XServe and Focusrite Saffire issues

I'm posting this here because the problem appears to be with the XServe, but idf anyone thinks I'd better off in one of the other forums can you suggest which one?
I have a Focusrite Saffire 24 which is part of the mobile recording setup, and had the idea that when It's not being used it for that, it could be used as an audio interface to allow me the run iTunes on the studio XServe to the hifi.
However I can't get a consistent connection to the Saffire hardware from the XServe without the audio cutting out.
The longest continuous connection I've had has been less than 10 minutes, normally I get around 5 minutes of audio before it cuts out. If I do nothing eventually the audio comes back on although sometimes when this happens it sounds as though it's no longer clocked correctly. While the output is silent iTunes is still playing according to the progress bar and the HD activity lights, and when the audio does return it is at the point where iTunes has got to.
If I have the Saffire Mix Control app open, when the audio stops the meters drop to zero.
I can force the audio back on by toggling the clock/sync setting between internal and any other value and then back again in either the Saffire Mix Control app or Apple's Audio MIDI setup. Setting the clock to anything other than internal will restart the Mix Control meters but I can only hear audio from the hifi when the clock is set to internal.
The Saffire works properly with my MacBook Pro (OSX 10.5.8 + Apple updates) using all the same cables (FW800-400 and S/PDIF) either streaming audio direct from the MacBook Pro's HD or using iTunes sharing to access the library on the XServe.
The MacBook Pro is running a slightly older version of the Saffire software (1.7 rather than 1.8) but Focusrite don't think it's an issue. 1.7 is no longer available for download and I'm reluctant to update the software on the MacBook Pro without access to the older version and full instructions for uninstalling the newer software in case it breaks.
However I have had issues getting the MacBook Pro to actually accept that the Saffire was connected. All the status lights on the Saffire were lit correctly. It was set as audio input and output device in both the Sound prefs pane and the Audio MIDI setup app, but sound was still coming out of the MacBook Pro's speakers/headphone socket rather than the Saffire. More fiddling around with the settings eventually gets the audio routed to the Saffire but there doesn't seem to be any logic to what I do to make it work.
Certainly neither of the other audio interfaces I use (MotU 2408 and M-Audio 2496 PCI based) have this much trouble. I simply select them in the Audio MIDI setup app and that's it. Audio gets routed to the interface and not the Mac's internal systems.
I can't help but think that the XServe problems are a more severe form of this in that while the MacBook Pro seems to be OK once the routing has been established (I've not tested it for more than 3 hours continuous use though) the XServe keeps loosing the routing that is sending the audio signal to the Saffire rather than the built-in speakers. Since the XServe doesn't have any built-in audio system I can't actually tell if this is the case.
The XServe is a 2.8GHz single Quad-core model fitted with 2GB RAM and 3SAS Hard drives, one for the OS and apps and the other two for data. I'm running OSX Server 10.5.8 with all the updates, which is a brand new install less than a week old. The Saffire software is the only non-Apple install on the Mac. I have an Apple keyboard and Mouse connected via one of the USB ports and a Sony monitor to the DVI port. The Saffire Pro 24 is the only device connected to the FireWire ports (both FW800, it doesn't make a difference which one is used).
Anyone have any experience of this or have any other ideas I can try?

I´m happy to read this thread.....Phantom never worked on my unit.
I was feeding the Saffire with a Rode NTK mic. It has a transformer, so I never noticed, until I connected another mic.....It´s going back to shop now!
All in all the Saffire has been a disappointment....From Audiomedia lll, to Digi 001, to Tascam 428, this one has turned out to be the most unstable and unpredictable.
"Please disconnnect firewire and AC (if you´re using it) for a few seconds"
I mean, with OSX I never do any restarts, but the Saffire has made me do quite a few.
If I shut down my computer....The next day I´ll have to set up a very special procedure to make my Saffire work, that´s a fact.
On board effects. Great, to take some heat off your cpu. But they are crap! Cheap reverb, cheap amp simulation....No!
And still, I have never seen a GUI as poor as this.......And something is wrong,
when you engage the UI, you hear a blob....The Saffire is in command!
The Saffire should be discreet. As any good soundcard.
It says 4 in, 8 out, Ha!
If you use digital in you have no monitor options through the Saffire.
If you use more than 2 out, you´ll have to deal with that fiddly GUI.
The pre amps are decent, but the output to headphones is a laugh.
I´ve done a vocal session and we had to set up an extra amp to make
the signal loud enough.
So, I guess, I wasted some money again.
Peace!
JanD

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Spinning ball cursor with FCP 6.0.1, OS 10.5, and Focusrite Saffire LE...

Hi,
I've had a problem now ever since I purchased and connected a Focusrite Saffire LE FW400 audio interface to my Intel MBP. I've had the same problem under both 10.4 and 10.5 with both iMovie '08 and FCP 6.0.1.
In essence, whenever my FW400 audio interface is connected, I continually get the 'spinning ball' cursor as I scrub over my video timelines. With the Focusrite disconnected, everything is fine. This happens regardless of whether or not the material being edited is on the internal MBP drive, or my external FW800 drive.
Any ideas? I'm running the latest Focusrite drivers, and even tried the apple firewire audio driver updated issued for 10.4 all to no avail.
Is this a systemic problem of Firewire audio interfaces? Or did I choose poorly on brand? Anyone else running a similar configuration?
Thanks!
Ty

Welcome to the forum.
Could be a brand/driver issue. Lots of people around here running the Tascam firewire mixers with no issues to report.
One suggestion is to pick up a Expresscard 34 firewire card for the laptop. It will create a second bus that will allow you to isolate the external firewire hard drive from the mixer.
Otherwise, no real suggestions. sorry.
x

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Hi
My Saffire keeps f*%$ing out. I called Focusrite and told them about it, and they told me that this is an issue with apparent power spikes that G5's keep giving out. Apparently there was no issue with this in Panther, but it's a problem with Tiger, and apparently Apple has promied to release an update that will fix whis problem. Does anyone know if this is true or not, and whether there are any plans to release an update and when. This is really messing with all the stuff I have to do to get paid. Also, has anyone else been having problems with their Focusrite Saffire? I use Logc Pro, and I've already had a problem with the Phantom power with my Saffire and the G5.
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I´m happy to read this thread.....Phantom never worked on my unit.
I was feeding the Saffire with a Rode NTK mic. It has a transformer, so I never noticed, until I connected another mic.....It´s going back to shop now!
All in all the Saffire has been a disappointment....From Audiomedia lll, to Digi 001, to Tascam 428, this one has turned out to be the most unstable and unpredictable.
"Please disconnnect firewire and AC (if you´re using it) for a few seconds"
I mean, with OSX I never do any restarts, but the Saffire has made me do quite a few.
If I shut down my computer....The next day I´ll have to set up a very special procedure to make my Saffire work, that´s a fact.
On board effects. Great, to take some heat off your cpu. But they are crap! Cheap reverb, cheap amp simulation....No!
And still, I have never seen a GUI as poor as this.......And something is wrong,
when you engage the UI, you hear a blob....The Saffire is in command!
The Saffire should be discreet. As any good soundcard.
It says 4 in, 8 out, Ha!
If you use digital in you have no monitor options through the Saffire.
If you use more than 2 out, you´ll have to deal with that fiddly GUI.
The pre amps are decent, but the output to headphones is a laugh.
I´ve done a vocal session and we had to set up an extra amp to make
the signal loud enough.
So, I guess, I wasted some money again.
Peace!
JanD

Problems with LE7 and focusrite saffire

hello,
i've bought a saffire and i've some problems: sometimes the audio stops playing and the only way i have to let it works again is to disconnect firewire cable and then reconnect it.
i've already downloaded V2 of saffire's drivers.
can you help me?
anybody using a saffire? anybody with same problems?
please help

I use the Saffire but I've never had this problem. Maybe you have a bad firewire cable and you lose temporary the connection? Are the lights on the Saffire changing when you lose connections? I've heard Focusrite support is great, you could try to email them.

FW400 HD and focusrite interface conflicts

I have a iomega FW400 external HD and focusrite saffire pro 24 DSP interface. Both of these unit operate on their own fine. But if they are both connected either daisy chain or via the FW800 and FW400 ports of the rear on my iMac (same bus I know), the interface sometimes loses FW connection.
I think probably this is a conflict which could be resolved simply by getting a different FW400/800 Hard drive. What drives does any other focusrite users use, or any other suggestions to resolve this issue?
I'm using logic pro, but the problem still happens with garageband, or even just using itunes through the interface to my monitors.
I have an 2007 iMac 2.4hz 4Gb ram.

I can only relate to you my good experience using a FF400 on the 400 port and a LaCie HD on the 800. Never a glitch, despite my macbook's architecture sporting only one firewire buss !
In theory, you should be able to use both at at once.
ps. i can even use the FF400 on bus power, with the 800 HD churning away quite happily.

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I am having the craziest issue with my relatively new Focusrite Saffire Pro 24.
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I have even gone as far as an archive and install of a totally different OS and am still having the issue. The interface works fine on my roommates CPU. I have tried everything, different cable, different versions of the driver(they even sent me a beta to try), different user, different outputs, updating everything, repaired permissions several times, tried it without any other devices connected, etc etc.
My built-in output works fine, my USB M-audio works fine.
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4gb ram
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Thanks

Hello Everyone,
My Saffire Pro 24 DSP connection keeps dropping out. The output is initially recognized in my sound preferences and then disappears. I'm using logic X and also listen to occasional music via Spotify or iTunes through the saffire sound output. I've already downloaded the latest version of Saffire MixControl and that doesn't help. This is Extremely frustrating.
- I'm running it on a macbook pro OSX 10.8.5
- I'm connecting with the 400/800 fire wire cable. Have not got the thunderbolt adapter. Not sure if that would make a difference. I would think not.
What am I missing. Could it be a faulty firewire cable? Would consider replacing but want to trouble shoot system before spending money on new cable.
I've also heard about DiceTool which solves firmware issues on OSX Mountain Lion. Could that be it?
Please help me.
Thanks
Brian

BFD, Focusrite Saffire, Yamaha DTxtreme IIS and Logic Studio 8

I currently have a Yamaha DTXreme IIs electronic drumkit, a Focusrite Saffire interface (firewire) BFD 1, an academic version of Logic Express, MacBook Pro (specs below) with 2 GB RAM. Not upgrading to Tiger (yet).
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Any word on those items?

Hi,
Logic Studio (the full version, not the LE) has the ability to use up to 64 busses. Also, there are better routing options, as there are no limitations like in LE.
Also, you can play back up to 200 tracks (of course, your computer has to be able to do so...)
Unfrtunately, for you, you'll have to buy the full version, since you have an academic version roght now, which does not allow oyu to upgrade to 8. THe good news is that Studio is very affordable for what you get.
Cheers

I recently bought a dbx hardware compressor and am not quite sure how to use it in logic express 9. I hav a focusrite saffire 6 usb audio interface and am not dont how to use it in logic. Please help???

I recently bought a dbx hardware compressor and am not quite sure how to use it in logic express 9. I hav a focusrite saffire 6 usb audio interface and am not dont how to use it in logic. Please help???

MUYconfundido wrote:
Pancenter,
Thanks for the response, but I do not have a midi interface. I am using a midi to usb connector cable, thus bypassing the need for a Midi interface.
The Mac reads the USB cable as a midi device, but not the keyboard that I am trying to use as a controller. I have tried it with my korg sp 300 and with my Nord Electro 2.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Tristan
Tristan...
This is what you have, correct?
http://www.alesis.com/usbmidicable
This from Alesis..
"The AudioLink Series USB cable receives and outputs MIDI signal thanks to its internal interface. The USB-MIDI Cable connects plug-and-play to your Mac or PC for an all-in-one USB-MIDI solution."
Notice, -internal interface-. What you have is a simple USB MIDI Interface. Most MIDI interfaces are USB.
My point is (was), MIDI OUT of the Korg goes to the connector marked MIDI IN on the Alesis, those new to MIDI often get this wrong.
pancenter-

Xserve 2006 and Lion -- any issues

We just became aware that our old suite of 2006 Xserves cannot do Mountain Lion -- a bit of a surprise. We got these 4 years ago so then the deal we got seemed good. So my quesiton which I cannot find a clear answer to is this: Are there issues with Lion on these old Xserves we are missing. I get this gut feeling from having run Lion on 4 of these for better part of year and now finding them failing and having to reinstall -- corruption issues--- that as a transition from Snow Leopard to Moutain Lion that some issues may be the almost transition status of Lion that leads to Mt Lion.
Cany anyone provide information if we are going to have these problems again? Is trying to run more than Snow Leopard Server on the 2006 Xserves going to continue to have issues? We had hoped to go to Moutain Lion which clearly is more robust and not with issues that Lion Server brought, but that is not going to work. Our racks do not have room, nor do we have funds to buy some new Mac Pro Servers. And even the expense of 4 new mini servers and the need to get a HD rack to work with them rather than bays of Xserves which we use as file servers is more than we had planned for in this years budget.
The ultimate question in having file servers for a mostly now Mac with a few specialized Windows 7 hard ware (and ipads and iphones) end up being better on Snow Leopard? One issue is that some of file servers have people running a few items on them, may be hard to also go back to Snow Leopard, but then we have tried to push these as archival file servers and do your work locally but the old habits of working on files on the servers still is hard to kill in people who say well we have never done it that way.. argggg.
Any feedback on what we are trying to do would be very much appreciated before we go too much further down rabbit trail of keeping Lion going on these servers. 3 of the 4 have issues now, the ones that people do alot of file access on -- maybe a problem with Lion and file servicess???
Thanks in advance,
Russ Jacobson

Oh some specifics on these servers;
Xserve
Late 2006
Processor 2 x 2 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Memory 8 GB 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM
Graphics ATI Radeon X1300 64 MB
Software Mac OS X Server Lion 10.7.5 (11G63
Model Name:          Xserve
Model Identifier:          Xserve1,1
Processor Name:          Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed:          2 GHz
Number of Processors:          2
Total Number of Cores:          4
L2 Cache (per Processor):          4 MB
Memory:          8 GB
Bus Speed:          1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version:          XS11.0080.B01
SMC Version (system):          1.11f5
LOM Revision:          1.2.8

I've just installed Mac osx lion and my mac doesn't recognize (don't see) my audio interface. Focusrite Saffire pro 24 dsp.

I've just installed Mac osx lion and my mac doesn't recognize (don't see) my audio interface. Focusrite Saffire pro 24 dsp.
I had no problems on snow leopard.
thanks

Well I found my answer…
http://www.focusrite.com/answerbase/en/article.php?id=1159
At the time of writing, the following products arecurrently not working with OS X 10.7:
Saffire PRO 14
Saffire PRO 24
Saffire PRO 24 DSP
Saffire PRO 40
Liquid Saffire 56
Liquid Mix HD
Forté Suite
Scarlett Plug-In Suite
Focusrite is committed to providing support for ourproducts with the latest operating systems. We are currently working onproviding full support for our products with OS X Lion, and these will beavailable as soon as they are complete.
Please check this page regularly for the most up to dateinformation regarding OS X 10.7 Lion compatibility information.

Focusrite Saffire does not show up when connected to Imac by Firewire 800

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Any ideas on what the problem could be?

I too was having problems connecting my Focusrite Saffire to my new iMac 27" i7. It would light up and click several times, but it would never be in a ready state w/ both LINE indicators being green. The Saffire Control software would say the the Saffire DSP didn't load and to unplug it and re-plug and wait for the lights to turn green, but that never happened. I called Sweetwater (where I bought the unit) and they didn't seem to know of any prevailing issues, BUT the tech did suggest to reboot the iMac in 32 bit mode (hold down the '3' and '2' keys during startup). I did that and replugged the Saffire but it exhibited the same problem. I unplugged it and left it for like 3 minutes then reattached the firewire cable and it mounted. I opened up the Sound preferences and was able to select it and get sound out of it. I then opened DP and ran a quick test and it worked as well. The next test was to reboot into 64 bit mode. I did that while the Saffire was still connected and it actually stayed mounted and connected upon reboot. I have my System Sound output running through it right now and its still working. I haven't tried DP yet, but will do that later. I'm not going to reboot again until I hear back from Focusrite. I sent in a help request last night.
Hope this helps someone.

Quisiera saber si se puede utilizar Logic Pro con la interface Focusrite Saffire PRO 26

Quiero comprar una interface Focusrite Saffire PRO 26. Quisiera saber si es compatible con Logic PRO X
Gracias

About a year ago I got a Mac pro with this reference, from an advertising agency. It was a series of computers that [they] were going to throw out, and a fellow already offered him one. From what I've read is the year 2006/2008.
The issue is that I have tried switching connecting to a screen but I do not get anything out. The furthest I've gotten has been to see me for a password that I have not connecting to my Mac Book Pro with a FireWire cable (my partner is no longer in the company and do not know the password but I read that you can reset all that).
I wonder if it's worth it to fix it or take it to look at it because if you could update it would be great to install Logic Pro to produce music.
looking forward a reply.
many Thanks
That SMC number is for the original Mac Pro 1,1 from 2006. It is worth about US$600 in working condition. Its technical Specs are here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP30
If you hear the chime, that means it passed its Power-On Self Test, and it is working, but it could need a new Hard Drive.
It shipped with a 7300 graphics card, and many of those are dead by now. To use it, you would need to buy an Apple-firmware 5770 card, about US$250.
That machine can run Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7, but not higher.

Focusrite Saffire interface not working with FCP 4?

I can't seem to get my focusrite saffire audio interface to work properly with FCP? It works fine with all other apps (itunes, QT, Logic etc) and all the other Studio apps (Motion, DVD Pro and Soundtrack Pro) - but in Final Cut the sound is 'distorted' and 'jumpy'? All focusrite and FCP software is upto date.
Has anybody else had this sort of problem? Is anybody happily using the saffire with fcp? (I can't seem to find any on the search!)
it seems strange that it wont work with fcp but work with the other apps of the package? I can't see any sort of settings in fcp to solve this issue? Any help?!

I am actually only using it to play back audio 'syncd' with picture straight off camera or importing clips from quicktime/DVD's etc. in FCP - it is this that I can't hear correctly? (all the clips are fine by the way played in other aps etc)
Yes, editing is done in Soundtrack Pro or Logic Pro (used to have pro-tools mbox - but decided to ditch it and go down the Logic route with another interface!) - but I expect to be able to hear basic audio with picture in FCP?
Sample rates are matched?...

Focusrite Saffire Timing Problem

I have a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0Ghz running 10.4.10 and Logic 8.1
For some time (since Logic 7) my Focusrite Saffire has been delaying recording tracks by about 2/3 of a 16th beat (at 120bpm) . Altering recording delay does nothing, tried deleting preferences, has fixed it once but broke again, and deleting them now does nothing.
Focusrite don't recognise it as a known issue, any one else got the same problem.
Basically about to buy an M-Audio box but would rather not bin the Focusrite!

ok, the mic is connected via XLR to the Saffire LE input,
and the signal is reaching the GarageBand level for incoming
new basic track. of course the singer needs to hear herself,
but the monitoring of herself isn't possible becuase
there is no sounding coming into her headphones, becuase the volume
directly above the 'monitor on/off' switch isn't working,
it is dulled, greyout, whatever you want to call it.

Have NO idea how to link GB3 to Rode mike via Focusrite Saffire

Hey there folks- I asked for help in working out what equipment was needed to connect a decent enough mike to my MacBook Pro's GarageBand 3 and was told that the Focusrite Saffire with the Rode NT-1 mike would be as professional a set up as any without totally breaking the bank.
Well- I have finally made it and have bought it! Pop filters, tripod stands and headphones and stuff...
Lass sings like an angel and needs to monitor her backing tracks (which I must record as one track), sing and be recorded and I must mix the two to produce her vocals over the backing.
Now- I have NO idea what on EARTH I am doing and neither come with much by way of instruction.
The Saffire has the mike lead on socket 1 with the other end in the Rode mike. Saffire is attached to the MBPro via Firewire but I am not clear where the headphones connect and so forth.
Software is now installed and NOW WHAT?
I realise how much easier it is to pay someone to sit and DO this stuff but she is wanting to do it at home (quite frankly for the price of the equipment we would only GET one day of recording at our local studio).
IS there a fool-proof and VERY simple tutorial on what connects to what, how I play a track for her from where (do her headphones plug into the Saffire or the MBPro?) so she can sing to it and I can import it to Garageband for me to eventually mix the vocals to, and how to GET the vocals onto the MBPro?
I guess I am asking for a tutorial for idiots for the Focusrite (physical and software) and also for Garageband 3 when used with this kind of external equipment because I am realising that I have not only to make sure the physical equipment is attached just so but also that the Saffire software works and then GarageBand 3...

Thanks for that. The two headphone outlets on my Saffire (not the LE- the dearer one... LOL!) are obvious, but because I use GarageBand and NOT the software for the Saffire, I cannot get them to work. It is simply not possible to output to the Saffire and get sound to emit from them. And yes- I do know they have separate controls for volume.
Not sure why I ought NOT to monitor from the Mac? It works perfectly well... Not ideal as I had to buy a headphone splitter so that I could monitor together with the singer but hey- at least she can now hear herself as well!
I wouldn't mind HAVING the Saffire work but it didn't matter what settings I adopted on ANY of the sound controls they were just not working right, so if you have a clue (so nice to actually find someone else who uses this set up?) I'd be grateful (although I would then need to find another adaptor for the headphone jack... LOL! Never simple, is it?).
I guess that I am doing everything via GB3 and NOTHING via the Saffire Control...

XServe and Focusrite Saffire issues

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