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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

With 18x20 simultaneous I/O and 8 Focusrite mic preamps with switchable AIR, this rack-mount USB audio interface belongs at the heart of your recording rig.

$499.99

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Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Audio Interface

No longer available at zZounds
Need more I/O? Not with this 20x20 FireWire interface. With 8 sweet Focusrite mic preamps and JetPLL jitter elimination, it's a rock-solid DAW front end.

Using the same great preamps that made them famous, Focusrite is ready to solve your studio's I/O problems with the Saffire Pro 40 FireWire audio interface. This 20x20 FireWire interface comes loaded with 8 of Focusrite's award-winning preamps, boasting an ultra-low noise floor and distortion-free performance.

All told, this single-rack-space unit gives you 10 x XLR-1/4" analog inputs and 10 balanced TRS analog outputs, along with S/PDIF and optical digital I/O. With so much I/O, the Saffire Pro 40 makes a great recording interface in the studio, while taking up far less space than a mixer. Or, use it to set up a 7:1 surround mix station at your desk. Whatever you can dream up, this Saffire can handle.

Learn more about the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40:


Everything You Need, Right Up Front

On the front panel of the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, you'll find two XLR-1/4" inputs, with +48V phantom power switches right next door for Channels 1-4 and 5-8, respectively. The Gain knobs for Channels 1 and 2 have Pad and Instrument-level switches, depending on the signal you're running into them. Indepedent Gain knobs are accessible here for Channels 3-8 as well. The Saffire PRO 40 also helpfully gives you two separate headphone jacks with independent volume controls. The Master Monitor volume (connected to outputs 1 and 2) has a Dim and Mute switch right on the front.

...And Everything Else On The Back

On the rear panel you'll find the other 6 x XLR-1/4" Mic/Line inputs, as well as the read more 10 balanced TRS line outputs. S/PDIF and MIDI ins and outs are on the left, next to the Optical Line In and Out.

Pristine Audio Conversion

All of this I/O sails through Focusrite converters -- featuring JetPLL jitter-elimination technology for pristine audio conversion -- and runs to your computer via one of the 2 x Firewire 400 ports at up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. Multiple ins and outs are nothing without rock-solid reliability -- but luckily the Saffire Pro 40 has both in spades.

Extremely Smart Mixing/Monitoring Software

Once you've connected the Saffire Pro 40 to your computer, you can control the interface with great specificity, thanks to the included Saffire PRO 40 Control software. The software gives you a virtual 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router that will run with zero latency. It allows you to route the audio of any input and/or output, and follow detailed monitoring visualizers. Overall, the joy of the Saffire is that it leaves much of the specific control accessible on the actual hardware, while saving the finer levels of control for the computer, where a larger visual interface makes the process much more intuitive and simple.

Plug-Ins and Sample Libraries Included!

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 comes with the Xcite+ bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, Novation's Bass Station soft synth, and more than a gigabyte of royalty-free samples. The "Mike the Drummer" audio kit also includes a collection of 572 original live drum loops ranging from 79 to 191 bpm, with loop lengths ranging from 1 beat to 4 bars. Beyond that, a gigabyte of royalty-free samples compiled by LoopMasters gives you enough sounds to start making music without needing to lay down a single track of your own!

The included Focusrite plug-in suite provides studio-grade Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins. The Compressor and Gate are particularly excellent, having been optimized to achieve the signature Focusrite sound. The Reverb is based on classic algorithmic studio reverb designs.

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.

Features:

- 10 x XLR / 1/4-inch Mic/Line inputs
- 10 x balanced TRS line outputs
- SPDIF and MIDI ins and outs
- Optical Cable Line In and Out
- 8 x Focusrite preamps
- 24-bit/96 kHz FireWire interface with high-end A-D/D-A conversion and JetPLL jitter-elimination technology
- Total I/O count of 20 inputs and 20 outputs, including a unique loop-back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire PRO 40 Control
- Two separate headphone jack with independent volume controls
- Saffire PRO 40 Control Software Included
- Xcite+ Pack DVD-ROM with royalty-free loops, Ableton Live Lite 7, and the Focusrite Plugin Suite
- Focusrite Plug-in Collective: Monthly offers with free or discounted plug-ins for registered Focusrite interface owners
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Specifications
Microphone Inputs:
- 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)

Line Inputs:
- 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)

Instrument Inputs:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
- THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Conversion performance:
- Dynamic Range = 110dB (A-weighted)
- Clock jitter = 250 picoseconds
- THD+N AMPL = -109dBFS 'A' weighted

Front and Rear Connectivity

Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-8):
- 2 Mic/Line/Inst Combo XLR (Inputs 1 and 2)
- 6 Mic/Line Combo XLR (Inputs 3-8)
- Automatic switching of Mic / Line (e.g. inserting a jack switches from Mic to either Line or Instrument)

Digital Channel Inputs (Inputs 9-18) 44.1-96kHz:
- Stereo S/PDIF input on RCA
- 8 ADAT inputs on Optical Connector, reduces to 4 inputs at 88.2/96kHz
- Optical input can be switched to S/PDIF 3/4 in software preferences (ADATs disabled)

Digital Channel Outputs (Outputs 11-20) 44.1-96kHz:
- Stereo S/PDIF output on RCA
- 8 ADAT outputs on Optical Connector, reduces to 4 outputs at 88.2/96kHz
- Optical output can be switched to S/PDIF 3/4 in software preferences (ADATs disabled)

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

Weight: 3 kg / 6.6 lbs

Dimensions (WxHxD): 350mm / 13.8 in. x 45mm / 1.8 in. x 235mm /9.3 in.

System Requirements

Windows
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (32 bit and 64 bit) and Windows Vista (32 bit and 64 bit)

CPU/Clock: 900MHz AMD or Pentium. (1.5 GHz or higher recommended)

Memory (RAM): 512 MB (more recommended)

Apple Mac
Operating System: OSX (10.4 and 10.5)

CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster or any Intel-based Mac

Memory (RAM): 512 MB (more recommended)

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

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Audio Interface

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

Focusrite's unparalleled preamp legacy forms the foundation of this interface, with eight award-winning Focusrite preamps. These are combined with the very best in FireWire interfacing technology to deliver seamless integration, excellent routing flexibility and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability.

With Saffire PRO 40, sonic integrity reigns supreme. The eight Focusrite preamps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst quality digital conversion and JetPLL(tm) jitter elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio flows between the analogue and digital domains.

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 forte console, back in 1989. All Focusrite mic-pres 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.

Alongside the eight Focusrite preamps are a host of i/o options; 10 analogue outputs, ADAT i/o, stereo SPDIF i/o and 2 virtual 'loopback' inputs for routing digital audio between software applications. Every channel features phantom power, with the first two channels also featuring -9dB pads for additional headroom. Front panel 5-LED metering for each analogue input offers accurate viewing of levels.

Saffire PRO 40 Control, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Saffire PRO 40, sets a standard at this price point for audio interface control. It features unparalleled output routing and monitoring, as well as intuitive one-click solutions, a clear and concise mixing layout and large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes.

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. Front panel controls include a main monitor dial with dim and mute switches, all of which fully integrate with customizable software to cover every possible monitoring need, providing a set of controls for any set-up from basic stereo to full 7.1 surround.

Focusrite's established Xcite+ bundle is also included. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Novation's Bass Station soft synth and over 1 gig of royalty-free samples. Ableton Live Lite 7 forms the foundation of this collection, providing the ideal platform to create, produce and perform. Novation's classic bass synth, 'Bass Station' enables you to create bass and 303-styled patches. Alongside these comes 'Mike the Drummer'; a collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops ranging from 79 to 191 bpm, with loop lengths ranging from 1 beat to 4 bars, as well as extended freestyle solo sections. Individual drum hits and REX files are also available.

These drum loops are however, just the beginning. An entire gigabyte of royalty-free samples, exclusively compiled by LoopMasters, provide a selection of loops and samples large enough to satisfy the appetite of even the most demanding artist.

Saffire PRO 40 also includes the Focusrite plugin 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 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.

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.

Features:

- 8 high-quality, award-winning Focusrite preamps
- 24-bit/96 kHz FireWire interface with high-end A-D / D-A conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology
- Total I/O count of 20 inputs and 20 outputs, including a unique loop-back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire PRO 40 Control
- The Focusrite Plug-in Suite: Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins
- Two separate headphone buses with independent level controls on the front panel
- Saffire PRO 40 Control provides an 18 x 16 zero-latency DSP mixer/router
- Unmatched routing flexibility: route any input signal or DAW output, or a mix of both, to any of the 20 outputs
- Bundled software: Xcite+ Pack DVD-ROM filled with royalty-free loops and samples, Ableton Live Lite 7, Focusrite Plugin Suite, Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite, Softube Time and Tone Pack
- Focusrite Plug-in Collective: Monthly offers with free or discounted plug-ins for registered Focusrite interface owners

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.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (60 ratings)
Submitted December 7, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Professional sound quality that everyone can afford!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've set off to purchase the Octopre MKII because of how great this interface sounds. In other words it sounds good enough to where I went back to Focusrite to get more inputs!

Sound
I've owned and used the Saffire Pro-40 for a little over a year in my project studio to record countless records. The mic-pres are clean with minimal color and among other variables I attribute the Pro-40 to many happy returning customers. Sounds great with microphones such as; Sterling Audio's ST-69, Shure's SM7B-SM57-SM58, The Blue Bird-Spark-Baby Bottle, Se's X1 and many others. Great for drums, vocals, guitar cabs etc... We have since planned on purchasing the Focusrite OctoPre MkII 8-Channel Dynamic mic-pre to add a few more inputs because of how great this interface sounds. This interface will NOT disappoint! -Nas Briseno. www. nympro .com

Features
Excellent sound using a typical setup with SM57, Mogami cables, Crate GLX1200H Amp Head, G412SL Cabinet and Gibson SG 2005. Software takes a bit to take full advantage of everything it allows you to do. Best feature by fare are the pre's!

Ease of Use
The only downfall in my opinion are the drivers and bundled software used as a mixer. For someone who's classicly trained on consoles it was rather counter-intuitive (as it turned out I was not the only one who thought so). That aside, once you've learned the software it work seamlessly with Pro-Tools and read more I think it's a great addition/upgrade for any serious studio.

Quality
Knobs are excellent quality and feels as sturdy and well built as anything double the price.

Value
Easily sounds like it's worth double. And that's coming from myself as well as others who have recorded/engineered in million dollar facilities!

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to. I think that says something about the quality as well.

The Wow Factor
Sound quality is amazing and must say it looks damn good sitting in your rack mounts.

Musical Background:
9 years performing and recording. Engineer/Producer @ NyM-Pro Studios.

Musical Style:
Hip-Hop, Country, R&B, Rock etc...
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