Focusrite Saffire Pro 10 I/O Guide, Saffire Pro 10 I/O User Manual
1
Contents
I
ntroduction to Saffire PRO 10 i/o........................................................................................ 2
Getting connected and setting up the hardware/software ................................................. 3
Front Panel Features .......................................................................................................... 4
R
ear Panel Features ........................................................................................................... 5
SaffireControl PRO software Features .............................................................................. 6
Recording analogue signals with Saffire PRO10 i/o ............................................................ 7
• Microphone recording .................................................................................................. 7
• Line-level recording ..................................................................................................... 7
• Instrument recording ................................................................................................... 8
• Recording stereo pairs ................................................................................................. 8
Recording digitally with Saffire PRO ................................................................................... 8
• Recording via S/PDIF Input .......................................................................................... 8
Output settings/Monitoring options .................................................................................... 9
• Analogue output settings ............................................................................................. 9
• Additional options on Outputs 3-10 ........................................................................... 10
• Creating an Input Mix ................................................................................................. 11
• Setting up a Headphones Mix .................................................................................... 12
• S/CARD and TRACK modes ........................................................................................ 12
• AC3 Thru mode .......................................................................................................... 12
• Linking Output controls – CTRL LINK ........................................................................ 13
• DIM and Active Monitor Pad switches ........................................................................ 13
Setting different sample rates .......................................................................................... 14
Synchronising Saffire PRO 10 i/o....................................................................................... 15
Saving/Recalling settings ................................................................................................. 16
Changing the SaffireControl PRO GUI window – FLOAT and SHRINK ................................ 17
Using MIDI ........................................................................................................................ 17
Controlling multiple Saffire PROs with SaffireControl PRO ............................................. 18
Ho
w t
o use multipl
e units with a PC ................................................................................. 19
St
andalone Mode
..............................................................................................................
21
Saffire PRO LED States ..................................................................................................... 22
Ses
sion Pr
esets ................................................................................................................ 23
T
r
oubl
eshooting ................................................................................................................ 24
Specifications ................................................................................................................... 25
Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
2
Introduction to Saffire PRO
T
hankyou for purchasing Saffire PRO, Focusrite’s professional multi-channel Firewire interface. This Guide provides a detailed
explanation of both the hardware and accompanying control software, to help you achieve a thorough understanding of
the product’s operational features. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult the
T
roubleshooting at the end of the Manual or the online information at www.focusrite.com/answerbase, which contains all technical
support queries regarding the product to date.
B
asics
The Saffire PRO hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, line-level signals and/or instrument-level
s
ignals to the computer, as well as supplying playback audio directly to an amp, headphones or powered speakers. There are also
digital audio options (S/PDIF), plus connectors for sending and receiving MIDI. Additionally, the hardware can function in standalone
mode (powered by external PSU) for tracking or mixing without using a computer.
The accompanying software application, SaffireControl PRO, provides further recording and monitoring options, as well as the ability
to control global hardware settings such as sample rate and synchronisation. In terms of audio path, the SaffireControl PRO
s
oftware sits between the interface and the sequencer, allowing control over what signals are sent from the sequencer to each
output (e.g. the sequencer tracks route through SaffireControl PRO not directly to the hardware). Input recording levels are not set
in SaffireControl PRO, however, as the incoming signals pass directly to the sequencer. The input levels in SaffireControl PRO are
for monitoring purposes only.
SaffireControl PRO is a generic software application for controlling both the Saffire PRO 26 and 10 interfaces. As such, some
controls are not available when connected to a PRO 10, despite being visible. These controls (mostly relating to ADATs and word
clock) are greyed out and cannot be selected.
3
Getting connected and setting up
the hardware/software
Before Saffire PRO can be used, the accompanying SaffireControl PRO software must be installed. This is done by inserting the
Resources disk and running the Saffire PRO Installer for either Mac or PC. Once installed, the SaffireControl PRO icon will appear
i
n your Program (PC) or Application (Mac) list, from where it can be launched.
Before launching SaffireControl PRO, connect your hardware to the computer using the supplied Firewire cable (please note that the
S
affire Pro does support hot plugging, however we advise you to connect you Saffire Pro to a MacOSX computer prior to turning on
the Mac). Either of the Saffire PRO’s two Firewire ports can be used, leaving one free to connect additional Saffire PROs or other
Firewire devices such as hard disks to the computer.
At this stage, you may wish to connect your Monitors to the Saffire PRO’s analogue outputs. Outputs 1 and 2 are the Main Monitor
outputs (left and right). Alternatively/In addition, you can connect Headphones to either of the headphones outputs on the right side
o
f the front panel. Headphones Outputs 1 and 2 receive the same signal as that sent to Outputs 5/6 and 7/8 respectively (as
indicated by the Headphones icons in the output section on the right side of the SaffireControl PRO GUI.) Please make sure that
your monitors are turned OFF when connecting to Saffire.
Although SaffireControl PRO’s default setting will enable all inputs to be heard, make sure that the crossfader for the relevant
output pair is sufficiently over to the left if you wish to listen to the sources being recorded. If you are still not hearing the relevant
input, the fader for that input may not be high enough in the Input Mix section (check the ‘Creating an Input Mix’ section for details).
However, if attempting to monitor a main mix playback from the sequencer (any audio routed to outputs 1 and 2), you will need to
make sure that Saffire PRO has been set up as the input/output audio device within that sequencer, then ensure that the
corresponding output (whatever your speakers or headphones are connected to) has 1/2 selected as its S/W track within the output
section of the SaffireControl PRO software (always the case for the Main Monitors/Outputs 1/2). Also the relevant crossfader must
be set to monitor the S/W playback (set middle or right) as shown in the diagram below. Read the relevant monitoring sections of
this User Guide for details.
The colour of the power LED will change depending on whether or not the external power supply is connected. Whilst using
the PSU, the LED
will be gr
een. Whilst powering the unit via a firewire bus, the LED will be red.
On Outputs 3-8, ther
e is the option of
r
outing Playback (S/W) tr
acks 1/2 or the
corresponding tracks (in this case 5/6)
fr
om the sequencer to the output. (5/6
r
elat
es t
o Saffire PRO Outputs 5/6 within
the sequencer.)
Controls for Outputs
1 and 2
Controls for Outputs
3 and 4 and
Headphones 1
(same signal)
Crossfader must be in a central
position for Inputs and Playback
tracks to be heard. If this is set
totally right, only Playback (S/W)
tracks 1/2 will be heard
Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
4
Front Panel Features
The front panel features level controls for all 8 analogue inputs (inserted at rear or on front panel), as well as a level control
for the Monitors (signal sent to Outputs 1 and 2) and both Headphones. In addition, on the front panel there are 8 1/4” TRS
(
balanced) jack inputs for recording line-level signals (Inputs 1-8). These automatically override the XLR inputs on the rear panel if
both sets are connected. If you wish to record a guitar, inputs 1 and 2 can be used to route a signal directly from the instrument (DI)
to the sequencer. Instrument select buttons are included for these inputs to allow matching of gain and impedance.
1. 8 1/4” jack line/instrument inputs
2. Instrument select button
3. Overload LED
4. Input gain control
5. Monitor level control
6. Headphones level controls
7. Monitor mute button/Standalone button 1
8. Monitor dim button/Standalone button 2
9. Phantom power switch for Inputs 1-4
10. Phantom power switch for Inputs 5-8
1
2
3
4 5 6
7
89
10
Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
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Rear Panel Features
The rear panel has 8 XLR Inputs for recording signals from microphones (mic inputs 1-8), as well as 8 1/4” TRS (balanced) jack
a
nalogue outputs 1-8. There are also two coaxial connectors for S/PDIF In and Out, which relate to Saffire PRO inputs/outputs 9 and
10. Two standard 5-pin MIDI sockets allowing MIDI data to be received and transmitted.
A
3-pin locking power socket allows the provided power supply to be connected, should Firewire-bus power not be preferred (if
preserving computer battery or using the hardware in standalone mode without a computer, or if wishing to use the extra headroom
feature). Finally, two Firewire ports are provided for interfacing with the computer and daisy-chaining multiple units.
1. Power connector for external PSU
2. S/PDIF (coaxial) In and Out
3. MIDI In and Out
4. Analogue Outputs 1-8 (TRS jack)
5. Mic Inputs 1-8 (XLR)
6. Firewire ports
1
2
3
4
5
6
Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
66
SaffireControl PRO Features
T
he SaffireControl PRO software allows comprehensive control of the type and level of signal routed to Saffire PRO Outputs 1-10,
including the ability to set individual levels of all Inputs 1-8. In addition, software controls allow setting of the sample rate,
synchronisation, and the size and function of the GUI window. Preset buttons are also provided to change the overall hardware
f
unction. The latest version of SaffireControl PRO’s software is always available at www.focusrite.com
Some controls on the software are greyed out and cannot be selected (mostly relating to ADATs and word clock). This is because
SaffireControl PRO is a generic application for controlling both the PRO 26 and PRO 10 interfaces and the PRO 10 has less
connectivity.
1. Input mix group fader select switches; choose the signals to be controlled by the eight faders alongside
(Analogue/SPDIF Input(s)) for creating an Input Mix
2. Input mix level control ; sets the fader which controls the input level
3. Input mix pan dial; controls the position of the signal in the stereo field
4. Stereo link switch; links levels of Inputs either side of the switch (and auto-pans hard left and right)
5. Input/Playback Balance crossfader; sets the balance of the Input Mix and tracks playing back from the sequencer for one
pair of analogue outputs
6. Stereo output gain dial
7. Dim switch; sets a digital cut of 18dB
8. Hardware control switch (makes the dial follow the Monitor dial on the hardware, allowing hardware control over output levels)
9. Active Monitor pad switch; reduces the analogue output level by 18dB
10. Solo output switch; solos the output
11. Mute output switch; mutes the output
12. Playback (S/W) 1/2 or 3/4 to Outputs 3/4 switch; allows a main mix to be sent to outputs 3 and 4
13. Select Unit switch; selects which Saffire PRO will be controlled when multiple interfaces are in use
14. Digital Input Enable switches; activate the corresponding digital inputs
15. Identify Unit switch; identifies the SaffireControl currently being controlled (power LED on active hardware will rapidly flash)
16. Select Sync Source; selects the source to which Saffire PRO is to be synchronised - only INT and SPDIF are available here
17. Select sample rate switches; set the sample rate
18. Enable MIDI Thru switch; converts the MIDI Out port to a MIDI Thru
19. Allow AC3 pass through switch; allows the S/PDIF Out to transmit an AC3 or DTS signal directly from DVD playing software
to a home surround setup. Note: With AC3 pass through active, software input mixing is disabled
20. Shrink mode switch; shrinks the software window to a smaller size
21. Link Output level controls switch; links the controls for Outputs 1-8
22. Soundcard/Track mode switches; preset buttons allowing instant recording and mixdown modes
23. Load/Save switches; allow recalling and saving of software settings
24. Float window mode switch; floats the software window permanently over other software
25. H/room switch; uses PSU to create extra headroom for analogue Inputs
26. Insert 1 and 2 switches; convert Inputs 5 and 6 into Inserts for Inputs 1 and 2, respectively
27. Solo and Mute switches; solo and mute the correlative input channel signal
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1617
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
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Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
7
Recording analogue signals with
Saffire PRO
Saffire PRO can be used to record up to 8 analogue signals and 2 digital signals simultaneously. These analogue signals can be any
combination of microphone or line-level sources. Instrument-level sources, can also be directly connected on Input channels 1 and 2.
Microphone recording
To record a microphone signal, connect a microphone to one of the rear panel XLR Inputs, ensuring that nothing is plugged into
the corresponding Line Input on the front panel (as this will override the XLR Input). If using a condenser mic or any other mic that
r
equires phantom power then two switches on the front of the hardware can be used to apply it to that XLR input, as follows:
Don’t worry if you’re using a dynamic mic on an input within that group that doesn’t need phantom power, as it will not affect the
signal. However, be aware that if using a ribbon mic, phantom power must
not be used as the 48V will damage the microphone.
Check the microphone’s manual if unsure about phantom powering. Once connected, the microphone gain can be set by turning the
corresponding gain pot on Saffire PRO’s front panel. Turn the dial clockwise to increase the input gain, ensuring that the Overload
LED does not light.
If using Input 1, this will show up as Saffire PRO Input 1 within the sequencer and you can now begin recording.
Line-level recording
To record a line-level signal, simply insert a balanced 1/4” jack into one of the front panel inputs, making sure that you are not
alr
eady using that input t
o r
ec
ord a microphone; (these front panel inputs will override the rear panel XLRs.) Once an input source
is c
onnected, the gain c
an be set with the c
orr
esponding dial on the front panel.
If using Input 3, this will sho
w up as Saffir
e PRO Input 3 within the sequenc
er and y
ou can now begin recording.
Switch activates Phantom
Power for Inputs 5-8
Switch activates Phantom
P
ower for Inputs 1-4
Saffire PRO 10 i/o
User Guide
8
Instrument recording
To DI an Instrument, simply connect e.g. a guitar directly to Line Input 1 or 2 on the front panel, making sure that you are not
already using that input to record a microphone. (These front panel inputs will override the rear panel XLRs.) The corresponding
I
nstrument button for that input must then be engaged on the front panel, in order for the gain and impedance to be correctly
calibrated. Once an input source is connected, the gain can be set with the corresponding dial on the front panel.
I
f using Input 2, this will show up as Saffire PRO Input 2 within the sequencer and you can now begin recording.
Recording stereo pairs
I
f you wish to record a stereo pair of microphones, the gain of each must be set identically on the front panel. Be aware that the
stereo link buttons within SaffireControl PRO only link the levels and set the panning for the Monitor Input Mix, not for the Input
channels record path, because this routes directly to the sequencer.
Recording digitally with Saffire PRO
Saffire PRO’s digital inputs (9+10) can be used simultaneously with the analogue inputs to record 2 additional channels of
audio to the sequencer. The digital inputs must be activated using the enable switches in the SYNC section of the SaffireControl PRO
software, otherwise no signal will appear for monitoring or recording.
Recording S/PDIF
To record a S/PDIF signal, connect a coaxial cable to the S/PDIF IN on the rear panel. This will show up as Saffire PRO Inputs 9 and
10 in the sequencer. Once connected, the ENABLE switch alongside S/PDIF in the SaffireControl PRO software SYNC section must
be activated, as follows:
When connecting to a S/PDIF device it is advisable to synchronise Saffire PRO to the incoming S/PDIF signal to maximise audio
quality and pr
e
vent glitches, as shown above.
Recording analogue signals with Saffire PRO - Continued
Click to activate the
S/PDIF Input
Click to choose
S/PDIF as the sync
source
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