Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56

A FireWire interface with authentic preamp emulations, seamless software integration, and excellent routing flexibility.




Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite's flagship 2U
multichannel FireWire audio interface. Liquid technology combines with
Saffire PRO FireWire interfacing to deliver a host of authentic preamp
flavors, seamless software integration, excellent routing flexibility
and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability.

In addition to six
of Focusrite's legendary mic pres, two of Liquid Saffire 56's preamps
use the third generation of Focusrite's Liquid Preamp, providing the
choice of ten different preamp emulations. These include emulations
based on the Neve 1073, the Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72 and seven more. A
harmonics dial on each Liquid preamp lets you account for variance in
vintage originals of the same model, or use levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th
Harmonic distortion creatively to shape your sound.

Liquid
Saffire 56 doesn't just offer preamp variety; sonic integrity is also
guaranteed throughout. Both the Liquid and Saffire preamps ensure low
noise and distortion; while quality digital conversion and JetPLL jitter
elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio
flows between the analog and digital domains.

Alongside the two
Liquid- and six Saffire preamps, are a host of options; 10 analog
outputs, 16 channels of ADAT, stereo SPDIF, MIDI, and 2 virtual loopback
inputs for routing digital audio between software applications - ideal
for capturing audio playback within your computer. Mic, Line and
Instrument inputs all utilize independent connectors, with the input
type for each channel selectable via custom control software.
Consequently, all the inputs can remain permanently connected, ready for
whatever your recording session demands. In addition, word clock is
provided on BNC connectors, allowing Liquid Saffire 56 to act as either a
master clock for your studio, or as a slave to an existing clock. Every
channel features an independent phantom power and a high pass filter,
switchable from the front panel, with the two instrument channels also
featuring -9dB pads for additional headroom. Front panel 5-LED metering
for all inputs, including ADAT and SPDIF, offers accurate viewing of all
levels.

Saffire Mix Control, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP
Mixer/Router software provided with Liquid Saffire 56 features
unparalleled output routing and monitoring. It also provides intuitive
one-click set-up solutions, a clear and concise mixing layout, large
on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and sub mixes and control over
the choice of liquid emulation.

Two independent headphone buses
are provided, each with their own level controls available on the front
panel. A dedicated stereo monitor mix output features pads for improved
sound quality when connected to active monitor speakers. An 'anti-thump'
circuit protects your monitor speakers from spikes during boot-up or
shut down.

Main Features


Two Liquid Pre-amps
The
marriage of a hugely flexible analog front end with cutting-edge
dynamic convolution DSP, each Liquid Preamp lets you choose from ten
different classic preamp emulations, with an eleventh 'flat' option.

Six High Quality Award-winning Focusrite Pre-amps

Six
award-winning Saffire preamps complement two Liquid pre-amps. All eight
preamps demonstrate the same wide bandwidth philosophy behind the early
vintage Focusrite units.

High Quality 24-bit/192kHz FireWire Interface
Professional
digital conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology; pristine
audio quality and reliable synchronization are guaranteed.

Total count of 28 Inputs and 28 outputs
A
host of options are provided*, including a unique loop back facility
for routing audio between software applications via Saffire Mix Control.

Suite of Focusrite VST/AU plug-ins
Upgrade
your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your
session with Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU
plug-ins.

Two separate headphone buses
Two
artists can receive independent and fully customized monitor mixes. Each
output has an independent level control available on the front panel.

Saffire Mix Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router
Routing
flexibility and intuitive one-click setup solutions; Saffire Mix
Control provides an 18 x 16 DSP mixer with excellent output routing and
monitoring capabilities.

Front panel 5-LED metering
LED
metering for each of the analogue, ADAT1, ADAT2 or S/PDIF inputs offers
accurate viewing of levels direct from the front fascia.

The Focusrite Preamp

Focusrite
has, over the past decade, built a reputation as the market leader for
high quality recording equipment, with is mic pre technology as the
cornerstone of that enviable reputation. The original mic pre, as
featured in the early Focusrite Forte console, used rotary-switched gain
controls and high quality audio transformers. This mic pre is still
used by many of the industries greatest producers and is the sound of
countless hit records. Today, Focusrite design equipment for a far
greater audience, from professionals to amateur enthusiasts, all with
varying budgets.

As with the Red and ISA ranges, the mic pre
technology found in the Platinum and Saffire range is designed to the
highest possible standards. They uphold the same wide bandwidth
philosophy featured in the original Forte console, back in 1989. All
Focusrite mic-pres feature custom components, which have undergone an
intense testing and qualification process. With the facts and figures
in, Focusrite designs then have to pass the essential listening stage.
Any design can measure well on the test bench but only a great design
can be qualified in the studio. The FET-based design in the Saffire
range is no exception and ensures the same low noise and distortion
performance as earlier transformer-based designs. It delivers clarity
without coloration and exhibits the signature transparency for which
Focusrite have become famous.

Liquid Pre Technology

The
Liquid Saffire 56 draws on the breakthrough technology deployed in the
revered Liquid Channel and Liquid 4PRE. It uses a 3rd Generation Liquid
preamp as the motor for pres 1 and 2, which as well as a flat setting
include the emulations listed below.

Rather than creating a
similar sound to vintage units, as with modeling devices, Liquid
Technology samples their sonic behavior. This is achieved through
Dynamic Convolution; the application of a unique, level-dependant set of
responses to an audio signal. These measured responses, sampled at
numerous levels and with every possible setting combination, are applied
to the input stream on a sample-by-sample basis for accurate emulation.


**All
of Focusrite's FireWire interfaces are fully compatible with
Thunderbolt using a simple FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter. Focusrite
fully supports the use of Thunderbolt with our FireWire interfaces.




Features

Two Liquid preamps
Six high-quality award-winning Focusrite preamps
high-quality 24-bit/192kHz Firewire interface
Total I/O count of 28 inputs and 28 outputs
Two separate headphone busses
Saffire Mix Control zero-latency DSP mixer/router




Get a versatile FireWire interface that gives you the sound of 10 classic preamps and much more.







Liquid Saffire 56 Specifications:

System Requirements
Windows:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista
CPU/Clock: Athlon 900MHz or higher (1.5 GHz or higher recommended)
Memory (RAM):512 MB (more recommended)
Apple Mac:
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.x or later
CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster or any Intel-based Mac
Memory (RAM): 512 MB (more recommended)
Performance Specifications:
Microphone Inputs:
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Noise: EIN > 125dB (128dB analog to digital) (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Line Inputs:
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Instrument Inputs:
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Instrument Inputs:
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz band-pass filter)
Conversion performance:
Dynamic Range = 110dB (A-weighted)
Clock jitter < 250 picoseconds
THD+N AMPL = -109dBFS A-weighted
Front and Rear Connectivity:
Analog channel inputs (inputs 1-8)
XLR Mic inputs 1-8 on rear panel
1/4" TRS line inputs 1-8 on rear panel
Instrument inputs on channels 3 and 4 (separate front-panel 1/4" TRS).
Notes:
Individual switchable high-pass filter on all inputs.
Phase switch on inputs 3, 5 and 7.
Input pad on inputs 3 and 4 = -10dB.
Analog Outputs:
Line level 10 x 1/4" TRS Jack
Notes:
Outputs Monitor 1 and 2 have anti-thump protection circuitry.
Digital I/O:
SPDIF input and output (RCA phono) on rear panel, (24-bit, 44.1 - 192kHz), output transformer isolated.
Optional
AES output mode with professional channel status and voltage levels on
SPDIF output (isolated and balanced). [Currently not implemented, a
future update will include this feature].
2 x ADAT in/out 16 channels (44.1/48kHz), 8 channels S-MUX (88.2/96kHz),
4 channels S-MUXII (176.4/192kHz)
ADAT input and output 2 can be re-configured to be optical SPDIF input/output via control panel.
BNC Word clock input and output (75 ohms)
MIDI I/O:
1 in/1 out (16 channels) on rear panel
Headphone Monitoring:
2 x 1/4" TRS jack on front panel (mirrors outputs 7-8 and 9-10).
NOTE: These are high-power headphone drivers.
Other I/O:
2 x 6-pin FireWire sockets
2 standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and out
IEC mains power input connector
Weight: 5kg/11 Ib.
Dimensions: 350mm / 13.8" (W) x 90mm / 3.6" (H) x 235mm /9.3" (D)








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