Cheapest ADAT Interface? Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Install

Hey guys! I've been testing around with old interfaces and I came across this old Focusrite that is strictly firewire and ADAT. With the proper setup, you can still use these interfaces if you don't have firewire, you just have to make sure its configured at the same sample rate that you're currently using.
being honest, the preamps are dark and don't sound great. They have an old sound to them, but with a bit of EQ and compression is not so noticeable, and on some sources can actually sound good. One of the main reasons I kept it around instead of sending it back. From what I can see, this is one of the cheapest 8 input 8 output interfaces out there, so if you're looking to get some really cheap ADAT IO, this is an ok place to start.

[@user-bv7ww4wr3n]

I have the Saffire Pro 40. Still working like a Tank on my MacPro.
It sounds great. Preamps are fine, but I normally use external mic pres. This unit is slaved to my other two interfaces giving me a total of 24 analog inputs.

[@zaboomafoo1984]

I have an Audient ID14 with adat.. its necessary to plug the focusrite on my computer? or its standalone with Adat? (Excuseme for my english)

[@paulthesimple7483]

You can do standalone with ADAT , but you need to configure the focusrite to proper settings first (sample rate and clock )

[@franco76r]

@@paulthesimple7483 how do u do that with a mac? im running an m2 and have an audient id14

[@iamdoesntmatter1709]

Do I need to connect the Pro 40 via ADAT in- and output to work as a slave for just the inputs? I was thinking of connecting it to an UA Thunderbolt Interface, which only got an ADAT input

[@paulthesimple7483]

I believe you could just use the inputs if thats all you need, as long as the slave and master devices are properly configured it should work!

[@iamdoesntmatter1709]

thanks for your help! @@paulthesimple7483

[@kewlco333]

dude did you have to setup with the software drivers for the Saffire 40 before using the ADAT?

[@paulthesimple7483]

Yes, the person I purchased the unit from showed me a photo of them connecting to unit to a Firewire equipped computer and using the software provided by Focusrite to make sure the settings are proper.

[@jaydeebishop2345]

Cool I'll do just that.

[@Ilikethatmusic_typebeats]

@@paulthesimple7483hey do you have a video on how to sent up the software correctly? I’m using Clarett + 8pre as my master but soon I stack multiple inserts on a track I get a feed back from the Pro 40. I don’t get any feed back from the Clarett..

[@sendjamin]

Yoo, could i use this as my interface in 2024? Or would it be a hassle? It would be my first interface

[@paulthesimple7483]

I would say don’t use this as a main interface, it would sound muddier than using like a TASCAM 16x08 which is a 200$ USB interface . I mostly recommend this interface cause of ADAT functionality which a lot of small interfaces have nowadays to expand to more ins and outs :)

[@sendjamin]

@@paulthesimple7483 forsuree, keep in mind I’m from chile and you either find really inexpensive things or really expensive things in the used market, and there really isn’t many options compared to the US, and also keep in mind i found one for $103 USD (100.000 chilean pesos)