PreSonus Firepod FireWire Interface with Preamps

24-Bit/96kHz audio interface. Includes Cubase LE software.

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PreSonus FireStudio Project FireWire Interface

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    • 16 people rate: 6 out of 10

The FireStudio Project is a complete 24-bit/96K professional recording system combining eight Class A XMAX microphone preamplifiers, 24-bit/96k sample rate conversion, zero-latency matrix router mixer, and the PreSonus ProPak Software Suite featuring Steinberg's Cubase LE 4 48-track recording and production software, over 25 real-time plug-in effects (EQ’s, compressors, reverbs), and more than 2 GB of drum loops and samples. Learn More...

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customer reviews

Rate and Review This Product:

149 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 7 out of 10

35 People wrote reviews

* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
8 excellent pre-amps and midi, all the inputs I need.

Quality:
I've seen people who think the pod's brilliant, and people who think it just doesn't work. The people who have problems are all using it with windows pc computers. Those who think it's the best thing since sliced bread are using macs. PCs do not work for audio, you NEED to use this with a mac! Connect the Firepod to a mac and you'll see just how good this thing really is!

Value:
I cannot believe just how inexpensive this unit is! I couldn't find anything else in its price range that compares.

Desirability:
Looks good, but the main thing is that it just works.

Sound:
Fantastic sound. Just recorded an acoustic album, on playback I had someone walk into the room and apologise for walking in during recording, though the sound was the guitarist playing in the room.

Ease of Use:
Took all of five minutes from the Firepod getting delivered to recording my first track with it.

Support:
Can't really give a mark here, never had any problems so never needed to use the support.

Overall:
Cornerstone of my studio.

Submitted: 1/18/2008

Style of Music: indie synth-pop

* * * * * * * * * * 3 out of 10

"The firewire jacks are garbage."

Quality:
I owned mine for two years but am going to have to trash it because the firewire jacks keep losing their connection. They get worn out very easily and as a result are very touchy. I had it sent in for repairs twice and this keeps happening.

Submitted: 12/1/2007

Read all reviews...

SPECIAL OFFER!

UPGRADE SPECIAL: Send your FP10 or FirePod to PreSonus and get $200 back (via rebate) after buying a new FireStudio Tube. See PDF Offer for full details.

REBATES

Additional Images:

Main
Main
Sample Connection Diagram
Sample Connection Diagram
Firewire Ports
Firewire Ports
Input Gain Trim
Input Gain Trim
Headphone Mix
Headphone Mix
Studio Pak
Studio Pak
Mic Input
Mic Input
Right Angle
Right Angle
Rear
Rear
Cubase LE Screenshot
Cubase LE Screenshot
Insert
Insert
Left Angle
Left Angle

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About This Product!
Overview
Description
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From Our Catalog
Compact computer recording!
Nothing compares to a computer-based recording studio in terms of features, versatility, and affordability. Tools, effects, and quality previously only available to million-dollar studios are now accessible right from your desktop. But how do you get the music out of your instruments and into your computer? The PreSonus Firepod lets you record the whole band simultaneously into a compact 1U rack design.

I/O connections for everyone
While most compact interfaces only give you one or two audio channels, the Firepod lets you lay down eight input tracks while monitoring playback on any of the ten outputs. There's no need to record in steps, with each band-member trying to match the energy and intensity of the previous take. When a band records together, everything is tight and locked-in to the same groove. You capture the raw, gritty feel of live performance with studio-quality precision. Energy + quality = better tracks.

Low-latency FireWire performance
This bus-powered FireWire interface has enough connections to record the whole band with ultra-low latency, so there's no delay or echo while monitoring in realtime. A second FireWire connection lets you daisy-chain up to three Firepods together for a total of 24 inputs. Sample rates up to 24-bit/96 kHz are available for the most pristine tracks you've ever recorded.

Input options
Eight front-panel combo jacks accept a variety of input sources. Inputs 1 and 2 switch between microphone and high-impedance instrument sources, while jacks 3 through 8 handle mic- and line-level signals. Selectable phantom power and independent gain controls let you dial in the perfect level, from the hottest pickup output to the most whisper-quiet condenser microphone. Phantom power for condenser mics is available on all eight inputs. Balanced 1/4 in. jacks on the first two channels let you insert dynamic effects such as compressors, limiters, and EQ so your input is at its best before mixing even begins. If the incoming signal is right-on, editing and mixing will be a breeze.

MIDI and S/PDIF support
Back-panel MIDI and S/PDIF connections are also available. You can record keyboards, DJ gear, drum machines, and more to add flash and flavor to your songs. Plug in a MIDI control surface for improved touch and feel during mixdown and editing. It can be difficult to maintain the creative flow when you are trying to tweak settings on a mouse and keyboard. With the Firepod and a controller, all the familiar pan, fader, and effects controls sit right at your fingertips. Mixing and editing sessions will go much smoother, and you'll find that you can spend your attention on the sound instead of the mechanics.

Flexible output routing
The Firepod's output routing is extremely helpful in the controlled chaos that exists in most project studios. You never know when you're going to need a custom mix for the band or the control room. The software-based mixer/router lets you assign separate mixes to any of the output connections on the Firepod. For realtime monitoring of recorded tracks or late-night mixing sessions, the front-panel headphone jack with independent level control lets you focus on individual sounds with no distractions. DJ's can also use the dedicated cue-mix outs to preview sounds before sending them to the mains.

Multitrack monitoring
For multitrack recording sessions, you can send the entire mix to the control room, then create individual headphone mixes for each band member. Boost the drums in the bassist's headphones so the groove is deep in the pocket. The guitars will want the whole rhythm section, plus some vocals to unite both elements. On the second pass, bump up the lead vocals in the singer's mix for tight doubling or harmony parts. When everyone hears just what they need, your final mixes will really come to life.

Rackmounted design
In small studios, space is precious. The Firepod's compact design is rackmountable for organized performance in a single rack space. You'll be able to move around the room without fear of tripping over cables and damaging your gear. Anything that pulls your attention away from the music is sure to slow you down, but a tidy rack keeps your project on-track!
The Firepod is a complete 24-bit/96kHz recording studio combining eight high-quality PreSonus microphone preamplifiers, 24-bit/96kHz sample rate conversion and Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track recording software. The perfect hardware and software combination to deliver professional quality at an amazing price.

Hardware
The Firepod FireWire recording hardware interface is equipped with eight high-quality PreSonus microphone preamplifiers, 24-bit/96K analog to digital conversion along with SPDIF and MIDI inputs and outputs for professional quality convenient and compact no-hassle recording.

The Firepod is loaded with eight custom-designed ultra low noise, high headroom microphone preamplifiers perfect for recording a wide variety of sources including vocals, drums, guitars, bass, piano, keyboards, guitars, synths, horns, orchestras, choirs, and more. Eight potentiometers are on the front panel to easily control the input level of each preamplifier.

Inputs one and two of the Firepod can be switched between microphone or instrument level while inputs three thru eight can be switched between microphone or line input. Phantom power (+48V) is available on every channel in groups of four. Channels 1 and 2 feature fully balanced send and return TRS connectors on the rear of the rugged metal chassis for inserting outboard dynamics, EQ and effects processors. The Firepod has eight balanced TRS line outputs as well two balanced TRS main outputs as well as cue outputs for addtional monitoring.

The Firepod also includes stereo headphone output on the front panel, as well as mix control to balance monitoring levels between mixed input and main output signals for zero-latency monitoring. Two channels of SPDIF input and output as well as MIDI input and output are also included.

ProPak Software Suite comes free with the FirePod recording system. The ProPak gives you everything you need to get started producing music immediately. The ProPak comes with recording software, real-time plug-in effects as well as over 2 GB of drum loops and samples giving a powerful bundle of software tools for music production.

Software
Cubase LE is the new music production software based on award-winning Cubase SX technology featuring 48 audio tracks, VST plug-ins and full VSTi support. Cubase LE combines powerful audio and MIDI recording features with professional editing and effects. Cubase LE and all included plug-ins are compatible with both Mac and PC systems. Cubase LE is the perfect entry into professional recording software giving you the ability to produce professional level recordings right-away, and giving you a system that you can expand into the future!

Features:
High-Speed FireWire Network Audio Interface

Up to 96K Sampling Rate

8 Discrete Microphone Preamps (+60dB gain) w/ Trim Control

8 Analog Mic/Line Inputs, 2 Instrument Inputs

8 Analog Line Outputs

S/PDIF Digital Input and Output, MIDI Input and Output

Balanced Send / Return for Channels 1 and 2

Zero Latency Monitoring

Separate Main and Cue Mix Outputs

Cubase LE Audio Production Software Included

Presonus Firepod Studio Package Features:
PreSonus Firepod Firewire Interface

Behringer B2031A Truth Monitors

Audio-Technica AT2041 Mic Pack with AT2020 and AT2021

On Stage Tripod Boom Mic Stand

Whirlwind MC20 20 Foot Mic Cable

CBI BLUC10 Ultimate Series Male XLR to 1/4 Inch Cable

Technical Info

Preamp Bandwidth: 10Hz to 50kHz

Preamp Input Impedance: 1.3k Ohms

Instrument Input Impedance: 1M Ohms

Preamp THD: <0.005%

Preamp EIN: -125dB

Preamp Gain: 54dB

Preamp Send Output Impedance: 51 Ohms

Preamp Return Input Impedance: 10K Ohms

Line Trim: +/-20dB

Line Input Impedance: 10k Ohms

TRS Output Impedance: 51Ohms

TRS Main Outputs Impedance: 51 Ohms

TRS Cue Outputs Impedance: 51 Ohms

Headphone Output: 150mW/Ch 20Hz-20kHz

Phantom Power: 48V +/- 2V

Power Supply: Ext line Transformer, Internal Switching

Analog to Digital Converters (ADC): 24-Bit / (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz)

ADC Dynamic Range: 107db

DAC: 24-bit / up to 96kHz

DAC: Dynamic Range 110db

IEEE1394 Speed: 400mbps

Minimum computer system requirements:

Windows
• OS: Microsoft Windows XP/Vista
• Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire port.
• CPU/Clock: Pentium, Athlon with 900Mhz or higher (1.5GHz)
• Memory(RAM): 256 MB (512MB recommended)

Macintosh
• OS: MacOS X ver. 10.3.5 (Mac OSX Tiger ver. 10.4 Click here)
• Computer: Apple Macintosh series with on-board Firewire port.
• CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/800Mhz or higher (G4/Dual 1 GHz recommended), all Intel/Mac models
• Memory(RAM): 512 MB or more
Up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution, plus 8 great-sounding mic preamps! Two instrument inputs, 6 line inputs, and 8 line outputs. MIDI and coaxial S/PDIF I/O. Includes Cubase LE software for Mac/PC.

what our customers say about zZounds

"Recently an item arrived defective, and (even though it wasn't their fault) they addressed the issue promptly and professionally. I love it!" - customer on August 18, 2008

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