Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire Interface
Product Description for the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire Interface
The Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 represents the new generation of Focusrite multi-channel firewire audio interfaces. It is the best sounding interface in its class; attentively designed with today’s project studio in mind.Focusrite's unparalleled pre-amp legacy forms the foundation of this new interface, with eight award-winning Focusrite pre-amps. These are combined with the very latest in firewire interfacing technology to deliver seamless integration, excellent routing flexibility and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability. With Saffire PRO 40, sonic integrity reigns supreme. The eight Focusite pre-amps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst quality digital conversion and JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio flows between the analogue and digital domains.
Alongside the eight Focusrite pre-amps are a host of i/o options; 10 analogue outputs, ADAT i/o, stereo SPDIF i/o and 2 virtual ‘loopback’ inputs for routing digital audio between software applications. Every channel features phantom power, with the first two channels also featuring -9dB pads for additional headroom. Front panel 5-LED metering for each analogue input offers accurate viewing of levels.
Saffire PRO 40 comes with the Focusrite plug-in suite. All-new Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins provide a significant upgrade from standard sequencer effects, bringing a touch of class to your session. Focusrite’s established Xcite+ bundle is also included. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Novation’s Bass Station soft synth and over 1 gig of royalty-free samples. Saffire PRO 40 Control, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Saffire PRO 40, sets a new standard at this price point for audio interface control. It features unparalleled output routing and monitoring, as well as intuitive one-click solutions, a clear and concise mixing layout and large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes.
Two independent headphone buses are provided, each with their own level controls available on the front panel. A dedicated stereo monitor mix output features pads for improved sound quality when connected to active monitor speakers. An 'anti-thump' circuit protects your monitor speakers from spikes when booting up or shutting down. Front panel controls include a main monitor dial with dim and mute switches, all of which fully integrate with customisable software to cover every possible monitoring need, providing a set of controls for any set-up from basic stereo to full 7.1 surround.
Plug-in Suite
Saffire PRO 40 includes the Focusrite plugin suite, produced by the same team that who developed Novation's nio FX rack and Saffire PRO 40 Control. They provide the perfect upgrade from your standard sequencer effects with all-new Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins, for use in the mix. Each plug-in has a host of pre-sets that provide a reasonable starting point, delivering suitable solutions for the chosen sound source. Having selected a preset, you can then go on to finely tune these settings.
The compressor and Gate have been modeled on the Focusrite's hardware devices, using the measurement of custom optos to achieve the signature Focusrite sound. (All Focusrite optos are tuned by ear, just like in the old days of analog design, ensuring a faithful recreation of those classic vintage 1960s optical compressors.)
With the same signature as the original Focusrite EQ curves. Focusrite's R&D team used state-of-the-art numerical transform techniques to create an authentic response across the entire audible frequency spectrum for this software EQ.
The Reverb is based on classic algorithmic studio reverb designs.
The Focusrite 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.
- All of Focusrite's FireWire interfaces are fully compatible with Thunderbolt using a simple FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter. Focusrite fully supports the use of Thunderbolt with our FireWire interfaces.
Features
Key Features
Eight High Quality Award-winning Focusrite Pre-amps
The best sounding interface in its class. Focusrite's unparalleled pre-amp legacy forms the foundation of this new interface, with eight award-winning Focusrite pre-amps.
High Quality 24-bit/96kHz Firewire Interface
Features high quality A-D / D-A conversion and JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology; pristine audio quality and reliable synchronisation are guaranteed.
Total I/O Count of 20 Inputs and 20 Outputs
A host of i/o options are provided*, including a unique loop-back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire PRO 40 Control.
The Focusrite Plug-in Suite
Upgrade your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your session with all-new Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.
Two separate headphone buses
Two artists can receive independent and fully customised monitor mixes. Each output has an independent level control available on the front panel.
Saffire PRO 40 Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router
Routing flexibility and intuitive one-click set-up solutions; Saffire PRO 40 Control provides an 18 x 16 DSP mixer with excellent output routing and monitoring capabilities.
Unmatched routing flexibility
Saffire PRO 40 is the most flexible interface in its class, able to adapt to any recording session quickly and intuitively. The user is able to route any input signal or DAW output, or a mix of both, to any of the 20 outputs.
Microphone Inputs
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 109dB
- SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: EIN > 125dB (128dB analogue to digital) (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Maximum level (A-weighted): 8dBu at 1%
Line Inputs
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 109dB
- SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
- 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)
- Maximum level (A-weighted): 28.5dBu at 1%
Instrument Inputs
- Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.1dB
- Maximum Input Level min gain no pad +8dBu
- Maximum Input Level max gain no pad -42dBu
- THD+N, -1dBFS, min gain, no pad < 0.0015%
- SNR 109dB "A"
- DNR 109dB "A"
- Input Impedance > 1MOhm
- X-talk < -100dB
- Adjustable Gain > 50dB
- Pad Attenuation 10dB
Headphone Outputs
- Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.1dB
- SNR 109dB "A"
- DNR 109dB "A"
- Maximum Output into 32R +12.4dBu (+10.2dBV)
- Power into 32R 250mW
- Output Impedance < 7Ohms
- Load Impedance > 24Ohms
Line level Outputs
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 108dB
- SNR (A-weighted): -108dB
- THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Maximum level (A-weighted): 15.7dBu at 0.883%
Additional Conversion Performance
- Clock jitter < 250 picoseconds
- THD+N AMPL (A-weighted)= -109dBFS
CONNECTIVITY
Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-8)
- 2 Mic/Line/Inst Combo XLR (Inputs 1 and 2)
- 6 Mic/Line Combo XLR (Inputs 3-8)
- Automatic switching of Mic / Line (e.g. inserting a jack switches from Mic to either Line or Instrument)
Digital Channel Inputs (Inputs 9-18) 44.1-96kHz
- Stereo S/PDIF input on RCA
- 8 ADAT inputs on Optical Connector, reduces to 4 inputs at 88.2/96kHz • Optical input can be switched to S/PDIF 3/4 in software preferences (ADATs disabled)
Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-10)
- 8 ¼” TRS Jack (Outputs 3-10)
- 2 monitor mix outputs on ¼” TRS Jack (Outputs 1 and 2)
- Stereo headphones mix 1 on ¼” TRS (also routed to outputs 7 & 8)
- Stereo Headphones mix 2 on ¼” TRS (also routed to outputs 9 & 10)
Digital Channel Outputs (Outputs 11-20) 44.1-96kHz
- Stereo S/PDIF output on RCA
- 8 ADAT outputs on Optical Connector, reduces to 4 outputs at 88.2/96kHz • Optical output can be switched to S/PDIF 3/4 in software preferences (ADATs disabled)
Other I/O
- 2 6-pin Firewire sockets
- 2 Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and Out
- IEC mains power input connector
Weight and Dims
- 3kg / 6.6Ibs
- 482mm / 19" (W) x 45mm / 1.8" (H) x 265mm /10.4" (D)
Compatible with:
- Windows XP: Service Pack 2 and above only.
- Windows XP - 64bit: Service Pack 2 and above only. Windows Vista
- Windows Vista - 64bit
- Windows Windows 7: From version 2.0 of Saffire Mix Control, Windows 7 is fully supported without the need to downgrade to the Windows Legacy FireWire driver.
- Windows Windows 7 - 64bit: From version 2.0 of Saffire Mix Control, Windows 7 is fully supported without the need to downgrade to the Windows Legacy FireWire driver. Mac 10.4 10.4.11 is supported on version 1.8 of Saffire Mix Control only. Mac 10.5
- Mac 10.6 From version 2.0 of Saffire Mix Control, both the 32 and 64 bit kernels of 10.6 (Snow Leopard) are fully supported.
NOT Compatible with:
- Mac 10.3
| Brand | Focusrite |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.6000 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 19" x 1.8" x 10.4" |
| Show ''Call For Price'' | N/A |
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire InterfaceMove your mouse over image or click to enlarge
Customer Reviews
7 Item(s)
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Great interface!
Review by Ryan -
The Saffire Pro 40 is my first serious toe-dip into the vast recording ocean and I have been very impressed thus far. Previously, I was recording through a mixer into my computer's sound card and the background noise alone made any recordings practically unusable. Not an issue with the Pro 40. This AI has provided very quiet recordings even with the gain cranked and is a breeze to use. Thing is also built like a tank. The Mix Control software was a little intimidating at first, but a quick read through the owner's manual provided enough info to get me going. The program is versatile and extremely useful in creating different mixes. Like I said, I've only had it for a week but am pumped about the potential. Abelton Live Lite has been awesome as well compared to the free DAW I was using previously. I would definitely recommend to anyone else looking to get into recording. (Posted on 3/9/12)Rating
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great piece of gear
Review by kaleboch -
this thing sounds fantastic not only for the price.the preamps are quiet and transparent and with so many inputs you cant go wrong..buy it (Posted on 10/16/11)Rating
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Power Packed Digital interface!
Review by Low Down -
Got a smoking deal on this interface through Pro Audio Star. The mic pre\'s are quite nice on this 20 I/O interface and it certainly equals other interfaces costing 2-3 times as much.Rating
For the price, it cannot be beat! Ours is used to \"CD release quality\" recordings on an independant label. (Posted on 9/26/11)
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Outstandng interface (and not only for the money)
Review by Piotr Grella-Mozejko -
I will begin with expressing my very warm thanks to the ProAudio Star representatives who literally bent over backwards to help me get this interface as soon as possible. I live in Canada and ordered the Sapphire Pro 40 early in 2011 from ProAudio Star because they offered a discount, which was impossible to ignore. Now on to the (brief) review. I want to say that although it takes time to figure out how the routing software works (but it does work great alright), the hardware is simply outstanding and the preamps, incredible. This is British design at its really, really high level, and for a realistic price at that. Everything feels good about this product from the uncoloured sound itself to the very solidly built case. This interface is definitely studio quality and works for a variety of - sometimes totally different - applications ranging from recording acoustic classical music to mixing experimental electronica. Very highly recommended. (Posted on 8/17/11)Rating
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Highly Recommended
Review by MEStudio -
Great pre\'s for the price! I have had nothing but excellent results with my Focusrite.Rating
The only thing I would recommend is buying two! (Posted on 3/19/11)
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Solid, stable, no-hassle interface
Review by Lord Preset -
There are interfaces with more bells and whistles (that you mostly don\'t need) and interfaces with better pre\'s (for much more money) but I couldn\'t be happier. Absolutely no driver glitches, very quiet neutral sounding pres, sturdy construction - I am done longing for a better front end. If you can\'t make this sound good you aren\'t trying. (Posted on 9/9/10)Rating
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Overall, Great Product
Review by Caleb -
I am new to recording music and I must say that this product has worked wonders. I\'ve only got to use it once time in the past couple of weeks. During my session, I experienced some pretty high quality recording. I\'m not sure how top notch quality this interface is, but I would definitely recommend it to any new person recording music. (Posted on 8/15/10)Rating
7 Item(s)
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