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PreSonus FireStudio Project FireWire Interface
FREE ProPak Software Suite including PreSonus Artist One Audio Production Software.
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Overview
Description
From Our Catalog
Some musicians prefer to work alone, spending untold hours in their bedrooms crafting little masterpieces of esoteric pop weirdness. The rest of us, however, play in bands. If you want to start recording real people playing real music together, you're going to need more than the two inputs most affordable digital audio interfaces provide. It's time to step up to the PreSonus FireStudio Project, a FireWire interface with ten simultaneous audio inputs and all the routing options you'll need to start making serious recordings. It delivers professional fidelity, reliable stability with Mac or Windows systems, and ships with a full suite of recording software and effects including the Cubase multitrack recoding program--all for less than $500.
Eight Class A Preamps, And More
Because PreSonus wanted to make the FireStudio Project a self-contained multi-tracking solution, they outfitted it with eight of their pristine XMAX Preamps. These class-A pre's have a low noise floor and high enough headroom to accommodate a wide variety of recording sources. All eight microphone inputs can supply true 48-volt phantom current for powering the best studio condensers, a must for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads. Best of all, the input connectors are XLR-1/4-inch "combi" jacks, meaning you can connect instrument jacks or 3-pin microphone cables to the same input without having to reach around to the back of the unit--and inputs 1 and 2 are especially built to accept Hi-Z signals from electric guitars and basses. Add to the eight analog inputs two digital S/PIDF inputs, and you've got yourself a setup that can easily be expanded to include additional digital mic preamps. There's also eight analog and two digital outputs for flexible monitor routing, and full MIDI I/O to incorporate drum machines, hardware synth modules, and more. Should you want to increase your available inputs further, the PreSonus FireWire driver supports multiple, daisy-chained interfaces. Simply connect a second FireStudio for twenty inputs, and a third for thirty, and a fourth. . . as many as your computer software and hardware can keep up with!
Zero Latency Monitoring And Improved Jitter Elimination
The importance of zero-latency monitoring can't be understated. Even with ten simultaneous recording inputs, you're going to want to make overdubs, and having access to zero-latency monitoring without relying on exterior routing is the most reliable way to get perfectly synchronized overdubs and punch-ins. The PreSonus FireStudio touts zero-latency mixing via its intuitive software-controlled, digital mix routing. Another problem inherent in digital recording systems is jitter. Jitter occurs when the converters that transform analog audio information into digital information don't sync properly. Think about analog-to-digital conversion like a camera taking a picture of the incoming audio. When recording at 44.1kHz (or CD-quality) that's 44,100 pictures every second--or 352,800 when recording on eight simultaneous inputs. If those virtual cameras don't capture their images at the same instant, issues like phasing, loss of low-end focus, and digital hiss can become audible. The FireStudio employs JetPLL jitter elimination technology and newly designed converters to combat these common issues, making sure the audio you record is as accurate and musical as possible.
LED Meters For Instant Level Monitoring
You ever see those huge studio consoles with their fancy LED meter bridges? Wouldn't it be nice to have one of those to give you instant input level feedback in your home setup? Quit pining: the FireStudio Project has three-segment input monitoring built right into its front panel, giving you immediate monitoring over all eight analog inputs. No more relying on your software to tell you if your preamps are clipping, let the preamps themselves tell you.
Compatible With Most Major DAWs
If you've already got a digital audio workstation you're comfortable with, chances are the FireStudio Project will integrate seamlessly with your setup. Its near-universal Mac and Windows drivers mean the FireStudio works as the perfect front end for users of Apple Logic, Cakewalk Sonar, and even the new Propellerhead Record. On the other hand, if you're really starting from scratch, PreSonus stuffs the FireStudio box with a copy of Cubase LE, so you can get down to recording right away. Best of all, PreSonus is one of the most diligent and frequent updaters of driver software in the industry, so you can invest in your new FireStudio Project with absolute confidence.
Satisfy your recording jones! With a PreSonus FireStudio Project at the front of your computer recording system, you'll be well on your way to making pro-sounding, full-band recordings. .. or whatever else you need to point your mics at! The FireStudio Project is hard to beat at this price, and this price is unbeatable through zZounds!
Eight Class A Preamps, And More
Because PreSonus wanted to make the FireStudio Project a self-contained multi-tracking solution, they outfitted it with eight of their pristine XMAX Preamps. These class-A pre's have a low noise floor and high enough headroom to accommodate a wide variety of recording sources. All eight microphone inputs can supply true 48-volt phantom current for powering the best studio condensers, a must for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads. Best of all, the input connectors are XLR-1/4-inch "combi" jacks, meaning you can connect instrument jacks or 3-pin microphone cables to the same input without having to reach around to the back of the unit--and inputs 1 and 2 are especially built to accept Hi-Z signals from electric guitars and basses. Add to the eight analog inputs two digital S/PIDF inputs, and you've got yourself a setup that can easily be expanded to include additional digital mic preamps. There's also eight analog and two digital outputs for flexible monitor routing, and full MIDI I/O to incorporate drum machines, hardware synth modules, and more. Should you want to increase your available inputs further, the PreSonus FireWire driver supports multiple, daisy-chained interfaces. Simply connect a second FireStudio for twenty inputs, and a third for thirty, and a fourth. . . as many as your computer software and hardware can keep up with!
Zero Latency Monitoring And Improved Jitter Elimination
The importance of zero-latency monitoring can't be understated. Even with ten simultaneous recording inputs, you're going to want to make overdubs, and having access to zero-latency monitoring without relying on exterior routing is the most reliable way to get perfectly synchronized overdubs and punch-ins. The PreSonus FireStudio touts zero-latency mixing via its intuitive software-controlled, digital mix routing. Another problem inherent in digital recording systems is jitter. Jitter occurs when the converters that transform analog audio information into digital information don't sync properly. Think about analog-to-digital conversion like a camera taking a picture of the incoming audio. When recording at 44.1kHz (or CD-quality) that's 44,100 pictures every second--or 352,800 when recording on eight simultaneous inputs. If those virtual cameras don't capture their images at the same instant, issues like phasing, loss of low-end focus, and digital hiss can become audible. The FireStudio employs JetPLL jitter elimination technology and newly designed converters to combat these common issues, making sure the audio you record is as accurate and musical as possible.
LED Meters For Instant Level Monitoring
You ever see those huge studio consoles with their fancy LED meter bridges? Wouldn't it be nice to have one of those to give you instant input level feedback in your home setup? Quit pining: the FireStudio Project has three-segment input monitoring built right into its front panel, giving you immediate monitoring over all eight analog inputs. No more relying on your software to tell you if your preamps are clipping, let the preamps themselves tell you.
Compatible With Most Major DAWs
If you've already got a digital audio workstation you're comfortable with, chances are the FireStudio Project will integrate seamlessly with your setup. Its near-universal Mac and Windows drivers mean the FireStudio works as the perfect front end for users of Apple Logic, Cakewalk Sonar, and even the new Propellerhead Record. On the other hand, if you're really starting from scratch, PreSonus stuffs the FireStudio box with a copy of Cubase LE, so you can get down to recording right away. Best of all, PreSonus is one of the most diligent and frequent updaters of driver software in the industry, so you can invest in your new FireStudio Project with absolute confidence.
Satisfy your recording jones! With a PreSonus FireStudio Project at the front of your computer recording system, you'll be well on your way to making pro-sounding, full-band recordings. .. or whatever else you need to point your mics at! The FireStudio Project is hard to beat at this price, and this price is unbeatable through zZounds!
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 PreSonus Artist One 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.
Great for professional studio recording, live sound recording, performance, podcasting and more, the FireStudio Project is designed for flexibility and ultra-high sonic performance. Whether you need to record a live drum set, mic a guitar amp, or a complete band, the FireStudio Project is ready and more than able. With the new FireControl Mixer/Router you can send up to five individual mixes to different musicians during recording so that every band member can have a custom headphone mix.
Based on the award-winning FP10(FirePod) the FireStudio Project starts with eight PreSonus Class A XMAX microphone preamplifiers found in the FP10(FirePod) and adds the folllowing improvements:
Improved analog to digital converters (114dB dynamic range)
Improved syncronization with JetPLL (jitter elimination technology)
FireControl Mixer/Router to send up to five separate zero-latency stereo mixes to musicians during recording
Three-segment LED input metering on all analog channels
Internal IEC-based power supply
ProPak v3 software suite with Artist One, BFD Lite, and Wave Arts Plug-ins.
XMAX Class A Preamplifiers
The FireStudio Project starts with eight custom-designed high-voltage, discrete, XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers.
Many other companies offering recording interfaces add the cheapest possible microphone preamplifier as an afterthought to the interface.
PreSonus knows that the preamplifier is a key component in the sonic quality of a recording. The job of a microphone preamplifier is to boost microphone level signals to line level so that the signal can be converted from analog to digital. This mic to line boost is generally a preamplification of over 400 times the voltage of the original mic level signal. This preamplification stage is one of the most important stages that the signal will go through before converted to digital, and is why a high performance preamplifier is important to achieving great results. A cheap "off the shelf op-amp" type mic preamp that is found in most interfaces translates into thin, noisy and harsh results.
New Advanced Platform Technology - DICE II and JetPLL
The FireStudio Project is loaded with the new ultra powerful DICE II FireWire chipset delivering 10 channels of simultaneous inputs and outputs at professional-quality 24-bit. The strength of the DICE II chip lies with its ability to easilly handle high channel count at high bit-rate while minimizing latency and load on your computer.
The synchronization of the FireStudio Project is handled by patented JetPLLTM jitter reduction technology. JetPLLTM incorporates noise shaping to virtually remove all audio band jitter. JetPLLTM ensures the highest converter performance possible, resulting in better stereo separation and clearer more transparent audio. JetPLLTM 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. JetPLLTM ensures near perfect clock performance when networking audio devices thus creating the most stable and robust synchronization to the computer and all devices synchronization with the FireStudio Project.
FireControl - Zero Latency DSP Mixing/Routing
The FireStudio Project also includes the FireControl mixer/router a 18x10 DSP mixer/router for flexible mixing and direct routing any input to any output including the headphone output, with zero latency. The FireControl software application lives between your FireStudio Project interface and your DAW software enabling the mixing and routing of input streams coming into your FireStudio Studio Project interface and playback stream coming from your DAW software. The FireControl is capable of creating up to five stereo mixes and then routing to the outputs of your FireStudio Project for headphone mixes and various aux sends. This way everyone in the band and the recording engineer can have a custom mix. Also, the FireStudio Project is loaded with internal flash memory so that all FireControl settings are saved and recalled in the FireStudio Project during power off/on. This allows you to configure your FireStudio as a stand-alone device, without being connected to a computer for uses such as a submixer, A/D and D/A-converter, headphone mixer, format converter, instrument or microphone pre-amplifier!
ProPak Software Suite (v3)
The FireStudio Project also comes with the new ProPak Software Suite (v3), which includes more than 20 real time plug-ins, a number of virtual instruments and over 2 GB of drum loops and samples including: PreSonus Artist One, BFD Lite; Wave Arts – TrackPlug LE, MasterVerb LE, Discrete Drums and more!
Features
High-Speed FireWire (IEEE 1394) Audio Interface
Up to 96K Sampling Rate
8 XMAX Class A Microphone Preamplifiers (+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 with FireControl Mixer/Router
Separate Balanced Main Outputs and 8 Balanced Analog Outputs
FREE ProPak Software Suite including PreSonus Artist One Audio Production Software
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 SP1
Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire port.
CPU/Clock: Pentium, Celeron with 1.6Ghz or higher
Memory(RAM): 512 MB (1 GB recommended)
Macintosh
OS: MacOS X 10.4.x or later. Snow Leopard compatible.
Computer: Apple Macintosh series with on-board FireWire port.
CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster, all Intel-based Mac models.
Memory(RAM): 512 MB (1 GB recommended)
Note that the speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of your hard drive will greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system. Also, a more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM) will allow for lower latency (signal delay) that you might experience while monitoring audio or MIDI signals.
Monitor resolution for both PC and Macintosh should be no lower than 1024x768 pixels.
FireStudio Project Specifications
Microphone Preamp
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 Ω
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain: < 0.0003%
EIN (unwtd, 55dB Gain, 150 Ω 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
Signal Level LEDS:
Red / Clip (±0.5 dB)
Yellow (±0.5 dB)
Green (±0.5 dB)
+10 dBu (o dBFS)
+4 dBu (-6 dBFS)
-30 dBu (-40 dBFS)
Phantom Power (±2 VDC): +48 VDC
Instrument Input (channels 1 & 2 only)
Type: XLR Female Balanced
Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Line Inputs
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): 10 KΩ
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain
< 0.0003%
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4 dBu, 20Hz to 22 kHz: > 101dB
Gain Control Range (±1 dB): -16dB to +16dB
Maximum Input Level (Unity Gain, 1 kHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +10 dBu
Maximum Input Level (Minimum Gain, 1 kHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +22 dBu
Line Ouputs (including Preamp Output, General Purpose Outputs and Main Outputs)
Type: 1/4 in. TRS Balanced
Output Impedance: 51 Ω
Headphone Output
Type: 1/4 in. TRS Active Stereo
Maximum Output: 150 mW/CH @ 60 Ω 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
External Sample Frequency Input: S/PDIF
Power
Input Connector Type: IEC
Input Voltage Range: 90 to 230 VAC
Power Requirements (Continuous): 20W
Great for professional studio recording, live sound recording, performance, podcasting and more, the FireStudio Project is designed for flexibility and ultra-high sonic performance. Whether you need to record a live drum set, mic a guitar amp, or a complete band, the FireStudio Project is ready and more than able. With the new FireControl Mixer/Router you can send up to five individual mixes to different musicians during recording so that every band member can have a custom headphone mix.
Based on the award-winning FP10(FirePod) the FireStudio Project starts with eight PreSonus Class A XMAX microphone preamplifiers found in the FP10(FirePod) and adds the folllowing improvements:
Improved analog to digital converters (114dB dynamic range)
Improved syncronization with JetPLL (jitter elimination technology)
FireControl Mixer/Router to send up to five separate zero-latency stereo mixes to musicians during recording
Three-segment LED input metering on all analog channels
Internal IEC-based power supply
ProPak v3 software suite with Artist One, BFD Lite, and Wave Arts Plug-ins.
XMAX Class A Preamplifiers
The FireStudio Project starts with eight custom-designed high-voltage, discrete, XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers.
Many other companies offering recording interfaces add the cheapest possible microphone preamplifier as an afterthought to the interface.
PreSonus knows that the preamplifier is a key component in the sonic quality of a recording. The job of a microphone preamplifier is to boost microphone level signals to line level so that the signal can be converted from analog to digital. This mic to line boost is generally a preamplification of over 400 times the voltage of the original mic level signal. This preamplification stage is one of the most important stages that the signal will go through before converted to digital, and is why a high performance preamplifier is important to achieving great results. A cheap "off the shelf op-amp" type mic preamp that is found in most interfaces translates into thin, noisy and harsh results.
New Advanced Platform Technology - DICE II and JetPLL
The FireStudio Project is loaded with the new ultra powerful DICE II FireWire chipset delivering 10 channels of simultaneous inputs and outputs at professional-quality 24-bit. The strength of the DICE II chip lies with its ability to easilly handle high channel count at high bit-rate while minimizing latency and load on your computer.
The synchronization of the FireStudio Project is handled by patented JetPLLTM jitter reduction technology. JetPLLTM incorporates noise shaping to virtually remove all audio band jitter. JetPLLTM ensures the highest converter performance possible, resulting in better stereo separation and clearer more transparent audio. JetPLLTM 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. JetPLLTM ensures near perfect clock performance when networking audio devices thus creating the most stable and robust synchronization to the computer and all devices synchronization with the FireStudio Project.
FireControl - Zero Latency DSP Mixing/Routing
The FireStudio Project also includes the FireControl mixer/router a 18x10 DSP mixer/router for flexible mixing and direct routing any input to any output including the headphone output, with zero latency. The FireControl software application lives between your FireStudio Project interface and your DAW software enabling the mixing and routing of input streams coming into your FireStudio Studio Project interface and playback stream coming from your DAW software. The FireControl is capable of creating up to five stereo mixes and then routing to the outputs of your FireStudio Project for headphone mixes and various aux sends. This way everyone in the band and the recording engineer can have a custom mix. Also, the FireStudio Project is loaded with internal flash memory so that all FireControl settings are saved and recalled in the FireStudio Project during power off/on. This allows you to configure your FireStudio as a stand-alone device, without being connected to a computer for uses such as a submixer, A/D and D/A-converter, headphone mixer, format converter, instrument or microphone pre-amplifier!
ProPak Software Suite (v3)
The FireStudio Project also comes with the new ProPak Software Suite (v3), which includes more than 20 real time plug-ins, a number of virtual instruments and over 2 GB of drum loops and samples including: PreSonus Artist One, BFD Lite; Wave Arts – TrackPlug LE, MasterVerb LE, Discrete Drums and more!
Features
High-Speed FireWire (IEEE 1394) Audio Interface
Up to 96K Sampling Rate
8 XMAX Class A Microphone Preamplifiers (+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 with FireControl Mixer/Router
Separate Balanced Main Outputs and 8 Balanced Analog Outputs
FREE ProPak Software Suite including PreSonus Artist One Audio Production Software
Technical Info
Computer System RequirementsNew 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 SP1
Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire port.
CPU/Clock: Pentium, Celeron with 1.6Ghz or higher
Memory(RAM): 512 MB (1 GB recommended)
Macintosh
OS: MacOS X 10.4.x or later. Snow Leopard compatible.
Computer: Apple Macintosh series with on-board FireWire port.
CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/Dual 1 GHZ or faster, all Intel-based Mac models.
Memory(RAM): 512 MB (1 GB recommended)
Note that the speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of your hard drive will greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system. Also, a more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM) will allow for lower latency (signal delay) that you might experience while monitoring audio or MIDI signals.
Monitor resolution for both PC and Macintosh should be no lower than 1024x768 pixels.
FireStudio Project Specifications
Microphone Preamp
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 Ω
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain: < 0.0003%
EIN (unwtd, 55dB Gain, 150 Ω 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
Signal Level LEDS:
Red / Clip (±0.5 dB)
Yellow (±0.5 dB)
Green (±0.5 dB)
+10 dBu (o dBFS)
+4 dBu (-6 dBFS)
-30 dBu (-40 dBFS)
Phantom Power (±2 VDC): +48 VDC
Instrument Input (channels 1 & 2 only)
Type: XLR Female Balanced
Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Line Inputs
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): 10 KΩ
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain
< 0.0003%
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4 dBu, 20Hz to 22 kHz: > 101dB
Gain Control Range (±1 dB): -16dB to +16dB
Maximum Input Level (Unity Gain, 1 kHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +10 dBu
Maximum Input Level (Minimum Gain, 1 kHz @ 0.5% THD+N): +22 dBu
Line Ouputs (including Preamp Output, General Purpose Outputs and Main Outputs)
Type: 1/4 in. TRS Balanced
Output Impedance: 51 Ω
Headphone Output
Type: 1/4 in. TRS Active Stereo
Maximum Output: 150 mW/CH @ 60 Ω 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
External Sample Frequency Input: S/PDIF
Power
Input Connector Type: IEC
Input Voltage Range: 90 to 230 VAC
Power Requirements (Continuous): 20W
All inclusive rack interface with 8x24-bit/96kHz mic preamps. XLR/TRS combo jacks with phantom power, dedicated level control, and metering. Includes S/PDIF and MIDI I/O. Includes ProPak software bundle with Cubase LE, over 25 real-time plug-in effects, and more than 2GB of drum loops and samples.
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PreSonus FireStudio Project FireWire Interface Reviews
9 out of 10
"It has its problems, but its benefits are GREAT!"
Feature:
Class A preamps across the board are wonderful. Worth the extra money it costs above the FirePod just for that. It comes with Cubase LE - which I personally don't like - I use Sonar. But it's a standard, professional-grade DAW, and the fact that it comes with a professional DAW at ALL is great! It comes with TWO control panels. One is installed on your Windows taskbar, another you have to go find and open manually from your hard drive. The first is simplified, the second is more in-depth. Both are easy to use. The plugins it comes with are sub-par, but enough to get an amateur started.
Quality:
The zero-latency software monitoring is AMAZING! The Vista drivers have issues. I mean, BIG issues. Nothing that can't be totally straightened out with some tweaking, but there are issues nonetheless. I know someone who uses this in Windows XP and it works flawlessly under that - but for Pete's sake, don't taunt "Vista compatibility" if I have to tweak the drivers a bunch to get standard stability. I know Vista's a total ****, and so it's not completely PreSonus's fault, but I digress. The saving grace of this is how WELL you are allowed to adjust the drivers. In the simplified taskbar Control Panel, you can choose between FOUR different driver modes, including THREE Safe Modes. I had never tried Safe Mode 3 - and the WDM driver kept crashing. I finally tried Safe Mode 3, and it's been FLAWLESS ever since! You can also switch sampling rate, buffer size, and input routing on the fly.
Value:
One of, if not THE best for the price.
Desirability:
Knowing what I know now from personal experience, I would look into other interfaces - read through FORUM discussions on these products. Try to get a good idea of how this product and its competitors perform under identical conditions. This thing should definitely be in your top three, though.
Sound:
The raw sound of this thing is where it really shines. The preamps aren't the best of the best, but they do sound SURPRISINGLY good. My mid-grade condensers sound GREAT through this thing. Dynamic mics such as the i5 and SM57 sound GOOD off the line, and with a knowledgeable tweaking in your DAW, you'll get 'em sounding pretty darned awesome. The only problem is that this thing is a bit quiet. I have to turn the volume knob halfway up to get a "standard loudness" through my KRK 8's, and to really get my 8's at a "loud stereo" level, I gotta turn the volume knob over 3/4's of the way. These are POWERED monitors that amplify the signal put through them, so they should be screaming loud at halfway - but they're not. Testing volume through my headphones confirms that the FireStudio is the issue, not the monitors. The headphone amp is noticeably louder though. It's strange. 3/4 volume and your ears will be ringing. Wish I could get that through the standard speaker output! This issue extends to the preamps as well. I have to crank them pretty good, unless I'm recording overbearingly loud stuff like drums. I mean, having to turn the knobs way up isn't THAT big of a deal - but I would think that it would stress the hardware a bit more than needed, and affect the overall lifetime of the product. So other than *slightly* weak powered volume, this thing sounds GREAT!
Ease of Use:
READ THE MANUAL, then it's a piece of cake. The most important thing you need to know is NOT to plug active instruments into the first two inputs. Other than that, it's totally plug-n-play.
Support:
We've been sitting on the same exact Vista drivers almost since I bought this thing in January '08. People are having similar driver issues under the Leapord OS, so if you have a MAC, you're not entirely out of the water from some of these issues. PreSonus has a great product here, but they owe it to their customers to make every effort to solidify their drivers for both MAC and Windows.
Overall:
Overall, this thing was way worth the money! It had its issues, and it took me the better part of a year to straighten them all out, but now it's working flawlessly. I don't expect to replace this puppy any time soon.
Class A preamps across the board are wonderful. Worth the extra money it costs above the FirePod just for that. It comes with Cubase LE - which I personally don't like - I use Sonar. But it's a standard, professional-grade DAW, and the fact that it comes with a professional DAW at ALL is great! It comes with TWO control panels. One is installed on your Windows taskbar, another you have to go find and open manually from your hard drive. The first is simplified, the second is more in-depth. Both are easy to use. The plugins it comes with are sub-par, but enough to get an amateur started.
Quality:
The zero-latency software monitoring is AMAZING! The Vista drivers have issues. I mean, BIG issues. Nothing that can't be totally straightened out with some tweaking, but there are issues nonetheless. I know someone who uses this in Windows XP and it works flawlessly under that - but for Pete's sake, don't taunt "Vista compatibility" if I have to tweak the drivers a bunch to get standard stability. I know Vista's a total ****, and so it's not completely PreSonus's fault, but I digress. The saving grace of this is how WELL you are allowed to adjust the drivers. In the simplified taskbar Control Panel, you can choose between FOUR different driver modes, including THREE Safe Modes. I had never tried Safe Mode 3 - and the WDM driver kept crashing. I finally tried Safe Mode 3, and it's been FLAWLESS ever since! You can also switch sampling rate, buffer size, and input routing on the fly.
Value:
One of, if not THE best for the price.
Desirability:
Knowing what I know now from personal experience, I would look into other interfaces - read through FORUM discussions on these products. Try to get a good idea of how this product and its competitors perform under identical conditions. This thing should definitely be in your top three, though.
Sound:
The raw sound of this thing is where it really shines. The preamps aren't the best of the best, but they do sound SURPRISINGLY good. My mid-grade condensers sound GREAT through this thing. Dynamic mics such as the i5 and SM57 sound GOOD off the line, and with a knowledgeable tweaking in your DAW, you'll get 'em sounding pretty darned awesome. The only problem is that this thing is a bit quiet. I have to turn the volume knob halfway up to get a "standard loudness" through my KRK 8's, and to really get my 8's at a "loud stereo" level, I gotta turn the volume knob over 3/4's of the way. These are POWERED monitors that amplify the signal put through them, so they should be screaming loud at halfway - but they're not. Testing volume through my headphones confirms that the FireStudio is the issue, not the monitors. The headphone amp is noticeably louder though. It's strange. 3/4 volume and your ears will be ringing. Wish I could get that through the standard speaker output! This issue extends to the preamps as well. I have to crank them pretty good, unless I'm recording overbearingly loud stuff like drums. I mean, having to turn the knobs way up isn't THAT big of a deal - but I would think that it would stress the hardware a bit more than needed, and affect the overall lifetime of the product. So other than *slightly* weak powered volume, this thing sounds GREAT!
Ease of Use:
READ THE MANUAL, then it's a piece of cake. The most important thing you need to know is NOT to plug active instruments into the first two inputs. Other than that, it's totally plug-n-play.
Support:
We've been sitting on the same exact Vista drivers almost since I bought this thing in January '08. People are having similar driver issues under the Leapord OS, so if you have a MAC, you're not entirely out of the water from some of these issues. PreSonus has a great product here, but they owe it to their customers to make every effort to solidify their drivers for both MAC and Windows.
Overall:
Overall, this thing was way worth the money! It had its issues, and it took me the better part of a year to straighten them all out, but now it's working flawlessly. I don't expect to replace this puppy any time soon.
Submitted: 10/04/2008
Style of Music: Various
10 out of 10
"Firestudio Project is the SHIZNIT"
Feature:
Love the meters. They really help you to see whats happening. The built in software mixer is also a huge help. I did a session with a four piece band and was able to send every musician a separate headphone mix. Kind of wish it had ADAT inputs but then again that's what the other Firestudio is for.
Quality:
The knobs feel sturdy and I love how they are detented as well. The other nice touch is no wall wart. This unit looks amazing in my rack.
Value:
It's simply the best interface that you can buy below an RME that costs twice as much (TRUST ME I'VE TRIED THEM ALL).
Desirability:
Great metering and it looks sexy in my rack.
Sound:
Very beefy sounding preamps. Not noisy like my old M Audio. I'm very happy with the sound I'm getting.
Ease of Use:
Installation took about 15 minutes. I have a PC (Pentium 4/3gHz) and it sync'd up in a few seconds and I was recording within 20 minutes.
Support:
I called Presonus because I was missing a serial number in my software bundle. They were very cool about it. I haven't had any other reasons to call but they seemed to be easy to reach.
Overall:
I think my search for interfaces is done. This one is great.
Love the meters. They really help you to see whats happening. The built in software mixer is also a huge help. I did a session with a four piece band and was able to send every musician a separate headphone mix. Kind of wish it had ADAT inputs but then again that's what the other Firestudio is for.
Quality:
The knobs feel sturdy and I love how they are detented as well. The other nice touch is no wall wart. This unit looks amazing in my rack.
Value:
It's simply the best interface that you can buy below an RME that costs twice as much (TRUST ME I'VE TRIED THEM ALL).
Desirability:
Great metering and it looks sexy in my rack.
Sound:
Very beefy sounding preamps. Not noisy like my old M Audio. I'm very happy with the sound I'm getting.
Ease of Use:
Installation took about 15 minutes. I have a PC (Pentium 4/3gHz) and it sync'd up in a few seconds and I was recording within 20 minutes.
Support:
I called Presonus because I was missing a serial number in my software bundle. They were very cool about it. I haven't had any other reasons to call but they seemed to be easy to reach.
Overall:
I think my search for interfaces is done. This one is great.
Submitted: 12/11/2007
Style of Music: Rock
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