Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire Audio Interface Review - Lansky Sound
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- Опубліковано 2 гру 2014
- Hey UA-cam! When you post on this video, please make sure I can respond :) Here are some questions that I am unable to "reply" to on this page:
Q. This thing records each channel as separate wav file?
..... A. Yes. The reason to have an interface with multiple analog inputs is to record each track independently to the format of your choice. I use my PRO 40 & OctoPre together to record 16 independent channels!
Q. Is this still a good choice to invest $500 into in 2015?
..... A. In my opinion, the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 is the BEST 8-channel audio interface available in the $500 range. This device can also be adapted to FW800 as well as the new Thunderbolt ports, so I do not see it fading out any time soon. If you are able to spend towards $1000, some more options open up, including awesome Focusrite products.
Q: can u monitor with free latancy using protools???
..... A. There should never be a charge to monitor latency. If someone is making you pay to monitor the latency, you're getting double-, if not triple-hosed. Don't believe everything you think!
☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫ ☮ ♥ ♫
Music Producer & Archival Engineer for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Adam Lansky reviews his favorite features of the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Audio Interface. The Pro 40 is a great interface for anyone that needs to record up to eight channels simultaneously & have the capability to expand via ADAT. Lansky recommends combining the Pro 40 with the OctoPre MkII for 16 channels of awesome sound!
** All music samples in the video are recorded using the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 & OctoPre MkII **
www.LanskySound.com
www.Focusrite.com
Special thanks to musical artists recorded by Lansky:
Foliage
/ foliage-band
Leta Joyner
www.reverbnation.com/letajoyner
Guayuver'z Musical
Mr. Tad
/ 359385937411556
Cloud 9
/ cloudninee
Hot Springs Music Festival
hotmusic.org
Headphones are Shure SRH840
Microphone in background is Electro-Voice RE320
LANSKY SOUND uses Millennia preamps & other great gear to record great music!
Find LANSKY SOUND on Facebook :D
So very useful and thoughtful to add some music recorded using the device you're reviewing! That's the best way to demonstrate. Thank you!
Great review Adam! Thanks for posting this up for us! Keep it up..!
You have my dream set up for a mobile rig right there man. Keep the videos coming. I'm a semi-professional classical recording engineer and all of my work is done mobile. Love what you are able to bring to table. Thanks for all of your help!
Carrick Secorski Thanks for your kind words! Keep watching -- more good videos on the way... :)
Mr. Lansky, that was a very well-encapsulated & insightful review on the Focusrite Pro 40 Firewire Interface. I'm contemplating on purchasing this unit for my recording needs and your review was helpful in making that decision. THANK YOU.
bludragon80 i think you'll enjoy it! The price on the Pro40 seems to have dropped substantially which is great for you, too ;) Thank you for the kind words. Make beautiful recordings!
Thanks very much, sir. Keep doing what you're doing.
Good review, thanks!
Really like to this video, seem like such a cool guy. I like the way you explain things as well. Made it pretty simple to understand.
+Jay Charles Thanks, dude! It takes one to know one ;) I'm happy you enjoyed the vid
great review! thanks
Thanks for answer dude... I buy Cubase artist 8...as soon I get my first recordings I link you!!
YAAAASS!
Dude! cool video!
I bought this interface a few years ago and i've had no problems with it,although it did take me a while to understand how the software worked, a bit of head scratching for some time.
I use it along with a Mackie 16/4/1 mixing console, so i have the best of both worlds, they work well together.
You can buy plane grills to put over those empty rack spaces to keep the dust from getting in there. Especially on the road. Thanks for the great video lansky.
+BrandonHarken Thanks for the tip! The empty racks are intentionally left open so I can pass cables thru the back into inputs 1/2 and 11/12 :D If I had the tools, I agree that some grills with openings cut in them would be functional and look better as well. As it turns out, my rack(s) are radically different at this point and there is a grill in place, hehehehe....... Stay tuned!
Using the Saffire Pro 40 in standalone mode via ADAT optical into a Digi002 and everything is sounds amazing. Paid 150 for the unit instead of paying over 300 for the Octopre. Same pres and works great! Now to mixdown using Harrison MixBus.
Beautiful information
Darien Charlton -- I believe the sound quality of the Focusrite to be superior to the Presonus. The Presonus Firestudio offers a lot of comparable features, but I prefer the sound of the Focusrite :) At the end of the day, the best interface is the one that inspires you to create!
Are you able to be a little more specific in your question? The device is based around the concept of plugging in cables so I would need to understand what you're trying to understand. Thanks!
I'm inclined to believe the other plugins cannot be used in the way you are describing. The Focusrite suite that comes with devices like the PRO 26 are designed by Focusrite to work with the architecture of the specific interface. VST plugins are designed to work within the DAW software architecture, so it's a totally different environment albeit software... but I could be wrong.
I suggest asking Focusrite via their support page on the website. Good luck, dude!
ROCK ON!!!!!! D:
You any relation to Myer ?
Just playing. Well done and informative video Sir.
Hi great review .
Hi Lansky thanks for a really informative video. I was about to purchase the 2nd gen 18i20 over saffire pro40 due to usb over firewire (but I will be updating my crappy laptop to imac).However I have seen a few negative comments on youtube about midi notes dropping on scarlett 18i20. Have you experienced this problem on saffire pro 40?
Great videos on this unit. They have helped me figure out the routing.
When combined with the octopre mk11 will you also be able to have 16 analog outputs? I'm thinking in terms of mixing through a console also.
+Roman Rist No, the number of analog outputs is fixed at 10. Very interesting idea though! Go for it
Hey bud, do you have a video showing how to set up these 2 interfaces? I am looking to upgrade abd found this video very helpful.
Hey! I do not but here is a very good one: ua-cam.com/video/uHVyuKAjJpI/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching! :)
Awsome unit does standalone mode as well run inputs and 8 outputs and sends digital out at the same time. if you have other recording equipment and you hate the preamps this exactly what you want no computer required.
What is that in your rack under the Pro 40? From what you said in your video, I assumed it was an Octopre MKkII, but the ones I'm seeing on line don't look like that.
Hello, Lansky, I had a little problem with my Pro 40 yesterday morning: When I tried to clean it, the glass, or plastic on the front of the LEDs ( Input levels ) began to detach. I don´t know if I detach it completely, in order to try to glue it again, or not. I don´t know if that plastic is glued on the front of the panel, or if it´s positioned inside the unit. Could you give me some advice ? I live in Brazil, and on a remote location, there´s no Focusrite technical facility nearby. Thanks !
You mentioned software, I don’t remember any software when I bought mine. Can you help me ? Thnx Bill
Hey Adam! Now that this unit is a little older, it seems like focusrite is trying to market the 2ng gen 18i20, but it seems like the pro 40 and the 18i20 are almost identical units except the pro 40 is firewall and the 18i20 is usb. That being said, I am looking to buy an interface soon and it's come down to these two. Which do you think I should choose?
I will mostly be recording drums.
I would suggest the 18i20 for two reasons: 1) USB is here to stay for a good while & 2) the 18i20 has a higher max sample rate (192) than the Pro 40 (96). These are substantial differences considering everything else is essentially identical!
Go 18i20
My mixer window is lost. How can I put it back?
excellent Vid thank you. What are the other units? and what do they do. How necessary are they please? - I do mainly Jazz,swing era and Musicals toward light opera. Using Mac Yosemite and Pro Tools 11 Many thanks in advance - Aindre
Aindre Reece-Sheerin Thanks for posting. Please share your work with us on this page anytime! Here is the list of what you see in the rack from top down:
1. Furman M-8X2 Power Conditioner: this device is a glorified surge protector that regulates voltage & maintains electrical quality. I always use one of these because it not only protects against major surges in electricity, but also keeps the voltage at 120V even if the electricity from the wall fluctuates slightly. It is inexpensive protection for your hardware! Many varieties of this piece available.
2. Millennia HV-3D Preamplifier, 8 channels - my best outboard preamp, the world standard for jazz & classical. Everything I run thru this preamp sounds lovely -- very clean, smooth, & uncolored with a little bit of a "creamy" texture. Very clear & real-sounding. Costly, but you get what you pay for!
3. ART Headamp6Pro, 6-channel headphone amplifier - I use this to send musicians headphone mixes. This device can accommodate one mix for everyone, or the engineer can add different signals to each channel, or blend two signals together per channel. It allows me to send six headphone mixes at independent volumes. It isn't the highest quality available, but it is 110% cost-effective. I see no reason why buy something higher grade for this purpose.
4. Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
5. Focusrite OctoPre MkII, ADAT I/O expander - provides eight more analog inputs, thus expanding my channel total to 16 analog inputs.
I hope this helps :)
Dude you are awesome... I buy my saffire pro 40 just because I watch this video and this is my qurstions... What you recommend me... Pro tools 12.3 or cubase 8 artist. .. This is because I want to record my band and a few friends protects so.... What do you use? and what it's your choice?... Thanks and keep doing this great videos... Yo friend from Mexico city
I use Logic Pro 9 & have done so for eight years. Pro Tools is also a great program but can be expensive depending on what you want. I know a lot of folks that have used Cubase with good results. At the end of the day, the best DAW is the one that inspires you to create!
I think Logic Pro 9 is the best of all Logic Pro versions. You can find it used at a very reasonable price now that version X is out. I do not like the new version & will not be using it myself. I hope this helps!
hi. excellent review!
I have a question ... can not find the answer to this question.
Is it possible to connect the output «OPTICAL OUT» Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 with my receiver YAMAHA RX-V663?
Will this case be transmitted all sound (music, mic ...) from my iMAC (FireWire connection) through the Focusrite OPTICAL OUT connection to my receiver YAMAHA RX-V663?
***** Thank you! If I am not mistaken, I believe you will be able to assign what channels are routed out of that ADAT connection via MixControl software. A panel should be available in the software window with outputs like "ADAT Output 1.1", "ADAT Output 1.2", & so on. If this is correct, you will be able to assign specific channels from the iMAC to the Yamaha receiver.
For this answer, I suggest contacting Focusrite support directly: us.focusrite.com/answerbase/contact
Fill out the search form & send it. There will be a direct contact form at the bottom of the response that you can send to a human at Focusrite. Good luck!
I really enjoyed your video, I have the pro 40 and the octopre not dynamic.
I have noticed that there are little to no videos on UA-cam, that show how to properly use an external preamp with an interface. Could you do a video like that? Also, you capture sound extremly well. Do you have any videos on how you do your sessions?
Connecting an external preamp to the Pro40 is waaay easier than it may seem & I would love to make a video about it. In regards to my session videos, I haven't made any yet but that sounds like a cool idea!
Would I be correct in guessing you would like to learn about recording & mixing jazz? I have an indie pop/jam recording coming up later in February & many of the tracking techniques will be similar to jazz. Should I make a video? Let me know here or email me: info@lanskysound.com
Lansky Sound A video about "properly connecting an external preamp to your saffire pro 40 would be awesome. Could you also, demonstrate proper gain staging with the Safire and your external pre. I record a lot of jazz and a video on how to mix a quartet or even a big band would be awesome. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments
A.Y.J.E Jazz Just posted a new video that may help with your question! It is primarily focused on using outboard analog gear to process recorded audio, but you may find the information you're looking for. If not, stay tuned & I'll be posting a video specifically about mic preamps & the Pro 40. Thanks for watching!
A.Y.J.E Jazz this may help: ua-cam.com/video/YOl2hoPo1RM/v-deo.html
Is the Sapphire Pro 40 Compatible with Logic? Also How many Channels are compatible with an external Pre Amp? Thanks for the Video! I will probably be picking one of these up.
Whit Hagemann I use my PRO 40 with Logic Pro every day! Yes, after installing the included Mix Control Software you'll be ready to go. There are EIGHT analog inputs that can be connected to outboard preamps. If you would like more channels, I recommend the Focusrite OctoPre & an ADAT cable. This will allow you to run 16 analog inputs!
Here is another video of mine about using outboard gear with the Saffire PRO 40: ua-cam.com/video/YOl2hoPo1RM/v-deo.html
I hope this helps! Best of luck, Whit
can you chain two pro40 together to get 16 analog inputs? they go for cheap these days and I dont want to pay more for the octopre
I just assembled a monster AMD 7 PC,,installed a pci firewire,,,,noticed when I turn it on,,it starts to flicker and with make my pc restart????
I have a question. could you possibly make a video on how to properly connect both pro 40 and set up on pro-tools?
Hey Jaime, unfortunately I do not have Pro Tools or access to a PT computer at this time. I suggest hitting PT forums & starting a thread if one has not been made already!
Are you using Mac or PC? Do you already own the Pro40 or are you considering purchasing it?
I have a Mac Pro and both Units,
Just having trouble setting them up to work at the same time
Jaime Guevara Have you installed the Saffire MixControl software that comes with the Pro40? If not, you gotta do that first! If you have already installed MixControl.......
Using an ADAT cable, connect the OctoPre's "OPTICAL OUT" jack to the Pro40's "OPTICAL IN". Connect the Pro40 to your Mac using the FireWire cable. Make sure everything is plugged into electricity, preferably using a power conditioner like the Furman M-8x or something comparable. Power up all devices!!!!
Open the Saffire MixControl software. *This should always be running whenever you're recording so you can reference a set of meters directly from the interface* Anyways, on the bottom-right corner of MixControl you will see a vertical black rectangle with "SYNC SOURCE". Click this option & set the source to "ADAT". You will hear a brief click while both devices sync to the OctoPre's clock. Take some vitamins if you haven't yet today, or just eat a banana.
Now it's time to set up your Pro40/OctoPre as the Pro Tools "I/O" (In/Out). I/O refers to how audio is moving into & out from the PT software. Go to the "SETUP" menu & select "I/O". Scope out these links:
> us.focusrite.com/answerbase/how-to-set-up-pro-tools-io-to-correspond-with-your-focusrite-interface
> www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/pro-tools-wont-recognize-my-interface/
If receiving error message "AAE error 6001" in Pro-tools 11 when trying to select your device as the playback engine... Navigate to control panel> sound> playback> right click interface> properties> advanced>change sample rate to match sample rate of session> click apply> click ok!
I hope this helps! If this does not help, I suggest hitting the PT forums in search of more specific answers. If there's a way to hear what you're recording it would be super cool, especially because I helped :)
What are the advantages od the focusrite saffire pro40 over the Presonus Firestudio project?
+Darien Charlton I think the Focusrite sounds better. Additionally, it has ADAT I/O to allow the incorporation of other high-end gear for extra channels! Otherwise pretty similar. I think the price difference is made up for by the quality of the Focusrite.
If the laptop doesn't have a FireWire pot what can I do
I just got the saffire pro 40, in the video u mentioned something about linking another unit to increase mic inputs?
Yes! If you can get your hands on an ADAT cable, you can connect another device such as the Focusrite OctoPre, Universal Audio 4-710d, & many others. These extra channels will show up as 11, 12, etc. Definitely a great function to take advantage of!
Ok Thx man I will 😎
Is MixControl essential? I'm looking to buy one of these use and I usually do everything through Ableton.
MixControl allows the user increased flexibility in routing options. Can you use the interface without ever touching it? Yes, absolutely! But us nerdy audio guys like to do majik with the control software ;D
This thing records each channel as separate wav file? Thank You.
+AlbertSerrano Yes. The whole reason to have 8 channels is for multitracking. If that is not enough, you are able to dedicate any number of channels to an outboard mixer& have multiple signals mixed to those channels, or you can expand via ADAT for more independent inputs. I run this in conjunction with the Focusrite OctoPre for 16 independent channels.
Hey mate, does the Mix Control interface with other daws? Or do you just record straight to harddrive via Mix Control?
Need a DAW. I use Ableton Live 7, 9, and 10, Reaper, and Logic with the Focusrite.
hey i was wondering when you use an external preamp with the pro 40, is it bypassing the pre? i have an isa one and want to use it with the pro 40! obviously i know i would plug it into one of the mic/line inputs but is there a way to select just a line in so the pre is bypassed? thanks , any help would be appriciated!
James, I saw your other post on the outboard gear video. I am out of town on business right now but am willing to talk to you on the phone or via Skype this week. Visit my website (www.LanskySound.com) & send a message thru the contact section. Let me know a time that is good for you & we can fix things. I think we will need 15-20 minutes at the most. I'll help you out, dude!
oh thanks man! ill contact you thru email later or tommorow! headed to work! thank you! hard to meet people willing to help abit more than just a 1 sentence message!
so would you recommend 18i20 over the pro 40 for making beats from a latency stand point?
Latency will be so similar between the two devices that I think it's not a factor worth getting too nuts about. If low latency is a very important thing, the best connection is currently Thunderbolt, followed by USB 3.0, Firewire 800, & then the older stuff. At this point in home recording history, I recommend USB interfaces over Firewire 400 because Firewire support will probably be disappearing in the coming years (unfortunately). I hope this helps!
do you know how many watts coming out per output? or can i connect any kind of studio monitor?
+Moises Vazquez Probably about a jillion watts per channel. Just kidding -- any active studio monitor will connect to the Pro40 but passive speakers will require a power amplifier!
I strongly suggest purchasing Mogami cables to connect the speakers. The Mogami's will be expensive but the payoff is that you are 100% certain that everything you hear is purely output signal from the interface. Cheap cables will impart tone color & affect the frequencies on output. Mogami = sonic purity. All of our interconnect cables are Mogami & the difference adds up.
These are line outputs, not speaker (power amp) outputs. You need to run powered monitors, or passive monitors with a power amp driving them.
Is this still a good choice to invest $500 into in 2015? I don't expect to have a TB computer in the next couple of years, but is it still best in class 5 years after release??
Thanks for your advice!
Unless you're ready to drop $1000 or more, the Safire Pro 40 is still a great way to go. The only suggestion I might make is to pick up the Scarlett 18i20 instead as it is IDENTICAL to the Pro 40 with the exception that it is a USB interface. If you are okay using adapters with a Mac Thunderbolt jack, the Pro 40 will also work just fine.
Lansky Sound Sounds fair. I ended up getting the Pro40 and I think I'm happier with FW than USB. I've had issues with USB interfaces in the past, but never FW. Wish there was routing via front panel or switches on the rear, instead of software, but other than that it seems fine. Also, having 2 inputs on the front and the rest on the rear does not make for a tidy setup...
These things aside, it sounds just fine for classical cello, vocals, drums and anything in between.
That's great news, Jamie. I'm happy you went for it! The software control was something to get used to, but I think it's one of the most powerful aspects of the Pro 40. It would def be classy to have routing controls on the interface itself but I don't think it's possible simply as a matter of size. As is, it's a lot of production power in a single rack unit device!
I think you'll be enjoying the Pro 40 for years to come!
Dude you are awesome... I buy my saffire pro 40 just because I watch this video and this is my qurstions... What you recommend me... Pro tools 12.3 or cubase 8 artist. .. This is because I want to record my band and a few friends protects so.... What do you use? and what it's your choice?... Thanks and keep doing this great videos... Yo friend from Mexico city ;)
+Ricardo Martinez Wow, thank you so much :) I'm really happy this has helped you out! The Pro 40 will serve you well for years & Focusrite is a super-solid company that will help you if anything goes wrong -- their customer service is the best.
When it comes to DAWs, I think what is best actually depends on the person that will be using it. The program should inspire creativity & enable you to get the results you want to hear. Having said that, the DAW I have been using since 2008 is Logic Pro 9. Between Pro Tools & Cubase, I would vouch for Pro Tools & possibly a used copy of PT 11. Top studios around the world use PT because of its design & good sound. It will take a little more work to learn than Cubase, but there are many advantages. If you enjoy the format of Cubase over the technical feel of PT, then use whatever makes you feel like the process is easiest. It can be really sucky to try to record & blow the mood because you're fighting with your equipment. Another thought is to use whatever your friends or bandmates are using to be able to pass sessions back & forth. This can be a good decision to make the process easier.
Regarding PT 11 vs. 12, the reason I recommend the older version is because PT 12 is relatively new & there could still be bugs in the software. Additionally, the used copies will be less costly & sometimes upgrading is actually free. At any rate, I hope this is helpful! Happy holidays, dude
Dude you really are the best!!
Thanks for answer and take you time to respond my question
I will check the PT and see if that fits me to make my album and muy bands album... But.... You use logic pro 9... This fit in a good sound, easy to work and stable??
I hope you can respond me again and thanks for your time
Have a nice holidays... Your friend form México city, Ricardo
+Ricardo Martinez Pro Tools & Logic Pro are very similar in functionality. Part of why I chose LP was because it includes many usable plugins including effects & instruments, as well as a massive sound library that includes loops, SFX, & many other goodies. Additionally, LP is unlimited tracks for $200 or less. PT comes bare-bones & requires more expensive purchases to accomplish the same production. In terms of sound, I have to admit that I think the Pro Tools recording algorithm has a slightly more glossed sound than Logic Pro, but this has not stopped my business from growing in any fashion & no one has ever turned me down as an engineer because of my program choice.
Regarding Logic Pro 9, I find it to be a very stable quality program for all kinds of work. I use this program to record orchestras, rock bands, hip-hop, jazz, & sound design for my videos. I must point out that I DO NOT RECOMMEND LPX!! Logic Pro X has changed quite drastically from LP9 in ways that I think dumb-down the program. It's like Apple attempted to make it prettier by sacrificing a lot of the LP9 functionality & it feels more like Garage Band which is not a professional software -- LPX is not a serious program, but it is impossible to run LP9 on Yosemite or El Capitan. I am running LP9 on a Mavericks MacBook Pro.
Many programs offer trial periods to see what you like. Maybe you can try before you buy with some of these. Feliz navidad!
+Lansky Sound
Thanks for answer again
I will tri LP 9 in my mac book pro on maverick and see how it works and PT for better results... Thanks a lot, keep doing this great videos... Feliz navidad amigo!!
I was wondering if you could help me out. I have a college project where I have to create a daw system. The audio interface has to have 16 xlr inputs, I'm not entirely sure what I need to do to connect them together? And once I have done that would I be able to just connect them to a computer and record without having any other equipment? This really isn't my area of expertise. Any help would be much appreciated.
+Caitlin McCormick Holy cow -- create a DAW system?? Do you mean a simple block diagram drawing or actual software development? Also, in your question you describe two different products, one being an audio interface [16 XLR inputs (A/D hardware) ] and a DAW [computer recording program (software)]. Are you able to be more specific in the project requirements?
Side note: I'm not sure what university you're attending but this sounds like a really cool project! Even if I am able to help, it's largely possible you'll gain more benefit from collaborating with your classmates than with me -- my best friends at The Conservatory helped each other thru school & then quite some time after. In the music business it is crucial to form alliances with good people & work together..... Otherwise we're sitting on a street corner somewhere begging for nickels ;)
+Lansky Sound It would just be a simple block diagram, but I need an equipment list by Friday and I'm at a total loss for an interface. The project is basically just a report made up of the diagram, an equipment list and so on. It doesn't have to be overly complicated I don't think. The PC can just be something from a shelf, but the audio interface must be able to record 16 channels (xlr mic inputs) of audio at once. I can't find any that are 16 or over with a simple usb connection, which leads me to firewire. I'll be using pro tools as the software (every interface I have found that has 16 channels isn't compatible with pro tools) but I have no idea how to "daisy chain" two of these together. I think I may have just over complicated the question haha. My classmates aren't proving much help either on this one. Half are like me and still looking for an interface while the other half don't want to be "copied". I hope all that makes sense.
Check out the Antelope Zen Studio. This is a 24-channel USB interface with 12 onboard preamps, 8 line inputs via DB25, & 4 digital inputs via ADAT. I just bought one & am enjoying it so far! I hope this helps
+Caitlin McCormick Well, you have many options if you could use mixing consoles... Presonus StudioLive 16.x.2, Behringer X32 Producer, or even an Yamaha 01v96i can give you that 16ch recording.... they're all +16ch, preamps and ad/da interface (USB or Firewire)
What are the benefits to having the Octopre mkII over just another daisy-chained audio interface? Right now it's cheaper to buy another Saffire Pro 40 than buy the octopre mkII
No benefits unless you have the dynamic OctoPre which has on board compressor on the channels. Otherwise, save yourself money, get the Saffire Pro 40 and use as standalone pres via ADAT.
Can you hook up a sapphire pro 40 to the sapphire 56 via ADAT so you have 8 more in and out or is there a reason why you suggested the Octo pre, thanks
Hi Dan! I am inclined to say YES. I believe this could be accomplished by changing the ADAT OUT settings to reflect ANALOG INPUTS via MixControl. Once this is set, the computer & interface could be powered down & disconnected. The ADAT assignments you make in MixControl should stay set when the Pro 40 is powered on without being connected to a computer. Then, the analog inputs will be routed to the ADAT output jack.
You'll also have to set the Pro 40 to receive clock from the Saffire 56 before attempting the connection, otherwise you'll get a jittery signal
Please give it a shot & let me know if it works! Good luck :D
I need help please, i'm using ableton live 8 for a live performance and i want to send the click in outputs 3&4, i have already set up inside the program(ableton) but i don't know how to make it sound in the 3 and 4 output inside the saffire mix controller, please help me!!!!!!! help!!!!!!!!
***** Today I posted a new video that addresses this question. After connecting your output cables to Pro 40 OUTPUT 3/4, you should look at the MixControl software. There are TWO places to make changes in MixControl... In the bottom-right corner is a set of eight squares with numbers 1-10 in them. About halfway up the panel on the left side you will see "Line Output 3" & "Line Output 4". Here's the secret:
Hold the SHIFT key & click on boxes 3 & 4 until they are GREY IN COLOR. This will set the output volume to nominal/line level so that any volume changes you set in Ableton will be reflected by the physical hardware outputs on your interface.
On the "Line Output" boxes of MixControl, make sure that "DAW 3" is selected to route to Line Output 3 & "DAW 4" is selected for Line Output 4. This is accomplished by clicking on the box & scrolling to "DAW 3", etc..
This should do the trick! Post some of your music, dude! I would love to hear what you're working on :)
Ho thanks, thanks a lot really, you took me out from the sand i was stuck :) of course this is my sound cloud page, i've just record my first album it would be great if you can hear it and tell me what you think.
soundcloud.com/m-ond
***** You're welcome! I'm very happy I helped. Listening to your work right now. Great music -- I love hearing different languages. My Soundcloud is following yours now :) Keep in touch
I know this is old but i was wondering if you could help me out, we are using this same interface and whenever we record the playback through the headphones is digital/phasing, but its only live playback, its not like that when you play back what you recorded. any ideas?
+WhatTheTech The first thing I would check is your I/O on the MixControl. It's possible you have multiple signals (input &/or output) routed to the outputs & they're blending in a phasey mess.
Another possibility is that you could accidentally be rerecording certain aspects of the audio & the analog-to-digital conversion is creating a delay resulting in phase.
Bottom line in either case (should either one be accurate) is there are probably multiple signals merging together. You may also want to check your DAW & make sure you don't have any aux inputs active that are looping audio from somewhere else. I hope this helps! Let me know what you find.
Thanks!!! worked
I can't get fw active I'm going Krazy help please
fantazma familia unida el mundo es un 13 Have you tried a different FW cable or device with the same computer? Mac or PC?
Hello how are you? My name is Wendel'm from Brazil and I would like your help, I'm interested in buying a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 interface. Do you think buying a Focurite Scarlett 18i20 is necessary to also buy a Focusrite OctoPre mkii?
Hey Wendel! The answer to your question is about how many inputs you think you need. The 18i20 only has 8 analog mic/line inputs for recording. If you buy both the 18i20 & OctoPre (plus ADAT cable) you can have *16* analog inputs. What kind of music or sounds are you recording? Do you think you may need more than 8 microphones? If so... then get both! If 8 mics is enough, then all you need is the 18i20. I hope this helps.
Rock on!
Thanks!
What's the difference between the focusrite 18i20
robdig1919 Here is a quick comparison for ya:
18i20 = USB device
PRO 40 = Firewire 400/800/Thunderbolt
That's it :) Internals & functionality are identical.
whats the case that you're keeping it in called?
The particular case you are looking at is the Musician's Gear Rack Flight Case: www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/musicians-gear-rack-flight-case
Since making this video, I have invested in two Gator G-Shock Racks: www.gatorcases.com/p/29110-1285/g-shock-4l
Both do the job but I prefer the Gator G-Shock because I am constantly moving my devices from venue to venue & I need the extra protection. The Musician's Gear cases are excellent if your equipment tends to stay in one place!
Mate! What's the case you use for your gears?
+Andrew K. Legato In this video, you are looking at inexpensive "Musician's Gear" cases. At this point, I have upgraded to Gator Cases G-Shock series for best protection.
Cool mate! I use the 10U. Easy to carry around. You are making great videos btw. The way you think is about 99% like I do.
Great minds run in the same gutter, they say haha. Thanks a lot! Let me know if there is ever a specific topic you're curious about & I may be able to make a new vid about it
👍👍
does it work with PC ?
Focusrite products have Windows drivers. Just have to research which version of Windows they support.
can u monitor with free latancy using protools???
+Pablo Candia Yes. The latency-free monitoring is performed with the MixControl software. It's SWEET!
if they want a mix to take home i just give them a mono mix..they don't need stereo lol