Focusrite has announced that the Liquid Saffire 56 Firewire audio interface is now shipping. Focusrite has also announced the availability of 22 new free emulations for the Liquid Mix Line of Mix Processors.

The Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite's new flagship Firewire interface. It marries Focusrite's Liquid technology with its new generation of Saffire interface technology (pioneered by the Saffire Pro40).

The Liquid Saffire 56 features 2 Liquid mic-pre's evolved from the original Liquid Channel. Each Liquid Pre-amp lets you choose from ten different classic pre-amp emulations including the API 3124+, Neve 1073, Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72, Focusrite's own Red 1, and more. Matching the microphone type with perfect pre-amp setting is the key to capturing the perfect performance.

In addition to 8 mic pre's, Liquid Saffire 56 includes 10 analogue outputs, 16 channels of ADAT i/o, stereo S/PDIF or AES i/o (on RCA phono), MIDI i/o, 2 virtual 'loopback' inputs, for routing digital audio between software applications, and BNC wordclock i/o. The Saffire Mix Control software provides ultra flexible control over routing and monitoring, which includes presets for immediate set up of commonly used mixing situations, and full metering across all inputs, outputs and submixes. This is just a few of the Liquid Saffire 56's many features, see product pages for full details.

22 New Free Emulations for Liquid Mix Line of Mix Processors

21 new compressor emulations and one new EQ emulation are available to download for free for all Liquid Mix users (including Liquid Mix HD).

The 21 compression emulations are based on two compressors. The API 2500 Stereo Compressor (serial number 001475), provides feed-back or feed-forward options and variations on 'knee' and 'thrust'. The Millenia STT-1 (serial number 0-166), provides the sound of variable input stages, with valve or solid-state compression circuits. Finally, the EQ emulations are based on the original Mk1 Chandler Limited Edition EMI/Abbey Road Passive TG Channel. This uses the same circuit as the Abbey Road mastering console, providing the the signature Beatles sound.

• Download all new API 2500 Stereo Compressor emulations
• Download all new Millenia STT-1 emulations
• Download new Mk1 Chandler Limited Edition EMI/Abbey Road Passive TG Channel EQ emulations