Focusrite Liquid Saffire56 Multi Channel
Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s new flagship 2U multi-channel firewire audio interface. Liquid technology combines with Saffire PRO Firewire interfacing to deliver a host of authentic preamp flavours, seamless software integration, excellent routing flexibility and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability.
In addition to six of Focusrite's legendary mic pre's, two of Liquid Saffire 56’s preamps uses the third generation Focusrite’s Liquid Pre amp, 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, whilst quality digital conversion and JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio flows between the analogue and digital domains.
Alongside the two Liquid and six Saffire preamps are a host of I/O options; 10 analogue outputs, 16 channels of ADAT I/O, stereo S/PDIF, MIDI and two virtual ‘loopback’ inputs for routing digital audio between software applications — ideal for capturing audio playback within your computer. Mic, Line and Instrument inputs all use 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 I/O 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 sync system.
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 when booting up or shutting down the unit.
Features:
Two Liquid Preamps
The marriage of a hugely flexible analogue 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 Preamps
Six award-winning Saffire preamps complement two Liquid preamps. All eight 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 synchronisation are guaranteed.
Total I/O Count of 28 Inputs and 28 Outputs
A host of I/O options are provided*, including a unique 'loopback' facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire MixControl.
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 customised 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 MixControl provides an 18 x 16 DSP mixer with excellent output routing and monitoring capabilities.
Front panel five-step 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.
Specification:
MIDI I/O
Microphone Inputs
¶ Dynamic Range
¶ SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
¶ Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
¶ THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
¶ Noise: EIN > 125dB (128dB analogue to digital) (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
¶ Maximum level (A-weighted): 8dBu at 1%
Line Inputs
¶ Dynamic Range
¶ SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
¶ Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
¶ THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
¶ Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
¶ Maximum level (A-weighted): 28.5dBu at 1%
Instrument Inputs
¶ Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.1dB
¶ Maximum Input Level min gain no pad +8dBu
¶ Maximum Input Level max gain no pad -42dBu
¶ THD+N, -1dBFS, min gain, no pad < 0.0015%
¶ SNR 109dB "A"
¶ DNR 109dB "A"
¶ Input Impedance > 1MOhm
¶ X-talk < -100dB
¶ Adjustable Gain > 50dB
¶ Pad Attenuation 10dB
Headphone Outputs
¶ Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.1dB
¶ SNR 109dB "A"
¶ DNR 109dB "A"
¶ Maximum Output into 32R +12.4dBu (+10.2dBV)
¶ Power into 32R 250mW
¶ Output Impedance < 7Ohms
¶ Load Impedance > 24Ohms
Line level Outputs
¶ Dynamic Range
¶ SNR (A-weighted): -108dB
¶ THD+N: < 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
¶ Maximum level (A-weighted): 15.7dBu at 0.883%
Additional Conversion Performance
¶ Clock jitter < 250 picoseconds
¶ THD+N AMPL (A-weighted)= -109dBFS
Connectivity
Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-8)
¶ Mic inputs 1-8 on rear XLR’s.
¶ Line inputs 1-8 on rear 1/4” TRS.
¶ 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.
Analogue 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).
¶ 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).
¶ 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 6-pin Firewire sockets
¶ 2 Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and Out
¶ IEC mains power input connector
Weight and Dims
¶ 5kg / 11 Ibs
¶ 480mm / 19" (W) x 90mm / 3.6" (H) x 235mm /9.3" (D)
