review: Focusrite Saffire 6 USB

Most of the regulars here have mixers that look like the cockpit of a 707. This is for simpler setups.

The Focusrite Saffire 6 USB is a midi/anaolgue/digital interface and serves to connect my MIDIBOARD to my Mac and my Mac to the analogue world; in and out. It does so very well. I'm not golden-eared but I heard an audible clarification of the sound over the x-station it replaced and the background noise is inaudible through phones with the volume to 10. I've used it at home where it's unobtrusive and dependable and at gigs where it's unobtrusive and dependable.

I like it a lot.

It's great when gear works out... happy with my VS 100 so far... that looks good too... ;-)

How is the latency? I've been putting this very unit up against the USB2 units available. Can you do 2 audio streams down, 4 back, and MIDI all at once without hiccups?

I'm unsure how to measure latency of the audio card separate from the computer but I run Pianoteq at 128 samples (2.9 ms) and can't hear or 'feel' any undue latency. I've not tried what you ask but have used the audio in & 2 channels out & MIDI to and from a MacBook without problems. (I do get problems sometimes on the computer itself running too many audio programs but I doubt that has anything to do with the Saffire.)

using the headphones, does the audio sounds warm to you?

i'm was told that focusrite has nice british warm sounding pre-amps

Thanks, that has meaning. My intention is to use it with Mobius looping software - so the instrument (not sure if I'll stick with guitar for this, or add synths and a mixer) goes into the interface in stereo, and needs to come back out not only to the mixer, but to the second pair of outs for monitors. The MIDI would be used to not only keep sync between the laptop and another looper, but also as a way to connect a controller to the laptop.

Assuming I have an awesome laptop or am running the barest of minimums in software, I need to keep the latency under 10ms. Ideally under 7ms if possible. I'd also really like to have the signal stay 24 bit in and out - assuming I have read the capabilities right.

For me, it's either this, or a Fast Track Pro Ultra, which is USB 2. I worry USB 1.1 couldn't handle what I want it to do, but everyone seems to sell these small four or six channel interfaces with 1.1 and I don't see many complaints.

I have 2 of these for sale. I'm not sure if I've spammed them here (too busy getting ready for work right now) - but pm me if you're interested. $130 shipped each (to continental us), or $250 for both.

I could be interested, but I need to work out the above to know whether USB 1.1 will handle what I would throw at it.

Droolmaster I sent you a PM

Thought I would follow up quickly with my take on the Saffire 6 USB. Mr. Droolmaster0 was kind enough to send me this faux brick in exchange for credits via Paypal. The transaction, BTW, was amongst the most entertaining I've had on the internet - cheers, Gene!

Alrighty, yeah, color me surprised but this thing handles latency like a champ. You can check your latency by using the "mixer" knob. All the way to the left is the direct signal, all the way to the right is the returned audio (which has made the trip from the Saffire, to the computer, and back into the Saffire). If you put that knob in the middle, you'll be able to tell how much latency there is - if it sounds like a slap-back delay it's really bad; if it flanges, it's not bad but not good either, if you can't really tell too well how far left or right the knob is, then that's good if not awesome.

I'm happy to say the latency on this thing is good if not awesome. Very pleased. And, as Doug alluded, the sound quality is VERY good. This unit is perhaps one of the few I have encountered that is actually worth the price if you had to buy retail.