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Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP
- Price: $349.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # FOSP24DSP
- Mfr# SAFFIRE PRO 24 DSP
Product Highlights
- Two High-Quality Microphone Preamps
- Built-In DSP, Dual Headphone Jacks
- Loudspeaker & Room Simulations
- Mic, Line-Level, & Instrument Inputs
- ADAT Input, S/PDIF Input & Output
- DAW, Synth, Effects, & Loops Included
- JetPLL Jitter Elimination Technology
- Mac & Windows Compatible
The Saffire PRO 24 DSP from Focusrite is a FireWire audio and MIDI computer interface with 16 inputs and 8 outputs that's fully compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. It's designed to be a robust recording solution for home studios and mobile recording. It comes with two high quality microphone preamps, a suite of recording software (with instruments, effects, and audio loops), and an ample amount of I/0 for recording larger projects. It includes on-board digital signal processing, with a powerful "Virtual Reference Monitoring" feature.
One of the challenges often encountered when mixing is not having enough different kinds of loudspeakers and listening environments to test your mixes in. The VRM feature of the Saffire PRO 24 DSP simulates what your audio will sound like through a variety of different speakers, with mixing studio, living room, and bedroom environment simulations. It's a powerful audio tool to have when you're limited to just working with your headphones as monitors.
Focusrite has been a leader in professional audio design since the 1980's, and the Saffire PRO 24 DSP proudly carries on their tradition. Even though the Saffire PRO 24 DSP is relatively inexpensive, its audio performance and the quality of its preamplifiers are still held to stringent standards. The two FET-based preamps in the Saffire PRO 24 DSP offer low noise, low distortion, and a very transparent sound free of coloration.
The two inputs on the Saffire PRO 24 DSP can handle microphones (and provide +48V of phantom power for condenser microphones), line-level signals, and be switched to accept instrument inputs for the direct recording of guitars and basses. There are six balanced 1/4" TRS outputs on the rear for connecting studio monitors, patching multiple signals into a mixing board, etc. There are two separate 1/4" stereo headphone outputs on the front panel, with two separate volume knobs.
The Saffire PRO 24 DSP also features JetPLL, a jitter elimination technology that helps a signal maintain its sonic integrity during the digital conversion process. A dedication to superior sound quality is seen throughout the Saffire PRO 24 DSP, making it an excellent interface for anyone who puts in the extra effort to sound their best.
- VRM Virtual Reference Monitoring
- Hear your mix in different environments, through different speakers and from different positions, just using headphones
- Two High Quality Award-Winning Focusrite Preamps
- Features two award-winning FET-based low noise, transparent Focusrite microphone preamps
- On-Board DSP-Powered Latency-Free Tracking and Mixing Tools
- Classic Focusrite EQ and Compression for tracking, as well as 'comfort' reverb to place across your monitor mixes
- 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 16 Inputs and 8 Outputs
- A host of I/O options are provided, including a unique loop-back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire Mix Control
- Saffire Mix Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router
- Routing flexibility and intuitive one-click set-up solutions; Saffire Mix Control provides an 16 x 8 DSP mixer with excellent output routing and monitoring capabilities
- Xcite+ Software Bundle
- Includes a host of royalty-free Xcite loops and samples, the Novation Bass Station soft-synth, and Ableton Live Lite (which provides an affordable upgrade path to the full version of Ableton Live)
- Focusrite VST/AU Plug-in Suite
- Upgrade your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your session with the included Focusrite FX Suite with Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ in VST & AU plug-ins
- Front Panel 5-LED Metering
- Monitor either the main mix or cue mix via headphones, all switchable from the front panel
- Two Dedicated Front Panel Headphone Busses
- Providing two fully customised monitor mixes, with tactile level control available on the front panel
- Bus-Powered for a Tidy Mobile Recording Rig
- Saffire PRO 24 DSP is powered via FireWire, with no need for an additional power supply
- Two Hi Z Instrument Inputs
- No need for a separate DI box, because the Saffire PRO 24 DSP provides instrument inputs with switchable high gain
- Tactile Main Monitor Dial
- A front panel volume dial provides immediate control over the main stereo outputs
- Switchable Phantom Power
- Available across both mic-pre inputs, globally switchable direct from the front fascia
| Inputs |
2 x XLR Mic/Line/Inst Neutrik Combo Jacks (Inputs 1-2) 2 x Balanced 1/4" TRS Inputs 1 x Stereo S/PDIF Coaxial Input 1 x Optical ADAT Input 1 x MIDI In |
| Outputs |
6 x 1/4" TRS Outputs 2 x 1/4" TRS Stereo Headphone Outputs 1 x Stereo S/PDIF Coaxial Output 1 x MIDI Out |
| Controls |
2 x Input Gain Control Dials 4 x Signal and Overload 5-Segment LED Meters 2 x Instrument LED (Red) 2 x Inst LED (Red) 1 x Phantom Power Button with LED (Red) - Global for Mic Inputs 1-2 1 x FireWire LED (Green) 1 x Main Monitor Level Control 2 x Headphones Level Control |
| Connectivity | 1 x 6-Pin FireWire Port |
| Power Requirements | 12 VDC via 120 V, 60 Hz external power supply (included) |
| System Requirements |
Apple Computers: Mac 10.4.11 or aboveFireWire 400 port (or 800 port with 800 to 400 adaptor) PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster or any Intel-based Mac 512 MB (1 GB or more recommended) 1024 x 768 Screen Resolution (1280 x 1024 or more recommended) Windows Computers: |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 1.8 x 8.65" (215 x 45 x 220mm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 15 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Versatile (12)
- Good audio (11)
- Compact (10)
- Easy to use (7)
- Durable (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (10)
- Amateur recording (6)
- Professional recording (5)
- Performances (4)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (8), Professional musician (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
The Best Audio Interface in the market!
My use for product is for my home studio, KRK monitors, Piano synthesizer, Mics with the Logic application.
The best thing is the VRM program which is perfect for hearing all the diffe...Read complete review
My use for product is for my home studio, KRK monitors, Piano synthesizer, Mics with the Logic application.
The best thing is the VRM program which is perfect for hearing all the different types of speakers in the market and with positioning environments which is a plus. The duel headphones that make sharing the sounds perfect. The Control Mix software is easy to setup and work with. This unit is build like a tank. Work it and enjoy.
I haven't found anything negative to say about this unit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent features and quality. Good Value
This unit performed as expected after reading reviews and hearing demos. I was going from Analog out of the Octopre into a Motu 1296 before. WOW! What a difference! This solved the problem ...Read complete review
This unit performed as expected after reading reviews and hearing demos. I was going from Analog out of the Octopre into a Motu 1296 before. WOW! What a difference! This solved the problem of drums sounding muddy and distant. Word of warning: the outputs on the back of my unit create an annoying hiss through my monitors. I know the cables are good, so I think this device is creating it. The headphone outs seem fine and the virtual reference monitoring is a cool feature.
I am actually going to go for the Saffire Pro 40 instead. I have heard the monitoring is better on that unit and it is only a little more expensive.
There were a lot of hassles getting it to work with my equipment, however. I have a Power Mac G5 with OS 10.4.11, Logic Pro 8, and various outboard gear including the Octopre MKII. My gear is quite archaic, so I wasn't expecting perfection but the documentation left me mostly in the dark. The only help I had were online videos on the Focusrite website, which really only helped me understand the bundled Mix Control software. Setting up the unit with Logic was more of a mystery that I had to solve.
So, if you have my setup, make sure to install the mix software from the focusrite website, not the disc!! The current version of mix control software will not install on OS 10.4.11. The website will tell you which version is compatible with your OS.
To make everthing work, I had to do this: Turn off the computer and all gear, connect one of the lightpipe outputs of the Octopre to the lightpipe input of the Saffire, Turn on the Octopre then the Saffire. Turn on the computer, start the Focusrite software and wait a few seconds for it to see the saffire, change the routing section to DAW1 and DAW2, change the clock source to ADAT, start Logic, go to Preferences>Audio and change your interface to Saffire.
Once in Logic you have to assign each your tracks to an input of the Saffire. This is tricky because if using the Octopre only for your tracks, then the inputs wouldn't start at one. Instead they start at 7. If plugging directly into the Saffire, Those would be Channels 1-6 I'm guessing. For example, kick drum in channel one of the Octopre means changing the kick drum track in Logic to Input 7.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 15 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-15
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
This thing is great! I had a Presonus Firbox and had a ton of hiss while recording with mics. This eliminated all the issues I was having. It's built tough and looks nice. The DSP is well worth the extra money from the Pro 24.
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
My old Firebox finally blew up after 5 years of abuse, so it was time to shop around for a replacement.
The Saffire Pro 24 DSP seemed like the most bang for the buck. The VRM thing was the most intriguing feature. I'm pretty skeptical about a lot of stuff, but VRM actually works really well. I have good monitors but have yet to properly treat my room.
I received the new interface just in time to track and mix an album for a friend. VRM boosted my productivity substantially. Between it and my Event monitors I'm able to mix more accurately and quickly.
This unit is sturdy and eye catching. Preamps are high quality and the extra headphone bus is a plus.
Saffire Mix Control has a learning curve, but it provides ample routing and input setting options. It's nice to know that I can increase my I/O later on with something like an Octapre via lightpipe.
I'm a new fan of Focusrite. I'd recommend it to anyone in the market for a quality firewire interface.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
Just plug and play, no TI firewire chipset needed. There is not much I can say, the has not already been said. I really like the dsp on this unit, the equalizer and compressor work better then I expected.
Pros
- Compact
- Good converters
- Good value
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Buggy Software
- Good OS Support
- Hiss from Line Outputs
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
This unit performed as expected after reading reviews and hearing demos. I was going from Analog out of the Octopre into a Motu 1296 before. WOW! What a difference! This solved the problem of drums sounding muddy and distant. Word of warning: the outputs on the back of my unit create an annoying hiss through my monitors. I know the cables are good, so I think this device is creating it. The headphone outs seem fine and the virtual reference monitoring is a cool feature.
I am actually going to go for the Saffire Pro 40 instead. I have heard the monitoring is better on that unit and it is only a little more expensive.
There were a lot of hassles getting it to work with my equipment, however. I have a Power Mac G5 with OS 10.4.11, Logic Pro 8, and various outboard gear including the Octopre MKII. My gear is quite archaic, so I wasn't expecting perfection but the documentation left me mostly in the dark. The only help I had were online videos on the Focusrite website, which really only helped me understand the bundled Mix Control software. Setting up the unit with Logic was more of a mystery that I had to solve.
So, if you have my setup, make sure to install the mix software from the focusrite website, not the disc!! The current version of mix control software will not install on OS 10.4.11. The website will tell you which version is compatible with your OS.
To make everthing work, I had to do this: Turn off the computer and all gear, connect one of the lightpipe outputs of the Octopre to the lightpipe input of the Saffire, Turn on the Octopre then the Saffire. Turn on the computer, start the Focusrite software and wait a few seconds for it to see the saffire, change the routing section to DAW1 and DAW2, change the clock source to ADAT, start Logic, go to Preferences>Audio and change your interface to Saffire.
Once in Logic you have to assign each your tracks to an input of the Saffire. This is tricky because if using the Octopre only for your tracks, then the inputs wouldn't start at one. Instead they start at 7. If plugging directly into the Saffire, Those would be Channels 1-6 I'm guessing. For example, kick drum in channel one of the Octopre means changing the kick drum track in Logic to Input 7.
- Recommended:
- Octopre MKII
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
Great sounding preamps with ALOT more gain than my EMU 0404USB. The dsp mixer took a bit of learning but it allows for some great flexibility. Not having owned any of the monitors modeled in the VRM function I can't vouch for authenticity,but each is distinctly different making it quite useful for headphone mixing.
As for B&H,they are top-notch all the way. Their prices are amazing and they use top quality packaging and employees that pack things correctly.I have worked as a UPS driver for 21 years and we unfortunately get the blame when someone wraps something in newspaper and ships it in a used pizza box. THANKS B&H.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
bar none for the money...
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
Solidly built; Clean, quiet preamps; No latency issues...Up and running in minutes with Pro Tools, Cubase and Ableton... The two headphone outs are a nice plus...
For the price, it's the best...
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Mixer too complicated
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
I was having some trouble recording vocals with my AVID 003. No matter what mic or preamp I tried there was noticeable distortion - even watching carefully not to overload any stage in the chain. I borrowed a friends Saffire Pro and was very pleasantly surprised at how good the pre maps and converters sounded, so I went ahead and bought one for myself. I'm very happy with the results. I especially like the built-in DSP so the singer can have some reverb while tracking. My only "gripe" is that the Saffire Control mixing software is needlessly obtuse. I've been a recording engineer for 40 years and very versed in digital recording devices. It still took me hours to figure out how to route signals and get the plugins to work as expected. Other than that - it's a great unit!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
I did a lot of comparison shopping before choosing the Safire Pro 24 for my home studio. The VRM settings, separate headphone monitoring controls and comfort reverb are what sold me on the unit. Having used it for a week now, I can say that I'm really pleased with the way VRM works. Definitely the best interface I have owned.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
I produce music and film primarily for advertising and picked up the Pro 24 DSP for my home studio where I do a lot of our work. I have Focusrite preamps and MOTU interfaces at our main facility.
I wanted something small and versatile with no latency as that's the only way I've ever worked using MOTUs CueMix DSP technology. I loved the idea of a single piece of gear with a small footprint that had both Focusrite pres and the benefits of the MOTU interface in one package. OF course for a fraction of the price of the other two units I was a bit skeptical.
I'm not any longer, this thing is rock solid, setup instantly on my 27" i7. I loaded the software, plugged it in and I was tracking and mixing instantly. Here's the nice things in no particular order:
Great feeling individual knobs for each function (much better than the Motu controls)
Two headphones outs with separate mix control (much better than the Motu)
Nice, 5 LED meters
Nice, clean Focusrite preamps (not as hot as my much more expensive red and green range pres, but quiet and detailed)
Accurate emulations of the Focusrite EQ and compression that I always use in my other studio and the fact that they exist both on the DSP and as plugins for other applications is all the better.
VRM speaker simulation is a great way to test mixes for broadcast.
Mix Control works perfectly and easily.
There's just so much in this package for the price. I'm actually amazed that I'm running all of my tracking and mixing in FCP and Digital Performer through this and getting the results I am.
This would be a home run product at three times the price.
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
Gotta love those preamps! Dual headphones... all perks! the VRM is pretty crazy. music sounds so much better when you mix in your headphones now. no more burning a cd and playing it in 100 places.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Preamps
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studios
- Pro studios
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
This is a great interface. The pres sound good and the VRM is totally worth it when you have to work through the night.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
Powerful firewire interface with tons of great features. Record crystal clear professional vocals while at the same time mix and master your tracks anywhere anytime. VRM technology !!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
Saffire PRO 24 DSP has firewire, 16in and 8out, for under $500. Hard to beat !! Also, has upgraded chip module, over the Saffire PRO. Most USB's are same price. FIREWIRE !!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP - 16 x 8 Audio & MIDI FireWire Interface with On-Board DSP:
My use for product is for my home studio, KRK monitors, Piano synthesizer, Mics with the Logic application.
The best thing is the VRM program which is perfect for hearing all the different types of speakers in the market and with positioning environments which is a plus. The duel headphones that make sharing the sounds perfect. The Control Mix software is easy to setup and work with. This unit is build like a tank. Work it and enjoy.
I haven't found anything negative to say about this unit.
Displaying reviews 1-15
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