. It allows me to connect the two stations in the noon, ADAT, and audio.

UTILIZATION

I never had to worry about drivers under XP or Vista. I use it mostly for virtual instruments.

GETTING STARTED

The installation does not pose a problem. For cons, I think "ergonomic" computer a little confused. For my part, even when it lacks a few physical controls on the facade of the interface. The grip is not obvious at all.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it now for 4 years. This interface is a high quality product that can integrate many dehome studios.