NAMM06: EXCLUSIVE: Focusrite Hardware

US New Saffire Pro 26 i/o FireWire Interface. 20/01/06

Buying Choices

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In a dark back room at the Focusrite booth we were treated to an exclusive preview of the the latest Saffire unit. The Saffire Pro 26 i/o FireWire interface boasts 8 analog inputs, both balanced XLR and jack, plus 16 ADAT channels and S/PDIF in and outs, word clock and two separate stereo headphone sockets. The analog inputs are controlled by 8 dials on the front panel each of which have an HPF switch to cut unwanted low end on recording. Two of the channels have switches for high and low impedance and instrument input. Although the software development is still not complete we were given the first look and the first images of the "Pro" 1U rack version of the Saffire. The interface is able to record at 192k and 24bit. It comes packaged with the Saffire plug-in suite which features EQ, Compression, Amp Simulation and Reverb in both VST and AU formats.

from the front

Very keenly priced at 699 USD and 499 UKP

and the rear

The Saffire Pro 26 i/o promises to be a mover and shaker in its field. Released, they say, in March. Keep an eye on the Focusrite website or here at Sonic State for further details.