Published 15/2/06
New 26-in, 26-out Firewire interface
Focusrite have unveiled a ‘bigger brother’ to their Saffire audio interface, featuring the same high-quality preamps, 24-bit/192kHz A-D/D-A conversion and software control features.
However, unlike the compact desktop Saffire interface, the 1U rackmounting Saffire Pro 26 I/O can handle a maximum of 26 inputs and 26 outputs.
There are eight analogue inputs with Focusrite preamps, eight analogue outputs, and a further 18 channels of digital I/O (stereo S/PDIF plus 16 channels of ADAT), plus MIDI I/O.
Two of the analogue inputs offer insert points and variable input impedance to match different microphone types, and there are high-pass filters on every channel.
The Saffire Pro 26 I/O can either be buss-powered or powered via an external PSU and comes bundled with a set of Focusrite compression, reverb, amp modeling and EQ plug-ins (VST and Audio Units formats) and the Saffire Control Pro software.
Akin to the Saffire Control software provided with the original Saffire, Saffire Control Pro has separate tracking and playback modes, giving quick access to key functions, and allows the user to set up individual mixes of inputs and outputs for each of the analogue outputs and the two front-panel headphone outs.
The Saffire Pro 26 I/O is set for release in April, with a UK retail price of £499.
Focusrite +44 (0)1494 462246.
