Focusrite announced the Saffire PRO 26, an 18in/8out FireWire and Thunderbolt compatible audio interface. It was of interest to us at The Noise Room, since our own setup was still built around a Digidesign (Avid) 003 interface at the time. Designed with both studio recording and live musicians in mind, Saffire PRO 26 featured a comprehensive selection of professional analogue and digital I/O options. A total of 18 inputs and eight outputs included four preamps, two instrument inputs, two headphone outputs, six line outputs, and ADAT & S/PDIF connectivity. Conversion ran at 24-bit/96kHz with Focusrite’s JetPLL jitter reduction technology, helping keep timing stable across both connection types. This extensive feature set let musicians expand and augment their recording or live setups to get the most out of the interface.
Check out the video above as Austin Wender and friends record “Back Home” with the Saffire PRO 26.
Focusrite’s history traces back to a single commission from legendary producer Sir George Martin, and the company has grown since into a brand found in countless world-class studios and home setups. The Saffire PRO 26 sat within Focusrite’s FireWire interface family, alongside the smaller Saffire PRO 24 and larger Saffire PRO 40, before the company shifted its focus to USB with the Scarlett and Clarett ranges.
Focusrite has since discontinued the entire Saffire range, including the PRO 26, with FireWire itself having faded from modern computers well before that. Focusrite remains active today with its Scarlett, Clarett+, and ISA interface lines.
The Noise Room later spent more time with the unit directly in Hands On with the Focusrite Saffire PRO 26.
