Reviews on the new Focusrite Sapphire Firewire interface?

lonemale · Post by **lonemale** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 7:55 am

I'm thinking of buying this but would like any comments from people who have used it?

It seems like a good deal for the price ($560 CDN), but opinions would be welcome....

David · Post by **David** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:06 am

Hello,

I have the Saffire. I like the sound of it when it works, but it stops working too often...it will just cut out and I have to re-install it, its annoying! But, afaik this isnt a common problem so I may just have a dodgy unit. The shop that sold me it know of the problem and are happy for me to take it back in and get checked out.

On the whole it has some nice features and sound for the price. I'm using it under Windows XP SP2.

HTH,

David

drOnic · Post by **drOnic** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:53 pm

I Could say the exact same thing, i thought i was the only one having problems with the Saffire!! Focusrite did a few upgrades of the software which resolved some of the problems i was facing, but others are still present and now they are proposing to exchange the unit. I have to say that Focusrite team was always here to help through emails, and you feel they care about Saffire users unlike many other firms (i could say the same about Abelton)... Besides that the Saffire is a very good soundcard, i like its converters and it preamps, i don t use the plugins, i played many Live using the combination of Saffire and Live (4 and 5).

David · Post by **David** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:12 pm

Interesing to hear someone else has been having some problems with the Saffire. I will check out their website and try and get the update. Hopefully that will sort it.

stegi · Post by **stegi** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:49 pm

I have the saffire too, i don't know your configurations, but i have to say that i never had a problem with my ibook and osX 10.4.3

CWoodOne · Post by **CWoodOne** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 4:06 pm

I tried for two weeks on both a Mac and a PC and wound up returning the unit. Tried a second unit and it was slightly better, but it was a disaster. The SALES team at Focusrite got involved but the technical support team never really helped at all. The reverbs aren't that great either, low power to the headphones, etc make it kind of impractical to use. A good idea, but TERRIBLE implementation. I was very disappointed with it, as disappointed as I've ever been with a piece of audio gear.