Winter NAMM 2007 saw the unveiling of Focusrite‘s fourth Saffire solution, Saffire PRO 10 i/o.
Featuring the same preamps and converters as its larger sibling, Focusrite’s latest Saffire solution once again delivers a level of performance never before seen in its price bracket. Saffire PRO 10 i/o features the same highly integrated i/o and monitoring control software, SaffireControl PRO, and can allow for larger recording solutions via the option to aggregate multiple units, all controlled via the same control platform.
Housed within a 19″ rack-mount case with detachable rack ears, Saffire Pro 10i/o combines eight channels of Focusrite pre-amplification with eight balanced line outputs and stereo SPDIF i/o. The pre-amps featured in Saffire PRO 10 i/o are a derivative of the award-winning Green Series. As with all Saffire solutions, the unit can be either bus-powered or powered via an external PSU. The unit has also been designed to take full advantage of the external PSU and to maximize performance when powered in this way.
SaffireControl PRO delivers a control application that avoids any annoying dropdown menus and provides comprehensive custom mix solutions. It also offers quick-select ‘tracking’ and ‘playback’ solutions, as well as both the float and shrink/expand facilities found in the original.
Saffire Pro 10 i/o also features MIDI I/O alongside a host of additional processing features, including high pass filters on every channel and two channels with DI and assignable insert points. The front fascia also boasts two independent headphones outputs with volume control, again customizable within SaffireControl PRO.
In addition to the control software, Saffire Pro 10i/o comes bundled with the same acclaimed Compression, Reverb, Amp Modeling and EQ VST/AU plug-ins for use in the mix.
Saffire PRO 10 i/o will be available in available in the UK from Feb 2007, and will retail at £379 inc. VAT