Focusrite Saffire Pro 14

Key features

Two high-quality award-winning Focusrite preamps

The best sounding interface in its class. Focusrite's 25-year legacy forms the foundation of this new interface, with two award-winning preamps.

High-quality 24-bit/96kHz FireWire interface

Features professional conversion and JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology, guaranteeing pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization.

Total I/O count of 8 inputs and 6 outputs

A host of I/O options are provided, including a unique Loopback facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire MixControl.

Saffire MixControl ultra-low-latency DSP mixer/router

Provides an 18 x 6 DSP mixer with excellent routing flexibility, intuitive one-click configurations, and lower than 1.4ms latency (less than the time it takes sound to travel two feet through air!).

Focusrite VST/AU Plug-in Suite, for use in the mix

Upgrade your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your session with Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.

Xcite+ Software Bundle

Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live Lite 8, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live.

Secondary features

Two Hi-Z instrument inputs

No need for a separate DI. The first two channels feature high-gain instrument inputs.

Bus-powered for a tidy mobile recording rig

Saffire PRO 14 can be powered via FireWire, or via its own power supply.

Dedicated front-panel headphone bus

Providing a fully customised monitor mix, with tactile level control available on the front panel.

Tactile Monitor dial

A front panel volume dial provides immediate control over the main stereo outputs.

Switchable phantom power

Across both mic pre inputs, globally switchable direct from the front fascia.

Software PFL

Allows the mix engineer to easily monitor a single mixer channel or complete mix.

Focusrite Plug-in Suite

Saffire PRO 24 includes the Focusrite Plug-in 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 presets 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.

The compressor and gate have been modeled on the Focusrite's hardware devices, using the measurement of custom optos to achieve the signature Focusrite sound. (All Focusrite optos are tuned by ear, just like in the old days of analog design, ensuring a faithful recreation of those classic vintage 1960s optical compressors.)

With the same signature as the original Focusrite EQ curves. Focusrite's R&D team used state-of-the-art numerical transform techniques to create an authentic response across the entire audible frequency spectrum for this software EQ.

The reverb is based on classic algorithmic studio reverb designs.

Xcite+ Pack

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

Ableton Live Lite 8 forms the foundation of this collection, providing the ideal platform to create, produce and perfom. Novation’s classic bass synth, ‘Bass Station’ enables you to create bass and 303-styled patches. Alongside these comes an entire gigabyte of royalty-free samples, exclusively compiled by LoopMasters, providing a selection of loops and samples large enough to satisfy the appetite of even the most demanding artist.

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

Ableton Live Lite

Find Out More

Novation Bass Station

Find Out More

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

Find Out More

Specifications

Microphone Inputs 1-2
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
• Gain Range: +13dB to +60dB
• Maximum Headroom +8dBu
• THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise EIN: 124dB analogue to digital (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Input Impedance: 2k Ohm

Line Inputs (Inputs 1-2)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
• Gain Range: -10dB to +36dB
• THD+N: 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Input Impedance: >10k Ohm

Line Inputs 3-4
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
• Gain Range: Switch-able between +16dBu or -10dBV for 0dBFS (balanced inputs) THD+N: 0.003% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise: -100dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Input Impedance: >10k Ohm

Instrument Inputs (Inputs 1 and 2)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
• Gain Range: +13dB to +60dB
• THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-4)
• 4 Electronically Balanced Outputs
• Maximum Output Level (0dBFS): +10dBu
• THD+N: 0.001% (0dBFS input, 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Crosstalk (Channel Isolation)
• Any input to input: > 100dB
• Any output to output: > 100dB
• Any input to output: > 100dB

DIGITAL PERFORMANCE
• A/D Dynamic Range > 109dB (A-weighted), all analogue inputs
• D/A Dynamic Range > 106dB (A-weighted), all analogue outputs
• Clock Sources:
- Internal Clock
- Sync to Word Clock on SPDIF Input (RCA)
• JetPLLTM PLL technology providing superb jitter reduction for class leading converter performance
• Clock jitter < 250 picoseconds
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
• 8 input channels to computer: Analogue (4), SPDIF (2) and Loop-back (2)
• 6 physical output channels from computer: Analogue (4), SPDIF (2)
• 12 DAW output streams
• Assignable 18 input by 6 output mixer

Weight and Dimensions
• 1.5kg / 3.3lbs
• 215mm (W) x 45mm (H) x 220mm (D) (8.5 x 1.8 x 8.7 inches)

Operating Systems

Compatible with:

Mac 10.5
10.5.8 and above only. Mac 10.6
10.6.2 and above only (both 32 and 64 bit kernels). Windows Vista
Windows Vista - 64bit
There should be no compatibility problems with this operating system, however it is no longer in our test procedure for current releases. Windows XP
Service Pack 2 and above only. Windows XP - 64bit
There should be no compatibility problems with this operating system (Service Pack 2 and above only), however it is no longer in our test procedure for current releases. Windows Windows 7
Windows Windows 7 - 64bit
Although Windows 7 is fully supported without the need to downgrade to the Windows Legacy FireWire driver, users may experience better performance on 64-bit systems while using the Legacy driver. For more information about Windows 7 FireWire Drivers, please visit the Focusrite Answerbase.
NOT Compatible with:

Mac 10.3
Mac 10.4

Overview

The Saffire PRO 14 is an 8 in / 6 out audio interface with legendary sonic performance and unmatched flexibility at a truly affordable price. The latest in Focusrite’s new generation of FireWire audio interfaces, the Saffire PRO 14 is designed to make home studio recording and mixing easy without sacrificing audio quality.

Twenty-five years of mic pre excellence form the foundation of this new interface, with two award-winning Focusrite preamps. Combined with a host of additional I/O options, the Saffire PRO 14 helps you get the tracks you want without having to constantly re-patch your studio.

Alongside the two high quality mic preamps, two additional analogue inputs, four analogue outputs, S/PDIF and MIDI open the door to true multi-track recording. Two Hi-Z instrument inputs let you plug straight in without the need to buy additional DI boxes, and two virtual Loopback inputs are also available for routing digital audio between software applications - ideal for capturing online audio.

Included with the PRO 14 is Saffire MixControl, an 18 x 6 DSP mixer. Offering a level of flexibility that is unparalleled at this price point, the MixControl software enables you to create six separate mixes without latency. Route any combination of input signals and sequencer outputs to any of Saffire PRO 14’s outputs. Intuitive one-click configurations help you track, monitor and mix as quickly as possible.

Saffire PRO 14 comes with all of the additional tools needed to start making music straight away. These include the latest version of the Focusrite Plug-in Suite, providing a significant upgrade from your standard sequencer effects. The suite includes Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.

Focusrite’s established Xcite+ bundle is also included. The bundle features Ableton Live Lite (for all your production, performance and compositional needs), Novation’s Bass Station soft synth and over 1 gig of royalty-free samples from Loopmasters.

With Saffire PRO 14, sonic integrity is never compromised. The two Focusrite preamps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst quality digital conversion and JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology ensure pristine quality as your audio flows between the analogue and digital domains. Combined with the very latest in FireWire interfacing technology, excellent routing flexibility and rock-solid driver stability, the Saffire PRO 14 is the heart of the modern home studio.

The Focusrite Pre

Focusrite has, over the past two decades, built a reputation as the market leader for high quality recording equipment, with its mic preamp technology as the cornerstone of that enviable reputation. The original mic pre, as featured in the early Focusrite Forté console, used rotary switched gain controls and high quality audio transformers. This mic preamp 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 preamps 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

Macintosh

• Computer: Apple Macintosh with FireWire 400 support

• CPU/Clock: PowerPC G5 2GHz (Leopard) or Intel 2GHz (Snow Leopard)

• Memory (RAM): 1GB (2GB or more recommended)

• Screen Resolution: 1024x768 (1280x1024 or more recommended)

Windows

• Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire 400 support

• CPU/Clock: Pentium or AMD with 1.6GHz or higher (Dual 1GHz or higher recommended)

• Memory (RAM): 1GB (2GB or more recommended)

• Screen Resolution: 1024x768 (1280x1024 or more recommended)

Front and Rear Connectivity

Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-2)
• 2 Mic XLR Combo (channels 1-2) on front panel
• 2 Line 1⁄4” TRS (channels 3-4) on rear panel
• Automatic switching between Mic / Line (channels 1-2)
• Switching between Line / Instrument Inputs (channels 1-2) via Saffire MixControl Application
• Switching between +16dBu (low) and -10dBV (high) gain on inputs 3-4 via Saffire MixControl Application

Digital Channel Inputs (Inputs 5-6) 44.1 - 96kHz
• Stereo S/PDIF input on RCA

Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-4)
• 4 1⁄4” TRS Jacks
• Output Level control (analogue) for outputs 1 and 2
• Stereo Headphones Mix 1 on 1⁄4” TRS (also routed to Outputs 3 & 4) with independent volume control

Digital Channel Outputs (Outputs 5-6) 44.1 - 96kHz
• Stereo S/PDIF Output on RCA

Other I/O
• 1 6-pin FireWire S400 socket
• 2 Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and Out
• DC Power Input Connector (for use with supplied universal input power supply)

Front Panel Indicators
• 2 2 segment input meters, Sig (-18) and O/L (0dBFS)
• “LKD” Locked Indicator
• “FW” Host Connected Indicator
• “Power” Indicator
• Instrument input source selection LED for channels 1 and 2
• Phantom Power (48V) switch and LED for inputs 1 and 2