Impressive flexibility with lots of I/O and advanced control software.
The Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 I/O is the ideal FireWire interface for music-recording enthusiasts on a mobile multichannel mission. It provides more inputs and outputs with higher performance specs than any other interface in its class. You get eight award-winning preamps with sixteen channels of ADAT, and two channels of SPDIF (up to 192kHz) backed up by Focusrite's high-performance, 24-bit digital converters.
Saffire PRO 26 I/O is much more than just a high performance breakout box; the Saffire PRO package includes Focusrite's highly acclaimed Saffire plug-in suite, comprising EQ, Compression, Amp Simulation and Reverb, in both VST and AU format. The hardware features 2 headphones outputs and a global monitor control with mute and dim options, as well as two 'super channels' featuring variable mic impedance and instrument input, instantly accessible on the front panel.
The preamps featured in Saffire PRO 26 I/O are a derivative of the award-winning Green Series. This preamp design upholds the same high-bandwidth philosophy while 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 power supply. The unit has also been designed to take full advantage of the external power supply and to maximize performance when powered in this way.
SaffireControl PRO software 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.
Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 I/O 8-Channel FireWire Interface Features:
The SaffireControl PRO software features many of the attributes of the original SaffireControl software, ensuring intuitive control over monitoring and level
High Quality 24-bit/192k Bus-powered Firewire Interface
8 high quality Focusrite preamps with unrivalled A/D and D/A conversion
Total I/O count of 26 inputs and 26 outputs
Free suite of Saffire VST/AU plug-ins (Compression, EQ, Reverb, Amp Sim)
2 'super channels' with instrument input and variable impedance
2 separate Headphones buses on the front panel
Free SaffireControl PRO software for advanced monitoring and level control
MIDI In and Out
Word clock In and Out
Front panel Level, Dim and Mute controls assignable to all outputs
Ready to put a serious front-end ahead of your software setup? Get your Saffire PRO 26!
Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 I/O 8-Channel FireWire Interface Specifications:
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)
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:
2 x SPDIF (RCA phono) on rear panel (24-bit, 192kHz) Output transformer isolated
2 x ADAT In/Out (44.1 / 48kHz), 16 channels
1 x ADAT In/Out (88.2 / 96kHz), 8 channels S-MUX
Word clock input on BNC
Word clock output on BNC
MIDI I/O: 1 In/1 Out on rear panel:
Firewire S400: 2 ports
Power: Either via FireWire 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
Dimensions: 13.77"W x 1.77"H x 9.25"D
Weight: 6.61lbs (3kg)
NOTE: Version 1.0 software allows input mixing at 44.1/48kHz and 88.2/96kHz (ADATS disabled). When ADATs are enabled, at 88.2/96kHz mode, the input mix functionality is no longer available.
System Requirements:
Mac: OS X Panther (10.4.8 or later)
Comp: Mac series with on-board FireWire
CPU/Clock: G4/800 MHz
Memory (RAM): 256MB or more
PC: Windows XP Home Edition/XP Professional
Comp: Windows XP-compatible equipped with an IEEE1394/FireWire port
Analog I/O:
8 Analog Inputs: (mic/line/inst): 8 x XLR (mic/rear), 8 x TRS Jack (line/inst(1 or 2)/front)
8 Outputs: 8 x balanced TRS Jacks (rear)
Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 I/O 8-Channel FireWire Interface
Reviewer's Play Style: Metal, rock, blues, classical, etc
When I first purchased this device in Jan '09, my first interface, it was difficult to setup. Tech support was able to help via email which was nice. Unit worked well for a couple months then I began experiencing issues. Output levels to my monitors would rise and fall, everything plugged into a properly grounded power conditioner with voltage regulation, and a couple months after (now) it won't connect to the host (my pc). It only works in standalone mode which is useless to me. Currently working with Focusrite to see what can be done to remedy the situation.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
It was good while it lasted
Posted by The Sultan from Boston on Sep 5, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Professional Musician, Recording Engineer
Reviewer's Play Style: Alternative, Experimental, Indie
I bought this interface about a year ago and had a lot of difficulty setting it up with my mac. Focusrite customer service was absolutely pathetic and offered no help whatsoever. After a day or two of tinkering with it, I finally got everything matched up between the interface and computer. Once I got everything working, I concluded that it was a good investment. The sound quality was very good and I was making great recordings for several months, but then about half a year later, I began to experience an awful static interference in the signal that would come and go every so often. As time went on, it kept getting worse and worse until all I could hear was static. It is now to the point where it won't even turn on or be recognized by my computer. I have a friend who bought the same interface and had similar problems. I would not recommend this product to anyone.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
The Best Audio Interface Out There!
Posted by TheProfessional530 from Michigan on Jun 12, 2009
Reviewer's Play Style: R&B, Pop, Alternative, Rock, Hip-Hop
Focusrite products are some of the best on the market. So I knew this was gonna be a good product. I've purchased this about a month ago and have been using it for professional studio recordings and I have to say, this product does it all. The signal is clean clear and with the built in preamps, it gives it a crisp warm sound without added hum or noise. The 24bit Digital converters makes just about anything sound good. I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a professional audio interface.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Buyer Beware!
Posted by Bert Fonte from Central Rockies of Colorado on Apr 23, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Professional Musician, Sound Engineer, Producer
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Country, Folk, Blues, Jazz
It's hard to believe that Focusrite would allow their name to be on this item. After the first unit arrived it failed to connect to my computers. Both PC and G4 found zero connectivity with this device. So it was returned and exchanged for another brand new out of the box unit that did the same thing. I know it is not the firewire ports on either the PC or Mac because my Presonus FP10's connect perfectly. Tech support for Focusrite gets a "zero". No phone numbers, no reply to emails other than auto-generated responses. The Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 I/O is anything but pro.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
The best there is
Posted by jjtols from ohio on Mar 17, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Metal
This unit is unbelievable, it performs superbly into my new macbook. I recorded 8 tracks into garage band and there was no latency issues whatsoever! I highly recommend using this piece of audio gear
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