By | Wed, 29 Oct 2008
This year’s AES show
in San Francisco saw the launch of Focusrite’s new multi-channel firewire
audio interface, the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40. 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 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 - ideal for capturing online audio. 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 a Suite of Focusrite plug-ins. 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 set-up 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.
Saffire PRO 40 will be
shipping worldwide, October 2008. For pricing details, please contact
your local Focusrite distributor.