Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

^# 22

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$75.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (87)

3 Critic Reviews

12 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Focusrite Saffire PRO 40

2 community setups

8 wishlisted

151 saved

Page last updated Jun 22, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 22, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (47)

$75.00 20 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $173

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your creative potential with the Focusrite - Saffire PRO 40, a powerhouse of versatility and performance for your studio. Perfectly balancing extensive I/O capabilities with pristine sound quality, this audio interface is designed to elevate your music production, whether you're laying down hip-hop beats or capturing the full dynamic range of a live band. Its robust feature set, including flexible digital connectivity and advanced monitoring options, makes it an indispensable tool for producers and musicians aiming for professional-grade recordings.

Key Features:

20 inputs and 20 outputs, offering unparalleled recording flexibility.
Two combination inputs with Scarlett mic preamps and Hi-Z instrument capabilities.
Additional six mic/line inputs and eight line outputs, plus two dedicated monitor outputs.
Comprehensive digital connectivity with stereo SPDIF and ADAT optical in and out.
Dedicated MIDI in/out for integrating hardware synths and drum machines.
Wordclock sync for precise digital audio alignment.
Dual headphone outs with independent volume control for collaborative monitoring.
Powerful DSP mixing software for creating custom monitor mixes.
Front panel LED-based input level monitoring for real-time feedback.

Product specs

Brand	Focusrite
Model	Saffire Pro 40 Firewire Audio Interface
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	No
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	Firewire
Digital Input Format	ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Digital Output Format	ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs	8
Number of Analog Outputs	10
Number of Channels	38
Number of Digital Inputs	10
Number of Digital Outputs	10
Number of Headphone Outputs	2
Number of MIDI Inputs	1
Number of MIDI Outputs	1
Number of Mic Preamps	8
Sample Rate	96 khz

FAQs

How do I connect the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 to my computer?: The Saffire PRO 40 connects to your computer via Firewire. It features two 6-pin Firewire ports compatible with Firewire 400 and 800 standards, allowing for flexible connection options.
Is the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 compatible with modern operating systems?: The Saffire PRO 40 is compatible with Windows and macOS, but it is important to note that Focusrite recommends not upgrading Windows beyond version 10 build 1809, as the device is no longer under development support.
How many microphone preamps does the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 have?: The Saffire PRO 40 is equipped with eight high-quality microphone preamps, providing ample input options for recording multiple sources simultaneously.
Can the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 be bus-powered?: No, the Saffire PRO 40 is not bus-powered and requires an external power supply to operate.
What digital connectivity options does the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 offer?: The Saffire PRO 40 provides digital connectivity via ADAT/Optical and S/PDIF inputs and outputs, allowing for integration with other digital audio gear.

Videos

Add video

recordingrevolution

Focusrite Saffire MixControl Tutorial - TheRecordingRevolution.com

recordingrevolution

Focusrite // Saffire PRO 40 Tutorial

Focusrite

Focusrite // Young Guns record with Saffire Pro 40 and Octopre Mk II Dynamic

Focusrite

Focusrite // Saffire PRO 40 Audio Interface

Focusrite

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire Audio Interface Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

$500 vs $2000 audio interface - Prism Sound Lyra 1 vs Focusrite Saffire pro 40

Marlow Digs

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 unboxing and standalone mode

Shiunbird

FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE PRO 40 STILL USABLE IN 2024?

Heights Lab Official

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Firewire Audio Interface - Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

American Musical Supply

Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Audio Interface

PromenadeMusicTV

FOCUSRITE Saffire Pro 40 Firewire-Audiointerface [english version]

MusicStoreTV

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Excellent value for the price
High-quality, clean, and transparent sound
Stable and reliable, especially for older high-end machines
Multiple inputs/outputs, including ADAT and FireWire connections
Zero latency monitoring and complex monitor mixes possible
Dual Unit Mode for expanded functionality
Free plugins available on Focusrite's site
Solid rack unit construction compared to newer models
Preamps offer warmth, contrasting with cleaner preamps in newer models

CONS

Not compatible with Mac OS 13.2.1 or Apple Silicon (M1/ARM) systems
Requires restart of the computer for initial use
Learning curve for mixer control software
Preamps can feel a bit dry; gain staging on preamps is dodgy
FireWire not ideal for those with laptops or lacking ports
Power supply prone to overheating and failure over time
Headphone jacks produce noise when moved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.

Software and compatibility

0 0

The Saffire Pro 40 requires specific Mac adapters (Firewire > Thunderbolt > USB-C) for newer Macs, costing around $100.
Source
0 0

Compatibility with Big Sur is generally straightforward, but some users may need to select routing presets for Mixcontrol to function properly.
Source
0 0

The Saffire Pro 40 is incompatible with Apple-Silicon processors and Windows 11, requiring users to consider alternative setups or trade-in options for newer systems.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Mixcontrol software allows routing without switching connections, offering convenience for sampling or monitoring setups.
Source
0 0

The Saffire Pro 40 can operate as a standalone preamp, offering a potential workaround for users with incompatible systems.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Saffire Pro 40 can host another Saffire via Firewire, serving as an alternative to ADAT mic preamps like the Behringer ADA8000/8200.
Source
0 0

Users can utilize the Saffire Pro 40 for music production with VSTi and surround mixing by integrating it with older systems using a TI Firewire PCI card.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Some users find the Saffire Pro 40's sound quality superior to the MOTU M4, which lacks in driving monitor output power.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Connecting the Saffire Pro 40 to modern systems may involve complex adapter chains, such as using Thunderbolt and Firewire adapters, which can be unreliable.
Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

soundonsound.com

The Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 impresses with its value-packed offering of eight preamps and versatile I/O options for under $500, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious musicians. It excels with superior hardware metering and a comprehensive control panel, although the latter can be confusing initially. The interface can't operate standalone, and lacks some features like word clock I/O and Pro Tools compatibility. Despite these drawbacks, its solid sound quality and practical loopback function offer fantastic utility, especially in a studio setting where space and budget are limited.

positive

Full Review

Focusrite: OctoPre MkII Dynamic and Saffire PRO 40 | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 is praised for its robust build, professional look, and excellent sound quality. Its preamps handle high-output sources without distortion, offering impressive performance even with low-output ribbon mics. The interface's routing flexibility and included software bundle are highlights, with its two headphone amps providing added value. However, MIDI performance is subpar compared to competitors, and the lack of output meters in the mixing interface is a notable drawback. Despite these issues, the Saffire PRO 40 is recommended for its sound quality and preamp capabilities, making it a strong choice for project studios.

positive

Full Review

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 is lauded for its excellent sound quality and feature set at a competitive price point. With clean mic pres, flexible routing software, and dual headphone outputs, it's a robust choice for musicians needing diverse connectivity. However, the software might be complex for some users, and it lacks standalone preamp operation and the ability to use multiple units. Despite these drawbacks, the Saffire PRO 40 stands out as a top choice in its category, especially with the added value of Focusrite's Plug-in Suite.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 12 Reviews and 87 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

trashsmash

164

about 8 years ago

Old chicken makes good soup

Nowadays audio interfaces may sport a little better dynamics, good look and animated leds but essentially there is nothing new in terms of sound substance if compared to a Saffire 40. A lot of connection possibilities, nice software control panel, FireWire 400 can be connected to a Thunderbolt port... Sound is a true pleasure to hear, clean and transparent. At the time of purchase was a great step up for my gear. Still happy with it, No reason to upgrade it...

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Synthpop Electro

ezoterica

104

almost 8 years ago

Good Pre AMP-s 8 in - 8 out

Nice soundcard only power supplly are not so good they burn away about 10 years of working becouse they get hot on this side where is power supply electronic get week whit time so is better make outboard poweer my addvice so preamps are nice many inputs and outputs firewire connectons Adat Clean Sound Solid Sound Card for Studio Recording if you have many Live Instruments

chase_bencin

129

over 10 years ago

Great Interface

Everything an audio interface intended for the home studio should be and more. I personally really love the zero latency monitoring and the ability to craft complex monitor mixes with it's amazing yet a bit complicated at first glance Mix control software. Only things about this that left me wanting more out of it are the preamps. They're clean but they're a bit dry if I'm being honest. Also the gain staging on the preamps themselves is bit dodgy. I felt like the preamps were gain curved as opposed to a typical linear gain step. Other than that I love this thing!

jimmarchi1

41010

10 years ago over 10 years ago

killer review

ghostlynmusic

over 7 years ago

Saffire Pro 40

I love using this audio interface all the time with changeable sample-rates and also has a lot of components to connect external gear like compressors and effect processors and etc.

cutlinemusic

over 7 years ago

Very good except for headphone jacks

Works perfectly well for all my incoming and outgoing audio, but the headphone jacks make noises when moved around.

bradrummer

222

almost 7 years ago

firewire input can convert to thunderbolt for Mac

The reason I give this 3 stars is because you HAVE to restart your computer once you plug it in. The USB versions you don't. I got this so I could have 2 free usb plugs.