Today I will be reviewing the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP interface.
I purchased this interface just under three months ago and there were a couple key features that really sold me on this model over the M-Audio series and even the lower level Focusrite models.
First we’ll just take a look at some of the basics. It has a total of sixteen inputs and eight outputs which can be routed between software applications using the Saffire MixControl program. It delivers 24-bit/96kHz high-quality A-D / D-A conversion through their ultra-low-latency DSP mixer/router. It also comes with a slew of plug-in bundles and sample packs. The front panel has 5-LED metering for each of the inputs as well as two dedicated headphone busses which provide fully customizable monitor mixes and independent level controls. The LED metering has a nice aesthetic to it but isn’t entirely necessary because we can monitor these levels in our DAW as well as the Saffire MixControl panel.
This model connects to your computer via FireWire 400/thunderbolt which is great because of the speed required to transmit data between the interface and the DAW. The only down side to this is that I can’t be mobile with it because I can’t hook it up to my laptop via USB. I tried to use a cable that was FireWire 400 on one side and USB 2.0 on the other and neither my laptop nor my desktop could recognize the interface.
The most prominent feature that really made the Saffire Pro 24 DSP stick out over everything else was the VRM or virtual reference monitoring system. Focusrite also offers a module for this feature if you already have an interface and are interested in adding the VRM to your arsenal. The VRM lets you choose between ten different pairs of industry standard nearfield and main reference monitors in three different listening environments and at six different listening positions. The monitor simulations are based off of impulse responses that were measured using the original loudspeakers.
The idea behind this is that producers with budget constraints can mix on headphones using simulated monitoring over an array of listening devices to aid in the mixing process. Obviously we don’t want to simply rely on this feature and still need to check our mixes in the real world but this gives us a little leg up on the process. My only complaint about this feature is that the VRM is strictly mono and takes a little getting used to when you A/B from a stereo mix.
Overall I would highly recommend this interface for those that are serious about their productions but working on a budget.
For more info/specs head over to: http://us.focusrite.com/firewire-audio-interfaces/saffire-pro-24-dsp
Happy synthesizing!
Hey Jared good stuff, I really enjoyed reading this post. You have a lot of good information on this interface. I would like to actually really hear this physically to see what type of sound it has. How well do you like this over other pieces of gear you have used in the past?
ReplyDeleteHey Derek, I think that this is one of the best interfaces that I have had the pleasure of using. The capabilities of this interface are comparable to rack mounted pro interfaces. Thanks for reading!
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