Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 User manual

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Saffire PRO 26
User Guide
FFFA001036-01

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Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Do not use this apparatus near water
6. Clean only with dry cloth
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat
8. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the apparatus
10. The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped
15. No naked flames, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus
WARNING: excessive sound pressure levels from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss
Instructions de sécurité importantes
1. Lisez ces instructions
2. Conservez ces instructions
3. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements
4. Suivez toutes les instructions
5. N’utilisez pas cet appareil avec de l’eau à proximité
6. Nettoyez-le uniquement avec un chiffon doux
7. Ne bloquez aucune ouverture de ventilation. Installez-le conformément aux instructions du fabricant
8. Ne l’installez pas près d’une source de chaleur de type radiateur, bouche de chaleur, poêle ou autre appareil (dont des
amplificateurs) qui produit de la chaleur
9. Ne supprimez pas le dispositif de sécurité que représente la fiche polarisée ou de terre. Une fiche polarisée a deux lames dont
une plus large que l’autre. Une fiche de terre a deux bornes et une troisième pour la terre. La lame large ou la borne de terre
servent à votre sécurité. Si la fiche fournie ne rentre pas dans votre prise, consultez un électricien pour le remplacement de la
prise obsolète
10. Évitez que le cordon d’alimentation ne soit piétiné ou pincé, particulièrement au niveau des fiches, des multiprises et de la sortie
de l’appareil
11. N’utilisez que des fixations/accessoires spécifiés par le fabricant
12. N’utilisez qu’un chariot, stand, trépied, fixation ou table spécifié par le fabricant, ou vendu avec l’appareil. Si vous
utilisez un chariot, prenez garde lors du déplacement de l’ensemble chariot/appareil à ne pas être blessé par un
renversement
13. Débranchez cet appareil durant les orages ou en cas de non utilisation prolongée
14. Confiez toute réparation à un personnel de maintenance qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire si l’appareil a été endommagé
de quelque façon que ce soit, notamment si le cordon d’alimentation ou sa fiche sont endommagés, si du liquide a été renversé
sur l’appareil ou si des objets sont tombés à l’intérieur, si l’appareil est exposé à la pluie ou à l’humidité, ne fonctionne pas
normalement ou est tombé
AVERTISSEMENT: des niveaux de pression sonore excessifs au casque et dans des écouteurs peuvent entraîner une perte auditive

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Important Safety Precautions
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION: POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, NE RETIREZ PAS
LE CAPOT (NI LE DOS). AUCUNE PIÈCE N’EST RÉPARABLE PAR L’UTILISATEUR À
L’INTÉRIEUR. CONFIEZ TOUTE RÉPARATION À DU PERSONNEL DE MAINTENANCE
QUALIFIÉ.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
Le symbole d’éclair à pointe de flèche dans un triangle équilatéral est destiné à
alerter l’utilisateur de la présence d’une “tension dangereuse” non isolée dans
l’enceinte du produit, tension d’amplitude suffisante pour constituer un risque
d’électrocution pour les personnes.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle équilatéral est destiné à alerter l’utilisateur
de la présence d’instructions importantes de fonctionnement et de maintenance
(réparation) dans la documentation accompagnant l’appareil.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLICANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.
AVERTISSEMENT : POUR PRÉVENIR TOUT DANGER D’INCENDIE OU DE CHOC, N’EXPOSEZ PAS CET APPAREIL À LA
PLUIE NI À L’HUMIDITÉ.

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Environmental Declaration
Compliance Information Statement: Declaration of Compliance procedure
Product Identification:
Responsible party:
Address:
Telephone:
Focusrite Saffire Pro26
American Music and Sound
4325 Executive Drive
Suite 300
Southaven
MS 38672
800-431-2609
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
For USA - to the User:
1. Do not modify this unit! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC
requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Focusrite may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use this
product.
2. Important: This product satisfies FCC regulations when high quality shielded cables are used to connect with other equipment.
Failure to use high quality shielded cables or to follow the installation instructions within this manual may cause magnetic
interference with appliances such as radios and televisions and void your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.
3. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
For Canada - to the User:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
RoHS Notice
Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited has conformed and this product conforms, where applicable, to the European Union’s
Directive 2011/65/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of California law which
refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10, 25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code.

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Contents
Important Safety Instructions .................................................................................. 2
Instructions de sécurité importantes ....................................................................... 2
Important Safety Precautions .................................................................................. 3
Environmental Declaration ...................................................................................... 4
Compliance Information Statement: Declaration of Compliance procedure............. 4
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 6
Basics ..................................................................................................................... 6
Box Contents ........................................................................................................... 6
System requirements .............................................................................................. 7
Mac OS ............................................................................................................. 7
Windows .......................................................................................................... 7
Getting Started ......................................................................................................... 7
Software installation........................................................................................ 8
Hardware .................................................................................................................. 9
Rear Panel ............................................................................................................... 9
Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 10
Installation ..............................................................................................................11
Audio set-up in your DAW ................................................................................11
Example of Usage ...................................................................................................13
Recording from microphones and instruments ...............................................13
Connecting Saffire PRO 26 to loudspeakers ................................................... 14
Using the ADAT connection ............................................................................ 15
Using the Saffire PRO 26 in stand-alone mode ................................................16
Saffire MixControl ...................................................................................................17
1. Mixer ........................................................................................................... 18
2. Mixer Tab .................................................................................................... 18
3. Mixer Input Channel ....................................................................................19
4. Mixer Output Channel ................................................................................. 21
5. Routing Section........................................................................................... 22
6. Monitor Section .......................................................................................... 25
7. Device Status Section .................................................................................. 28
Saffire PRO 26 Specifications ................................................................................. 32
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 33

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Saffire PRO 26, one of the Focusrite family of professional, multi-channel FireWire interfaces
incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. You now have a complete solution for routing high quality audio to and
from your computer. You can also use the Saffire PRO 26 as a “stand-alone” interface to any other type of recording device, once you
have configured it using Saffire MixControl software.
This Guide provides a detailed explanation of both the hardware and its accompanying Saffire MixControl software to help you
achieve a thorough understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend that both users who are new to computer
recording, as well as more experienced users, take the time to read through the user guide so that you are fully aware of all the
possibilities that the Saffire PRO 26 and accompanying software has to offer.
If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult http://www.focusrite.com/answerbase,
which contains a comprehensive list of common technical support queries regarding the product to date.
Basics
The Saffire PRO 26 hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical instruments, line level signals and
digital audio signals to your computer via FireWire, which are then routed to your audio recording software/digital audio workstation
(referred to throughout this user guide as the “DAW”) at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution.
All audio signals connected to the inputs, plus the audio output from your DAW and other audio software applications can be
routed to the Saffire PRO 26’s physical outputs, for you to connect to an amplifier and speakers, or powered monitors, headphones,
analogue or digital mixer, and any other studio equipment that you wish to use.
The Saffire PRO 26 is also fitted with MIDI connectors; this lets you use it as a MIDI “hub” between your computer’s FireWire port
and other items of MIDI equipment in your system.
The accompanying software application, Saffire MixControl provides an extensive set of recording, routing and monitoring options,
as well as allowing global hardware setup options such as sample rate and synchronisation source. Saffire MixControl provides
mixing and routing to and from the DAW, allowing control over how the signals from each track are routed to the physical outputs.
All the inputs on the Saffire PRO 26 are routed directly to your DAW software for recording, but Saffire MixControl also allows you to
route these signals to your monitors so that you can listen to the audio you’re recording with near-zero latency - before it arrives at
your DAW.
Box Contents
Along with your Saffire PRO 26 you should have:
• 12 V AC adaptor (PSU)
• 1.6 m 6-pin to 9-pin FireWire cable (also known as a IEEE1394 cable)
• A5 Getting Started booklet
• Important Safety Information document
• Product Registration card, allowing download of the following software:
• Saffire MixControl
• Ableton Live Lite
• Novation Bass Station Plug-in
• Focusrite Scarlett Plug-in Suite
• 1GB of Loopmasters Sample Content

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System requirements
Mac OS
Apple Macintosh with a high-speed FireWire or Thunderbolt™ port. (Macs using a Thunderbolt™ port will require a FireWire to
Thunderbolt adaptor.)
OS: Mac OSX 10.8 (Mountain Lion), OSX10.9 (Mavericks), or later.
Windows
Windows compatible computer with a high-speed FireWire or Thunderbolt™ port.
OS: Windows 7 (all versions) or Windows 8 (excluding Windows 8 RT).
Getting Started
Before you connect the Saffire PRO 26 to your computer, please download the latest version of Saffire MixControl from our website.
The Saffire PRO 26 has a 6-pin FireWire port on the rear panel, and will work with any of the current FireWire speed and connectivity
standards: FireWire 400 (6 pin or 4 pin connector), or FireWire 800 (9-pin connector). It is also compatible with the older 4-pin
FireWire 400 standard, but see below re DC power.
Power to the Saffire PRO 26 will generally be supplied via the FireWire connection, but in some circumstances (see below) the
supplied external AC adaptor may be required.
The Saffire PRO 26 is supplied with a 6-pin to 9-pin FireWire cable (FireWire 400-800). If your computer has a 6-pin FireWire 400
connector, you will need to purchase a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire 400 cable. On some PC laptops the FireWire port may be a 4-pin
connector; if this is the case, you will need to purchase a 6-pin to 4-pin cable. If your computer has a 4-pin FireWire 400 connector,
note that these do not supply DC power to external devices, and the AC adaptor must be used to power the Saffire PRO 26.
Recent Apple® Mac computers will be fitted with a Thunderbolt port. In this case, you will need to obtain an Apple FireWire-to-
Thunderbolt adaptor. This can be used with the cable supplied.
FireWire considerations
Most computers will generally have a single internal FireWire bus. You may have multiple FireWire ports (connectors) on your
computer, but these will all be connected to the same physical chip which controls the bus.
The FireWire chip has a data bandwidth limitation, so the more FireWire devices there are connected, the more data the bus
needs to handle, and there is a greater chance of data overload. The Saffire PRO 26 should be able to work alongside other devices
connected to the same FireWire bus. However, this can depend on what other FireWire devices are connected, and what they are
doing. For example, a FireWire disk used for backup, or a digital camera should not cause any problems; but a FireWire hard disk
continuously streaming audio may generate more data than the FireWire chip can handle. This can result in audio drop-outs, or
reduced performance in either the Saffire PRO 26 or the other connected FireWire devices.
We therefore recommend that you use a separate FireWire bus for each FireWire device. This can be provided by a PCI/PCIe card (in
a desktop computer), or a PCMCIA or Express card (in a Laptop).
Note on FireWire Connection and Disconnection
All Saffire units adhere to the IEEE1394 (FireWire) standard, however it may be the case that the FireWire port on your computer
motherboard or FireWire card does not. Device connection and disconnection from a FireWire port that is not compliant to the
IEEE1394 standard may result in permanent damage to both the Saffire and your computer.

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To prevent permanent damage, we recommend that the sequence below is always followed:
Connecting your unit(s):
• Ensure that your computer is turned OFF
• Connect the Saffire to your computer
• Attach the power supply if necessary
• Turn ON your Saffire
• Turn ON your computer
• Turn ON your monitor speakers
Disconnecting your unit(s):
• Shut down Saffire MixControl
• Turn OFF your monitor speakers
• Turn OFF your computer
Software installation
All software required by the Saffire PRO 26 - and several powerful and useful extras - are available for download from the Focusrite
website (www.focusrite.com/register). The Software Activation card provided with your Saffire PRO 26 contains a registration code
which you will need to enter at the above web address. This procedure ensures that you will have the most up-to-date software
version.
Can’t get started?
If you have any trouble with this product
do not go back to the place of purchase.
Contact our support team on:
US:
UK &
International:
Online:
PLACE SERIAL NUMBER STICKER HERE
1-855-24-FOCUS (1-855-243-6287)
Support available Monday - Friday 8am – 6pm (PST)
[phone]
Support available Monday - Friday 9:30am – 6pm (GMT/BST)
www.focusrite.com/support
www.novationmusic.com/support
FA0736-01
1. Using your usual browser, go to www.focusrite.com/register.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions, entering the “Product Bundle Code” into the form where prompted. Your “Product Bundle
Code” can be found on the Software Download Card packed with the unit.
3. You will then be able to access the “My Products” page, where the software products to which your registration entitles you are
available for download, complete with activation codes where applicable.
4. Download and install Saffire MixControl. Follow all on-screen instructions.
5. When the installation is complete, shut down your computer, and connect your Saffire PRO 26, carefully following the
instructions above - Connecting your unit(s).

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Hardware
Rear Panel
The rear panel carries most of the Saffire PRO26’s input and output connections
12364810 95
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1. MIC INPUTS 1 and 2 – two standard 3-pin XLR sockets for connecting microphones to Channels 1 and 2. These sockets will be
operational when no jack plug is inserted in the corresponding front panel Line/Inst input (see “Front Panel” on page 10).
2. MIC/LINE INPUTS 3 and 4 - two Combo input sockets for Channels 3 and 4. These connectors can accept either a male
XLR plug, ¼” TRS (balanced) jack plugs or ¼” TS (unbalanced) jack plugs. Channel sensitivity is switched automatically to
microphone level when an XLR is inserted, and to line level when a jack plug is inserted.
3. LINE INPUTS 5 and 6 – two ¼” TRS (balanced) jack sockets for the connection of line level sources.
4. OPTICAL INPUT - TOSLINK connector able to carry eight channels of digital audio in ADAT format at 44.1/48 kHz sample rate or
four channels at 88.2/96 kHz. These are simply additional inputs (11 to 18) to the Saffire PRO 26.
5. S/PDIF OUT – this phono (RCA) socket provides a two-channel digital audio output from the interface. The signal present at this
connector is freely assignable in Saffire MixControl to follow any two-channel audio source within the mixer.
6. LINE OUTPUTS 1 to 6 – six ¼” TRS (balanced) jack sockets. Outputs 1 and 2 will normally be used as the primary stereo monitor
outputs, but it is possible to re-allocate all the outputs in Saffire MixControl in any manner to suit the method of working.
7. S/PDIF IN – this phono (RCA) socket allows a two-channel digital audio source to be connected to the Saffire PRO 26. These
signals appear to Saffire MixControl as two further inputs (7 & 8).
8. FIREWIRE – IEEE 1394-compliant FireWire 400 port. Connect this to your computer’s FireWire port (see “Getting Started”).
9. MIDI IN and MIDI OUT – standard 5-pin DIN sockets for connection of external MIDI equipment. The Saffire PRO 26 acts as a
“Break-out (and Break-in) Box”, allowing MIDI data to/from your computer to be distributed to additional MIDI devices.
10. Power supply input – connect the supplied AC adaptor here to power the Saffire PRO 26 if your computer cannot supply DC
power via FireWire for any reason, or if you using the Saffire PRO 26 as a “stand-alone” device.

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Front Panel
2 24 4 7
1 3 5 8 1096
1. Line/Inst INPUTs 1 and 2 – two ¼” TRS (balanced) jack sockets for the connection of instruments or line level sources.
The inputs can accept either balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS) jacks. Inserting a jack into these sockets overrides the
corresponding MIC INPUT XLR on the rear panel (see [1] on page 9).
2. Inst – separate switches for Channels 1 and 2; when pressed optimise the sensitivity and impedance of the Line/Inst inputs
for use with electric instruments. Use this setting when you plug a guitar into either of the front panel inputs. When not
pressed, the inputs are suitable for line level signals. The switches each have associated LEDs which illuminate when
Instrument mode is selected.
3. MIC 48V - two switches enabling 48 V phantom power at the rear panel XLR MIC INPUTS for Channels 1 and 2 (1-2) and the
XLR contacts (mic inputs) of the Combo connectors for Channels 3 and 4 (3-4). The switches each have associated LEDs
which illuminate when phantom power is selected.
4. Pad – separate pad switches for Channels 1 and 2; when pressed, the input signal is reduced by 8 dB. The pad increases the
headroom of the input stage, and should be used to reduce signal levels that are ‘too hot’. The associated LEDs illuminate
when Pad is selected. The pad may be used with all types of input – Mic, Line or Instrument.
5. GAIN 1 to 4 – use these controls to adjust the input signal level in Channels 1 to 4 respectively.
6. Meters – six five-segment LED bargraph meters monitoring the six analogue Line Inputs (1 -6). Levels should always be
adjusted such that the highest (0 dB) LED NEVER illuminates – if it does, digital clipping is occurring, which can sound very
unpleasant.
7. FW and LKD LEDs – these two LEDs monitor the status of the FireWire connection: FW illuminates when the Saffire PRO 26
is correctly connected to a FireWire port on your computer, and LKD Indicates that the hardware is locked to a digital clock
source. When in normal use with a computer, both LEDs should be on.
8. Volume MONITOR, Dim and Mute – the Volume control sets the level at the Line Outputs that have been assigned to the
Monitoring section in Saffire MixControl. Default setting is for Line Outputs 1 and 2 (normal stereo monitoring). Monitor
Dim and Mute buttons are also provided, which act on the assigned outputs. Dim reduces the monitor level by 18 dB. Each
button has an associated LED.
9. HEADPHONES and Volume – the Saffire PRO 26 provides two front panel stereo headphone outputs; by default
HEADPHONES 1 follows Outputs 3 & 4 and HEADPHONES 2 follows Outputs 5 & 6, but the sources are re-assignable from
Saffire MixControl.
10. Power switch and LED – the switch turns the unit on and off. It is operational regardless of the method of powering. The
LED confirms power is applied to the unit, and also illuminates regardless of the source of DC power.

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Installation
Once the software installation has been completed as described on page 8, your computer’s Operating System should
automatically select its default audio outputs to be routed via the Saffire PRO 26. To confirm that this is the case:
On Windows 7, go to Start > Control Panel > Sound;
set Default Playback and Recording to Safre Audio.
On Windows 8, go to Start > Control Panel > Sound;
set Default Playback and Recording to Safre Audio.
On Mac OS X, go to System Preferences > Sound ;
set the input and output to Safre.
NOTE: For more detailed setup options on a Mac, go to Applications > Utilities > Audio Midi Set-up.
Audio set-up in your DAW
The Saffire PRO 26 is compatible with any DAW that uses ASIO drivers on Windows PCs, and any DAW that uses Core Audio on Mac.
Your DAW software may not automatically select the Saffire PRO 26 as the input/output device. Check that it is selected as the ASIO
driver (Windows) or Core Audio (Mac) driver on your DAW’s audio set-up page*. Please refer to your DAW’s documentation if you are
unsure where to select the ASIO/Core Audio driver.
Ableton Live Lite:
To allow you to get started if you do not already have a DAW application installed on your computer, Ableton Live Lite is available
to you as a free download once you’ve registered your Saffire PRO 26 on-line. To install Ableton Live Lite, download and save the
Ableton installer file from your registered Focusrite “My Products” page as described in the section “Software Installation”, and
then run it, following all on-screen instructions.
Operating instructions for Ableton Live Lite are beyond the scope of this User Guide, but the application includes a full set of Help
files.
The screenshot below shows how Ableton Live Lite’s Preferences page (Mac version shown) should be configured to work correctly
with the Saffire PRO 26.
*Typical name. Terminology may differ slightly between DAWs.

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Once the Saffire PRO 26 is set as the preferred Audio Device* in your DAW, all 18 inputs and 8 outputs will appear in your DAW’s
Audio I/O preferences. Depending on your DAW, you may need to enable certain inputs or outputs before use. The two examples
below show two inputs and two outputs enabled in Ableton Live Lite Audio Preferences.
The table below summarises the relationship between the Saffire PRO 26’s various inputs and your DAW’s inputs.
DAW INPUT SAFFIRE PRO 26 INPUT
1 Analogue Input 1 (Mic/Line/Inst)
2 Analogue Input 2 (Mic/Line/Inst)
3 Analogue Input 3 (Mic/Line)
4 Analogue Input 4 (Mic/Line)
5 Analogue Input 5 (Line)
6 Analogue Input 6 (Line)
7 S/PDIF Input Ch A
8 S/PDIF Input Ch B
9 Loop Back Input 1 (Virtual i/p)
10 Loop Back Input 2 (Virtual i/p)
11 ADAT Input Ch 1
12 ADAT Input Ch 2
13 ADAT Input Ch 3
14 ADAT Input Ch 4
15 ADAT Input Ch 5
16 ADAT Input Ch 6
17 ADAT Input Ch 7
18 ADAT Input Ch 8
*Typical name. Terminology may differ slightly between DAWs.

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Example of Usage
The Saffire PRO 26 may be used in several different recording and monitoring applications. Some typical configurations are
shown below.
Recording from microphones and instruments
Guitar Bass Guitar
Microphones
Musician’s individual
foldback mixes
Mono Keys
This setup illustrates a configuration for recording a group of musicians with DAW software on Mac or PC. In this case, Channels
1 and 2 are used for two guitars (via the front panel sockets), while Inputs 3 and 4 (rear panel) are used for vocals. Two mono
keyboards (one might be running a drum pattern) are connected to inputs 5 and 6, also at the rear. These sources will all be
recorded on separate tracks of the DAW. During recording, the playback from the DAW can be monitored on the loudspeakers,
and Saffire MixControl will provide each vocalist with their own headphone mix of themselves, the other singer, the guitars and
keyboards, plus any other DAW tracks that may have already been recorded.
The front panel input sockets accept instruments directly when the Inst buttons are pressed. Inputs 3 and 4 are Combo XLR type,
which accept either an XLR male connector (you will probably have one on the end of your microphone cable) or a ¼” (6.35 mm) jack
plug. Note the Saffire PRO 26 has no “Mic/line” switches – on Channels 3 and 4 the Focusrite preamplifier stages are automatically
configured for a microphone when you plug an XLR in, and for a line level signal when you connect a jack plug.
If you are using capacitor (condenser) microphones, press the MIC 48V 3-4 button (in this example) to supply phantom power to
the mics.
NOTE: While the vast majority of modern dynamic mics will ignore phantom power and work
normally, we do recommend that you don’t turn phantom power on if you’re using a ribbon mic.

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Channels 1 and 2 of the Saffire PRO 26 have a PAD switch; switching the Pad into circuit reduces the input sensitivity by 8 dB. You
may find this useful if you are feeding the input from a line-level source with a particularly “hot” output.
Connecting Saffire PRO 26 to loudspeakers
Any or all of the ¼” LINE OUTPUT jacks on the rear panel can be used to drive monitoring speakers. Saffire MixControl will configure
LINE OUTPUTS 1 and 2 to feed the left and right channels of a normal stereo monitoring set-up.
Self-powered monitors (e.g., active reference monitors) incorporate internal amplifiers, and may be connected directly.
Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the rear panel outputs should be connected to the
amplifier’s inputs.
POWERED MONITORS
AMPLIFIER
All the line output connectors are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” (6.35 mm) jack sockets, and are electronically balanced. Typical consumer (hi-fi)
amplifiers and small powered monitors will have unbalanced inputs, either on phono (RCA) sockets, or via a 3.5 mm 3-pole jack plug
intended for direct connection to a computer. In either case, use a suitable connecting cable with jack plugs at one end.
Professional power amplifiers will generally have balanced inputs.
NOTE: You run the risk of creating an audio feedback loop if loudspeakers are active at the same time as a microphone! We
recommend that you always turn off (or turn down) monitoring loudspeakers while recording, and use headphones when
overdubbing.

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Using the ADAT connection
In addition to the six analogue inputs and the two-channel S/PDIF input, the Saffire PRO 26 has an optical ADAT input port which can
provide an additional eight audio inputs at 44.1/48 kHz sample rate or four at 88.2/96 kHz. Using a separate 8-channel microphone
preamplifier equipped with an ADAT output – such as the Focusrite OctoPre MkII – provides a simple and excellent method of
expanding the Saffire PRO 26’s input capability.
Computer
running DAW
and Saffire
Mix Control
Inputs 1 & 2 on front panel
Optical ADAT connection (TOSLINK)
OctoPre MkII
Saffire PRO 26
Inputs 1 & 2 (Line/Inst) on front panel
Up to 12 Mic/Line Sources + 2 Line Sources
The OctoPre MkII’s ADAT output is connected to the Saffire PRO 26’s ADAT input with a single TOSLINK optical cable. To synchronise
the word clocks of the two devices, set the word clock source of the OctoPre MkII to “Internal” and that of the Saffire PRO 26 to
“ADAT”.
TIP: When interconnecting two digital devices by any method, always ensure that both are set to the same sample rate.
The additional inputs realised by use of the ADAT port may be routed using Saffire MixControl in exactly the same manner as the
other inputs. The additional inputs can form part of any musician’s headphone mix, as required.

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Using the Saffire PRO 26 in stand-alone mode
The Saffire PRO 26 has the ability to store a mix configuration defined in Saffire MixControl within the hardware. This feature lets
you configure it – for example, as an on-stage keyboard mixer – using your computer, and then upload the configuration to the device
itself. Then you can use the Saffire PRO 26 as a simple local mixer as part of your keyboard rig to control the overall mix of multiple
keyboards.
To FOH Mixer
In the example illustrated, three stereo keyboards are connected to the inputs of the Saffire PRO 26; Line Outputs 1 and 2 go to the
main PA system. The performer can adjust the volume of two of the keyboards against the third from the front panel; he/she can
also adjust the overall level of the keyboard mix.
Greater flexibility of on-stage mixing could be achieved by connecting an OctoPre MkII via the optical ADAT port, as in the previous
example; all keyboard sources could be connected to the OctoPre MkII, providing full pre-input level control.
Additional information about using the Saffire PRO 26 in stand-alone mode is available from www.focusrite.com/saffirepro26.

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Saffire MixControl
The Saffire MixControl software application allows flexible mixing and routing of all audio signals to the physical audio outputs, as
well as control of output monitor levels. All sample rate selection, digital sync selection and buffer size settings (Windows only) are
also available from the software.
To open Saffire MixControl:
Windows:
Select Start > Programs > Focusrite > Safre MixControl.
Mac:
Open Finder > Applications > Safre MixControl.
This is how the Saffire MixControl Graphical User Interface will appear on your computer (Mac version illustrated):
Mixer
Mixer
Tab
Mixer
Input
Channel
Routing Section Device Status Section
Mixer
Output
Channel
Monitor
Section

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1. Mixer
Saffire MixControl includes a total of 8 mixes, each with a maximum of 18 channels in the mix. Up to 8 mono mixes or 4 stereo mixes,
(or any combination of mono and stereo mixes) are available, making up a total of 8 mix channels.
Each separate Mix may be created from any of the 16 possible physical inputs plus up to eight DAW tracks, and each can be sent to
any number of outputs.
Each mix shares the same source inputs, but all other mixer controls are independent within each mix.
The Mixer Section is used to create mixes for monitoring purposes. The mixes you create do not affect how the audio inputs are
routed to the DAW, nor does it affect the audio level of the signal to be recorded. What you set up in the mixer section of Saffire
MixControl only affects what is heard from the outputs. The DAW’s Input recording levels are always set on the front panel Gain
controls.
An example of the mixer’s use is to record multiple artists simultaneously. For example, imagine a guitarist and a vocalist are
performing together, and you wish to provide each of them with a backing track, and a feed of each other’s input signal. The guitarist
needs to hear mainly the backing track, her own guitar, and some vocals. The vocalist needs to hear the backing track, a little of the
guitar and his vocal at a good level. A separate mix can be created for each artist with the exact levels that he/she needs. Each has
his/her own mix, created on different mix tabs within Saffire MixControl.
2. Mixer Tab
Each mix can be named on the corresponding mixer tab.

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3. Mixer Input Channel
The various components of an Input Channel are described below:
Audio source select
The area at the very top of the channel (below the mix tab) displays the source currently
assigned to the channel. When no input is assigned, it displays Off.
Clicking on the area brings up a list of all inputs available to the channel, divided into
physical inputs (Inputs) and DAW tracks (DAW). All analogue (labelled Anlg In) and
digital (labelled SPDIF or ADAT In) inputs are available.
Note that channels may be mono, or in pairs for stereo operation. Stereo operation
“borrows” an adjacent channel and lets you control both left and right legs of the stereo
signal with a single fader. See “Stereo” on page 20 for details of mono/stereo channel
definition.
When a pair of channels have been defined as stereo, the odd-numbered channel of the
pair is the left channel, the even channel is the right.
Note that an input can only be assigned to one channel in each mix. If it has already been
assigned, it will be greyed-out on other channels.
To include previously-recorded DAW tracks in the mix, select the relevant DAW tracks
as channel inputs; if the tracks are stereo pairs (typically DAW 1 and DAW 2, but this will
depend how the outputs of the DAW or other computer application are routed), configure a
pair of channels as stereo.
Pan Slider
A Pan Slider is used to position the audio signal anywhere between the left and right channels of a stereo mix.
Moving the slider from left to right will move the audio signal from left to right within the stereo field, i.e., the
signal is panned between the two audio outputs to which the mix has been assigned.
On a stereo channel, only the left channel is heard when the slider is fully left, and vice-versa.

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Fader
Use the fader to set the level of the audio signal in the currently-selected mix.
Click the fader with your mouse or drag the knob to any position. Double click on the fader to set it to 0 (unity gain).
Fader range is from -∞ to +6 dB; a numerical indication of the current position is displayed below the fader slot.
Meter
The meter adjacent to the fader shows the signal level in the channel. A ‘peak hold’ display in the box below shows the
maximum signal level reached. Clicking on the box resets the display.
The meter source is pre-fade, thus the level of the signal at the input is displayed, and the fader position does not
affect the level.
The meter incorporates a Clip indicator. If the red portion at the top of the fader illuminates and the word Clip
appears in the maximum signal level box, the signal level is too high. You will need to turn it down by adjusting the
gain controls on the front panel in the case of the analogue inputs, lowering the output level of external devices in the
case of the digital inputs, or adjusting the output levels in your DAW.
Once the gains are lowered, click on the red portion to reset the clip indications.
Mute
Clicking this button mutes the channel; it illuminates red when Mute is active.
Solo
Clicking this button solos the signal; all other channels in the current mix are muted. The channel fader remains
active. The button illuminates yellow when Solo is active.
PFL (Pre-fade listen)
Clicking this button performs a “non-destructive” solo; the signal in the channel is routed to Outputs 1 and 2. The
soloed signal is pre-fade (i.e., its level will not be affected by the fader). PFL is purely a monitoring function and all
other channels remain active with all signals still routed. The button illuminates green when PFL is active.
Stereo
Pressing this button combines two (adjacent) mono channels into a single stereo channel. A stereo channel always
uses an odd-even pair, with the odd-numbered channel for left and the even-numbered for right.
Track Name
By default, each track has a number. Double-click the label area to rename the channel to something more
meaningful, e.g., Vocal Mic or Drums.