Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 FireWire Audio Interface

No longer available at zZounds
With eight inputs, two award-winning Focusrite microphone preamps and six outputs, this FireWire audio interface has plenty of I/O for your home studio.

The Saffire PRO 14 is an eight-in, six-out audio interface with legendary sonic performance and unmatched flexibility at a truly affordable price. Focusrite's next 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 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 multitrack 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.

With Saffire PRO 14, sonic integrity is never compromised. The two Focusrite preamps ensure read more 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 FireWire interfacing technology, excellent routing flexibility and rock-solid driver stability, the Saffire PRO 14 is the heart of the modern home studio.

Features:

- High-quality 24-bit/96kHz FireWire interface
- Two high-quality award-winning Focusrite preamps
- Professional conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology, guaranteeing pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization.
- Total I/O count of 8 inputs and 6 outputs, including a unique Loopback facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire MixControl.
- Saffire MixControl ultra-low-latency 18 x 6 DSP mixer with excellent routing flexibility, intuitive one-click configurations, and lower than 1.4 ms latency (less than the time it takes sound to travel two feet through air!)
- Focusrite VST/AU Plug-in Suite: 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.
- In addition to the Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite, all Saffire audio interfaces include the Softube Time and Tone Pack. This is a unique plug-in bundle, comprised of Softube's world class TSAR-1R reverb, Tube Delay, and Saturation Knob.
- 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 for a fully customized monitor mix, with tactile level control available on the front panel.
- Tactile Monitor 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.

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.
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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")

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

System Requirements

Macintosh:
- OS: Mac OS X 10.5.8 or Mac OS X 10.6.2
- 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:
- OS: Windows 7 (64-bit & 32-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit only) or Windows XP SP2 or higher (32-bit only)
- 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)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 310-322-5500
Web: https://support.focusrite.com/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (13 ratings)
Submitted March 2, 2011 by a customer from paparoof.com

"Very happy."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
I don't have enough experience with other products to say how this stacks up against them, but that said - the Saffire audio quality sounds fantastic to me. Also I've noticed absolutely no latency or lag while recording and playing back multiple tracks at the same time.

Features
For this price range, this unit has a perfect mix of the features I need without a bunch of bells and whistles I don't need. The routing available in the MixControl software is fantastic.

Ease of Use
It couldn't be any easier. I've connected it to three different PC's so far without any hiccups or hassles whatsoever. Every time I plug it in, it just works. It's so refreshing to just focus on the music instead of fighting with computers. The physical interface itself is obvious and intuitive. The MixControl software is clean and well laid-out.

Quality
Very well put together. Sturdy metal case, knobs are smooth and solid. I don't plan on banging it around much, but it feels like it could take a bit of abuse. I'm going to take care of it, and I expect it to last me a good long time.

Value
I'm confident in my research - compared to all the comparable units the Saffire Pro 14 was the best value for my needs. Price was the same here as at other websites, but zZounds shipped fast and provided me with the experience I expect so I have no regrets and read more will order from them again.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't contacted Focusrite at all but their website is well laid out, easy to find what I'm looking for - manuals, FAQ's, etc.

The Wow Factor
Some of the interfaces I checked out in the same price range look and feel like plastic toys. This looks and feels like actual audio equipment (and it is!)

Musical Background:
30-year musician
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No longer available at zZounds

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