Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

[moneycat12]

For the longest time I have been debating over Presonus products (in the last few days the FP10 has been my dream unit), however someone on another forum suggested the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40. The guy said it has better preamps than the FP10 (I realize that "better" is an extremely vague term).

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 seems to have good reviews on most e-tailers. It seems like a good unit.

My only concern is that is comes with Ableton Live Lite. I was hoping to use Cubase out of the box like Presonus products. Anyone have any opinions on Ableton?

Anyone use it or know of anyone who does?

ps: I want to us the unit to record electric bass and guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals and a full drum kit in a project studio. I hope to record a wide range of genres.

[String7th]

First realize the preamps are the same. They do make a preamp that costs thousands, but those are not in the Saffire line. They have average interface pre's.

If you already have Cubase from another product, you can just check Focusrite to make sure it's compatable and keep your Cubase. I've never used Abbleton, maybe a user here can give advice on how it compares.

Cheating thought:
Buy a Tascam US122, install and register the Cubase LE disk, return the Tascam back to the store still wrapped in plastic.

[tacman7]

I went back and forth between the Focusrite 56 and the Konnekt 48.

Lots of reviews seem to place them about equal as far as conversion and sound quality.

I've read the one your looking at is pretty much the same as the 56 with less features so it should be good sound quality.

I went with the konnekt because of features but I'm really happy with the sound quality and how well it works. Definite improvement over my 1820m.

I'm a big fan of cubase. Something to be said for buying the full version. Maybe a lot to start with but you're pretty limited with the free version.

People sell the free version if they don't need it. Wouldn't hurt to learn Ableton. The more you know the better off you are. I use cubase but I started with cakewalk and then logic.

[String7th]

Don't be afraid of Cubase LE4 being too limited. I've used LE for a few years then started with LE4 a year ago. I've researched and considered upgrading over a year and am still sticking with LE4.

8 plug in inserts, 8 send effects, 48 tracks, ability to bus mix and compress, can export to many bit rate types, easy drum programing, etc. I record full drum micing, layered guitar, harmony vox and get very close to maxing tracks, but still have not had to bouce yet.

[moneycat12]

Originally Posted by String7th

Buy a Tascam US122, install and register the Cubase LE disk, return the Tascam back to the store still wrapped in plastic.

I like the idea

I'm pretty sure you had said in another thread that you are a Presonus user. From what you know, is there any reason why I should just stick with Presonus? Or is the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 a decent alternative. Also, is the software reason enough to go with Presonus?

[String7th]

Well the FP10 and Saffire 40 are hard to compare. It's asking do you want an economy car or the fully loaded truck. The Saffire costs more because it does a whole lot more. ADAT in, GUI control software, and more ins and outs are just the beginning.

If you only need 8-10 inputs and don;t need all the bells and whistles, go for FP10.

If you got bigger plans for adding inputs and multiple monitoring, might as well get Siffire now.