Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 Audio Interface – Review Part two
By Paul Dakeyne
| Posted in Music Technology
Following part one’s announcement of the Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 Firewire audio/MIDI interface, we’ll now be exploring more features and checking out some real-world usage.
Being also a fully capable MIDI interface, the appropriate in/out connectors are rear mounted, enabling the unit to receive data from control surfaces or keyboards and also carry MIDI instruction out to hardware studio or stage gear too. Rounding off the connectivity package are the still very relevant – and I’d say essential – SPDIF in and outs. These could be used for a multitude of pro-audio solutions, such as sending digital signals to and from external hardware effects processors, DJ mixers and DAT machines too (hey, remember them?) so I’m happy to see them on the Pro 14.
Of course, all this in-and-out connectivity needs organising effectively for studio recording, mixing and other duties – enter our now-established friend, the Saffire Mix Control software. Free of course with the Saffire, this solution is a slightly adapted version of the probably-now-familiar digital heart of numerous Focusrite products. The user can control various audio tasks with this 18 X 16 DSP mixer, which include the setting up of (up to 6) various scenarios, such as assembling a mix for A&R review with a few examples of differing level vocal balances, and maybe a backing PA track and instrumental etc. An alternative levelled set of stems, perhaps for a mixing engineer or possibly a few multi-routed/balanced mixes when recording vocalists and musicians, could also be an application. Another cool inclusion is the unique ‘loopback’ feature, which allows audio routing between software applications via the Saffire’s mix control – quite handy for catching web audio streams, for example.
One relevant heads-up though at this point – the Mix Control software, though essentially straightforward, does need a little bedding in time for one to get used to the multitude of routing options, so I’d recommend a few familiarisation trials before kicking off with a full recording session or paid gig (and credit due to Focusrite for providing a ‘how to use mix control’ guide at their Answerbase section of their website – check it out). Also, whilst we’re talking software, I do know that the Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 definitely comes bundled with the Ableton Live lite 8 DAW application at the very least, and subject to confirmation I’d hazard another guess (TBC) that the final boxed CD will include Novation’s Bass Station synth, 1G of Loopmasters samples, the Xcite Plus bundle (more samples!) and quite probably the Focusrite plug-in suite too (Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ – VST/AU compatible).
Testing a few audio sources run through the Saffire mic pre’s, the Pro 14, bar the engaging of it’s bigger siblings ‘Liquid technology, fed the impression of being very much like my previously-reviewed Liquid Saffire, resulting in playback of hi-gain and pretty-much completely insignificant noise levels, sounding pristine and accurate in relation to what ‘went in’. Latency really didn’t seem to be a discernible issue when monitoring input signals (four preset Firewire latency options are provided for differing powered computers) and, once tamed, the Mix Control software combined with the flexible hardware control and connectivity, operates efficiently and in a stable manner when tracking, pushing full production multitrack mixes, basic recording and DJ work-flow too.
So, all in all then, what we have here is a darn fine audio/MIDI interface all-rounder that, assuming the price point I’ll see (like you guys) today sits in a reasonable area, could be a most flexible and affordable entry into the world of Focusrite-enhanced audiophile recording and playback. Taking the most basic (though necessary) and possibly ‘best of’ features of Focusrite technology from previous models and packing them into the highly portable Saffire Pro 14 firewire audio interface, this unit could indeed be what many of you have been waiting for.
Stop Press Video – Focusrite Saffire Pro 14
Tags: focusrite for ableton, saffire 14 interface