Focusrite Introduces Saffire PRO 26

Focusrite announces Saffire PRO 26 the latest addition to their award-winning Saffire PRO range of FireWire/Thunderbolt compatible audio interfaces. Building on four decades of audio excellence, Focusrite's Saffire PRO 26 boasts the same high-quality audio design as the Saffire range of interfaces in a portable, desktop-sized chassis.

Designed with both studio recording and live musicians in mind, Saffire PRO 26 features a comprehensive selection of professional analog and digital I/O options. A total of 18 inputs and eight outputs includes four preamps, two instrument inputs, two headphone outputs, six line outputs, and ADAT & S/PDIF connectivity. This extensive feature set allows users to expand and augment their recording or live setups, ensuring the user receives the most out of their interface.

Like all Saffire interfaces, Saffire PRO 26 connects seamlessly to a Thunderbolt port via a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor (not included) or directly to a FireWire 800 port with the cable provided. The company says its dual-protocol compatibility (Firewire and Thunderbolt) means it will work seamlessly for years to come with the next generation of computers.

At the heart of Saffire PRO 26 lies its sonic integrity. The four award-winning Focusrite preamps allow unparalleled recording flexibility and ensure low noise and distortion with plenty of headroom to capture the full dynamic range of even the loudest drumkit or guitar amp, while precision 24-bit/96kHz digital conversion and JetPLL jitter-elimination technology maintain pristine audio quality in both analog and digital domains.

Saffire PRO 26 comes in a sleek yet sturdy chassis that will sit neatly on a desktop or fit easily into a bag for transport. Built to last, Saffire PRO 26 can withstand the harshness of the road. What's more, thanks to Saffire Mix Control - a control software application that runs on the host computer -- Saffire PRO 26 is just as powerful in live situations as it is in the studio. The ultra-low-latency 26x8 DSP mixer/router features flexible output routing and monitoring for custom monitor mixes, as well as intuitive one-click presets to help users set up their session as quickly as possible, whether tracking, mixing, or monitoring.

Although Thunderbolt provides some advantages, it's only available on the very latest computers. An audio interface fitted with FireWire can be used on both older computers and Thunderbolt-equipped computers via an inexpensive adaptor. Today, a purely Thunderbolt interface could only be used on a limited number of machines, and thus the company says it believes FireWire offers more flexibility while still providing performance.

Key features include:

* Four award-winning Focusrite preamps -- Focusrite's preamp heritage lies at the heart of Saffire PRO 26, which includes four award-winning preamps.
* Precision 24-bit/96kHz conversion and pristine analogue audio -- Precision A-D / D-A conversion with JetPLL jitter reduction technology; pristine digital and analog audio quality and reliable synchronization.
* Multiple connectivity options -- FireWire or Thunderbolt -- Like all Saffire interfaces, Saffire PRO 26 will connect to multiple ports on a computer including FireWire and Thunderbolt ports. Saffire PRO 26 connects seamlessly to a Thunderbolt port via a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor (not included) or directly to a FireWire 800 port with the provided cable.
* Keep the USB buses free -- If users are connecting multiple USB devices to their computer such as external hard drives, mice, and keyboards then streaming audio over a separate FireWire or Thunderbolt port will allow the user to keep their USB ports free and reduce the possibility of interference with other devices.
* Comprehensive I/O -- 18 inputs and eight outputs -- A host of I/O options are provided, including four mic/line pres, two of which have high-impedance instrument capability and 8dB pads, plus two additional TRS inputs; two independently-controlled headphone outputs, six TRS line outputs and a "loopback" facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire MixControl.
* Saffire MixControl - Expanding the interface with up to eight extra analog inputs ADAT optical input allows extensive input expansion of the user's interface -- expand Saffire PRO 26 with up to eight additional preamps or line inputs. Pair Saffire PRO 26 with Focusrite's OctoPre MkII eight-channel preamp and it transforms an interface into a 12 preamp unit.
* FireWire bus-powered -- Connect directly to the FireWire port for bus power, extremely useful for live or mobile recording applications.
* Dual headphone outputs -- multiple monitor mixes -- Gives multiple artists independent, fully customized monitor mixes -- two with independent headphone sockets and front-panel level controls.
* Five-segment LED metering -- Use the six front-panel LED meters to accurately monitor input levels when recording.
* Solid build quality in a portable chassis -- Saffire PRO 26 can sit neatly on a desktop, or will easily fit into a bag for mobile recording or live performance usage.
* Comprehensive software bundle -- Included is a free DAW in the form of Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite's professional Midnight and Scarlett plug-in suites, Novation BassStation virtual synthesiser and 1GB of Loopmasters sample content.

Thunderbolt Compatible - In common with all Focusrite Saffire interfaces, Saffire PRO 26 is compatible with Thunderbolt ports via the use of a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor (not included). An external power supply is recommended for use in Thunderbolt applications, particularly when using phantom power.