PreSonus FireStudio FireWire Recording Interface

No longer available at zZounds
The PreSonus FireStudio is the next generation in FireWire recording systems from PreSonus. The FireStudio delivers enhanced performance for music recording and creation.

The PreSonus FireStudio FireWire Audio Interface is a complete 24-bit 96k recording studio combining eight high-quality PreSonus mic preamp; 8-channel 96k ADAT (dual SMUX) IO, or 16-channel 48/44.1k ADAT IO; 2-channel SPDIF and MIDI IO; 24-bit 96k sample rate conversion and the PreSonus ProPak Audio Software Suite (PreSonus Studio One Artist, Cycling'74 Pluggo Jr., Applied Acoustic Systems plugins, and much more). The FireStudio is the most advanced hardware and software combination to deliver professional quality audio recording and production at an incredible price.

Features
High-speed FireWire (IEEE 1394) audio interface

24-bit resolution, up to 96K sampling rate

8 Discrete microphone preamps with trim control

8 analog line inputs, 2 instrument inputs

Balanced send and return for channels 1 and 2

16-channel 44.1/48k ADAT I/O or 8 ch. 96k ADAT I/O (dual SMUX)

S/PDIF I/O, MIDI I/O

Zero latency FPGA full-matrix mixer/router

26 discrete inputs and outputs

PreSonus ProPak Complete Audio Software Suite included

Hardware
FireStudio is loaded with eight custom designed class A microphone preamplifiers via combo input XLR/TRS Neutrik connectors for conveniently connecting all types of microphones and instruments, perfect for recording vocals, drums, guitars, bass, piano, keyboards, guitars, synths, horns, orchestras, choirs, and more. Eight trim controls are on the front panel to easily adjust the input level of each preamplifier. Inputs one and 2 of the FireStudio can be read more used for microphone or instrument inputs. Inputs three through eight can be used as microphone or line inputs. 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 FireStudio also features 16-channel 44.1/48K ADAT or 8-channel dual SMUX digital inputs and outputs with word clock I/O for incorporating external devices such as the PreSonus DigiMax FS, DigiMaxLT or DigiMax 96K. Two channels of 96k SPDIF input and output, and MIDI input and output are also included to achieve a total of 26 discreet inputs and outputs from one FireWire port. The FireStudio also is equipped with an additional FireWire port making it possible to daisy chain 2 FireStudio's together, creating the possibility for adding additional inputs and outputs (with mic pre's).

ProPak Complete Software Suite comes free with the Firestudio.
The ProPak Complete 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
PreSonus Studio One Artist - Audio recording, sequencing and production software.
Sonoma Wire Works - Riffworks Jr.

Virtual Instruments
Propellerheads - Reason Adapted PreSonus Edition
IK Multimedia - Amplitube LE
FXpansion - BFD Lite
Applied Acoustic Systems - Lounge Lizard Session, Ultra Analog Session

Plug-ins
Wave Arts - TrackPlug LE, MasterVerb LE
Wave Machine Labs-Drumagog LE
Audio Damage - FuzzPlus2, Filterpod
Cycling'74 - Pluggo Jr. with Average Injector, Chamberverb, Feedback Network, Filter Taps, Generic Effect, HF Ring Mod, Jet, Limi, Nebula, Resonation, Resosweep, Spectral Filter
Camel Audio Camel Crusher and Distortion Compressor plug-in

Audio Samples and MIDI Loops
Discrete Drums- PreSonus Sampler - over 2GB of drum loops and drum samples
Keyfax- Twiddly Bits - 100 MIDI drum loops created by real drummers

(note: not all software is compatible with Intel/Mac.)
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New Universal Control version 1.11 software. Compatible with 64-bit Windows XP and Vista and will support 64-bit operation in Mac OS X 10.5 and later.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 225-216-7887
Web: https://support.presonus.com

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (39 ratings)
Submitted November 5, 2007 by a customer from optonline.net

PreSonus FireStudio Customer Review

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
For the price, you can't beat this unit. Since I record alot of vocals, I connected a single channel high end mic pre and use an Apogee AD-DA converter connected via optical (lightpipe) connections. This unit has never failed me.
Sound
The preamps are pretty damn good at this price range and will serve the needs of most home recording studios. If you want pristine vocal tracks, you'll need to buy a good quality external preamp, and if you want to go the extra mile, a high end AD converter as well.
Features
This unit has more than enough features (lightpipe, word clock, spdif, and includes monitor mix software)
Ease of Use
Fairly easy to use. I was making recordings within 2 hours with no prior experience.
Quality
Seems well made. Quality blows away Digi MBox.
Value
This unit is well worth it.
Manufacturer Support
I was able to speak with a tech rep when I had a question about hooking up an external preamp.

Musical Background:

Active musician and hobbist

Musical Style:

Rock and Jazz
17 of 18 people (94%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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