Details on Focusrite's SaffireControl Software Announced
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Saffire
(Click for a close-up) |
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SaffireControl
(Click for a close-up) |
March 21, 2005
Focusrite has announced full details for
SaffireControl, the software application that unlocks the onboard
24-bit/96kHz DSP of the Saffire audio interface, while also providing access to the hardware's
advanced settings. Focusrite is also confirming that Steinberg's
Cubase LE software is to be bundled for free with Saffire.
Introduced at the NAMM Show 2005 by Focusrite, the company behind the design
of the Mbox, Saffire is a compact, portable desktop unit
featuring multiple I/O and powerful onboard processing for the modern audio engineer.
The SaffireControl software suite (from the same team that created the
control application for The Liquid Channel) includes a comprehensive I/O
control plus Focusrite EQ, Compression, Amp Modelling and Reverb
plug-ins. Focusrite front-end design is combined with
software to provide effects processing on the incoming audio and foldback
reverb over any of the separate headphone/monitor outputs, ensuring artists
are kept happy and audio is tracked.
SaffireControl offers two preset modes of operation, allowing the hardware
to function either as a comprehensive tracking tool, with custom foldback
mixes (of incoming audio and tracks from a sequencer) for artists, or a
standard soundcard, with eight analog outputs. Buttons within the main
software application instantly recall these two interface performance
setups, and of course all settings for either mode can be saved for later
session recall.
Designed with workflow management in mind, the SaffireControl software can
be set to whatever level of complexity is required by the engineer, with
simple controls on the surface and more advanced settings always visible but
only activated at the user's command. Once settings have been defined,
SaffireControl can be shrunk down to a condensed format and set to 'float'
continuously over the recording software in use, offering I/O signal control
at a glance.
With all of the plug-ins, including foldback reverb for the outputs, running
off Saffire's onboard hardware DSP, the computer's processing is never
taxed. The entire plug-in suite also comes in AU/VST format for using
separately within the sequencer or recording software.
The Compressor plug-in is modeled on the company's hardware
devices, using the measurement of custom optos to achieve the signature
Focusrite sound. All Focusrite optos are tuned by ear, just like in the old
days of analogue design, ensuring a faithful recreation of those classic
vintage 1960s optical compressors.
The EQ plug-in exhibits the same signature as the original Focusrite
EQ curves. Focusrite's R&D team used state-of-the-art numerical transform
techniques to create an authentic response across the entire audible frequency
spectrum.
The Reverb plug-in is based on classic algorithmic studio reverb designs and
the Amp Modeling plug-in features overdrive, speaker simulation and classic
passive guitar EQ emulation.
In Template mode, EQ and Compressor plug-in presets provide optimized
settings for vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, bass,
brass/wind, percussion and strings. Switching to Advanced mode provides
control over every parameter.
Session settings are configured in the main application window, which
features multiple faders for all incoming and outgoing audio and vertical
strip meters for each stage of the audio chain. There are three main
sections: input processing, balancing of audio from the sequencer (for
example, Cubase) and separate processing/mixing of all stereo outputs,
including monitor and headphone paths.
Recorded audio levels are set and EQ/Amp Modelling and/or Compression
applied in the input stage, located in the top left of the main software
panel. One mouse click opens up a separate window where the individual
settings for that input channel can be defined. Meanwhile, the lower half of
the main panel is reserved for the balancing/custom mixing and processing of
any of the 10 available stereo outputs. Pots and cross faders in this
section allow a simple balancing of inputs and outputs, while two larger
custom mix buttons provide the option of a completely unique mix of both the
incoming and outgoing audio.
The included Steinberg Cubase LE - software features:
- 48 audio and 64 MIDI tracks
- Professional audio editing and processing features
- Full automation of volume, pan, mute and effects
- MIDI score editor with advanced quantization and logical presets
- Supports up to 8 VST instruments
- 2 insert and 4 effect sends per channel
- VST system link and ReWire 2 compatible
For more information, visit their web site at www.focusrite.com. | 
