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Average Price: $38

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$501+

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Description

Elevate your home studio with the Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio/MIDI Interface, a versatile and cost-effective solution for musicians seeking professional-grade audio quality. This compact yet powerful interface features six inputs and eight outputs, including stereo digital I/O, making it perfect for those who need flexibility in their recording and monitoring setups. With its 24-bit/96kHz processing, the Saffire LE ensures pristine audio capture and playback, allowing you to focus on creating without worrying about technical limitations.

The Saffire LE is bundled with an impressive suite of VST/AU plug-ins, encompassing Compression, Reverb, Amp modeling, and EQ, which are praised for their professional quality. This interface also includes a comprehensive software package featuring Ableton Live 5 Lite, BFD Ultralite, and a selection of royalty-free loops and samples from Loopmasters, ensuring you have everything you need to start creating right away.

The SaffireControl LE software offers intuitive control over input and output levels, enabling latency-free monitoring and seamless integration with your existing recording setup. Its sleek interface adapts to fit any recording environment, providing one-click solutions for easy switching between tracking and soundcard modes. Compatibility with both Firewire and Thunderbolt ports, combined with Focusrite's renowned build quality, makes the Saffire LE a reliable companion for any recording artist.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-low latency Firewire 400 interface
  • 24-bit/96kHz integrated A-D/D-A conversion
  • Six inputs: Two Focusrite preamps, two balanced Line inputs, and SPDIF inputs
  • Eight Outputs: Six balanced analog outputs and SPDIF output
  • Includes Saffire plug-ins suite and software bundle
  • SaffireControl LE for comprehensive level and monitoring control
  • MIDI I/O and MIDI Thru
  • Compatible with AC3 and DTS signals

Product specs

Brand Focusrite
Model Saffire LE Firewire Audio Interface
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered Yes
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity Firewire
Digital Input Format S/PIDF
Digital Output Format S/PIDF
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 4
Number of Analog Outputs 6
Number of Channels 14
Number of Digital Inputs 2
Number of Digital Outputs 2
Number of Headphone Outputs 1
Number of MIDI Inputs 1
Number of MIDI Outputs 1
Number of Mic Preamps 2
Sample Rate 96 khz
Simultaneous I/O 6 x 8

FAQs

Is the Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio Interface compatible with Windows 10?

The Focusrite Saffire LE is compatible with Windows 10, but users should avoid upgrading beyond Windows 10 build 1809 for optimal performance, as the Saffire FireWire range is no longer under development support.

How does the Focusrite Saffire LE handle latency?

The Focusrite Saffire LE features ultra-low latency through its FireWire connectivity, allowing for smooth tracking and monitoring without noticeable delay.

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Saffire LE?

The Focusrite Saffire LE connects to your computer via FireWire and offers digital S/PIDF inputs and outputs, as well as analog inputs and outputs for versatile studio applications.

How many mic preamps does the Focusrite Saffire LE have?

The Focusrite Saffire LE features two Focusrite mic preamps, known for their clean and transparent sound, suitable for a variety of recording needs.

Can I use the Focusrite Saffire LE for MIDI devices?

Yes, the Focusrite Saffire LE includes both a MIDI input and output, allowing you to integrate MIDI devices into your recording setup.

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Focusrite Saffire LE - Intro and Setting Up

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Saffire LE - Intro and Setting Up by GentooP

Focusrite Saffire LE - Intro and Setting Up

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Video thumbnail for Focusrite Saffire LE - Connecting Speakers by GentooP

Focusrite Saffire LE - Connecting Speakers

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Video thumbnail for Focusrite Saffire LE by gearwire

Focusrite Saffire LE

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Saffire LE - Plugging In by GentooP

Focusrite Saffire LE - Plugging In

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Video thumbnail for Focusrite Saffire LE: In-Depth Video by gearwire

Focusrite Saffire LE: In-Depth Video

gearwire

gearwire

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio/MIDI Interface.

Features and functionality

  • The Saffire LE Firewire interface is praised for its great mic preamps and the absence of noticeable latency during use.

    Source
  • Using a FireWire 800 to USB connection can introduce significant latency, making it less effective than a direct FireWire connection.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the improved MIDI performance of the Saffire LE over USB, citing the Korg X50's unreliable USB interfacing.

    Source
  • Users report that the system can be temperamental, especially with sample rate changes, but remains functional once familiarized with its quirks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Saffire LE's Firewire connection is recommended for setups requiring balanced outputs to studio monitors, enhancing audio quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Firewire interfaces like the Saffire LE were noted for faster signal transmission and lower latency compared to USB interfaces.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Saffire line's pricing is expected to drop with the introduction of new Scarlett models, making it a potential bargain for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Disabling TPM in BIOS and using legacy drivers can stabilize performance on Windows 11, though it may affect security.

    Source
  • A workaround for driver recognition issues involves setting the Saffire as the default communication device and adjusting properties to 24bit, 96000Hz.

    Source
  • Sample rate changes can cause system restarts, particularly when switching between ASIO4ALL and Saffire drivers or loading DAW projects with different sample rates.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Saffire LE

soundonsound.com

The Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio/MIDI Interface is a budget-friendly audio interface that impresses with its excellent stereo imaging and sound quality thanks to a low-jitter clock. Priced at £239, it offers good-sounding mic preamps and more inputs than the original Saffire model, making it a great option for both stereo and surround setups. However, it lacks GSIF drivers for Gigastudio and onboard DSP effects, which could be a downside for some users. Despite these minor setbacks, the Saffire LE stands out as a fantastic bargain in a crowded Firewire interface market.

positive

Focusrite Saffire LE review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Focusrite's Saffire LE isn't groundbreaking but shines with superb sound quality and flexible zero-latency monitoring, appealing especially to portable musicians. While it boasts great build quality and a native plug-in bundle, it lacks onboard DSP and could benefit from better panel metering and clearer software controls. Despite these drawbacks, its competitive price and solid performance make it a compelling choice for those needing a reliable and well-featured audio interface.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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sequadion

Oldie, but goldie.

Had this audio interface for many years now, used it with several computers (both Mac and PC), no problems at all.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcus Schossow uses Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio/MIDI Interface

Marcus Schossow

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"A Saffire LE sound card, looks like this... It's okay, not that expensive actually. I think I got it for €400 or something." (:38)

See how Posij uses Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio/MIDI Interface

Posij

Music Producer

...
Verified via Reddit

On his reddit AMA Poisj is asked, "What hardware gear have you got that is essential to you?". He lists the Focusrite Saffire LE as his audio interface of choice.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite Saffire LE Firewire Audio/MIDI Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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