Focusrite Saffire Phantom Problem Options

[Bluemover9999]

I'd been using my Oktava MK 319 all day to record vocals with my recently purchased Focusrite Saffire through Logic Pro 7 and everything was great. I decided to take a break, shut my mac down and went out for a couple of hours. When i came back to complete my vocals, I started up Logic and went to do another vocal take and their was barely any signal!

The MK-319 is phantom powered so I checked that the 48V was on and it was, i checked the cables by using an SM-58, which usually has a vastly inferior sensitivity to the 319 and it was fine.

I'm was using some effects through Saffire Control (comp and EQ) I took these off and still no joy.

I've had the MK-319 for about 3 years and I was thinking of upgrading but I've always found it a really steady piece of kit. Now it seemed I might be forced to change!!

So I went out and bought another mic whilst I was in NY this week (Rode NT 1A) and guess what...the same problem!! To be more exact its like the mic has power for a few seconds and then it fades away.

I've sent an email to Focusrite support and I'm awaiting a reply. It must be a problem with the phantom power because my SM-58 works perfectly.

Anyone have any ideas??

[banevt]

Sounds like you nailed down the problem to me

[Bluemover9999]

Yes...but

What I need to know is if anyone else has had this problem and if they have a fix for it. I am waiting for Focusrite support to get back to me... I went to their knowledge base and the page is returning an error.

I'm hoping the unit just needs resetting or something...has anyone had this happen to them?

[Puccini]

I've had the same problem. Focusrite answer me:

"regarding solution Saffire with protection against
FireWire-non-spec-overvoltage G5:

SerNo's from SFFR03000 are modified, older models can be updated."

After a little time the Phantom of Saffire dies due to the G5 Firewire overvoltage.

So if your unit had a serial number under SFFR03000, you must send it back
to your dealer and he must replace it orr send it tto Focusrite to update it.

Regards

Fred Rody

[Bluemover9999]

I spoke to the people, i bought it from, NUSYSTEMS and they phoned Focusrite and arranged an immediate replacement for me, which is arriving tomorrow by courier.

So obviously there is a problem with the phantom power.

Excellent customer service by NUSYSTEMS who got everything sorted out immediately. Highly recommended!

[joledoyle]

I know it's more than a year later, but I am experiencing the EXACT same problem with mine. I also have an Oktava MK 319 and was recording vocals when the phantom power stopped working. My serial number is below SFFR03000.

However, I bought my Saffire on Ebay. I don't remember the sellers info, and I've deleted all the emails. I hope Focusrite will let me send it to them to fix it. Otherwise it really blows. I've only had the Saffire for about 15 months!

[lepetitmartien]

They should, focusrite guys are cool musicians from what I've seen and know and meet

Plus, it seems to be considered as a factory defect given the stories. It's all good for you.

[joledoyle]

Well, they did hook me up with a place that will repair it. However, it'll cost $120. So total price:
Focusrite Saffire: $299
Repair: $120
--------
Total $420

Lesson learned.