Focusrite Saffire Pro 24

Focusrite is renowned for their recording preamps. In recognizing that there was a need and a desire for this award-winning technology in a more affordable and pared down package, Focusrite created the Saffire Pro series.

The Saffire Pro 24 boasts two of Focusrite's Saffire preamp inputs, available as a multi-input for XLR, Speakon, and 1/4 inch plug. Each preamp is accompanied by dedicated gain control. Phanton Power is also available. There are also two line inputs, SPDIF In and out, Midi In and Midi Out, an Optical Input capable of operating 8 inputs in the ADAT for drum recording, and 6 Line outputs for multiple monitoring solutions. A firewire output transfers data to your computer, while having the capability to power the Saffire Pro 24 without the need of the included 12vdc power adapter.

In addition, there is switchable 48v phantom power and input monitoring LED meters on the front to monitor signal levels. Two Monitor volume controls adjust how loud you hear the Saffire's output. One for the normal monitor outputs, and one for the headphone output, which is conveniently located right below the control.

UTILIZATION

Focusrite offers regular updates for the Saffire series as well as the Saffire Mixcontrol software that helps interface it with your computer. The MixControl program is rather easy and intuitive to use, and once you have it set up according to your inputs, it can be minimized or even closed and you may use your DAW of choice. I run my Saffire Pro 24 through the latest version of Reaper, and utilize Amplitube 3, Amplitube Metal, and Amplitube Fender in addition to recording my actual guitar cabinet.

Up to over a dozen tracks can be recorded simultaneously with the Saffire 24. With its firewire connection, the Saffire is limited only by your computer's capabilities.

The Saffire Pro 24 itself is tremendously stable. I've owned mine since November of 2010 and have never encountered an issue with it. Any issues when using the Saffire lie with my computer or DAW.

GETTING STARTED

There have been some compatability issues reported with the Saffire, although most are easily solved with an upgrade in MixControl software or other applicable drivers. Installation itself is as simple as installing any other peripheral device. Simply install the software first, then connect the Saffire and power it up. The process from here is fairly intuitive.

It sits easily on your desktop, being roughly the size of one-half rackspace. Instructions included with the Saffire are easy to understand and fairly basic.

OVERALL OPINION

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 renders amazing quality recordings, especially at its price point. I would venture to say it holds its own against units many times its price. My guitar tracks are incredibly accurate and detailed, never flat or compromised. A/D conversion is indistinguishable from a Digirack 002 I compared it against.

The unit itself is well-made, utlizing Neutrik jacks for the Focusrite preamps. I'm very fond of Neutrik and regard them as one of the best jack and plug manufacturers on the market, preferring to use only Neutrik plugs for my instrument cables whenever possible. The external enclosure is metal, and fit and finish are excellent. The knobs are of reasonable friction and don't feel cheap or loose.

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 has served me so well at this point, that I haven't given a thought to upgrading, and I may not upgrade for quite a long time. I'm planning on using this interface to track guitars and vocals for my upcoming album. That's a testament to the quality and value of this interface.

Spent on Imac I needed a stable external card, I work primarily with my sampler and it took several simultaneous output, and does so with grace, no need to go through a software routed to the same fate desired, the software mix does it well.
Noted what comes with the software novation bass station and a pack of very nice samples.

UTILIZATION

I use Logic Pro 8 with, and the card is as stable as the app, then turned the logic board or vice versa, it is recognized without flinching, the latency is excellent, really nothing to report.

GETTING STARTED

Installing drivers in 5min timer on mac, no inconsistency, the card itself is the last update.
No need to read the manual for my leaving, I managed to get what I wanted it, SIR.

OVERALL OPINION

Its been 2 months since I used to 300euros report / quality / price is more than satisfactory, the converters are very good bill, I record the beat with the mpc and bumps well, I tested the preamp and again no surprises, its fate is very clear and precise.
It is very well done, it's solid, the buttons are nice to the touch and feel that it is not plastic at the Behring!
Of course what motivated my choice is the brand reputation for the thoroughness and quality of the preamp and if I had to redo a choice, well I take it back without any worries.

Firstly, I want to say that the advice I give is a reflection of use of 2 months, I had to be tested on a project, and I'll take shortly Saffire 56 ( watch perhaps the opinion because the number of I / O and almost liquid preamp is the same as the rest of the range).

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

Indeed, all manufacturers offer similar products, I wanted to test the Focusrite because given the reputation of the brand, the price did not seem excessive. I was looking for a sound card with a good Q / P for extended operation.

characteristics of the Saffire range here:
http://www.focusrite.com/products/saffire/

With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...

use with a fleet of micro pro 002Rack a nose that serves me just to have protools for recording and one for Harrison MixBus to the mix.

For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?

Use in a professional setting with a 2006 iMac 2.16 GHz C2Duo, 2GoRam and MacBook 2GHz C2D 2009 1GoRam

UTILIZATION

No worries drivers in my config as well as stand-alone with the 002 and protools, that live in Harrison MB. the internal routing is not too intuitive (I think) but it's OK. Latency? not looked ...

GETTING STARTED

Install without problem on Mac with the latest mix control. I do not remember having read the manual. As I said, I had a little trouble early in the software control of the map, I found it not very intuitive.

OVERALL OPINION

Used in test 2 months, I may not be enough distance, but it's the first time I am satisfied with a project. compared to the 002R is the day and dark. configuring I / O is not bad but odd, 4 inputs 6 analog outputs, S / PDIF I / O, ADAT in (not out MIDI ... I feel that as the case is either too much or not enough ... In any case, just evolutionary.

Its side, it's pretty transparent. converters are good (some people compare to the RME Fireface range, few differences) the same for the preamp (apparently the same type as the green of the mark). there is dynamic. I can make reamp on guitar and bass through this card, and no notable differences with its "live".

For now, I have no real negative points to show for me because it does what is right to expect a sound card.

I find the ratio Q / P interesting. Suddenly, the Saffire range convinced me, and it is on the Liquid saffire 56 that will be my choice.

I may come back to my mind after a few hours away with my next companion, waiting for more advice, you can watch the rest of the range ...