New Saffire interface and Liquid Mix from Focusrite

Focusrite has turned up at the AES show with three new releases: an addition to its range of Saffire audio interfaces, a special version of its Liquid Mix for Pro Tools HD users and a plug-in that the company has added to its distribution line.

Leading the way is the Saffire Pro 40, a multi-channel audio interface that contains eight high-quality Focusrite preamps. Also onboard are ten analogue outputs, ADAT I/O, stereo S/PDIF I/O and two virtual loopback inputs that enable you to route digital audio between software applications. The interface features two independent headphone buses, too.

As well as the hardware, the package also contains a suite of Focusrite plug-ins and the Saffire Pro 40 Control application. This is an 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router that lets you manage routing and monitoring options on your Mac or PC.

Moving on, Liquid Mix HD is a special version of Focusrite's Liquid Mix processing system for users of high-end Pro Tools systems. This is basically a plug-in, with each instance of it giving the user access to a compressor and an EQ emulation.

The new version features the same pool of compressors and EQs as you'll find in the standard (and highly acclaimed) Liquid Mix.

Finally, Focusrite has announced that it'll now be distributing the Forte Suite plug-in. Based on Focusrite's Forte hardware channel strip, this Pro Tools HD processor offers EQ and compression and was previously distributed by Digidesign.

Both the Saffire Pro 40 and Liquid Mix HD will be available in October, while the Forte Suite will be available through Focusrite from November. Check with your local distributor for prices or go to the Focusrite website for further spec details.