Focusrite Saffire LE (Firewire)
Physically, the Saffire LE is very similar to its big brother, the Saffire audio interface. Offering impressive build quality and the same convenient form factor, it's ideal for portable use. This version lacks the onboard DSP processing features, has fewer analogue outputs and a lower maximum sampling rate (96kHz rather than 192kHz), but it does offer two more analogue inputs and ships with the same bundle of native Focusrite plug-ins. The front panel sports two balanced XLR microphone inputs, two balanced line/instrument inputs on 1/4" jacks, one headphone output and basic gain and metering controls. Focusrite hasn't opted for the combined XLR/jack inputs that you'll find on many interfaces - a slightly strange decision when you consider that only one of the sets of front panel inputs can be used at any one time. The metering facilities on the front panel are extremely basic, comprising just two overload LEDs. Although more comprehensive metering options are available in the control panel software application, there are going to be occasions when better front panel metering would come in handy. The rear panel hosts two more inputs and six outputs, all on balanced 1/4" jack connectors. The analogue outputs are helpfully dual-labelled with surround sound designations (more on this later), while a pair of coaxial S/PDIF connectors provides digital audio I/O. The unit can be powered via a DC input on the rear panel, but most of the time, the Saffire LE will get its juice from the FireWire bus (providing a 6-pin cable is used to connect it to the computer). Two FireWire ports are provided so that other devices can be daisy-chained on the same FireWire port, but this is not recommended. A pair of MIDI connectors rounds off the external connectivity. Ad ID: Delivery Services Consumer Credit