Focusrite Announces NEW Saffire PRO 26 Thunderbolt/Firewire Interface

Focusrite Saffire PRO 26

Record at 24-bit/96kHz with four Focusrite preamps, 18 in/8 out, using FireWire or Thunderbolt™*

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(Due in-stock, May 2014)

Today, Focusrite announces Saffire PRO 26 - the latest addition to their award-winning Saffire PRO range of FireWire/Thunderbolt™ compatible* audio interfaces. Building on four decades of audio excellence, Focusrite's Saffire PRO 26 boasts the same high-quality audio design as the hugely popular Saffire range of interfaces in a portable, desktop-sized chassis.

Designed with both studio recording and live musicians in mind, Saffire PRO 26 features a comprehensive selection of professional analogue and digital I/O options. A total of 18 inputs and eight outputs includes four preamps, two instrument inputs, two headphone outputs, six line outputs and ADAT & S/PDIF connectivity. This extensive feature set allows you to expand and augment your recording or live setups, ensuring you get the most out of your interface.

Like all Saffire interfaces, Saffire PRO 26 connects seamlessly to a Thunderbolt port via a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor (not included) or directly to a FireWire 800 port with the cable provided. Its dual-protocol compatibility (Firewire and Thunderbolt) means it will work seamlessly for years to come with the next generation of computers.

At the heart of Saffire PRO 26 lies its impeccable sonic integrity. The four award-winning Focusrite preamps allow unparalleled recording flexibility and ensure low noise and distortion with plenty of headroom to capture the full dynamic range of even the loudest drumkit or guitar amp, whilst precision 24-bit/96kHz digital conversion and JetPLL™ jitter-elimination technology maintain pristine audio quality in both analogue and digital domains.

Saffire PRO 26 comes in a sleek yet sturdy chassis that will sit neatly on your desktop or fit easily into a bag for transport. Built to last, Saffire PRO 26 can withstand the harshness of the road, but looks great in your studio too! What's more, thanks to Saffire Mix Control - a control software application that runs on the host computer - Saffire PRO 26 is just as powerful in live situations as it is in the studio. The ultra-low-latency 26x8 DSP mixer/router features flexible output routing and monitoring for custom monitor mixes, as well as intuitive one-click presets to help you set up your session as quickly as possible, whether you're tracking, mixing or monitoring.

Why FireWire when the future is Thunderbolt?

Although Thunderbolt provides some advantages, it's only available on the very latest computers. An audio interface fitted with FireWire can be used on both older computers and Thunderbolt-equipped computers via an inexpensive adaptor. Today, a purely Thunderbolt interface could only be used on a limited number of machines, and thus we believe FireWire offers more flexibility whilst still providing exceptional performance.

The Bits in the Box...

Four Award-winning Focusrite Preamps

Focusrite's unparalleled preamp heritage lies at the heart of Saffire PRO 26, which includes four award-winning preamps, helping to make it the best-sounding interface in its class.

Precision 24-bit/96kHz conversion and pristine analogue audio

Precision A-D / D-A conversion with JetPLL™ jitter reduction technology; pristine digital & analogue audio quality and reliable synchronisation.

Multiple Connectivity Options - FireWire or Thunderbolt*

Like all Saffire interfaces, Saffire PRO 26 will connect to multiple ports on your computer including FireWire and Thunderbolt* ports. Saffire PRO 26 connects seamlessly to a Thunderbolt port via a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor (not included) or directly to a FireWire 800 port with the provided cable.

Keep your USB Buses Free

If you are connecting multiple USB devices to your computer such as external hard drives, mice and keyboards then streaming audio over a separate FireWire or Thunderbolt* port will allow you to keep your USB ports free and reduce the possibility of interference with other devices.

Comprehensive I/O - 18 inputs and 8 outputs

A host of I/O options is provided, including four mic/line pres, two of which have high-impedance instrument capability and 8dB pads, plus two additional TRS inputs; two independently-controlled headphone outputs, six TRS line outputs and a 'loopback' facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire MixControl

Expand your interface with up to eight extra analogue input

ADAT optical input allows extensive input expansion of your interface - expand Saffire PRO 26 with up to eight additional preamps or line inputs. Pair Saffire PRO 26 with Focusrite's OctoPre MkII eight-channel preamp and instantly transform your interface into a 12 preamp unit.

FireWire Bus-powered

Connect directly to your FireWire port for bus power, extremely useful for live or mobile recording applications.

Dual headphone outputs - multiple monitor mixes

Give multiple artists independent, fully customised monitor mixes - two with independent headphone sockets and front-panel level controls.

5-Segment LED metering

Use the six front-panel LED meters to accurately monitor input levels when recording.

Solid build quality in a portable chassis

Saffire PRO 26 can sit neatly on your desktop, or will easily fit into a bag for mobile recording or live performance usage.

Comprehensive Software Bundle

Included is a free DAW in the form of Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite's professional Midnight and Scarlett plug-in suites, Novation BassStation virtual synthesiser and 1GB of Loopmasters sample content.

*Thunderbolt™ Compatible - In common with all Focusrite Saffire interfaces, Saffire PRO 26 is compatible with Thunderbolt ports via the use of a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor (not included). An external power supply is recommended for use in Thunderbolt applications, particularly when using phantom power.

Native Instruments Maschine Price-Drop - Limited Time Only!

Today sees a big price drop in Native Instruments Maschine controllers with discounts of up to £170 on the flagship Maschine Studio models. The offer is on until the end of May, at which point prices will go back up. Here are the savings you can get your teeth into...

Maschine Mikro £279 £249 £30 off

Maschine MK2 £489 £399 £90 off

Maschine Studio £829 £659 £170 off

The savings are carried across both black and white models, so get your order in now before stock runs dry. 12-months interest-free finance is also available on Maschine MK2 & Maschine Studio equating to as little as £29.93p/m! Click here for more info on finance.

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And with that you can see why Native Instruments' slogan is 'The Future of Sound' as it breaks down the barrier between a human and a computer in the live realm - letting natural improvisation and feel run wild.

Every Maschine model comes complete with the latest Maschine 2.0 software loaded with an 8GB library of production-ready sounds. Create your own drums with sonically-outstanding drum synths – a broad sweet spot makes it super-easy to dial in just the sound you’re looking for. 24 pro-quality studio effects directly from the hardware. Plus you get full versions of MASSIVE, PRISM, SCARBEE MARK I, and the SOLID BUS COMP. Instant, professional sound in a one-stop package.