Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 FireWire Audio Interface

Product Description

Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite's flagship 2U multi-channel FireWire audio interface. Liquid technology combines with Saffire Pro FireWire interfacing to deliver a host of authentic pre-amp flavours, seamless software integration, excellent routing flexibility and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability.

In addition to six of Focusrite's legendary mic-pre's, two of Liquid Saffire 56's pre-amps utilises the third generation of Focusrite's Liquid Pre-amp, providing the choice of ten different pre-amp emulations. These include emulations based on the Neve 1073, the Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72 and seven more. A harmonics dial on each Liquid pre-amp lets you account for variance in vintage originals of the same model, or use levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th Harmonic distortion creatively to shape your sound.

Liquid Saffire 56 doesn't just offer pre-amp variety; sonic integrity is also guaranteed throughout. Both the Liquid and Saffire pre-amps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst quality digital conversion and JetPLLTM jitter elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio flows between the analogue and digital domains.

Alongside the two Liquid- and six Saffire pre-amps, are a host of i/o options; 10 analogue outputs, 16 channels of ADAT i/o, stereo SPDIF i/o, MIDI i/o and 2 virtual 'loopback' inputs for routing digital audio between software applications - ideal for capturing audio playback within your computer. Mic, Line and Instrument inputs all utilise independent connectors, with the input type for each channel selectable via custom control software. Consequently, all the inputs can remain permanently connected, ready for whatever your recording session demands. In addition, word-clock i/o is provided on BNC connectors, allowing Liquid Saffire 56 to act as either a master clock for your studio, or as a slave to an existing clock. Every channel features an independent phantom power and a high pass filter, switchable from the front panel, with the two instrument channels also featuring -9dB pads for additional headroom. Front panel 5-LED metering for all inputs, including ADAT and SPDIF, offers accurate viewing of all levels.

Saffire Mix Control, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Liquid Saffire 56 features unparalleled output routing and monitoring. It also provides intuitive one-click set-up solutions, a clear and concise mixing layout, large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes and control over the choice of liquid emulation.

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 the unit.

Two Liquid Pre-amps

The marriage of a hugely flexible analogue front end with cutting-edge dynamic convolution DSP, each Liquid Pre-amp lets you choose from ten different classic pre-amp emulations, with an eleventh 'flat' option.

Six High Quality Award-winning Focusrite Pre-amps

Six award-winning Saffire pre-amps complement two Liquid pre-amps. All eight pre-amps demonstrate the same wide bandwidth philosophy behind the early vintage Focusrite units.

High Quality 24-bit/192kHz FireWire Interface

Professional digital conversion and JetPLLTM jitter elimination technology; pristine audio quality and reliable synchronisation are guaranteed.

Total I/O Count of 28 Inputs and 28 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.

Suite of Focusrite VST/AU plug-ins

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.

Two separate headphone buses

Two artists can receive independent and fully customised monitor mixes. Each output has an independent level control available on the front panel.

Saffire Mix Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router

Routing flexibility and intuitive one-click set-up solutions; Saffire Mix Control provides an 18 x 16 DSP mixer with excellent output routing and monitoring capabilities.

Front panel 5-LED metering

LED metering for each of the analogue, ADAT1, ADAT2 or S/PDIF inputs offers accurate viewing of levels direct from the front fascia.

All of Focusrite's FireWire interfaces are fully compatible with Thunderbolt using a simple FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter. Focusrite fully supports the use of Thunderbolt with their FireWire interfaces. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Focusrite products.

Specifications
Performance
We always quote 'real world' performance figures (measured to the AES17 standard). Some companies choose to quote chipset performance, which is misleading, and here's why.

Microphone Inputs:
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 109dB
- SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: EIN > 125dB (128dB analogue to digital) (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Maximum level (A-weighted): 8dBu at 1%

Line Inputs:
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 109dB
- SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
- THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Maximum level (A-weighted): 28.5dBu at 1%

Instrument Inputs:
- - Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.1dB
- Maximum Input Level min gain no pad +8dBu
- Maximum Input Level max gain no pad -42dBu
- THD+N, -1dBFS, min gain, no pad < 0.0015%
- SNR 109dB "A"
- DNR 109dB "A"
- Input Impedance > 1MOhm
- X-talk < -100dB
- Adjustable Gain > 50dB
- Pad Attenuation 10dB

Headphone Outputs:
- Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.1dB
- SNR 109dB "A"
- DNR 109dB "A"
- Maximum Output into 32R +12.4dBu (+10.2dBV)
- Power into 32R 250mW
- Output Impedance < 7Ohms
- Load Impedance > 24Ohms

Line level Outputs:
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 108dB
- SNR (A-weighted): -108dB
- THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Maximum level (A-weighted): 15.7dBu at 0.883%

Additional Conversion Performance:
- Clock jitter < 250 picoseconds
- THD+N AMPL (A-weighted)= -109dBFS

Connectivity
Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-8):
- Mic inputs 1-8 on rear XLR's.
- Line inputs 1-8 on rear 1/4 in. TRS.
- Instrument inputs on channels 3 and 4 (separate front panel 1/4 in. TRS).

Notes:
- Individual switchable High Pass Filter on all inputs.
- Phase switch on inputs 3, 5 and 7.
- Input Pad on inputs 3 and 4 = -10dB.

Analogue Outputs:
- Line level 10 x 1/4 in. TRS Jack.

Notes: Outputs Monitor 1 and 2 have anti-thump protection circuitry.

Digital I/O:
- SPDIF input and output (RCA phono) on rear panel, (24-bit, 44.1 - 192kHz),
output transformer isolated.
- Optional AES output mode with professional channel status and voltage levels
on SPDIF output (isolated and balanced). [Currently not implemented, a future update will include this feature].
- 2 x ADAT In / Out 16 channels (44.1 / 48kHz), 8 channels S-MUX (88.2 / 96kHz),
4 channels S-MUXII (176.4 / 192kHz).
- ADAT Input and Output 2 can be re-configured to be optical SPDIF input /
output via control panel.
- BNC Word clock input and output (75 ohms).

MIDI I/O:
- 1 in / 1 out (16 channels) on rear panel.

Headphone monitoring:
- 2 x 1/4" TRS Jack on front panel (mirrors outputs 7-8 and 9-10).
NOTE: These are high power headphone drivers.

Other I/O:
- 2 6-pin FireWire sockets
- 2 Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and Out
- IEC mains power input connector

Weight and Dims:
- 5kg / 11 lbs
- 350mm / 13.8 in. (W) x 90mm / 3.6 in. (H) x 235mm /9.3 in. (D)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Base Item

Shipping Weight: 14 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 8 in