PreSonus FireStudio Tube FireWire Recording Interface
No longer available at zZounds
Get variety in your recording with the PreSonus FireStudio tube interface, featuring 24-bit/96khz conversion and the Presonus Studio One Artist DAW.
Overview
We've all seen pictures of professional recording studios, with their racks of microphone preamps of all makes and models. Ever wonder why they have all those different input options? The same reason a guitar has more than one pickup, or a drum kit has more than one tom: variety. Different preamp types treat different signals with a different type and intensity of color. The best solid state preamps achieve a near-perfect "transparency" for capturing photo-realistic audio, but sometimes an engineer wants to sweeten a signal with the mellow warmth only a tube-based circuit can offer. Providing you the same wide input pallet is the PreSonus FireStudio Tube FireWire Recording Interface, a sixteen-input, rock-solid, multitrack recording solution that features two channels of true tube pre-amplification, along with fourteen pristine solid-state inputs. Right out of the box, the FireStudio Tube offers you a variety of tonal colors that would be the envy of any engineer.
Channels 15 and 16 -- The Tube-Based SuperChannels
The last two channels on the FireStudio Tube are what make this FireWire audio interface so special. Their gain structures are driven by military-grade 12AX7 preamp tubes--the same tube types that greet guitar signals in the best instrument amplifiers. These circuits can add a hi-fi vintage sheen to any signal, and you're bound to find a thousand-and-one uses for their particular character: turn a vocal track into audio silk, add some satisfying crunch to a snare drum,… read more add some technicolor overdrive to an acoustic piano, or plug an electric bass in direct for some rock-ready grit. Adding to their appeal, the tube channels sport separate gain and tube drive controls, true analog limiters to avoid unpleasant clipping, an 80Hz high-pass filter for reducing rumble and room noise, and six-segment LED meters that monitor both the input gain and the real-time gain reduction behavior of the limiters. PreSonus bets you're going to fall in love with the sound of these "SuperChannels," so they've mounted the input jacks for 15 and 16 right on the front of the interface for easy access. Those input jacks are Neutrik "combi" jacks, capable of accepting either XLR (microphone) connectors or 1/4" (instrument and line) connectors--no adaptors necessary.
Pristine Audio Across All Sixteen Inputs
Along the back of the unit, you'll be happy to discover eight XLR microphone inputs that feed eight of PreSonus's celebrated XMAX solid-state preamps, the perfect complement to the tube preamps on channels 15 and 16. Whereas the tube circuits can add varying amounts of musical, harmonic dimensionality to your signals, the solid-state preamps are reliably transparent, offering near-zero coloration for when it's appropriate. Add six line-level inputs, and you've got the flexibility to not only track full-band sessions with ease, but also to add additional preamps for when you're ready to expand your studio setup. Backing up all this variety are the unit's 24-bit / 96kHz analog-to-digital converters with JetPLL jitter-elimination technology. No matter what you end up feeding into your FireStudio Tube, you can be sure that the interface's ultra-stable, high resolution converters will track it with professional accuracy.
Digital Mixing, Accurate Monitoring, Recording Software In The Box
The FireStudio Tube's impressive front end is supported by a robust digital mixing interface that allows quick and easy rerouting of all ins and outs. This DSP-powered virtual patchbay lets engineers craft up to five custom monitor mixes for your musicians, all with zero-latency. The monitor outputs themselves have an impressive headroom for minimal distortion--nothing will be clouding your mix on playback. This includes the premium headphone amplifier and output. The whole package is capped off with included multitrack recording software in the form of PreSonus's new "Studio One Artist" DAW. Of course, the FireStudio Tube also integrates seamlessly with popular software like Apple Logic, Cakewalk Sonar, Steinberg Cubase, and more.
Knowing what equipment to use when is the mark of a great engineer, and that wisdom only comes with experience. With its variety of built-in input types, the PreSonus FireStudio Tube gets you thinking like a pro right out of the box, and gives you the flexibility to make the most of every session. Go on: experiment! read less
Channels 15 and 16 -- The Tube-Based SuperChannels
The last two channels on the FireStudio Tube are what make this FireWire audio interface so special. Their gain structures are driven by military-grade 12AX7 preamp tubes--the same tube types that greet guitar signals in the best instrument amplifiers. These circuits can add a hi-fi vintage sheen to any signal, and you're bound to find a thousand-and-one uses for their particular character: turn a vocal track into audio silk, add some satisfying crunch to a snare drum,… read more add some technicolor overdrive to an acoustic piano, or plug an electric bass in direct for some rock-ready grit. Adding to their appeal, the tube channels sport separate gain and tube drive controls, true analog limiters to avoid unpleasant clipping, an 80Hz high-pass filter for reducing rumble and room noise, and six-segment LED meters that monitor both the input gain and the real-time gain reduction behavior of the limiters. PreSonus bets you're going to fall in love with the sound of these "SuperChannels," so they've mounted the input jacks for 15 and 16 right on the front of the interface for easy access. Those input jacks are Neutrik "combi" jacks, capable of accepting either XLR (microphone) connectors or 1/4" (instrument and line) connectors--no adaptors necessary.
Pristine Audio Across All Sixteen Inputs
Along the back of the unit, you'll be happy to discover eight XLR microphone inputs that feed eight of PreSonus's celebrated XMAX solid-state preamps, the perfect complement to the tube preamps on channels 15 and 16. Whereas the tube circuits can add varying amounts of musical, harmonic dimensionality to your signals, the solid-state preamps are reliably transparent, offering near-zero coloration for when it's appropriate. Add six line-level inputs, and you've got the flexibility to not only track full-band sessions with ease, but also to add additional preamps for when you're ready to expand your studio setup. Backing up all this variety are the unit's 24-bit / 96kHz analog-to-digital converters with JetPLL jitter-elimination technology. No matter what you end up feeding into your FireStudio Tube, you can be sure that the interface's ultra-stable, high resolution converters will track it with professional accuracy.
Digital Mixing, Accurate Monitoring, Recording Software In The Box
The FireStudio Tube's impressive front end is supported by a robust digital mixing interface that allows quick and easy rerouting of all ins and outs. This DSP-powered virtual patchbay lets engineers craft up to five custom monitor mixes for your musicians, all with zero-latency. The monitor outputs themselves have an impressive headroom for minimal distortion--nothing will be clouding your mix on playback. This includes the premium headphone amplifier and output. The whole package is capped off with included multitrack recording software in the form of PreSonus's new "Studio One Artist" DAW. Of course, the FireStudio Tube also integrates seamlessly with popular software like Apple Logic, Cakewalk Sonar, Steinberg Cubase, and more.
Knowing what equipment to use when is the mark of a great engineer, and that wisdom only comes with experience. With its variety of built-in input types, the PreSonus FireStudio Tube gets you thinking like a pro right out of the box, and gives you the flexibility to make the most of every session. Go on: experiment! read less
Specs
Computer System Requirements
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.
Windows
OS: Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista
CPU/Clock: or Athlon 900MHz (1.5 GHz or higher recommended)
Memory(RAM): 1 GB (more recommended)
Macintosh
OS: Mac OS X 10.4.x or later (10.5 supported with driver update)
CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster, all Intel-based Mac models.
Memory(RAM): 1 GB (more recommended)
Windows and Macintosh Systems
IEEE 1394 FireWire 400 Port
Internet connection
DVD-ROM drive
Internal or external 7200RPM storage drive is highly recommended
Microphone Preamp 1-8 (XLR Balanced)
Type: XLR Female Balanced
Frequency Response (+/-0.5 dB): 20 Hz to 50 kHz
Frequency Response (+/-3.0 dB): 20 Hz to 150 kHz
Input Impedance (Balanced): 1600 Ohm
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain < 0.0003%
EIN (unwtd, 55dB Gain, 150 ohms Input, 20Hz to 22kHz: -126 dBu
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4 dBu, 20Hz to 22 kHz: > 101dB
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, 55 dB Gain): > 55dB
Gain Control Range (+/-1dB): -4 dB to 50dB
Maximum Input Level (Unity Gain, 1 kHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +14 dBu
Phantom Power (+/-2 VDC): +48 VDC
Instrument Input
Type: 1/4 in. TS
Input Impedance: 1 Mega Ohm
Preamps 15 & 16
Gain Reduction: -16 to +20 dB
ThD+N (unwtd, 1KHz @ +4dBu Output, Unity Gain): <.2%
Limiter: 0 to -18dBu
Gain Control (+/-1dB): +4dB to +58dB
80 Hz filter: < 0.0003%
Line Inputs 9-14: (1/4 inch TRS)
Frequency Response (+0,- 0.5dB): 20Hz to 50kHz
Frequency Response (+0/-3.0 dB): 20Hz to 150kHz
Input Impedance (Balanced): 10 KOhm
THD+N (unwtd, 1KHz @ +4dBu Output, Unity Gain): < 0.003%
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4dBu, 20Hz to 22KHz): >101dB
Maximum Input Level (Unity Gain, 1KHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +20dBu
Headphone Output
Type: TRS Active Stereo
Maximum Output: 150 mW/CH @ 60 Ohm Load
Frequency Response (+/-1.0 dB): 10 Hz - 70kHz
Digital Audio
ADC Dynamic Range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate): 114 dB
DAC Dynamic Range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate): 114 dB
Bit Depth: 24
Reference Level for 0dBFS: +10 dBu
Internal Sample Frequency Selections (kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96
Jitter Specification: <20ps RMS, 20Hz-20kHz
Jitter Attenuation: >60dB; 1ns in approx.1ps out
Power
Input Connector Type: IEC
Input Voltage Range: 90 to 240 VAC
Power Requirements (Continuous): 20W
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.
Windows
OS: Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista
CPU/Clock: or Athlon 900MHz (1.5 GHz or higher recommended)
Memory(RAM): 1 GB (more recommended)
Macintosh
OS: Mac OS X 10.4.x or later (10.5 supported with driver update)
CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster, all Intel-based Mac models.
Memory(RAM): 1 GB (more recommended)
Windows and Macintosh Systems
IEEE 1394 FireWire 400 Port
Internet connection
DVD-ROM drive
Internal or external 7200RPM storage drive is highly recommended
Microphone Preamp 1-8 (XLR Balanced)
Type: XLR Female Balanced
Frequency Response (+/-0.5 dB): 20 Hz to 50 kHz
Frequency Response (+/-3.0 dB): 20 Hz to 150 kHz
Input Impedance (Balanced): 1600 Ohm
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain < 0.0003%
EIN (unwtd, 55dB Gain, 150 ohms Input, 20Hz to 22kHz: -126 dBu
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4 dBu, 20Hz to 22 kHz: > 101dB
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, 55 dB Gain): > 55dB
Gain Control Range (+/-1dB): -4 dB to 50dB
Maximum Input Level (Unity Gain, 1 kHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +14 dBu
Phantom Power (+/-2 VDC): +48 VDC
Instrument Input
Type: 1/4 in. TS
Input Impedance: 1 Mega Ohm
Preamps 15 & 16
Gain Reduction: -16 to +20 dB
ThD+N (unwtd, 1KHz @ +4dBu Output, Unity Gain): <.2%
Limiter: 0 to -18dBu
Gain Control (+/-1dB): +4dB to +58dB
80 Hz filter: < 0.0003%
Line Inputs 9-14: (1/4 inch TRS)
Frequency Response (+0,- 0.5dB): 20Hz to 50kHz
Frequency Response (+0/-3.0 dB): 20Hz to 150kHz
Input Impedance (Balanced): 10 KOhm
THD+N (unwtd, 1KHz @ +4dBu Output, Unity Gain): < 0.003%
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4dBu, 20Hz to 22KHz): >101dB
Maximum Input Level (Unity Gain, 1KHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +20dBu
Headphone Output
Type: TRS Active Stereo
Maximum Output: 150 mW/CH @ 60 Ohm Load
Frequency Response (+/-1.0 dB): 10 Hz - 70kHz
Digital Audio
ADC Dynamic Range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate): 114 dB
DAC Dynamic Range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate): 114 dB
Bit Depth: 24
Reference Level for 0dBFS: +10 dBu
Internal Sample Frequency Selections (kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96
Jitter Specification: <20ps RMS, 20Hz-20kHz
Jitter Attenuation: >60dB; 1ns in approx.1ps out
Power
Input Connector Type: IEC
Input Voltage Range: 90 to 240 VAC
Power Requirements (Continuous): 20W
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 225-216-7887
Web: https://support.presonus.com
Phone: 225-216-7887
Web: https://support.presonus.com
PreSonus' Description
PreSonus FireStudio Tube Interface
The FireStudio Tube is a complete 24-bit/96k professional FireWire recording system loaded with the perfect combination of inputs and outputs for bands, producers, musicians and engineers to produce commercial-quality recordings.Two SuperChannels - Tube Preamplifiers with Limiter
The front panel of the FireStudio Tube is loaded with two "SuperChannels" featuring class A vacuum tube microphone and instrument preamplifiers along with full-featured analog limiters.
The tube preamplifiers use a high gain, military grade 12AX7 tube for maximum gain, low noise and high headroom. Neutrik combo connectors allow both XLR microphone input and hi-Z instrument input. Preamp controls include preamp gain and tube drive to achieve a wide range of sounds from smooth, clean and clear, to warm tube saturation. An 80Hz high pass filter is also located on the front panel to remove room rumble and unwanted lows.
The FireStudio Tube's Limiter features a VCA-based ultra fast RMS and peak detection circuit used in the award-winning DigiMax 96K, delivering the most musical limiter available; able to catch the fastest transients eliminating the possibility of clipping during recording while maintaining musicality. Controls for the Limiter include Threshold and Gain make-up as well as a Limiter in/out button.
Fast-acting LED metering on the front panel displays preamp input and limiter gain reduction for the two tube SuperChannels.
Perfect I/O for Music Production
The FireStudio Tube delivers all the analog I/O needed for professional recording sessions, featuring sixteen analog inputs including two tube SuperChannels on the front panel, eight class A XMAX microphone preamplifiers and six balanced TRS line inputs on the rear panel. Outputs include six balanced TRS outputs and PreSonus' signature ultra loud and clear headphone output that "goes to 11". MIDI I/O is also included on the rear panel for MIDI instruments, keyboards and controllers. The FireStudio Tube's combination of microphone, instrument and line inputs is perfect for a band to simultaneously record drums, bass, guitar, vocals and keyboards without any additional preamplifiers.
DSP Mixer/Router
The FireStudio Tube includes PreSonus' 16x8 FireControl mixer/router delivering up to five zero-latency custom monitor mixes easily and quickly.
Digital Converters and JetPLL Sync
The FireStudio Tube touts A/D/A converters with a dynamic range of over 114dB for unbelievable clarity as well as synchronization using patented JetPLL jitter reduction technology. JetPLL incorporates noise shaping to virtually remove all audio band jitter. JetPLL ensures the highest converter performance possible, resulting in better stereo separation and clearer more transparent audio. JetPLL delivers ultra-fast locking to any digital format through a wide range of frequencies and is extremely robust and tolerant of wide variations in clock frequencies. JetPLL ensures near perfect clock performance when networking audio devices, thus creating the most stable and robust synchronization to the computer.
ProPak Software Suite Included
As with all PreSonus recording systems, the FireStudio Tube includes a complete suite of software featuring Presonus Studio One Artist and production software along with a number of third party plug-ins, loops, samples and virtual instruments delivering a complete music production solution.
Reviews
Submitted April 27, 2010
"Don't get it for the tubes. Otherwise it rocks."
Not dissapointed by this unit at all. Would buy again if I was in need.
the next step up in quality from here is an RME unit . If you got the cash and don't need 10 pre's get a fireface 800.
Sound
Good clean pre's. Nice definition. Adding tube drive does nothing worth speaking of unfortunately. Might try swapping the tube for another in future, see if that helps.
Features
What it has works well. No digital I/O though you can chain more Firestudio units. Only metering on 2 tube channels. Limiters on tube channels are nice.
Ease of Use
It's easy. Presonus mixer software could be more intuitive. ( you can't label the channels yourself... why ???) so it doesn't get a 10.
Quality
9 because the power supply was not auto sensing as advertised and I had to use a power adapter in Europe :( otherwise exellent build quality. the pots on the front panel feel expensive with no slack whatsoever.
Value
Does what it says for a great price. don't buy it for some nice tube warmth. buy it 'cos it has 10 good pre's 6 line in's + 8 outs in one rack unit. the 2 limiters are a bonus. (yeah what everyone says is true... very low gain... I use a small mackie as a pre for these and it's fine though.)
Manufacturer Support
I have the feeling that the drivers could be a little more efficient... win 7 drivers still in… read more beta at time of writing... although I've used it under XP and it was pretty solid. Successfully recorded 16 channels at once over a 2 day session and no dropouts/crashes.
The Wow Factor
looks good in a rack if that's what floats your boat.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
rock/pop read less
Sound
Good clean pre's. Nice definition. Adding tube drive does nothing worth speaking of unfortunately. Might try swapping the tube for another in future, see if that helps.
Features
What it has works well. No digital I/O though you can chain more Firestudio units. Only metering on 2 tube channels. Limiters on tube channels are nice.
Ease of Use
It's easy. Presonus mixer software could be more intuitive. ( you can't label the channels yourself... why ???) so it doesn't get a 10.
Quality
9 because the power supply was not auto sensing as advertised and I had to use a power adapter in Europe :( otherwise exellent build quality. the pots on the front panel feel expensive with no slack whatsoever.
Value
Does what it says for a great price. don't buy it for some nice tube warmth. buy it 'cos it has 10 good pre's 6 line in's + 8 outs in one rack unit. the 2 limiters are a bonus. (yeah what everyone says is true... very low gain... I use a small mackie as a pre for these and it's fine though.)
Manufacturer Support
I have the feeling that the drivers could be a little more efficient... win 7 drivers still in… read more beta at time of writing... although I've used it under XP and it was pretty solid. Successfully recorded 16 channels at once over a 2 day session and no dropouts/crashes.
The Wow Factor
looks good in a rack if that's what floats your boat.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
rock/pop read less
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No longer available at zZounds
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