TEST: Focusrite Saffire LE

 Small interfaces in the budget sector have recently become a real hit. Not without good reason, as the importance of mobile recording has become almost inflationary, even in professional areas. Bryan Adams also recorded a record in his hotel room with a sound engineer during one of his last tours, whether due to lack of time or simple boredom between sound checks, which, as far as I know, was also released.

Since in such undertakings, in addition to a good basic sound of the components used, a high degree of mobility, i.e. ease of transport, of the product is also important, said interfaces are in a notch where two high-quality microphone channels are usually enough to convert the desired signal appropriately.

Many of my colleagues regularly grab their Macbook Pro along with a decent converter, large diaphragm microphone and minimal outgear, get in the car and go on a short trip to Germany/Europe to see the respective artists, mostly singers, in a manageable session in their living room, bedroom or wherever, recording for their new album. ATTENTION, you have to know exactly what you are doing in such sessions, otherwise you can safely press the delete button after listening to the material for the first time!

“British Finest” Focusrite has also recognized that “only” high-end products like the Red Series have a difficult time in today's media and exploitation landscape and are developing accordingly. Like many other manufacturers, the company relies on the principle of “developed at home, manufactured in China”, which means that the price is lower than if the goods were manufactured on site, despite the transport halfway around the world.

For testing, I have the Saffire LE, which wants to establish itself in the highly competitive home recording sector up to 300 euros. Let's take a look at what could be adopted from the legendary manufacturer's name into the budget class.



construction

Upright! The first obvious feature of the interface becomes apparent as soon as you unpack it. Not a standard 19 inch outfit, but a space-saving version measuring 6.5 cm x 17 cm x 17 cm (width x height x depth) and weighing just under one kilogram. The product stands on a rotatable base, which either sits almost flush with the housing or, when rotated 90 degrees, protrudes almost 1.5 cm to the right and left of the housing. No offense, but real stability looks different.

The Saffire LE has to do without latency-free effects, but in addition to the SaffireControl LE software application, the product also includes the VST/AU suite for mix editing, which takes over the most important dynamic, frequency-technical effects, room simulation and amp simulation natively via challenge/response.

The minimum system requirement for Mac is a G4 CPU (OSX 10.3.3) with 800 MHz and 512 MB RAM (practical value; as usual, at least 1 GB, otherwise nothing will work here!), for PC it is XP 900 MHz and 256 MB RAM. The package also includes a sample DVD, which has several gigs of loops and a Waldorf edition of the legendary Novation Bass Station. The scope of delivery also includes the Arturia Analog Factory SE, Ableton Live Lite 6, FXpansion's Guru, FXpansion's BFD Ultralite, “Mike The Drummer”, Waldorf LE Edition and an i-dance.com membership.

In total, the Saffire LE has 6 physical inputs and 8 physical outputs, so that 5.1 mixes are also possible. When it comes to input, there are 4 analog inputs available, with 2 symmetrical inputs being switchable between microphone (XLR) and line (jack). The mainstay of the signal routing are the pre-amps from the Green series, which were installed here.

In terms of digital input, S/PDIF is available in 24-bit/96 kHz conversion rate (including AC-3 output). Furthermore, two MIDI sockets In/Out and 2 Firewire ports were installed on the back. A 12 volt, 600 mA power supply is included with the product.


On the front, the Saffire has the following control options:

two switch buttons for line and instrument levels plus gain control and overload display on the front

two overload indicators for the rear jack inputs

a level controller for hardware level control

an indicator light for S/PDIF correspondence

- 48V pantom power switch

- an adjustable headphone output



Practice

The Saffire LE comes across as a little “plastic-esque”. Not that it's poorly made, but with the Focusrite name as a background, the matte plastic controls and the board-supported push buttons seem rather out of place.

However, the sound of the preamps is pleasing from the first note. Once again, Focusrite benefits from the fact that it has a wealth of experience when it comes to preamplifiers. Well compressed and very low-noise, the preamps actually manage to process the wide range of input signals to a high quality, be it an instrumental, line or microphone signal.

The uncomplicated handling based on the Plug_And_Play principle is also nice. The system runs and does its job in just a few simple steps.

The Saffire Control LE interface enables individual, latency-free monitoring to be routed either to the headphones or the first two outputs. A total latency of just under 17 ms was measured under Core Audio, which can be described as acceptable.

The included effects provide added value, but you shouldn't set your expectations too high. For the ambitious beginner, the plugins do their job satisfactorily, but the experienced user will lack “character”.

Unfortunately, the amp simulation completely fell through the cracks and was unconvincing due to the opaque and undynamic reproduction. Many programs, including significantly higher quality ones, fail in this task, so my expectations weren't set too high.


Conclusion

In terms of sound, the Focusrite Saffire LE provides a good basis for further signal processing thanks to its good preamps from the Green series. Anyone looking for a compact and portable interface for quick use can look forward to good values and a coherent design with the Saffire LE.

Once again it shows that experience is one, if not THE, crucial key to a functioning product. Anyone who releases channel strips like the Red Series can't afford any slip-ups, even in the budget segment.

The somewhat wobbly upright construction wasn't necessarily my friend, but in a cramped stationary operation in the home recording area it can perhaps fill exactly the gap between the computer and the wall, which has not yet been used sensibly.

———————

Additional Informations:

In the symphony of audio technology, Focusrite stands as a maestro, orchestrating brilliance through its pioneering products and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. The tale of Focusrite's origin is one of passion, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. In this comprehensive narrative, we embark on a journey through time, tracing the captivating evolution of Focusrite from its humble beginnings to its current status as a revered leader in the audio industry.

1. Inception:
The seeds of Focusrite were sown in 1985 when Rupert Neve, a legendary figure in the realm of audio engineering, joined forces with Phil Dudderidge, a visionary entrepreneur, to establish a company that would redefine the standards of audio recording. With a shared passion for sonic perfection, Neve and Dudderidge set out to create a range of audio equipment that would combine pristine sound quality with user-friendly functionality. Thus, Focusrite was born, heralding the dawn of a new era in professional audio.

2. The Birth of the Focusrite Sound:
At the heart of Focusrite's ethos lies a deep reverence for sound purity and fidelity. Drawing upon Rupert Neve's expertise in analog circuitry and signal processing, Focusrite embarked on a quest to develop audio equipment that would capture the essence of the original sound source with unparalleled clarity and detail. The result was the legendary Focusrite sound—a harmonious blend of warmth, transparency, and musicality that would come to define the brand's signature sonic character.

3. Innovation and Technological Advancements:
From the outset, Focusrite set itself apart through its relentless commitment to innovation and technological advancement. The company's research and development efforts led to the creation of groundbreaking technologies such as the Transformer-Based Mic Preamp, which became a cornerstone of the Focusrite sound. Subsequent innovations, including the ISA series of preamplifiers and the Scarlett range of audio interfaces, further solidified Focusrite's reputation for excellence and cemented its position as an industry leader.

4. Collaboration and Partnerships:
Focusrite's journey towards excellence has been enriched by collaborations and partnerships with renowned musicians, producers, and recording engineers. By engaging with artists at the forefront of the music industry, Focusrite gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and requirements of audio professionals. Collaborative ventures not only inspired the development of new products but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie within the Focusrite ecosystem.

5. Global Expansion and Recognition:
As Focusrite's reputation for sonic excellence spread, so did its global footprint. The company expanded its presence across international markets, forging partnerships with distributors and retailers worldwide. Today, Focusrite's products are revered by audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, earning accolades and awards for their exceptional performance and innovative design. From recording studios to home setups, Focusrite has become synonymous with uncompromising quality and reliability.

6. Empowering Creativity:
Beyond crafting exceptional audio equipment, Focusrite is deeply committed to empowering creativity and enabling individuals to realize their artistic vision. Through educational initiatives, workshops, and online resources, the company seeks to inspire and educate the next generation of music producers and recording engineers. Focusrite's dedication to fostering talent and innovation reflects its belief in the transformative power of music and its commitment to nurturing the creative spirit.

7. Vision for the Future:
As Focusrite looks to the future, its vision remains as clear as ever: to continue pushing the boundaries of audio technology and delivering best-in-class products to its customers. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Focusrite is poised to build upon its legacy and shape the future of professional audio recording. Whether in the studio or on the stage, Focusrite remains a beacon of excellence, guiding the way towards sonic perfection.

8. Adapting to Technological Shifts:
In an ever-evolving landscape of audio technology, Focusrite has demonstrated remarkable agility in adapting to technological shifts and embracing emerging trends. From the transition to digital audio interfaces to the integration of cutting-edge software solutions, the company has remained at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that its products remain relevant and future-proof. By embracing new technologies while staying true to its core principles of sound quality and usability, Focusrite has successfully navigated the complexities of a rapidly changing industry.

9. Commitment to Sustainability:
In addition to its dedication to sonic excellence, Focusrite is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented eco-friendly practices throughout its manufacturing processes, including the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient production methods, and waste reduction initiatives. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, Focusrite not only minimizes its ecological footprint but also sets an example for the industry as a whole, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

10. Cultivating a Thriving Community:
Central to Focusrite's success is its vibrant and engaged community of users and supporters. Through online forums, social media platforms, and live events, the company fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among its customers, encouraging knowledge sharing, networking, and creative exchange. By nurturing this community spirit, Focusrite not only strengthens its brand loyalty but also taps into a valuable source of feedback and inspiration, driving continuous improvement and innovation.

11. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion:
Focusrite is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of its employees. By championing diversity and equality, the company cultivates a creative and dynamic work environment where all voices are heard and valued. This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the workplace to the broader music community, where Focusrite actively supports initiatives and organizations that promote diversity and accessibility in music production and education.

12. Philanthropic Endeavors:
Beyond its commercial endeavors, Focusrite is dedicated to making a positive impact on society through philanthropic initiatives and charitable giving. The company supports a range of causes related to music education, mental health awareness, and social justice, contributing financial resources, expertise, and advocacy efforts to effect meaningful change. By leveraging its influence and resources for the greater good, Focusrite demonstrates its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and driving positive social change.

Conclusion:
The saga of Focusrite is a testament to the transformative power of innovation, passion, and community. From its inception in 1985 to its current status as a global leader in audio technology, the company has remained steadfast in its pursuit of sonic excellence and societal impact. As Focusrite continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of audio technology, one thing remains constant: its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity, empowering individuals, and enriching lives through the power of sound. In a world where music transcends boundaries and connects us all, Focusrite continues to inspire, innovate, and orchestrate brilliance, ensuring that the symphony of sound will resonate for generations to come.