Interesting. Using Microsoft Windows
Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.535) here with a Saffire Pro 14 and Liquid 56 with
0 issues and that includes Mix Control software. Mind you, I have given the
Saffire Control panel admin rights which may be helping and have run the
Saffire like that for quite a while now.
I suppose I could upgrade Mac OS here but then again using Bootcamp becomes a
bit of a faf so I don’t think I shall bother.
From: ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of
DJ X
Sent: 07 January 2020 02:51
To: ddots-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ddots-l] Focusrite Saffire line info
OK guys (especially Focusrite/saffire users amongst us), thought I’d share some
valuable info with you guys.
If you own a Saffire pro40, or any other unit in the Saffire line:
1. If you are on Windows 10, *DO NOT** upgrade past Windows 10 1809. I was
working with one of their techs last week on a problem and the MixControl,
while it will install on Windows 10 1903 and higher, there are quite a few
issues with the MixControl, it is very unstable. So if you are experiencing
issues with your Saffire/MixControl and you are using Windows 10 1903 (spring
2019 update) or higher, this may be the cause of your problems.
2. If you use a Saffire with both MacOS and Windows, if you are moving, or
have moved to Catalina, you need to use MixControl 3.9. This is an updated
native 64bit app which is compatible with macOS Catalina. However, this version
of MixControl will update your Saffire’s firmware. When you try to run the
Saffire on Windows, MixControl, which is still at 3.7 for Windows, will
complain because the firmware on the Saffire will be newer than the current
firmware that MixControl 3.7 ships with. So this will effectively prevent you
from using your Saffire on Windows after it was updated on the mac. If you need
to use both operating systems, you’ll need to stick with macOS Mojave and
MixControl 3.7 on the mac, so you can use the same MixControl3.7 on Windows. If
you have managed to place yourself in this predicament, where your Saffire has
been updated and can no longer be used in Windows MixControl, contact
Focusrite; they’ll give you a file to downgrade your firmware, which then can
be upgrade to the firmware version that ships with MixContro3.7.
3. I asked Focusrite if they could update MixControl for Windows to
include the new firmware, but that update for the mac was the last of it;
MixControl is now out of support, so no more updates are coming. ☹ Yes this
also means that Windows 10 issues will not be fixed either…
So there you have it, sad news in deed, as these are great units! Luckily for
me, I’m on an LTSC version of Windows 10, so I have a few years before I have
to move on and part with my Saffires… If you are using the Saffire with Windows
7 and plan to still do so for some time, then you are OK for now, as
MixControl3.7 still works great with Windows 7.
That being said, I figured we should probably have some kind of discussion
about what other interfaces are out there with similar specs and quality to the
Saffire line, since we often get the post asking about a good audio interface.
As far as I know, the new MixControl editions are not usable as of yet,
correct? So that would mean that the Clarret line and Scarlet gen 2 and up from
Focusrite are not real options for those who need to be able to create custom
mixes, tweak settings etc. So to that extent, those of you who are using units
with similar specs to the Saffire line, what are you using, and how accessible
is the control panel? Does anyone have any updates on using the new Focusrite
MixControl apps?
Now, and I don’t mean to be rude, and most of you that have been on this list
for years and know me know that this is not my style or how I would usually do
things, but for various reasons, I must politely ask, if you don’t have
anything meaningful to contribute, or something which will further this
discussion to the intended purposes, please refrain from posting. Furthermore,
don’t reply to this thread to complain about your current audio interface or
talk about anything other than units that are *comparable* to the
aforementioned Saffire line from FocusRite. If you don’t know about these units
or what they even are, or you don’t know what we are talking about, then odds
are that you probably shouldn’t be posting to the thread. 😊
Sorry if this sounds harsh or rude, but I’m sure most of you DDots list
veterans know why such measures are necessary!
Regards, DJX
