PreSonus FireBox

The features that motivated my purchase are basically the inputs and outputs: I have the need to connect a bass + mic + sampler and record all this, which this soundcard allows.
I t has two high-impedance inputs with two preamps and 48V phantom power, two standard line inputs, 6 outputs, S/PDIF and MIDI In and Out, headphones output. There's also the AC connector (but no power switch) and two Firewire 400 connectors (which is an important detail, since I needed to buy an adapter to go from FW 400 to 800 when I changed computers).
I've used it for 8 years in different but recurring setups: audio recording of electric instruments (guitar, bass), digital instruments (sampler, synths) and acoustic sources (didgeridoo, flute, percussions, and vocals). I also use it to arrange and mix my songs. I have never had the need to use the mixing and routing software included with the soundcard.
I connect it directly to my computer (a 2011 iMac) via Firewire.

UTILIZATION

From 2006 to 2011 I used PCs and the stability of the soundcard depends a lot on the system itself. I had incompatibility problems with the DVD player of one of my computers, which was a real pain for months. It worked fine with my other computers.
On the Mac I've had no issues. There are no drivers: You just connect the soundcard, it pops up in the audio peripherals and that's that. I use it with Live to make music, but also with VLC when I listen to music or watch a film. It is always connected to the computer. I have never been limited by the number of tracks during recording, but I usually use it alone or with two or three musicians, tops.
The total latency I get (input and output) is 14 ms, which is pretty decent.

GETTING STARTED

See the compatibility problems above and the threads regarding this problem in the forums.
On a PC, there's no guarantee of compatibility unless you have a solid chipset and a real Firewire input, I guess.
On Mac it's smooth and silky, you don't even need the manual.
I give it 6 because I had a hard time with my previous computers. If I were to only consider the time I have used with the Mac, I'd give it a 9.

OVERALL OPINION

I've used it since autumn 2006. I didn't test any other model before buying this one: I simply identified my needs and an interesting opportunity arose.
I love its stability and sturdiness, I know it's not gonna fail me while I'm working on my music, it never crosses my mind.
Two details bug me a bit after several years of use: To use MIDI and S/PDIF you need to add a snake cable to the rear of the soundcard. Furthermore, the level knobs (input and output) on the front panel are small and very close to each other, which makes it hard to get to the master volume. But you get used to it.
Great value for money, as far as I'm concerned. I bought it secondhand, still under warranty and for a very decent price.
Odds are high that I would buy it again... Maybe not if I have a PC.

The best thing about using the PreSonus Firebox I that it is very easy to use and understand. it’s a very small interface that worked great with my laptop. You can get your DAW to recognize the Firebox very easily in the audio out settings of your daw. As long as your drivers are up to date you will have no problem getting Firebox to work great. If you need more stuff plugged in at the same time I don’t suggest getting firebox, you will only be able to record one thing at a time so this was more of a laptop on the road thing for me. Though I have seen some people use it at home in there bedroom studio just because they don’t need a bunch of mic and instrument inputs to record at the same time.


UTILIZATION

PreSonus Firebox is very easy to install and use, it is very small you can fit it right in your laptop case with your laptop. In fact, that is where I left mine at, right in my laptop case so that whenever I was going somewhere I automatically had an interface with me so I could record.


GETTING STARTED

The program that came with it, I cant remember what it was but I didn’t use it to record because I already was using a few other programs but just in case you are new to recording it does come with a software so you can record with.


OVERALL OPINION

It’s a great buy, just make sure you have a fire wire port on your computer and you will be good to go. If you have an older computer you may have some issue’s though and some serious lag. Just be careful of which interface you buy, you should also check out it will work with your computer before you buy. Read the specs.

The main thing I love about this unit is the firewire powering capability. Not needing a wall wart or any other power source makes this unit very convenient for live recording or live performing situations especially with my laptop. With a full battery, I can run the presonus firebox, two usb powered keyboards and all my software programs for three hours without the need of a power source! One of the best setups for creative people on the go.
My mobile rig consists of a MacBook (2.2ghz, 120gb internal HD, 320gb usb powered external HD, 4 gb ram), 2 M-Audio keyboards (88 weighted key, and 61 axiom) and Logic 8 and multiple NI programs.
I use the Firebox to simultaneously record my bands performance (stereo track from mains) and out put all my synth/key/samples/pads to the mains. This thing is so convenient.

UTILIZATION

The firebox is plug and play with Logic but unfortunately, I am having problems getting my Native Instruments to recognize it. I bypass that problem for the time being by selecting the firebox as my computers main output.
The general configuration is pretty simple. The firebox mixer application is a little confusing to me. I have not really dived into any help features yet. They did not send me any paper manuals, but the there is plenty of help on line. I wish there was a paper manual though, those always seem clearer to me.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers are great. I haven't noticed any updates yet, unless it does them without my knowledge. I use this mostly with logic 8 and they work together seamlessly. Like I said before, plug and play with Logic. It also has 24k recording capability which logic supports so thats a big plus. As for latency, I have been able to put most programs down to zero latency (at least thats what they claim) and so far, no problems. As for tracks, 16 internal software tracks is the most I have ever used thus far. I notice that when I first open up those tracks, logic gets "overloaded" when a part comes up with a lot of midi data, but I believe that is Logics fault. Its not a really big issue, it only stops that once. The next time through it works fine.

OVERALL OPINION

I have had the Firebox for 4 months and it has yet to disappoint. Again, the best thing is the firewire power capability. Other pluses are the 24k recording, 6 1/4" outputs for sending different signals to different amps/mixes, and the overall high quality sound I get out of my recordings. I didn't any other models personally but I talked to a lot of people who use the this device and the some of M-audio's interfaces and everyone recommended the firebox. I also did a lot of research online and found the same to be true. I would absolutely buy this item again. Its a must have for computer based/assisted musicians/engineers.

Nope,worked right out of the box.it is bus powered which makes it very moblie,comes with everthing you need to get started even Cubase LE

$299

UTILIZATION

This thing was a walk in the park,set you sample rate and your all set.the Mixer is very easy to use aswell

GETTING STARTED

Very rugged steel design,I've droped it off a table moving the mic that was pluged into it and it still works like a champ.

OVERALL OPINION

Very very clearn Class A Preamps and this unit will produce crystal clear Audio no need for EQing.I give it a 9 becuase I am sure there is something that sounds better but I am sure its about twice as much.

I love it for the easy of use and the sound quality is Amazing.well worth the money best investment I've made yet...

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: DreaminginStereo (January 1-, 2005)