ANOTHER GEM FROM FOCUSRITE
By Graeme Hague
23 May 2014
Let’s hope Focusrite doesn’t cause too much head-scratching by telling users the new Saffire Pro 26 connects “seamlessly” to any Thunderbolt port – via a Firewire to Thunderbolt adapter that isn’t included in the box. Back to the shop you go… Otherwise the feature of working happily with both protocols is a good, future-proofing the Saffire Pro 26 against the vagaries of computer manufacturers chopping or changing preferred connections (they wouldn’t do that, would they?). It’s a Firewire 800 connection (yes, you do get a cable) so either way – and not necessarily using an Apple machine – you’re getting a heap of bandwidth. The Saffire Pro 26 offers an 18-in and 8-out matrix via ADAT, SPDIF and analogue connectors of which only four are fitted with Focusrite preamps. Saffire PRO 26 ships with a decent software bundle. Included is Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite’s professional Midnight and Scarlett plug-in suites, Novation BassStation virtual synthesiser and 1GB of Loopmasters sample content. You also get Saffire Mix Control which gives you onscreen, comprehensive signal routing for your DAW. Full info at www.focusrite.com and you can sign up to be told when the Saffire Pro 26 is available.
Australian Distributor: Electric Factory (ELFA) 03 9474 1000 or www.elfa.com.au
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