Back to the main page Back to category Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 Digi
musical instrument details
Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56, Black Lion Audio Modded
Estimated price for orientation: 650 $
Category: Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 Digi
Class:
Description Brand: Focusrite Features: Digital Output, Headphone Output, High Impedance Input, Hybrid Preamp, Phantom Power, Phase Reverse, Rack-Mountable Type: Audio Interface Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom Model: Liquid Saffire 56
About the unit, via Focusrite:
Focusrite’s Saffire range of Firewire audio interfaces highlights the fundamental features that distinguish the sound quality of Focusrite interfaces from other available products in their class: precision analogue/digital conversion quality, a result of careful circuit design, multi-layer board layout and component choices; and Focusrite’s award-winning mic preamps, developed from 30 years of experience in mic pre design and created especially for our interfaces to deliver clean, transparent sound with minimal noise and distortion. Saffire interfaces offer the most effective way to get high-quality audio into and out of your DAW. They’re compatible with any DAW on Macintosh or Windows, and with the included Red 2 and Red 3 AAX plugins, they make a perfect partner for Pro Tools. Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s flagship multichannel FireWire audio interface. Built into a sturdy 2U enclosure, all the controls are placed for easy access on a busy session – and Liquid Saffire 56 can handle the busiest session! Liquid Saffire 56 is ready-made to form the heart of your studio, with the versatility and I/O capability you need.
Eight preamps are included. Six feature Focusrite’s dual-stage design, specially-created for the Focusrite interface range and founded on design experience harking back to 1985, when console legend Rupert Neve was asked by Sir George Martin to design new modules for the AIR Studios console – setting the foundation for thirty years of Focusrite development. The remaining pair of mic preamps features Focusrite’s powerful Liquid emulation technology. This 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. Dual Liquid PreampsIn addition to six of Focusrite's legendary mic pres, two of Liquid Saffire 56’s eight preamps feature third-generation Focusrite’s Liquid Pre amp technology, providing the choice of ten different authentic-sounding preamp emulations. These include emulations based on the Neve 1073, the Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72 and seven other classic designs. A harmonics dial on each Liquid preamp lets you emulate variance in vintage originals of the same model, or use levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th harmonics creatively to shape your sound.
Liquid Saffire 56 doesn’t simply offer preamp variety or an impressive number of channels; sonic integrity is also guaranteed throughout. Both the Liquid and Saffire preamps ensure low noise and distortion with plenty of headroom. At the same time, quality digital conversion – based on careful component choices, effective circuit design and layout of the multi-layer circuit boards combined with JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology – ensure pristine audio quality into and out of your computer system.
Alongside the two Liquid and six Saffire preamps are a host of I/O options. There are ten 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, your interface securely in the rack 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.Every mic 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 five-step LED metering for all inputs, including ADAT and S/PDIF, offers accurate viewing of all levels. Saffire MixControl, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Liquid Saffire 56, features powerful output routing and monitoring. It also provides intuitive one-click set-up options, a clear and concise mixing layout, large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes, and control over the choice of Liquid emulation.Two independent front-panel headphone sockets are provided, each with their own level controls. A dedicated stereo monitor mix output features pads for improved sound quality when connected to active monitor speakers, while an 'anti-thump' circuit protects your monitor speakers from spikes when booting up or shutting down the unit.About the upgrades, via Black Lion Audio:The Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 is an 8 channel AD/DA converter with firewire connectivity. Conversion is based around Cirrus Logic’s CS4272 codec and is capable of 24-bit/192kHz sampling. While the TCAT Dice 2 chipset offers admirable jitter performance, other aspects of the circuitry need help. In our opinion, the existing converter architecture makes it difficult to stack multiple tracks without the need to utilize corrective EQ. The analog path is handled by JRC op-amps, variations of which are found in many prosumer audio designs. Clocking architecture is based on a single asynchronous HC49 crystal in a Pierce Gate configuration. What’s especially appealing is how much of the sonic character of this box can be improved.
Our modification to the Liquid Saffire 56 consists of replacing input and output stage op-amps with the same circuitry that we utilize in our highly acclaimed Signature Series Modifications. The converter decoupling is also configured in the same manner as our Signature Series 002r and 003r, which improves the ability of the system to layer tracks without the typical sense of crowding that’s so often apparent in multi-channel systems.My take:I loved my unit when I bought it. I used it as the conversion in a project studio I ran for two years. When I moved to a larger studio, I decided to invest invest in Black Lion Audio's upgrades before spending more money on a new interface. I was surprised by the difference. S/N ratios were better, and mixing larger sessions sounded clearer. All in all, I still love the product but I just purchased a new interface to take with me on the road for location recording. I can't justify having two interfaces, let alone two and an OctoPre—if you're interested in this, you should also look at the OctoPre I have listed, they're a match made in heaven. I've never seen another one of these for sale, so I guess those who have the mod are still happy with the results. I think you will be, too.
Description
| Brand: | Focusrite | Features: | Digital Output, Headphone Output, High Impedance Input, Hybrid Preamp, Phantom Power, Phase Reverse, Rack-Mountable |
| Type: | Audio Interface | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United Kingdom |
| Model: | Liquid Saffire 56 |
About the unit, via Focusrite:
Focusrite’s Saffire range of Firewire audio interfaces highlights the fundamental features that distinguish the sound quality of Focusrite interfaces from other available products in their class: precision analogue/digital conversion quality, a result of careful circuit design, multi-layer board layout and component choices; and Focusrite’s award-winning mic preamps, developed from 30 years of experience in mic pre design and created especially for our interfaces to deliver clean, transparent sound with minimal noise and distortion. Saffire interfaces offer the most effective way to get high-quality audio into and out of your DAW. They’re compatible with any DAW on Macintosh or Windows, and with the included Red 2 and Red 3 AAX plugins, they make a perfect partner for Pro Tools. Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s flagship multichannel FireWire audio interface. Built into a sturdy 2U enclosure, all the controls are placed for easy access on a busy session – and Liquid Saffire 56 can handle the busiest session! Liquid Saffire 56 is ready-made to form the heart of your studio, with the versatility and I/O capability you need.
Focusrite’s Saffire range of Firewire audio interfaces highlights the fundamental features that distinguish the sound quality of Focusrite interfaces from other available products in their class: precision analogue/digital conversion quality, a result of careful circuit design, multi-layer board layout and component choices; and Focusrite’s award-winning mic preamps, developed from 30 years of experience in mic pre design and created especially for our interfaces to deliver clean, transparent sound with minimal noise and distortion. Saffire interfaces offer the most effective way to get high-quality audio into and out of your DAW. They’re compatible with any DAW on Macintosh or Windows, and with the included Red 2 and Red 3 AAX plugins, they make a perfect partner for Pro Tools. Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s flagship multichannel FireWire audio interface. Built into a sturdy 2U enclosure, all the controls are placed for easy access on a busy session – and Liquid Saffire 56 can handle the busiest session! Liquid Saffire 56 is ready-made to form the heart of your studio, with the versatility and I/O capability you need.
Eight preamps are included. Six feature Focusrite’s dual-stage design, specially-created for the Focusrite interface range and founded on design experience harking back to 1985, when console legend Rupert Neve was asked by Sir George Martin to design new modules for the AIR Studios console – setting the foundation for thirty years of Focusrite development. The remaining pair of mic preamps features Focusrite’s powerful Liquid emulation technology. This 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. Dual Liquid PreampsIn addition to six of Focusrite's legendary mic pres, two of Liquid Saffire 56’s eight preamps feature third-generation Focusrite’s Liquid Pre amp technology, providing the choice of ten different authentic-sounding preamp emulations. These include emulations based on the Neve 1073, the Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72 and seven other classic designs. A harmonics dial on each Liquid preamp lets you emulate variance in vintage originals of the same model, or use levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th harmonics creatively to shape your sound.
Liquid Saffire 56 doesn’t simply offer preamp variety or an impressive number of channels; sonic integrity is also guaranteed throughout. Both the Liquid and Saffire preamps ensure low noise and distortion with plenty of headroom. At the same time, quality digital conversion – based on careful component choices, effective circuit design and layout of the multi-layer circuit boards combined with JetPLL™ jitter elimination technology – ensure pristine audio quality into and out of your computer system.
Alongside the two Liquid and six Saffire preamps are a host of I/O options. There are ten 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, your interface securely in the rack 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.Every mic 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 five-step LED metering for all inputs, including ADAT and S/PDIF, offers accurate viewing of all levels.
Saffire MixControl, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Liquid Saffire 56, features powerful output routing and monitoring. It also provides intuitive one-click set-up options, a clear and concise mixing layout, large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes, and control over the choice of Liquid emulation.
Two independent front-panel headphone sockets are provided, each with their own level controls. A dedicated stereo monitor mix output features pads for improved sound quality when connected to active monitor speakers, while an 'anti-thump' circuit protects your monitor speakers from spikes when booting up or shutting down the unit.About the upgrades, via Black Lion Audio:The Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 is an 8 channel AD/DA converter with firewire connectivity. Conversion is based around Cirrus Logic’s CS4272 codec and is capable of 24-bit/192kHz sampling. While the TCAT Dice 2 chipset offers admirable jitter performance, other aspects of the circuitry need help. In our opinion, the existing converter architecture makes it difficult to stack multiple tracks without the need to utilize corrective EQ. The analog path is handled by JRC op-amps, variations of which are found in many prosumer audio designs. Clocking architecture is based on a single asynchronous HC49 crystal in a Pierce Gate configuration. What’s especially appealing is how much of the sonic character of this box can be improved.
Our modification to the Liquid Saffire 56 consists of replacing input and output stage op-amps with the same circuitry that we utilize in our highly acclaimed Signature Series Modifications. The converter decoupling is also configured in the same manner as our Signature Series 002r and 003r, which improves the ability of the system to layer tracks without the typical sense of crowding that’s so often apparent in multi-channel systems.My take:I loved my unit when I bought it. I used it as the conversion in a project studio I ran for two years. When I moved to a larger studio, I decided to invest invest in Black Lion Audio's upgrades before spending more money on a new interface. I was surprised by the difference. S/N ratios were better, and mixing larger sessions sounded clearer. All in all, I still love the product but I just purchased a new interface to take with me on the road for location recording. I can't justify having two interfaces, let alone two and an OctoPre—if you're interested in this, you should also look at the OctoPre I have listed, they're a match made in heaven. I've never seen another one of these for sale, so I guess those who have the mod are still happy with the results. I think you will be, too.
Our modification to the Liquid Saffire 56 consists of replacing input and output stage op-amps with the same circuitry that we utilize in our highly acclaimed Signature Series Modifications. The converter decoupling is also configured in the same manner as our Signature Series 002r and 003r, which improves the ability of the system to layer tracks without the typical sense of crowding that’s so often apparent in multi-channel systems.My take:I loved my unit when I bought it. I used it as the conversion in a project studio I ran for two years. When I moved to a larger studio, I decided to invest invest in Black Lion Audio's upgrades before spending more money on a new interface. I was surprised by the difference. S/N ratios were better, and mixing larger sessions sounded clearer. All in all, I still love the product but I just purchased a new interface to take with me on the road for location recording. I can't justify having two interfaces, let alone two and an OctoPre—if you're interested in this, you should also look at the OctoPre I have listed, they're a match made in heaven. I've never seen another one of these for sale, so I guess those who have the mod are still happy with the results. I think you will be, too.