PreSonus Firepod FireWire Interface with Preamps

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.