Not quite what I expected 
by Ian Lopez from Surrey, BC Canada, August 2008
Music Background:  Hobbyist

I actually picked this up almost a year ago to replace an original MOTU 828 that gave up the ghost. Initially I picked up the Saffire but exchanged it for the LE when I realized the LE came with 2 more analog inputs, more plug-ins and an ability to record at a higher sample rate. Having used both the Saffire and the Saffire LE I now understand the difference. The Saffire has built in effects for compression and reverb and EQ. This is all handled via plug-ins for the LE. After listening to both I realized too late that the LE's plug-ins didn't actually pack the punch that the built in effects do on the Saffire.

The software that comes with the LE is also a bit rudimentary especially compared to what comes with the Saffire but does ok. As for sound quality it's fairly transparent and as for ease of use, I find the LE to be solid. I like the front side XLR inputs and after some tweaking with my Presonus BlueTube DP and FMR RNC Compressor, I'm fairly happy with the end result.

For the most part it works quite well and I even run my external firewire harddrive through it (and record to it) with no issue. I really do find that firewire is far more reliable than USB 2. Though technically the same speed firewire allows for communication back and forth between device and computer which make it actually quicker and more stable than USB. That said, I have had more than a few occasions where my LE has simply stopped working and I've had to unplug it and replug it into my firewire port (I use a Macbook). I also had an issue when someone came in to record keyboard (via MIDI) and the MIDI would not respond. It mysteriously started working a couple days later (though too late for the recording session) and I haven't had an issue with it since.

To be honest I think this is an ok entry level interface but if you're thinking of going the Focusrite route I'd actually suggest the Saffire over the Saffire LE. Though the LE offers 2 more analog inputs and a higher sampling rate I think the Saffire is more stable, offers a better sound (due to its built in hardware DSP), and has a much better software interface (SaffireControl).

  Bad start but it turned out great 
by Rob from Arizona, August 2008
Music Background:  Independant musician

I bought this unit after a lot of research. I looked at Firebox, Apogee, you name it, but for the features and the value, it simply kept standing out from the pack. I ordered it and when it arrived, to my dismay, one channel was toast. Sweetwater tech support took care if it almost instantly and sent me a replacement unit. I plugged that in and was amazed out how smooth and clean this unit sounds. It is worth much more than the 250 bucks. Sure there are others with higher price tags, but I am hard pressed to believe that they are any better. Greate product

  best quality for the price 
by Tian from New York and Los angeles, September 2007
Music Background:  Pro Classical and Commercial Composer

the sound of this thing is really good: transparent and clear. and it works with my external firewire drive (all into one port on my macbook). it is bigger than I thought though, and it's not a really good-looking piece of gear. but it works well so who cares.

  "The Focusrite Sound Straight from the Box" 
by Camilo Florez from New York, NY, May 2007
Music Background:  Artist - Tech Geek

I used for a while an MBOX and really liked its sound and form factor, but didn't liked the OS X drivers, besides that I use mostly Logic Pro for my music projects.

After doing some extensive research found out that it was Focusrite that designed the MBOX in the first place and got curious about the Saffire interfaces. There was a Sound On Sound (uk magazine) review about the Saffire LE that convince me to go for it.

The Saffire LE has an amazing sharp crystal clear sound. The pre-amps are warm and detailed (as you would expect from Focusrite) and the installation couldn't be easier: it's a Core Audio complaince interfaces so no drivers are required on Mac OS X, just plug and play !! Thanks Sweetwater !

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