New Gear Review: Focusrite Saffire Pro 26

Saffire-Pro-26Focusrite’s Saffire PRO 26 is the company’s latest compact, multi-channel FireWire/Thunderbolt™ compatible audio interface. Count on the same high-quality audio design as the rest of the Saffire range of interfaces but in a portable, well-built desktop-sized chassis.

There are a total of 18 inputs and eight outputs comprised of four award-winning Focusrite preamps (2 XLRs and 2 Combis), two instrument line inputs, two headphone outputs, six line outputs, an 8-channel ADAT input and stereo S/PDIF in/out.

Saffire PRO 26 is future-proof because it connects to a Thunderbolt port via a FireWire-to-Thunderbolt adaptor (not included) or directly to a FireWire 800 port with the cable provided.

Like the whole Saffire line, it comes with the Saffire Mix Control software application. The application runs on the host computer for an ultra-low-latency 26x8 DSP mixer/router that’s tight enough for live applications as well as the most strict of recording applications. It uses 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion with JetPLL™ jitter reduction technology and, being Firewire or Thunderbolt connected, leaves your USB bus free for connecting drives and other peripherals.

http://focusrite.com/firewire-audio-interfaces/saffire-pro-26

Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. http://barryrudolph.com