User manual FOCUSRITE SAFFIRELE

Rev 1.0 Introduction Front panel facilities and controls Rear Panel Connections SaffireControl LE Recording using a microphone (mono or stereo) Recording line level sources (mono or stereo) Recording a guitar or bass directly Recording a digital (S/PDIF) source Connecting Speakers Managing a recording session with SaffireControl LE How to set up an input mix on the monitors/headphones How to set up a playback track mix on the monitors/headphones Blending between inputs and playback tracks on the monitors/headphones Direct Audio Streaming to the Saffire LE Outputs: Soundcard (S/CARD) mode Direct AC3/DTS streaming to the RCA Output Control and Linking of Output Levels Float and Shrink Modes Setting the Sample Rate and Synchronising to the S/PDIF In Changes to GUI at 88.2/96kHz MIDI Saffire Plug-in Suite EQ Compression Reverb Amp Sim Saffire Signal Flow Diagram Troubleshooting Specifications Warranty Accuracy Copyright Introduction Saffire LE is the second addition to the now highly acclaimed range of Firewire audio interfaces from Focusrite, one of the most prestigious names in the recording industry. With a total of 6 Inputs and 8 Outputs, the Saffire LE should satisfy all your recording and monitoring needs. Four of the six inputs are analogue, comprising two expertly designed Focusrite pre-amps and two additional balanced inputs, switchable between Line and Instrument level signal ­ just plug in your guitar and play. On the digital side, unrivalled conversion and 24-bit/96kHz processing ensure professional signal quality, with S/PDIF connections making up the remaining stereo inputs and outputs. On the rear panel are 6 analogue Outputs, ideally suited to 5.1 surround mixing or playback, as well as MIDI I/O and a digital RCA port that can stream digital surround (AC3/DTS) directly from DVD playing software. The hardware is accompanied by a free software application called SaffireControl LE, which provides a multitiude of monitoring and setup options, as well as the popular suite of Saffire VST/AU plug-ins for processing in the mix. Having such comprehensive features readily accessible, Saffire LE makes conducting a modern recording session easy and fun. Front panel facilities and controls 1. Line/Instrument Gain Switches for Analogue Inputs 1 (above) and 2 (below) If a 1/4" Jack (TRS or TS) is connected to either of the LINE IN sockets below, then these switches can be used to select an appropriate gain calibration. If a Guitar is plugged in then ensure that the yellow INST LED is lit, or if recording the analogue output of a synthesizer or mixer for decks then make sure the green LINE LED is lit. 2. Gain Controls for Analogue Inputs 1 (above) and 2 (below) with O/L (Overload) LEDs These two knobs can be used to set the gain (level) of the analogue inputs, whether recording a mic, line or instrument source. Whilst receiving a signal from the source by the artist singing or playing, rotate the corresponding knob clockwise until a suitable level is heard. Make sure that the O/L LED does not illuminate as this means that the signal level is too high and will clip. 3. O/L (Overload) LEDs for Inputs 3 (above) and 4 (below) These two LEDs will illuminate if the signal for the corresponding input (connected on the rear panel) is too high. Turn down the level on the connected device if either of these LEDs illuminates. 4. S/PDIF IN LED This LED indicates that a valid S/PDIF connection is received at the RCA Input on the rear panel. 5. MONITOR (O/Ps 1/2) Level Control This knob provides a hardware level control for the Monitor Outputs: Analogue Outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel. 6. Headphones Output with separate Gain Dial This 1/4" Jack socket allows Headphones to be connected for separate monitoring during a session. This signal is the same as that sent to Analogue Outputs 3 and 4, the mix for which can be set using the SaffireControl LE software. 7. Line/Instrument (TRS/TS Jack) Inputs for channels 1 (left) and 2 (right) These 1/4" Jack sockets allow a balanced or unbalanced Line level signal or an Instrument like a Guitar or Bass to be plugged directly into the front panel. Set an appropriate gain calibration (LINE or INST) using the switches at the top of the fascia. 8. Global Phantom Power Switch This switch can be used to apply +48V (Phantom Power) to a microphone connected to either of the XLR inputs below. Check the Recording using a microphone section for more details on Phantom Power. 9. Microphone (XLR) Inputs for channels 1 (left) and 2 (right) These two inputs allow up to two microphones to be plugged into the front panel, for recording mono or stereo sources. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 7 9 Rear Panel Connections 1. Line/Instrument (TRS/TS Jack) Inputs for channels 3 (below) and 4 (above) These 1/4" Jack sockets allow a balanced or unbalanced Line level signal or an Instrument like a Guitar or Bass to be connected. If plugging in an Instrument then make sure that the High Gain Switch for the corresponding Input is activated within the SaffireControl LE software. See the SaffireControl LE section for more details. 2. External PSU Input This socket is for powering the Saffire LE using the supplied external power supply. This is only necessary if Firewire bus powering is not available, for example if the connected computer only has a 4-pin Firewire port. 1 2 3. S/PDIF I/O These RCA connectors are for receiving or transmitting a consumer digital audio (S/PDIF) signal. With the AC3 THRU switch activated in SaffireControl LE, the RCA Output can be used to directly stream an AC3 or DTS signal from a software DVD player to a home surround studio setup. See the Direct AC3/DTS streaming to the RCA Output section for more details. 4. MIDI I/O These standard MIDI ports allow MIDI data to be received from and transmitted to external equipment, routing through your sequencer using the Saffire LE's Firewire interfacing. Alternatively, if the Saffire's MIDI In is connected to a controller keyboard's MIDI Out and the Saffire's MIDI Out is connected to a sound module or rack synth's MIDI In, activating the MIDI Thru switch in the SaffireControl LE software will enable the MIDI data to pass from the controller keyboard to the sound module. 5. 2 6-pin Firewire 400 Ports These ports allow connection to the computer for streaming of data and (if connected to an identical type of Firewire port, rather than a smaller 4-pin port) supply of power to the unit. Either port can be used for this purpose, leaving the additional port free for connecting to other Firewire equipment (e.g. hard drives) should the Saffire be using up the only available Firewire port on the computer. The nature of Firewire connectivity means that chaining equipment in this way is possible and will act as if the equipment is connected directly to the computer through separate Firewire ports. 6. 6 Balanced Line Outputs: +4dBu, TRS Jack These sockets are Saffire LE's Analogue Outputs, labeled accordingly for 5.1 surround: Left, Right, Centre, LeftSurround, RightSurround and LowFrequencyEffects. If recording, then connect Monitors to Outputs 1 and 2 and Headphones to the front panel socket (Outputs 3/4) and use the software to create independent mixes for each. If mixing in surround or wanting to stream multiple channels of audio directly to the hardware outputs from your sequencer, then connect speakers to the relevant sockets and activate the S/CARD switch in the SaffireControl LE software. 3 4 6 5 Saffire LE USER MANUAL SaffireControl LE The accompanying software SaffireControl LE is the means of setting up independent latency free mixes for monitors and headphones, during recording sessions, as well as offering a host of other routing and setting options. There are two main modes of operation, both with activating switches: TRACK (tracking/recording) is the default mode and the one to use when recording and creating Input/Playback mixes on Outputs 1-4, and S/CARD (soundcard) is a preset mode where Saffire LE behaves like a standard 8-out soundcard, routing Outputs 1-8 in the sequencer straight to Outputs 1-8 of the Saffire LE hardware. To learn more about S/CARD mode, read the Direct Audio Streaming to the Saffire LE Outputs: Soundcard (S/CARD) mode section later in the User Guide. Here is a diagram of the SaffireControl LE GUI: Levels of Inputs on O/Ps 1/2 (Monitors) Stereo Link Switch Levels of Playback Tracks on O/Ps 1/2 (Monitors) Levels of Inputs on O/Ps 3/4 (Headphones) Pan Pot Analogue Output Level and Mixing Controls Software and Hardware Settings Levels of Playback Tracks on O/Ps 3/4 (Headphones) Each section of SaffireControl LE is explained in greater depth in relevant sections of the User Guide. Recording using a microphone (mono or stereo) To record a mono source like a vocalist or guitar player, simply plug a microphone into the left (Input 1) or right (Input 2) hand XLR socket on the front of the Saffire hardware and press the +48V (phantom power) button if required. Phantom power is only necessary if using a condenser microphone; almost all dynamic microphones will be unaffected, but ribbon microphones (much less common and more expensive microphones) may be damaged. Make sure that nothing is connected to the corresponding Line Input on the front of the Saffire LE hardware as this will mean that the XLR input below is bypassed. Now get the artist to play or sing and set the level of the input using the gain adjustment knob on the front panel. Rotate the dial clockwise to increase the level, making sure that the O/L LED on the hardware never illuminates as this indicates that the level is exceeding the maximum level of the digital converter (clipping point). For an even easier indication of level, observe the level of the meter below Input 1 or 2 on the left of the SaffireControl LE software GUI, as shown: Level of Input 1 (Recorded level) Level of Input 2 (Recorded level) This signal will now appear as Saffire LE Input 1 or Input 2 (depending on which socket the microphone is connected to) within your sequencer/recording application. To record using a stereo pair, simply connect microphones to both Inputs 1 and 2 and set the Gain dials for both Inputs on the front of the hardware to the same level, observing the Input meters in the SaffireControl LE software, shown above. Recording a line level source (mono or stereo) All four of the analogue inputs can be used to record a line level source, such as the analogue output of a mixer or a hardware synth. This means that some decks could be permanently connected to Inputs 3 and 4 on the rear panel, whilst Inputs 1 and 2 where free to use for recording vocal or instrumental parts. To record using Inputs 1 and/or 2, plug 1/4" TRS (balanced, but TS/unbalanced could be used yielding a slightly lower level) Jacks into either or both of the LINE IN sockets on the front panel. This will automatically bypass any microphones that may be connected to the XLR Inputs below. Now make sure that the green LINE LED is illuminated in the corresponding section(s) at the top of the front panel. Now send a signal by starting a turntable or playing the synth etc. and set the level of the input(s) using the gain adjustment knob on the front panel. Rotate the dial clockwise to increase the level, making sure that the O/L LED on the hardware never illuminates as this indicates that the level is exceeding the maximum level of the digital converter (clipping point). For an even easier indication of level, observe the level of the meter below Input 1 or 2 on the left of the SaffireControl LE software GUI, as shown: Level of Input 1 (Recorded level) Level of Input 2 (Recorded level) If recording a stereo signal then make sure that the Gain dials for both Inputs on the front of the hardware are set to the same level, observing the Input meters in the SaffireControl LE software, shown above. This signal will now appear as Saffire LE Input 1 and/or Input 2 (depending on which socket(s) the line level signal is connected to) within your sequencer/recording application. If recording using Inputs 3 and/or 4, plug 1/4" TRS (balanced, but TS/unbalanced could be used yielding a slightly lower level) Jacks into either or both of the sockets in the top left of the hardware's rear panel. Now, when sending a signal to the Inputs, observe the O/L LEDs for Inputs 3 and 4 on the front of the hardware. If they are illuminating, check that the High Gain switch/es is/are not activated within the SaffireControl LE software's GUI. These switches should only be used if the signal is an Instrument (Guitar or Bass connected directly) or an extremely low line level source. If the level is too loud and the High Gain switch(es) is/are not activated, turn down the level of the signal sent to Saffire LE on the sending device. This signal will now appear as Saffire LE Input 3 and/or Input 4 (depending on which socket(s) the line level signal is connected to) within your sequencer/recording application. Recording a guitar or bass directly All four of the analogue inputs can be used to record an Instrument, such as a Guitar or Bass plugged in directly without using an amp. To record using Input 1 or 2, plug a 1/4" TS Jack into either of the LINE IN sockets on the front panel, left for Input 1 and right for Input 2. This will automatically bypass any microphones that may be connected to the XLR Inputs below. Now make sure that the yellow INST LED is illuminated in the corresponding section at the top of the front panel. Now play the Instrument and set the level of the input using the gain adjustment knob on the front panel. Rotate the dial clockwise to increase the level, making sure that the O/L LED on the hardware never illuminates as this indicates that the level is exceeding the maximum level of the digital converter (clipping point). For an even easier indication of level, observe the level of the meter below Input 1 or 2 on the left of the SaffireControl LE software GUI, as shown: Level of Input 1 (Recorded level) Level of Input 2 (Recorded level) This signal will now appear as Saffire LE Input 1 or Input 2 (depending on which socket the Instrument is connected to) within your sequencer/recording application. If recording using Input 3 or 4, plug a 1/4" TS Jack into either of the sockets in the top left of the hardware's rear panel, below for Input 3 and above for Input 4. Now, activate the High Gain switch for that Input in the SaffireControl LE software's GUI, as follows: High Gain Switch for Input 3 ­ engage if an Instrument is connected High Gain Switch for Input 4 ­ engage if an Instrument is connected Now play the Instrument and observe the O/L LEDs for Inputs 3 and 4 on the front of the hardware. If they are illuminating, turn down the level on the Instrument. This signal will now appear as Saffire LE Input 3 or Input 4 (depending on which socket the Instrument is connected to) within your sequencer/recording application. Recording a digital (S/PDIF) source If wanting to record using some hardware with a S/PDIF Out, then a phono cable can be linked from the hardware to the S/PDIF (RCA) In on the rear of the Saffire LE hardware. Once a valid S/PDIF signal is received, the S/PDIF IN LED on the front of the Saffire LE hardware will illuminate. Make sure that the sample rate of the S/PDIF signal matches that in SaffireControl LE and in the session the audio is being recorded to. This signal will appear as Inputs 5 and 6 within your sequencer/recording application. It is normally a good idea to lock Saffire LE to the S/PDIF signal to synchronize devices and ensure no problems occur. To do this, activate the EXT switch in the bottom right of the SaffireControl LE GUI, as follows: External Sync Switch ­ engage to lock to S/PDIF In The LED will light and LOK will show when Saffire LE is correctly synchronized. Connecting Speakers On the rear panel are balanced (TRS) Jack outputs 1-6 for connecting directly to speakers or an amp (depending on whether the speakers are powered or not). Outputs 1 and 2 are the Monitors signal so if using a stereo pair of speakers then connect them to these sockets. Now, the SaffireControl LE software can be used to create a latency-free mix of inputs and playback tracks using the top rows of faders in the GUI. The level of the Monitors is controlled by the top dial in the centre of the SaffireControl LE software GUI, and then by the MONITOR dial on the front of the Saffire LE hardware. If using a surround setup requiring analogue signals then outputs 1-6 are labeled for 5.1 surround, so simply connect the relevant source to the corresponding speaker using the names on the rear panel (left, right, centre etc.). The levels of the analogue outputs can be controlled individually using the three dials in the centre of the SaffireControl LE GUI. Alternatively, if wanting to adjust the levels of all 6 Outputs simultaneously, activate the CTRL LINK switch in SaffireControl, which links all three dials in the software providing one control for all. If using a surround setup requiring an encoded digital signal (AC3 or DTS), connect the S/PDIF (RCA) Output on the rear panel to the input of the surround decoder then activate the AC3 THRU switch within the SaffireControl LE software. The Saffire LE can now be used to directly stream the encoded signal to your surround setup. For more details, read the Direct AC3/DTS streaming to the RCA Output section of this Guide. Managing a recording session with SaffireControl LE SaffireControl LE allows you to create independent latency free mixes of inputs and playback tracks for the monitors and headphones, so that the engineer and artist can have the specific levels they want to help the session run smoothly. Be aware that if recording at 88.2/96kHz then the number of mix options is reduced, see the Changes to GUI at 88.2/96kHz section for details. How to set up an input mix on the monitors/headphones The six faders on the left of the GUI relate to Inputs 1-6 of the Saffire LE, 1-4 being the analogue Inputs and 5 + 6 being the S/PDIF Input on the rear panel. The faders on top are the mix of Inputs for the Monitors (Outputs 1/2) and the faders below are the mix for the Headphones (Outputs 3/4). If using stereo signals, activate the stereo button for the corresponding Inputs (located in between the pan pots for each pair of faders), which links the level of both and sets the pan pots to L and R. Now use the faders to set specific levels of each Input. If you are not hearing any of the Inputs on the Monitors or Headphones then make sure that the corresponding INPUT MIX-P/BACK MIX slider isn't in the extreme right position, where no Inputs are heard. Read the Blending between inputs and playback tracks on the monitors/headphones section for details. How to set up a playback track mix on the monitors/headphones The right hand side of the SaffireControl LE GUI has two sets of four (stereo) faders, each set representing the levels of Outputs 1-8 from the sequencer/recording platform. For example, any stereo track within the sequencer that's routed to Saffire Outputs 5/6 will appear on the third fader from the left (S/W 5/6) on each set ­ it won't go directly from the sequencer to the Saffire LE hardware Outputs unless the S/CARD switch is activated or SaffireControl is correctly set up. This way, the pre-recorded audio (playback tracks) can be blended with the inputs to create latency free mixes whilst recording. The set of faders on top are the playback mix for the Monitors (O/Ps 1/2) and the faders below are the playback mix for the Headphones (O/Ps 3/4). When recording, route the drums, melodies and other backing tracks to different Saffire Outputs within the sequencer so the specific levels for the Monitors/Headphones can be set accordingly here. Blending between inputs and playback tracks on the monitors/headphones Once the Input Mix and Playback Mix have been created for Monitors and Headphones, the sliders in the centre of the GUI can be used to blend between both mixes. The top slider relates to the Monitors whilst the bottom slider is for the Headphones, as follows: Crossfader for Outputs 1/2 (Monitors) Crossfader for Outputs 3/4 (Headphones) Setting either slider to the extreme right position will mean only Playback tracks will be heard on that stereo pair of Outputs. Then, moving the slider to the left will add increasing amounts of Inputs and decrease Playback tracks until, in the extreme left position, only Inputs are heard. Direct Audio Streaming to the Saffire LE Outputs: Soundcard (S/CARD) mode The S/CARD switch within SaffireControl LE is a one-click solution to sending audio directly from your sequencer to the Saffire LE hardware outputs. Activating the switch sets both of the INPUT MIX-P/BACK MIX sliders to the extreme right position, so that no Inputs are heard, and then turns all S/W faders down apart from the corresponding one, which is set to maximum. In other words, the Monitors (the upper row of S/W (playback track) faders) only has the S/W 1/2 fader up as these faders relate to O/Ps 1/2 of Saffire LE. Therefore, the lower row of S/W faders (relating to the Headphones) only has the S/W 3/4 fader up as these relate to O/Ps 3/4 of Saffire LE. Sliders in extreme right position (just Playback tracks) Only S/W 1/2 fader up (only audio routed to O/Ps 1/2 within sequencer goes to O/Ps 1/2 of Saffire LE) Only S/W 3/4 fader up (only audio routed to O/Ps 3/4 within sequencer goes to O/Ps 3/4 of Saffire LE) Similarly, although not visibly within the SaffireControl LE software GUI, only sequencer tracks routed to Saffre LE Outputs 5/6 and 7/8 will be sent to Outputs 5/6 (Analogue) and Outputs 7/8 (SPDIF), respectively. To return to recording/tracking mode, simply activate the TRACK switch directly below the S/CARD switch within SaffireControl LE. This will return to the previous session settings. Direct AC3/DTS streaming to the RCA Output If using a home surround speaker setup that requires an encoded digital signal (AC3 or DTS), then the S/PDIF (RCA) Output on the rear of Saffire LE can be used to stream the digital surround signal directly from your software DVD Player. Simply attach a phono cable from Saffire LE's S/PDIF Out to the input of your surround decoder and then activate the AC3 THRU switch within the SaffireControl LE GUI, as follows: AC3 THRU switch ­ engage to stream AC3/DTS signal to S/PDIF Out Saffire LE can now be selected as the audio interface within the DVD Playing software and then used to directly stream the encoded signal to your surround setup. Control and Linking of Output Levels The centre of the SaffireControl LE GUI features the level controls for the Analogue Outputs (1-6), as follows: Mono switch Mix crossfader for O/Ps 1/2 (Monitors) Dim switch Level controls for O/Ps 1/2 Mute switch Sends O/Ps 1/2 to S/PDIF Out Meters for O/Ps 1/2 Level controls for O/Ps 5/6 Mute switch Level controls for O/Ps 3/4 Mute switch Meters for O/Ps 3/4 Mix crossfader for O/Ps 3/4 (Headphones) In addition to Mute switches, O/Ps 1/2 also offer a Mono switch for making the signal Mono, as well as a Dim switch for reducing the level by 12dB. If you want to send the O/Ps 1/2 signal to the S/PDIF Out for carrying out a digital transfer then the switch labelled S/PDIF, below the Gain dial for O/Ps 1/2, should be active. If using the Saffire LE to playback or mix in surround sound (using the analogue outputs) where one level control is required for all, activate the CTRL LINK switch in the SaffireControl LE GUI, as follows: CTRL LINK switch ­ engage to link the Level controls for all Analogue Outputs (in the centre of the window) This will link the three Gain dials in the centre of the GUI so that adjusting one will modify them all, providing a single method for increasing/decreasing the level of all analogue outputs. Float and Shrink Modes The SHRINK switch in the SaffireControl LE GUI reduces the size of the software window to a compact format where only the central OUTPUT MIX section and SaffireControl LE settings switches are available, as follows: EXPAND Switch - activate to return the window to normal size FLOAT Switch - activate to make the window permanently visible. Click again to deactivate Furthermore, the FLOAT switch activates a mode where the SaffireControl LE window is always visible so that, even when editing in your sequencer, the interface settings can always be seen. SaffireControl LE will FLOAT in normal or `shrunken' modes. Whilst shrunken, an EXPAND switch is available for returning the window to normal size as shown above. Setting the Sample Rate and Synchronising to the S/PDIF In The bottom right of the SaffireControl LE GUI displays the sample rate and allows it to be selected. To set a sample rate, simply click on the LED beside it, which will illuminate once selected. If the Saffire LE is currently being used to record then a sample rate cannot be selected and IN USE will be illuminated, as follows: Click on LED next to value to select that sample rate This illuminates when the sample rate can't be changed as the Saffire is in use with a session This illuminates when the Saffire LE is correctly synchronised EXT sync switch ­ engage to lock Saffire LE to its S/PDIF In If wanting to synchronise to an external source (via the S/PDIF In signal), which is normally advisable when recording a S/PDIF signal, then press the EXT LED, which will illuminate once selected. Saffire LE will only be correctly synchronised to this source if LOK is illuminated next to it. If not, make sure that the sample rate of the incoming S/PDIF signal is the same as the one set in this window. Changes to GUI at 88.2/96kHz When working at higher sample rates, the SaffireControl LE GUI has some reduced functions. Only one generic Input Mix can be created for both Monitors and Headphones, using the 6 Input faders on the left, whilst only individual levels of S/W tracks 1/2 and 3/4 can be set on the Playback Track side, as follows: MIDI Saffire LE operates as a MIDI interface with one input and one output. A MIDI controller keyboard or similar device can be connected to the MIDI In, whilst a rack synth or multiple instruments (via a MIDI splitter) can be connected to the MIDI Out using standard MIDI cables, as follows: MIDI receiving device (SuperNova II Rack - not included) MIDI Out MIDI In To Mac or PC 2 way MIDI traffic MIDI Transmitting device (Novation ReMOTE 25 - not included) Saffire LE can operate in one of two possible MIDI modes. The state of the MIDI THRU switch in SaffireControl LE determines which MIDI mode will be used, as follows: Normal MIDI Mode (switch inactive) This mode should be used when wanting to send MIDI signals from a controller keyboard to the sequencer, from where MIDI data can also be sent to any external devices, if required. This mode is necessary when the sequencer is running, because it will prevent doubling of notes that occur when the same MIDI information is transmitted by both the input device and the sequencer. MIDI THRU Mode (switch active) In this mode, all MIDI data received at Saffire LE's MIDI In is routed directly to the MIDI Out. This mode is designed for simply passing MIDI through Saffire LE. This may be useful when no sequencer is running, because you don t need to route MIDI data in and out of you Mac or PC..