TEST: Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

 They still exist. The names that inspire so much awe at the mere mention of them that you hardly dare mention them even in a subordinate clause. Products that have been at the forefront of audio technology for decades and have earned their place through above-average quality and, above all, SOUND.

Especially in times of inexpensive digital technology, it is not easy for ambitious young people to train their ears and to develop an ear for the essentials of everything that is mastered to death or at least not to let it atrophy due to loudness overkill.

One of the biggest trademarks when it comes to outgear is Focusrite. Along with a small group of competitors, there are tons of legends surrounding the UK-based company's top products. Who hasn't had their heart warmed when they had the privilege of putting their hands on the legendary Red or Blue series?

The story was told years ago that just the presence of these product lines in the control rooms raised the daily rate by a few bucks and you could (allegedly) only buy the front panel of the Red 1 without any contents to give your studio a touch of fake -Give pixie dust. Apparently they sold more units of the cover than the original.....;-)

With such responsibility on your shoulders, it is not easy to avoid falling into the old mistakes of resting on your laurels and missing the pulse of the times.

Fortunately, Focusrite seems to be taking care here, as the British bring new products onto the market at regular intervals, recently also for the budget range.

For testing, I have the Saffire Pro 40 audio interface, which already in the first sentence of the product description builds a bridge to the company's historic achievements.

“Eight award-winning, premium microphone preamplifiers built on the proven foundation of an unparalleled preamp heritage” it reads in the manual! So that we all know where “the Baba gets the Moscht”! But one at a time, like at a British bus stop.



construction

The Saffire Pro 40 is a 1U 19 inch component with an installation depth of 26.5 cm and a weight of 3 kilograms. The device is a Firewire audio interface (no USB available) with 24-bit / 96 kHz conversion rate and JetPPL Jitter Elimination Technology.

Conceptually, it is a 20-in / 20-out interface, which is controlled by the included software (PC and Mac). The minimum system requirement for a Mac is a G4 CPU with 512 MB RAM (we quickly forget that and replace it with at least 1 GB, otherwise the operating system hardly runs), for a PC Vista or XP it is 800 MHz and 512 MB RAM.

The Saffire interface works with any ASIO and Core Audio compatible software such as Logic, Cubase, Sonar, Ableton Live, Digital Performer and others. However, it does NOT work with Pro Tools software, it is only compatible with Pro Tools hardware.

The Focusrite Plug-In Suite is included, which has the most important dynamic, tonal and spatial effects.

On the input side, the Saffire Pro 40 has six analog inputs on the back, which are designed as combo XLR connectors. The appropriate outputs are designed as jacks, either symmetrical or unbalanced. Two additional jack sockets manage the main monitor mix.

Eight further optical ADAT input and output channels are combined in two connectors, followed by 2 Firewire connectors, a MIDI-Out or MIDI-In socket, an S/PDIF In/Out and the cold device connector.

On the front, the Saffire has two additional analog inputs, designed as combo plugs and the following control options:

two phantom power switches for microphone inputs 1-4 and 5-8.

eight gain controls for the analog inputs

Instrument circuit for channels one and two

Input level reduction of 9 dB for channels one and two

- eight five-digit LED chains to display the level of the analog inputs

a status LED regarding the Firewire connection

a status LED for synchronizing the internal clock

Monitor level control, freely configurable to any analog output

Monitor Dim and Mute

- Two adjustable headphone outputs



Practice

In order to use the Saffire, the Pro 40 Control software must first be installed, which was easy to do with a final restart.

Without the same software and computer, nothing works with the Saffire interface, not even an input level and LED chains can be moved to an action.

The software interface is self-explanatory after a little training. Anyone who has taken a closer look at the common sequencer programs will also be able to understand the Saffire's mixer interface.

A total of sixteen different mixing ratios can be created with the Saffire for monitoring purposes, regardless of the input signal received via the interface. All physical inputs and outputs are configured according to the area of application via the routing section.

Normal stereo mixes are possible with Saffire, as are quadraphonic, or 5.1 or 7.1 surround sounds, all of which are taken into account at the factory with the appropriate presets. In general, the routing of the Saffire is extremely flexible; I have never come across an interface in this price category that has such flexibility.

“Yes, yes,” the first ones will whine impatiently, “we know all that, now what about the sound?” Let's make it short, the interface simply sounds excellent and is unparalleled in this price range!

Of course, all manufacturers rave about their “oh-so-great-sounding” products and regularly go overboard with the usual superlatives, but here the descriptions of the “award-winning preamps” are actually correct in terms of their sound.

Focusrite actually manages to generate their legendary sound even in the budget range, but this is only possible by re-manufacturing them in China at this rate.

Extremely soft, with a very detailed and tasteful resolution, any audio material is converted in the best possible way even at the first resolution level and receives the “noble” or “expensive” sonic finish that an ambitious production needs as a basis.

The workmanship of the device is good, although the headphone jacks are a bit flimsy and the plugs slide out of the socket when pulled slightly. The sharply protruding screws on the underside of the housing don't have to be there either.

Personally, I would like to see a few more LEDs in the control chains, but that is more of a personal approach.


Conclusion

In terms of sound, Focusrite offers a very flexible interface with the Saffire Pro 40, which actually rightly receives the manufacturer's massive praise for its preamps.

For an inexpensive course you get the sonic trademarks of the “big” Focusrite series, which, with their fine, high-quality resolution, make converting the sound signal a real pleasure.

If you don't get an official sound from this, you should go back to school as a sound engineer, it can't have been the Focusrite.

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Additional Informations:

**The Technical Genesis of Focusrite: Pioneering Excellence**

In the realm of audio technology, few names command as much reverence as Focusrite. Renowned for their exceptional preamplifiers, audio interfaces, and signal processors, Focusrite has become synonymous with high-quality sound reproduction. Behind this reputation lies a rich tapestry of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technical prowess that traces back to its humble beginnings. Let's embark on a detailed exploration of the genesis and evolution of Focusrite, highlighting the pivotal technical milestones that have shaped its trajectory.

**Founding and Early Years:**

The Focusrite journey commenced in 1985 when Rupert Neve, the legendary figure in audio engineering renowned for his pioneering work with mixing consoles, joined forces with a group of like-minded individuals, including John Wood and Phil Dudderidge, to establish the company. Armed with a vision to deliver uncompromising sound quality to recording studios and musicians, Focusrite set out on its mission.

**Innovations in Preamp Technology:**

At the heart of Focusrite's early success lay its innovative preamplifier designs. The company's first product, the ISA 110, debuted in 1985 and swiftly gained acclaim for its transparent sound and pristine signal amplification. This success paved the way for subsequent iterations, such as the ISA 130, which integrated EQ functionality alongside the preamp, further enhancing the versatility and appeal of Focusrite's offerings.

**Digital Revolution:**

As the digital revolution reshaped the landscape of audio production in the late 20th century, Focusrite remained at the forefront of innovation. In 1993, the company introduced the Red range of digital signal processors, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver studio-grade effects and processing capabilities. The Red series quickly became a staple in professional recording studios, earning accolades for its sonic fidelity and intuitive interface.

**Expansion into Audio Interfaces:**

Recognizing the growing demand for versatile audio interfaces catering to both home studios and professional environments, Focusrite diversified its product lineup in the early 2000s. The launch of the Scarlett series marked a significant milestone in this regard, offering high-performance USB and Thunderbolt interfaces tailored to the needs of modern musicians and producers. With features such as low-latency monitoring and robust driver support, the Scarlett range became synonymous with reliability and performance.

**Acquisition and Continued Innovation:**

In 2014, Focusrite expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of Novation, a leading manufacturer of MIDI controllers and synthesizers. This strategic move not only bolstered Focusrite's presence in the electronic music market but also facilitated cross-platform integration between hardware and software products, enabling seamless workflow integration for users.

**Advanced Digital Signal Processing:**

In recent years, Focusrite has continued to push the boundaries of innovation in digital signal processing. The introduction of the Clarett series exemplifies this commitment, featuring ultra-low noise mic preamps, high-performance AD/DA conversion, and integrated Thunderbolt connectivity. These advancements empower recording professionals with the tools they need to achieve pristine audio quality in the digital domain.

**Focus on User Experience:**

Central to Focusrite's ethos is a relentless focus on user experience. From ergonomic design to intuitive software interfaces, every aspect of Focusrite's products is meticulously crafted to streamline the creative process for musicians and engineers alike. Features such as the Air mode, inspired by the classic ISA preamp circuitry, add a touch of analog warmth and character to digital recordings, further enhancing the appeal of Focusrite's offerings.

**Global Impact and Legacy:**

Today, Focusrite stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the realm of audio technology, with a global presence spanning recording studios, broadcast facilities, and live sound venues. Its legacy extends far beyond the realm of hardware, encompassing a vibrant ecosystem of software plugins, virtual instruments, and educational resources designed to empower aspiring creators and seasoned professionals alike.

**Technical Ingenuity in Focusrite's Evolution: A Comprehensive Analysis**

Delving deeper into the technical nuances that have shaped Focusrite's trajectory reveals a narrative of relentless innovation, meticulous engineering, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of sound reproduction. Let's explore further into the key technical aspects that have defined Focusrite's evolution.

**Analog Circuitry Mastery:**

At the core of Focusrite's reputation lies its mastery of analog circuitry. From the early ISA preamps to the latest iterations in the Red and Clarett series, each product reflects a deep understanding of circuit design, component selection, and signal path optimization. Focusrite's engineers meticulously tune every element of the analog chain to achieve optimal transparency, minimal noise, and maximum headroom, ensuring that the sonic integrity of the source material remains uncompromised.

**Transformer-Based Designs:**

A hallmark of Focusrite's preamplifiers is the use of transformer-based designs, inspired by the legendary consoles crafted by Rupert Neve himself. Transformers play a crucial role in shaping the sonic character of a preamp, imparting a sense of warmth, depth, and dimensionality to the audio signal. Focusrite's transformers are custom-designed and hand-wound to exacting specifications, ensuring consistency and reliability across all units while preserving the coveted "Focusrite sound."

**Digital Conversion and Clocking:**

In the realm of digital audio, the quality of analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) conversion is paramount. Focusrite's dedication to uncompromising sound quality extends to its converter designs, which leverage high-resolution converters, precision clocking mechanisms, and sophisticated jitter reduction techniques to ensure faithful reproduction of audio signals with minimal distortion and artifacts. The result is pristine audio quality that faithfully captures the nuances of the original performance, whether recording vocals, instruments, or full-scale orchestras.

**Low-Noise Preamplification:**

One of the key technical challenges in audio engineering is minimizing noise at the preamplification stage. Focusrite's preamps are renowned for their exceptionally low noise floors, thanks to meticulous component selection, optimized circuit topologies, and advanced shielding techniques. This low-noise performance is particularly crucial when recording delicate acoustic sources or capturing quiet passages in a dynamic performance, where even the slightest amount of noise can detract from the clarity and fidelity of the recording.

**Integration of Digital Signal Processing:**

As digital audio workstations (DAWs) have become increasingly prevalent in modern recording environments, Focusrite has seamlessly integrated digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities into its hardware offerings. This integration allows users to leverage a wide array of effects, dynamics processing, and EQ algorithms directly within the audio interface, eliminating the need for external processing hardware and streamlining the workflow for recording, mixing, and mastering tasks.

**Driver Optimization and Latency Management:**

To ensure smooth operation and minimal latency in real-time audio applications, Focusrite places a strong emphasis on driver optimization and latency management. Through meticulous software development and rigorous testing procedures, Focusrite's drivers are finely tuned to deliver rock-solid performance across a variety of operating systems and DAW environments. This attention to detail ensures that musicians and engineers can focus on their creative endeavors without being hindered by technical constraints or performance bottlenecks.

**Continuous Innovation and Future Prospects:**

Looking ahead, Focusrite remains committed to pushing the boundaries of technical innovation in audio technology. From exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques to embracing emerging standards such as immersive audio and spatial audio processing, the company continues to chart new frontiers in pursuit of sonic excellence. With a dedicated team of engineers, designers, and audio enthusiasts driving the innovation agenda forward, the future looks promising for Focusrite and the broader audio industry as a whole.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, the technical evolution of Focusrite is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sonic purity. Through mastery of analog circuitry, meticulous attention to detail in digital design, and a relentless pursuit of technical perfection, Focusrite has established itself as a leading force in the world of audio technology. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in sound reproduction, one thing remains clear: the Focusrite legacy of technical ingenuity and uncompromising quality will continue to resonate with musicians, engineers, and audio enthusiasts for years to come.