Hi, this is really just me thinking out loud hoping that one of you will become the voice in my head and point me in the right direction!!

I have my LaCie firewire 400 card ordered for my PC and I am now trying to decide whether I should get the Focusrite Saffire Pro24 DSP or the Pro40. Am I right in working out that the only difference is the I/O total?

The Pro24 dsp will do the job for me in the sense that it will allow me to connect my Rode condensor mic to the XLR input, my Roland RD700sx to the jack inputs and the midi for my VSTs.

However, that is it......no more keyboards or guitars and that leaves me a little bit concerned if I wanted to add anything further down the line.

When I've been considering the Pro40 I was going to hook my Roland up via XLR to XLR. A very basic question but just would like some confirmation - will XLR to XLR give a "better" sound than jack to jack?

Thanks for any comments

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Hail Hail and up the VSTs

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Am I right in working out that the only difference is the I/O total?

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No, there appear to be a number of significant differences:
Comparison

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When I've been considering the Pro40 I was going to hook my Roland up via XLR to XLR. A very basic question but just would like some confirmation - will XLR to XLR give a "better" sound than jack to jack?

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My rule of thumb is to use a balanced connection if it’s available. The difference in price for connectors and cable is minimal if you absorb it as you go.

I can see that the RD700 features ‘XLR outputs’, and I’d assume these are line level? You’ll need to check this and make the appropriate connection to your interface. Most interfaces have line level on jack connectors, so a couple of XLR-to-TRS cables would be required.

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An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

Thanks again Elf. I really do appreciate your help.

I'm virtually certain the XLR outputs on the Roland are line level but instead of using TRS would I still be OK just going XLR to XLR on the back of the Pro40 and then use the front for my Rode condensor with phantom power?

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Hail Hail and up the VSTs

Well........just threw the head up this evening and ordered a new Focusrite Pro40 - good guarantee with a well known retailer so that is a decent peace of mind.....lets get this show on the road!!

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Hail Hail and up the VSTs