Saffire PRO 40

• 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.

• Front
• Rear
• Elevated
• GUI

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.

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.

Focusrite likes to set the standards, and their latest bundled software collection is no exception.

'Xcite+' comes on a DVD-ROM filled to the brim with royalty-free loops and samples alongside a host of powerful applications ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox.

Ableton Live Lite 6 forms the foundation of this collection, providing the ideal platform to create, produce and perfom. Novation’s classic bass synth, ‘Bass Station’, the Waldorf PPG Wave Lite classic synth, and the Arturia Analog Factory SE plug-ins combine to provide a powerful virtual instruments collection. Waldorf's D-Pole Lite FX classic filter plug-in is also included, to take these and other sounds to the next level.

Flawless drums and beats can be crafted using FXpansion's powerful 'BFD Ultra lite' acoustic drum plug-in and a demo version of the 'Guru' sample player with library. Waldorf's 'Attack Lite' analogue drum module plug-in also provides alternative drum flavours. Alongside these comes 'Mike the Drummer'; a collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops ranging from 79 to 191 bpm, with loop lengths ranging from 1 beat to 4 bars, as well as extended freestyle solo sections. Individual drum hits and REX files are also available.

These drum loops are however, just the beginning. An entire gigabyte of royalty-free samples, exclusively compiled by LoopMasters, provide a selection of loops and samples large enough to satisfy the appetite of even the most demanding artist.

Finally, a free 3 month membership for 'i-dance' (value $25) is included. Users receive 3 months of Global XS Artist for free. After this period, the user can renew/upgrade his/her Global XS membership (subscription fee and full features) or become a Standard member (free and unlimited community access). I-dance.com helps dance music producers to get feedback on their music and connects them to worldwide record companies when they're ready.

The Xcite+ Pack bundle is Windows XP, 32 bit Vista, Mac OS X and Intel Mac compatible.



Ableton Live Lite
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Novation Bass Station
Find Out More

'Mike the Drummer' A collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops
Find Out More

Over 1 Gig of royalty-free samples from samples legends, LoopMasters
Find Out More

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.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

WINDOWS

Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (32 bit and 64 bit) and Windows Vista (32 bit and 64 bit)

CPU/Clock
900MHz AMD or Pentium. (1.5 GHz or higher recommended)

Memory (RAM)
512 MB (more recommended)


APPLE MAC

Operating System
OSX (10.4 and 10.5)

CPU/Clock
PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster or any Intel-based Mac

Memory (RAM)
512 MB (more recommended)


PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Microphone Inputs
• 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)

Line Inputs
• 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)

Instrument Inputs
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
• THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Conversion performance
• Dynamic Range = 110dB (A-wieghted)
• Clock jitter = 250 picoseconds
• THD+N AMPL = -109dBFS 'A' weighted

Front and Rear 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
• 350mm / 13.8" (W) x 45mm / 1.8" (H) x 235mm /9.3" (D)

FAQs
Here follow some initial frequently asked questions and answers. For a growing number of up-to-date support articles relating to this product, we highly recommend you visit the Focusrite Answerbase.


Q: What is Saffire PRO 40?
A: Saffire PRO 40 is the first of the second generation Firewire interfaces from Focusrite, making it the fifth Saffire range product to be released. The inputs consist of 8 classic Focusrite pre-amps, 2 channels of S/PDIF, 8 channels of ADAT and 2 loopback channels. The outputs consist of 10 analogue balance lines, 2 S/PDIF and 8 ADAT, making the total input and output count 40, hence Saffire PRO 40.

Q: What comes in the box?
A: The Saffire hardware comes with a CD containing software (Saffire Control PRO application and AU/VST EQ, Compression, Gate and Reverb plug-ins) and drivers. A Firewire cable and power cable are also supplied. The Saffire PRO User Guide pdf is included on the same CD.

Q: Is Saffire PRO 40 cross-platform?
A: Yes. Both 32 and 64bit versions of Windows XP and Vista. Mac OSX PPC and Intel compatible.

Q: What is the Saffire Control PRO software for?
A: The Saffire Control PRO software is designed to allow the hardware setting controls not present on the hardware itself to be accessed, as well as providing a host of different monitoring options. There is a Mixer section where all 20 Input levels can be set, to create an Input Mix that can be blended with 20 backing tracks from the sequencer on the 10 analogue outputs and the 10 digital outputs. There are also controls for setting the sample rate, synchronising the hardware to an external source and extensive level controls for all outputs.

Q: Is Saffire PRO 40 a USB device?
A: No, Saffire PRO is a dual port Firewire 400 device. USB can occasionally be quite unstable; Firewire 400 offers better stability. There are two Firewire ports on the Saffire PRO so that you can chain/connect additional Firewire devices (such as hard drives) to your computer, even though your computer may only have one Firewire port. NOTE: Some third party devices may require an independent firewire port. Depending on the number of channels being used, Saffire PRO 40 may also benefit from its own dedicated firewire port.

Q: What is the difference between Firewire 400 and 800 specifications?
A: The main difference is bandwidth. Firewire 400 is really all you need for audio applications unless you're running 48 tracks at 192 kHz. Of course, there is a higher price associated with Firewire 800 and fewer computers support it.

Q: What are Saffire PRO 40s minimum system requirements?
A: Mac: OS X (10.4 or later), PPC G4, or Dual 1Gig Intel. 512MB RAM
PC: XP or Vista (32 or 64 bit versions), AMD or Pentium 800MHz Processor, 512MB RAM.

Q: Does Saffire PRO 40 have built in DSP? If not, why not?
A: No. The only member of the Saffire family with built in DSP is the original Saffire. This was designed to be an all-in-one recording solution, providing the facilities of a channel strip (input processing), small mixing console (foldback reverb and monitor mixing) and high quality audio interface all rolled into one. Saffire PRO, on the other hand, is a means for tracking the highest quality of multi-channel audio into the DAW, without the considerable extra cost of onboard DSP to provide potentially unnecessary processing.

Q: Does Saffire PRO include any plug-ins? If so, what are they?
A: Yes. The brand new Focusrite plug-in suite, consisting of EQ, Compression, Gate and Reverb. These plug-ins work on both Mac and Windows and come in VST and AU format.

Q: Does any free recording software come with Saffire PRO 40?
A: Yes. The Saffire PRO 40 comes with Ableton Live Lite, and the Xcite+ bundle.

Q: What sequencer/audio software packages have been 'qualified and tested' to perform with Saffire?
A: Saffire will work with all ASIO and Core Audio compatible software, in other words all software apart from Pro Tools. It’s been tested thoroughly with Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Ableton Live, Digital Performer and Reason to name but a few. For more information on specific software apps, check with technical support at Focusrite HQ. (The list of tested software is v long!)

Q: Can I run the SPDIF and ADAT inputs & outputs with the analogue inputs & outputs simultaneously?
A: Yes. All inputs and outputs can be used at the same time at 44.1/48kHz. At 88.2/96kHz, the number of ADAT channels is reduced from 8 in, 8 out to 4 in 4 out.

Q: Does the Saffire PRO 40 have inserts?
A;There are no dedicated Inserts on the Saffire PRO 40, but due to the flexibility of Saffire PRO Control software is very easy to use set up a send and return using the mixer to route to and from the physical Inputs and Outputs.

Q: What are the Presets for in Saffire Control Pro?
A:Saffire PRO Control includes routing presets and monitor presets. Routing presets allow quick set-up of what signals are sent to the outputs. The presets include settings for recording and monitoring inputs with zero latency, and presets for mixing externally. This means that rather than having to manually configure all your output routing, one output after another, select the relevant routing preset for a quick setup solution.

Monitor presets allow quick switching between monitoring set-ups. If you are using surround monitoring, then you can quickly switch between 7.1, 5.1, 2.1 monitoring. If you have multiple sets of stereo monitors, then you can switch between your various monitors with a single click.

Q: What are the set-up presets for?
A: To help provide a quick setup of a particular session arrangement, a series of presets have been created for SaffireControl PRO. This means that rather than having to manually configure all your output routing, one output after another, select the relevant routing preset for quick setup solutions.

Q: Is there a word clock input?
A: No. Word Clock is embedded within the ADAT and/or SPDIF signals.
When using external devices, you can sync to the ADAT or SPDIF inputs, or use the Saffire PRO 40 as the master sync device.

Q: What are the pads for on input 1 and 2?
A;If you are recording particularly loud signals e.g a drum kit, or amplified guitars, the inputs pads reduce the signal level by 9dB. This ensures that you never overload the inputs.

Q: Can I use Pro Tools with Saffire PRO 40?
A: No. Only Digidesign hardware is compatible with Pro Tools. However, Saffire PRO 40 will work with all other ASIO or Core Audio compatible platforms.

Q: How can Saffire PRO hook up with other FF or Novation gear?
A: One possible option is to connect Focusrite hardware equipped with a digital output to one of Saffire PRO's digital inputs, allowing additional classic Focusrite pre-amplification to stream directly to the DAW. The S/PDIF In could be used to receive audio from the TwinTrack PRO, for example. In addition, the stereo SPDIF output from the X-Station could be sent to the SPDIF In of the Saffire PRO 40, leaving the other 8 analogue inputs free for Guitars, vocals, drums etc.

Q: What if I only have 4 pin firewire?
A: The Saffire PRO will function the same when used with either 4 or 6 pin firewire. If you only have a 4 pin firewire connection, then simply use a 4 to 6 pin firewire cable.

Q: What is the Dim Switch all about? And what's the difference between this and the Active Monitor pad?
A: The DIM switch is a way of temporarily reducing the level if the volume needs to be cut quickly, (e.g. if a phone rings.) The switch attenuates the digital level by 18dB when active. Using this switch means that the level can be restored to an identical volume after the interruption, without having to manually adjust any gain dials or remember values.

The Active Monitor Pad switch is used to calibrate your speakers’ volume control(s). For example, if the level is consistently too high, regardless of the volume knob position, then activating the Active Monitor Pad will cut the analogue level (after the DAC) by 20dB so that the speakers’ volume control has a more suitable output level range.

Q: Can Saffire PRO 40 be used in standalone mode (away from a computer)?
A: No. The Saffire PRO 40 can only be used as an audio interface, connected to your computer via firewire.