All user reviews for the PreSonus FireBox

See notice below or Presonus site.

On paper, it is very tempting.

UTILIZATION

NOTE: all that follows, the use of the Firebox on a PC with Windows XP Pro.

The implementation depends on your religious fervor and the chance you have in life everyday ...

My personal: she moved in 20 seconds on a computer desktop, and m 'took 10 days and all the manipulations possible and imaginable before installing a tower on relatively powerful, even by following all the recommendations presonus . To install it on my 2nd config in the end I did everything the opposite of what should be done: via firewire chipset (strongly discouraged by PreSonus) connection to the PC hard once lit .. . and it worked, but especially with a big stroke of luck that I did not explain, has nearly 2 hours she returned to the store.

In the end, this card moves if she wants ... It works one time, one time its not working.

GETTING STARTED

When it works, with updated drivers it is really very good, but it is a capricious environment win xp sp2 ... I am so suspicious ...

For now I use it with Sound Forge, and I'll see what it gives with cubase in the near future ...

8ms latency is for now, I think I should go up to 10ms ...

OVERALL OPINION

10 days of hassle to install the 20 seconds against a different config ...

It is imperative to use the latest drivers, otherwise it cracks a death ...

This product may be great, but he deserves the negative reviews: a card that is installed once on 2, 3 or worse, which is not stable, drivers with a pity as it can get a good rating: obviously not. And that is all the more frustrating than when she walks, she is really perfect, the Converto are good, the latency right, wait to see what it gives in midi ...

I tried a few cards, but after puff a year for AF, I saw more than one pass, and level quality / price ratio, it seems to me, maps are a bit expensive TC I find, I have too much confidence in edirol ... and not the means to an rms, not the utility and more ...

However, in my case, it will be my first and last purchase I will use the Presonus as pc (or firewire is a joke), if I move to Mac is to see .... obviously kidding least ca. A product that has promising ultra high capacity, when it works ... 10 days config and no music for 10 days, so I regretted my purchase and I hope the next few days will make me forget this mess by bringing me full satisfaction.

EDIT: config passed on mac since 2 seconds to install. It works. Cons: the headphone output ... ideal for farting ears ... brief ... far from being a miracle product ...

- What characteristics have motivated your choice?
Sample rate for recording.
number of inputs and outputs corresponding to my use

- For what purpose?
recordings, music creation,

- What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?
I use the card
- PC running XP SP2 (multiple configs)
- PC running Vista 32
- MacBook G4 under MacOS 10.4
each time the card is powered via FireWire
- Which instruments and systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ...
A microphone with phantom power supply
Yamaha CS-15
Korg EA1
another as needed
update (2nd)
I made a series of tests to see some rendering of the sound card, its grain etc ... a strong presence in the bass, pleasant enough but very misleading .... A piece emerged onto a CD will not sound the same at all.

I also want to add that after 1.5 years of use without too have changed the config and having little trimballée, the connection back is already tired (I understand if I was very disconnected / reconnected, But that's not the case), the MIDI made his own ... (In the following categories I also updated some experiments on a laptop)

UTILIZATION

On Windows XP problems of conflict with my firewire card which nevertheless respects the Presonus recommendations.

Overall a good ASIO operation, but for use with Windows drivers (eg Audacity) the card is limited, can not be used for multiple entries. There are generic problems also has use outside computer music, type MS messenger or windows drivers cut the sound ... Ideally it should probably two sound cards if you take it on windows.

Windows Vista 32 as on XP, and worse, impossible to know why there is no sound, it works with asio and wdm not, except when the wind blows in the right direction. the installation of some instability rare. It even happens that the card is full piece désychronise alone, there is a restart, then unplug / replug the card.

On a laptop

In preparation for a live card 10s worked on a laptop borrowed from a friend, and impossible to run, despite a series of tests in all directions. CA is completed by an emergency purchase a sound card worth the name.

Mac can not run the card properly the first try. a second test a few months after (same person, same machine, same software), the card has functioned on the first try. No additional tests on non-musical software.

See "use" for the problems of drivers.

The handbook may well be clear, it does not give the answers sought. (Mac just install the package and plug)

After a few changes in sampling rate, the card can be completely out of sync.

Unable to install Cubase LE despite the forums (which does not bother me, but on principle I mention, and I will find a try cubase aileurs)

GETTING STARTED

Under XP, the drivers are fairly stable when you get to install them. Vista is taking head, we redo the same procedure several times and suddenly it works for no reason.

A recent update finally fixes a bug for recording at 96kHz, but .... since the update firmware of the card it makes a noise / hiss.
After much research on the manufacturer site (which brews a lot of air), I ended up back on a downgrade.
Update:
After reinstallation of the old firmware, siffelements disappear. Being stubborn and wanting to be on me again I installed the update, and whistles are not reappeared.
In short, drivers are anything but stable.
Note qsur forums that many users are grilled by their firebox through a firmware error FIREPOD / FP10 above. So the drivers are not protected, no checking is done during el'installation of them.

The virtual mixer is also quite incomplete and definitely not integrated with windows. In short, as long as it's going to ASIO in the nets, when we pass by dX the largest blur appears, and begins to regret the mixer core windows.

late maj
I mostly use Reason with the card.

side latency:
on a PC, Windows XP, Athlon 64 3200 +, 1GB of RAM: 8ms
on a PC, Windows XP, Intel core2duo> 2GHz, 2GB RAM: 4ms (no test is below)
MacBook G4, 512MB RAM: unable to install the drivers.
I never registered more than one track at a time.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
1.5 years

- What is so special that you like most and least?
the impedance of the headphones is a bit unpleasant. Sony MDR7506 on I have to reduce the sound to digital mixer in addition to the knob is almost 0. This requires a bin on the main exit out to mix in short is probably the main drawback of the card once you have managed to make it work.
management between sounds is easy and simple.
note: the box is not heated and ventilated. when recording multiple tracks in parallel, it is possible that ca very hot.
In fact the only positive of the card is the quality of its product. Oh yes, the look also for those who find the look of equipment is worth seeing.

- How would you rate the quality / price?
It's very tempting initially. In use, and adding the time lost to the Job title, it's expensive.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Definitely not. Map unstable, unusable, unreliable for a penny, the drivers are not updated quickly when the bugs are reported ...

I use the firebox every day in my classroom for 1 year.
I record my classes in Stereo.
I have a pc collge (for those who know, it's cheap and not fast trs)

UTILIZATION

The installation is done without problem. There was no conflict. The manual is not helpful for this opration.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers are stable. I had no problem yet. I use the version of Cubase that came with the card. Latency is imperceptible. To record two tracks stro there is no problem. I also used as a low prampli.

OVERALL OPINION

I like the ease of use with the collection's outdoor rglages. Sometimes there are sound rendering problem with windows media player, but I wonder if this does not come from the same pc it is in network. And a network of collge ...
I have not tried other models before buying one but I FIREstation home that works perfectly. So I had confidence in presonus.
I would do it again this choice today.

Able to record my guitar and having an affair Midi primarily motivated my choice recommended by the seller on the Firebox, I finally bought.
My hardware configuration: Intel 2.4 Ghz Mac, Mac OSX 10.5.
Instruments branches: electric guitars and classic keyboard with Midi interface, Effects Korg AX3000G pdalier Link Midi sound banks.

UTILIZATION

Installation qu'aise more, since on my Mac, the hardware was recognized t instantly.
No bug or incompatibility of use (Cubase LE and Garage Band).
The setup is transparent and the manual unnecessary.

I put 10 in implementation because it is REALLY no problem on Leopard.

GETTING STARTED

Stability is exemplary: I do not use that in between my guitar to record mono or midi with an old Casio keyboard.
The software I use is Garage Band and I have never had a problem: just connect the Firebox before You Started Garage Band, so it is DTECT automatically. This is normal.
I have not measured the latency, but is low trs.

OVERALL OPINION

I use DJ for two months. I do not find much wrong, as I was looking for a recording interface easy to use, quality of correct (this is the case). The criticism that we can make it, that is to turn off the power, you must unplug the FireWire, and a switch supplmentaire t wise.
Qualitprix report is correct: it is not the least CHRE, but it has a good quality of pre-amp.
With hindsight, yes, because I really had no problems with the Firebox.

I wanted a sound card is easy to use for amateur home studio in order to record guitar and synth and dial via VST and south. In terms of connectivity, the two entries with pramplis are more than sufficient for the guitar, RCA outputs for speakers and headphones. The quality is not bad at all.

Config: Quad 6600, 4GB Ram, Windows Vista

UTILIZATION

Installation is plutt simple: plug into the firewire port, install the drivers. Those provided are for xp, so you have Tlcharger vista compatible drivers on the presonus website.

No incompatibility and easy configuration.

The manual is sufficient.

GETTING STARTED

This is the big problem of this sound card! A Premire view, it is trs INTERESTED but it is totally unstable. The sound cut himself several times a day or no days of APRS. Sometimes no sound input (guitar) ... It must be the power supply or unplug the firewire dconnecter.

Tip: ask on the forums (for example presonus)! TRS many people are experiencing this problem without solutions. Technical support is nonexistent:
- The latest drivers from 2007! They are no longer followed by the technical service rpond Presonus!
- The technical service do not rpond to emails (see forums).

In short, a sound card is a card unstable useless!

OVERALL OPINION

In résumé:

+:
- Overall quality
- Easy to use

-:
- Unstable
- Not followed

Conclusion:

Sound card RETURNED to the seller during the time limit for reimbursement of rtractation!

If you want a portable sound card (firewire, USB), make sure of its stability. Have a card that dconnecte regularly, it is not playable.
If you are not mobile, turn to a PCI card (with an external rack for example).

With exprience, I will not take more external sound card or USB firewire even less unless it is really ncessaire.
What is clear is that I will not give more money Presonus.

I wanted a single interface to make itself the sound of my electric guitar at a reasonable budget. So: a map with little input but a good recording quality. The Firebox is well within this category.

UTILIZATION

Drivers who are easy to install, update for vista (initially I was under XP) but apparently according to the forums it goes wrong within 7 (that's not cool).

I use an old Cubase, it works well, the latency down to 3 ms is enough to play without discomfort. Never more than one track at a time in my use.

I connected to the outputs of GFORCE plus a simulation of HP software convolution back and it sounds really good: quality production studio enthusiast without bothering the neighbors.

Sometimes she goes out of sync, it's hassle because according to the program, you sometimes stop and restart.

GETTING STARTED

Quick and efficient, it is configured not too bad (and associated apps are not very bloody but it is doing). The manual has remained in the box, I do not know how it looks?

OVERALL OPINION

This card has three faults, one way, a large and very large:

1) breaks sync from time to time (just often enough to annoy)
2) the volume knob that goes to sputter quickly
3) it heats too much, and it is getting worse with time!

My card died after about 5 years: Total overheating ... risk of fire in the office fuck! I tried to repair but its condos slamming one after the other when they are replaced. No time to change all the components one after the other, and anyway I have more confidence (4000 Euro plug stuff into something that is literally smoking, blah ...). In addition, I have a friend who has had the same forums and other such cases.

Conclusion: not very durable as a product! Too bad, this interface showed a good performance / price ratio. I does not sound cards Presonus because they all look like the same stuff. It's time for me to return to the big leagues (RME, but my bank account will feel it).

I wanted a simple interface for making models only on a PC running XP with Cubase 3. Two preamps sufficed for me from this point of view. At least there, we found it more and more effective.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are fairly stable: rather I say because I like the cartoon dog and the card, like all FireWire fetched from time to time: Cubase lost it and I had to reboot.

A word on the preamp, which were neither bad nor exceptional: as those found in this price range. Understand that they were relatively quiet but did not have, alas, high headroom. On a static (Behringer B2, then the M-Audio Sputnik tube), it had to push the gain to 3 / 4 to begin to get a good signal ...

GETTING STARTED

Simple installation and interface mixing very clear and nice shape. Not need for the manual for getting it together. As for the bundle, nothing extraordinary: Cubase LE and a handful of basic loops.

OVERALL OPINION

If I wrote this review in the past is that the card is dead after one year: Unable to synchronize, as if the party FireWire was dead. In short, I am not happy at all and even if the card fits perfectly to my needs in terms of functionality and ergonomics, I will not make this selection again: no more confidence in PreSonus, and a few in FireWire. I turned to a PCI solution for Echo ...

My first sound card. And for that I owe it a debt of gratitude! I wanted something compact with lots of inputs and outputs to experiment with synths sound effects used in inserts.

UTILIZATION

Before finding this card solution, I spent hours on the AF forums! My first year of use was laborious!! Then (with time) it stabilizes ... Latency is relatively low: 3ms. The mixer app that comes with the card is pleasant to use, while the control panel is a little less. At a frequency change the control panel indicates the new frequency while the card has still not synchronized with the computer. From time to time we get it right, always at a frequency change to a total loss of connection, the method is a bit barbaric disconnect the PSU and then plug it back.

GETTING STARTED

The installation posed a lot of little problems for me. It was on a laptop Toshiba Satellite M40. Clicks recording and playback, loss of sync, large latency. In hindsight I think the Firewire did not help because the installation itself was quick, card immediately detected.

OVERALL OPINION

Four years to be lugging a studio in the studio, from scene to scene, from hotel to hotel. It even underwent an emergency brake in a truck and went through the whole cabin caught by the Firewire cable like a shooting star. In short sturdy! So robust that it is now ...... rinsed!
Two outputs connections, the preamp and knobs are well worn, one of the preamp is tired, but it is now stable level software. The price is good value was the same right to S / PDIF.
With experience I think that's a nice little card to get started with. I now use a PCI card solution with the RME Multiface II and with installation ... can't compare ... and also can't compare ... the SOUND!

I chose this card for XLR inputs on the front: one for the microphone with phantom power and a dedicated instrument with separate input control. 1 headphone volume control and a general control. Other input jack 6.35 mm at the back, and separate outputs + MIDI inputs.

I use a Presonus preamp VOICE more and plug guitars (electric or electro) directly into the input 2 dedicated instruments.

The general outputs are connected to amplified speakers Samson Resolv 40a

UTILIZATION

Originally installed with a PC Laptop / Windows XP, the drivers were stable until I migrated to an iMac / Mac OS X Snow Leopard. I have a problem with firewire 400 on which I connect my firewire card and 800 on which I connect my hard drive working. In fact the map does more interfaces with the computer and the sound skips. The solution: I do not plug into the Firewire 800 when I'm in musical session ...

Latency is correct and quality mic preamps is the (quite neutral and not breathing), enhanced by the addition preamp VOICE course.

GETTING STARTED

No need to install drivers for Mac, maybe it's the true Plug & Play

OVERALL OPINION

I use this card since 2004. I also have a 610 Egosys quatafire I find a bit better in terms of mic preamps.

The price / quality ratio was good at the time (around 300 euros). Comes with Cubase LE, it can start without breaking the bank as well.

This map is used in a MJC with teenagers. It has seen all the colors: it is very robust (Alu) and does not "chip" as some USB cards which shall remain nameless ...

Distrust with this product. I used it since 2007. The stability of the synchronization with the computer sound card has never been the strong point of the Firebox, but since upgrading my computer (I switched from Windows XP to Windows 7), frankly nothing works properly. I searched Forums everywhere looking for a solution. I'm obviously far from alone in experiencing this problem but Presonus does not seem very interested in fixing their product.

My advice: do not buy Presonus!

UTILIZATION

major driver Windows 7

GETTING STARTED

NO!

OVERALL OPINION

2007: do not buy!

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)

In this price range, there were only a couple interfaces to choose from and presonus has a good reputation and from reviews I read the Firebox produced less latency due to the high speed firewire connection as opposed to USB.
I used this interface with a homebuilt 1.3ghz PC with a gig of ram, and Cubase LE which was free with the Firebox, and my wharfedale 8.1 monitors. I was mostly using it (and its phantom power) to record acoustic and electric guitar with a large diaphram condensor mic, I rarely went direct through it except for bass which it handled nicely. Having 2 quality XLR inputs right on the front is nice so I'm not groping around back. It would have been nice to have all the inputs on the front, but.... I only use 1 or 2 anyway.
I have to say, this thing is pretty beefy with its metal case and metal knobs. As small and portable as it is (a huge plus for those of us on the go with our gear) it would have been nice to get a dedicated carrying case instead of a foam lined package it comes in.

UTILIZATION

The software installed no problem, compatible from the get go which is great because I am NOT a techhead. Cubease LE was a bit of a challenge getting the settings on the Firebox ready to record, but the manual helped.

GETTING STARTED

Once I got it rolling, I never had a problem with the software. I only got noticeable latency when I was using my Drumkit From Hell which hogs up the ram on my computer, and it was bad. I only recorded one track at a time so I guess I've never really put it through its paces, it can record 4 simultaneously.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like most about it is its simplicity, I would think its ideal for an informed beginner like myself. I dig the way its small and sits right up on top of my wharfedale monitors easily within reach.
It was pretty comparable to a few other manufacturer's interfaces, so I feel like I got a good deal. I wish we had affordable technology like this and the FirePod back in my band recording days, decent quality preamps and 24 bit digital converters all in one package.

Knowing what I know now, I might fork out a little extra money for a more dedicated field type recording unit and do without computer software for an even more portable setup, but for PC/Mac I would still use Presonus, either Firebox or Firepod. Most definitely.