Professional 26 In / 26 Out Firewire interface featuring eight Focusrite Pre-amps
Saffire PRO 26 i/o features the same microphone pre-amplifiers and monitoring control software as 26 i/o. Housed within a similar stunning 19" rack-mount case with detachable rack ears, Saffire Pro 10i/o combines eight channels of Focusrite pre-amplification with eight balanced line outputs and stereo SPDIF i/o.
The pre-amps featured in Saffire PRO 10 i/o are a derivative of the award-winning Green Series. This pre-amp design upholds the same high bandwidth philosophy whilst 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 PSU. The unit has also been designed to take full advantage of the external PSU and to maximize performance when powered in this way.
SaffireControl PRO 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. The front fascia also boasts two independent headphones outputs with volume control, again customizable within SaffireControl PRO.
In addition to the control software, Saffire Pro 10 i/o comes bundled with the same acclaimed Compression, Reverb, Amp Modeling and EQ VST/AU plug-ins for use in the mix.
The Focusrite Mic-pre
Focusrite has, over the past decade, built a reputation as the market leader for high quality recording equipment, with is mic-pre technology as the cornerstone of that enviable reputation. The original mic-pre, as featured in the early Focusrite Forte console, used rotary switched gain controls and high quality audio transformers. This mic-pre is still used by many of the industries greatest producers and is the sound of countless hit records. Today, Focusrite design equipment for a far greater audience, from professionals to amateur enthusiasts, all with varying budgets.
As with the Red and ISA ranges, the Mic-pre technology found in the Platinum and Saffire ranges is designed to the highest possible standards. They uphold the same wide bandwidth philosophy featured in the original forté console, back in 1989. All Focusrite mic-pres feature custom components which have undergone an intense testing and qualification process. With the facts and figures in, Focusrite designs then have to pass the essential listening stage. Any design can measure well on the test bench but only a great design can be qualified in the studio. The FET-based design in the Saffire range is no exception and ensures the same low noise and distortion performance as earlier transformer-based designs. It delivers clarity without colouration and exhibits the signature transparency for which Focusrite have become famous.
Key Features
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Eight Focusrite Pre-amps
Upholding Focusrite's high bandwidth (20Hz to 200kHz!) philosophy, ensuring low noise and distortion whilst delivering clarity without unwanted artifacts
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Unrivalled performance specification
Saffire PRO 26 i/o boasts higher analogue performance and conversion performance specifications than any interface in its class.
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Saffire Plug-in Suite
Focusrite's highly acclaimed Saffire plug-in suite comprises EQ, Compression, Amp Simulation and Reverb, in both VST and AU format.
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SaffireControl PRO
Control everything without annoying dropdown menus. SaffireControl PRO provides comprehensive custom mix solutions direct from your DAW
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Two separate headphone buses
Two independent headphones outputs with volume control, customisable within SaffireControl PRO.
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Two Instrument D.I.s
Saffire PRO 26 i/o's first two channels feature high specification instrument inputs, instantly accessible on the front fascia.
Specifications
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATION
WINDOWS
Operating System
• Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (Home, Professional, 64bit XP or Media Centre Edition) or Windows Vista (32bit and 64bit - all versions)
Computer
• Windows® XP compatible PC
• 400Mb/s IEEE1394/FireWire port (OHCI compliant recommended)
CPU/Clock
• 1.4 GHz Intel or compatible
• 2.0 GHz Pentium© 4 or Xeon recommended for 192kHz operation
Memory (RAM)
• 256MB or more
• 512MB or higher recommended
APPLE MAC
Operating System
• Mac OS X Tiger (10.4.8 or later) - OS Version subject change
Computer
• Apple Mac Power PC G4, G5 or Intel Mac (any)
CPU/Clock
• G4/800 MHz (minimum)
• G4/1.5GHZ or higher recommended for 192kHz operation
Memory (RAM)
• 256MB or more
• 512MB or higher recommended
ADDITIONAL INFO
• Firewire chipsets from TI (Texas Instruments), VIA, and NEC are recommended
• It is highly recommended that Saffire be run on its own Firewire bus/card
• In order to use Saffire with a 4-pin IEEE1394 port you will need a 4-pin to 6-pin cable (not included) and must use the PSU (included)
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)
Weight and Dimensions
• 3kg - 35cm x 4.5cm x 23.5cm
Weight
• 3kg
• 6.6Ibs
Dimensions
• 443mm (W) x 45mm (H) x 235mm (D)
• 13.8" (W) x 1.8" (H) x 9.3" (D)
Analogue 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
Analogue 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
• 1 x SPDIF In / Out (RCA phono) on rear panel (24-bit, 44.1kHz-96kHz) Output transformer isolated
• Clock Sources: Internal clock and sync to S/PDIF
• 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 96kHz
MIDI I/O
• 1 in / 1 out on rear panel
ADAT
• 2 ports IN
• 2 ports OUT
Firewire S400
• 2 ports
Power
• Either via Firewire (1394a) or external PSU (included)
Headphone Monitoring
• 2 x 1/4" TRS Jack on front panel (mirrors outputs 5-6 and 7-8)
• High power headphone drivers