Anybody running two Saffire 56s together?

[Vic Trola]

It turns out I'll be ending up with a couple of Saffire 56's this month, and I'm not seeing any support from Focusrite on using two in a dual situation. Their tech doc says it's not supported by connecting both to the same DAW.

Anybody using two together via optical ADAT?

I haven't really used the units yet, but I do want to make sure I can at least use the pres from on via the other if need be.

Anybody experienced with using multiple Focusrite interfaces together?

[woodhenge]

Yes, you can do it via lightpipe. Been there, done that...

You'll need to configure the "pre-only" unit first for stand-alone operation and then disconnect it from your computer. Use wordclock to sync the standalone unit to the one connected to the computer. Piece of cake!

I hope this helps!

[Vic Trola]

woodhenge, thanks. Since I posted, I did find the 'stand-alone' doc and the ADAT hookup stuff.

So I take it from the Master unit you used the wordclock out/lightpipe in setup. Ever try the lightpipe in and out so the slave got signal from the ADAT bitstream? Also, so all the ins and outs from the second unit show up in the DAW setup?

Thanks again,
Vic

[woodhenge]

Originally Posted by Vic Trola

woodhenge, thanks. Since I posted, I did find the 'stand-alone' doc and the ADAT hookup stuff.

So I take it from the Master unit you used the wordclock out/lightpipe in setup. Ever try the lightpipe in and out so the slave got signal from the ADAT bitstream? Also, so all the ins and outs from the second unit show up in the DAW setup?

Thanks again,
Vic

You can clock however you want, really. You could use spdif, lightpipe, or wordclock from the master to the slave with the same result. I prefer wordclock, as I'm also using a 3rd 8-channel preamp via lightpipe as well.

As far as ALL the inputs showing up, keep in mind that the 56 only has 8 analog inputs... the other 18 are digital connections on the slave unit and won't gain you anymore inputs. At best, you could pass through another 8 channels over lightpipe and 2 over spdif, but you're merely duplicating what the master unit is already capable of. Any way you slice it, the master unit can only use 26 inputs (8 analog, 16 lightpipe, 2 spdif) and route them into your computer.

Basically, the slave unit can only be a glorified 8-channel mic pre and add another 10 outs to the main unit with some creative routing and cabling.

[Vic Trola]

Thanks man.

[always in record]

Ok, I did a search and came up with this thread, but I still have a question.

I'm using an RME multiface as my main interface. I just bought a Digimax LT from ebay in an effort to open up 8 more inputs.
I understand I need to use the ADAT lightpipe out from the LT in to the in of the RME, then look for the adat inputs on the RME software interface.

My question is will the RME be doing the clocking for all 16 inputs, or do I need to link up the wordclock from LT to the RME to do this. If so how do I do this properly?

could I function with just the adat cabel, what are the negative or positive effect of doing either way.
Can the RME clock all 16 inputs? or do I need to get a dedicated clock?

sorry for all the questions, just want to get the most out of what I have, and This is my first time using adat lightpipe.

Thanks guys

[woodhenge]

Originally Posted by always in record

Ok, I did a search and came up with this thread, but I still have a question.

I'm using an RME multiface as my main interface. I just bought a Digimax LT from ebay in an effort to open up 8 more inputs.
I understand I need to use the ADAT lightpipe out from the LT in to the in of the RME, then look for the adat inputs on the RME software interface.

My question is will the RME be doing the clocking for all 16 inputs, or do I need to link up the wordclock from LT to the RME to do this. If so how do I do this properly?

could I function with just the adat cabel, what are the negative or positive effect of doing either way.
Can the RME clock all 16 inputs? or do I need to get a dedicated clock?

sorry for all the questions, just want to get the most out of what I have, and This is my first time using adat lightpipe.

Thanks guys

If you want the RME to be the master clock, you should take its wordclock output to the wordclock input on the LT, making sure wordclock is selected as your sync source on the LT, with the RME set to internal. (This is in addition to the lightpipe output of the LT going into the RME)

Alternately, you could simply use the lightpipe connection from the LT as the clock source for the RME if you want to. (Just select the lightpipe input as your clock source for the RME, with the LT set to internal) Either way will work, but one clock source might sound better to you than the other. Maybe not. YMMV there.

Regardless, either method will work fine.

[always in record]

Originally Posted by woodhenge

If you want the RME to be the master clock, you should take its wordclock output to the wordclock input on the LT, making sure wordclock is selected as your sync source on the LT, with the RME set to internal. (This is in addition to the lightpipe output of the LT going into the RME)

Alternately, you could simply use the lightpipe connection from the LT as the clock source for the RME if you want to. (Just select the lightpipe input as your clock source for the RME, with the LT set to internal) Either way will work, but one clock source might sound better to you than the other. Maybe not. YMMV there.

Regardless, either method will work fine.

Thanks alot woodhenge!

I'll try both and see if there is any difference.

[woodhenge]

No problem!