All user reviews for the PreSonus FireStudio Mobile

I spent a number of years working away from computer-based recording, mostly utilising a Roland VS-2400CD, due to frustrations with latency on my, then Windows PC. After switching to a Mac I was lucky enough to spend some time with a FireStudio Mobile and liked it enough to purchase my own.

The interface itself pleases from the moment it is unpacked. The solid metal housing gives an immediate feeling of confidence which is then further boosted by the large selection of input sockets and the very positive response provided by the four, front gain and volume knobs. The entire unit is bus-powered over a Firewire 400 connection, which also provides phantom power for any connected condenser mics - providing the firewire connection is direct, not via a Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter.

The large number of connections for a small interface is ideal for my setup. I have two outboard channel strips as well as an external mixer, along with at least one condenser mic (either a Rode NT1/A or an Audio Technica AT2020) most of the time. This unit caters for up to eight audio inputs through six 1/4” jacks on the rear of the unit and two combination mic/instrument sockets, with Class A XMAX preamplifiers, on the front. These front sockets have their own input gain controls as well as a button to provide the phantom power. There are also some basic LED metering above the gain controls. However, I tend to use these as the long-distance 'is there a signal' lights rather than for accurate metering.

MIDI and S/PDIF connection through the interface is provided via a serial breakout cable. This is not ideal as it extends out the back of the unit significantly further than any jack-plug connection. In addition, the MIDI cable connections themselves look quite feeble and, indeed, over the course of several months of use the MIDI input had a tendency to only work when placed in exactly the right position. However, this is a minor fault since I, like most users, now connect my MIDI instruments via a direct USB connection rather than through the interface.

I currently use the FireStudio Mobile with my 15" MacBook Pro Retina. This has 16Gb RAM and an i7 processor. After installing the Presonus Universal Control software the interface works seamlessly with OSX as soon as it is plugged in. It becomes the main audio device and all sound is routed to the two rear 1/4" output sockets. I previously used this interface with an original white MacBook running Snow Leopard and it worked just as perfectly.

UTILIZATION

I previously used Cubase for my recording but the FireStudio Mobile came with a copy of PreSonus Studio One Artist. This DAW has been a revelation to me and I have subsequently upgraded to the latest 'Pro' version. Once inside Studio One the interface performs exactly as a good interface should - silently. The latency of the unit is controlled by the buffer size within the DAW and performed without clicks or pops at a buffer size of 128 samples. This provided a round-trip latency of 10ms, more than acceptable for all uses.

The Class A XMAX mic preamplifiers on the front of the unit are noticeably noise-free at any level when recording. They are, perhaps, a little under-sensitive for some applications - when recording more delicate sounds through a condenser mic the gain control was often turned up nearly to full. Although, even with this setting there was no noise so this could hardly be a complaint. All eight sockets provide excellent sound at high bit-rate and sample size with no real strain on the system processor even when all are being recorded simultaneously.

When using the unit with the Studio One software it is possible to create a zero-latency headphone cue mix. By clicking a software button the incoming audio is routed directly to the headphones prior to being processed. Whilst it it is not possible to insert effects, such as reverb, into this cue mix but it does mean that those users running slower systems will be able to set their buffer size to a larger value when recording audio. The musician will still hear themselves in real time but the recording will ‘land’ after the latency. This is handled seamlessly by the DAW.

The slight downside to this cue mix support is the single headphone socket. Due to the number of inputs it is often the case that I have several musicians recording at the same time. It would be nice to be able to provide separate cue mixes for each but there is only headphone socket (which I have connected to a powered splitter) for all.

I have only updated the Universal Control software twice in the time I have had the unit. In both cases this was because I noticed an update was available, not because I felt I needed to.

GETTING STARTED

As the unit is a firewire device an extra accessory of a Thunderbolt to firewire adaptor is required to link the interface to my MacBook Pro, no firewire ports being provided by Apple. This leads to the issue that the phantom power no longer functions through this adaptor. The provided power supply resolves this problem but does mean that when recording a condenser mic the unit is not 'technically' bus-powere.

Prior to connection the PreSonus Universal Control software needed to be installed. Although provided on a CD, the latest version was easily available from the PreSonus website and was downloaded and installed in a matter of moments. After a restart and the interface was plugged in, OSX recognised it immediately and sound output was transferred to the unit automatically. In the OSX sound settings the output volume is greyed-out since PreSonus expects users to use the volume knob on the front of the unit, or open the Universal Control application for advanced mixing. This advanced control allows the interface to be used as a virtually latency-free mixer for any of the audio inputs.

The sockets are clear on their use and I have yet to need to read any manual for the interface itself.

OVERALL OPINION

Having tried out a few other interfaces, such as the Focusrite Saffire and PreSonus' own USB AudioBox I am definitely sticking to my FireStudio Mobile. The lack of any downside to cleanly recording 8 audio tracks at the same time really sold me the interface. I frequently have a selection of instruments to record simultaneously and I always have complete confidence that any problems will be the musicians not the interface.

Whilst there are other interfaces available for similar, or less, expense I would recommend this interface without hesitation.

I chose this expecting it to be a simple input device to go from my analog technics turnatbles and mixer into my computer. I'm running Windows 8.1 on a first generation Intel Pentium i7 2.3 Gigahertz with 24 Gigs of Ram and an Intel Solid State drive for the OS with a secondary 3Gig hard drive for storage. I have never been able to get The Firestudio Mobile or The Presonus Studio One to work with my computer which runs photoshop and other programs of high intensity with no problem. The device just simply never stays synced. I've tried running it with Cubase, fruity loops, Adobe Audition and even the native Presonus Studio One recording software that came with the Firestudio Mobile and none of them work because of the synchronization issue. I talked to someone at Guitar center about it and they stated that some of the earlier models were flawed and did not work properly with window 8. The Presonus website states otherwise and I've tried downloading the latest drivers and firmware for the device but it still acts up and Presonus Studio One Freezes every time on launch and stays there even when trying to force close it through the task manager command prompt. Basically it has turned into a device that only allows me to use it as an overglorified volume control knob for my KRK V8 studio monitors. Absolutely ridiculous!

UTILIZATION

Loses connection and synchronization often, can;t even get it to work.

GETTING STARTED

Tons of problems with compatibility. They may eventually fix this but I have had problems since day one that have never been solved no matter how many new downloads I've tried.

OVERALL OPINION

It has plenty of inputs for the size of the device but the compatibility issues just kill this device for me. It also has really bad distortion if it hits red. No soft clip, just a hard distorted clipping problem so watch your levels carefully.

I was using the FireStudio mobile years ago, it is still one of the best portable interfaces that you can get for the price. The sound is much better than what I expected it to be. It is also very portable, I use to take it around with me in my laptop bag, but the size of it does not match the sound quality that it provides. It also comes with a software, and some plug ins like effects and instruments.

UTILIZATION

The preamps are very good for it to be this amount of money. They are quiet and warm and do not color the sounds which were a huge surprise to me. At the time I was using this interface I was on a Windows XP laptop running a few different DAW programs but I mainly used this with Studio one and even Acid Pro. It connected to my computer via FireWire cable and it has 8 line inputs and 2 line outputs. There is zero latency monitoring/playback. It came with some PreSonus bundles products that I didn’t use that much but it was still nice to have some extra effects. The instruments that it came with really didn’t appeal to me and I never used them.

GETTING STARTED

This interface is great for a small set up or a portable set up. I recommend purchasing one of these used because they are going for very low prices online now and they still have great features and can work with newer systems like Windows 7 because there are updates from PreSonus.

OVERALL OPINION

The FireStudio is also very rugged, I took it everywhere and at most it only had a few scratches on it from taking it in and out of the bag but nothing else got messed up on it. It is very easy to set up and is pretty much a plug and play type of interface.

I bought this card at n th .... bundled with headphones, two microphones small membranes (SD7) tools I needed for a long time, it seemed cheap so I gave it a shot. I use this card to record my compositions and will allow (maybe) to record my first album with an acceptable sound. my pc config is: AMD Athlon 4800 +, 4gb ram, hdd ide 320 and 250, win 7 32 bit, a tiny config so. ah yes, a motherboard with integrated firewire texas instruments (400mbs). I use the card with a mixer and microphones for violin, guitar, I also connect a digital piano. the rest is virtual instruments (I do not have the musicians on hand deep in my campaign).

UTILIZATION

The card was recognized in ten seconds chrono top (after you download and install the latest version of the drivers of course) and never fails and, in any software whatsoever (sonar or reaper sudio one demo). I am currently testing these three programs to see which one I like the most, if that someone interested, I recorded my digital piano software and three means a small difference in sound. My choice is more to studio one 2 or reaper, sonar hs 7 (older) seems to me far behind (this is the basic version and it registers as 24 bits max instead of 32 or 64 for two). I turn to the latency in normal mode and it does not shock me. I've read my projects voisx 15 noon no problem and my audio projects for five voices carefree either (with azu least one effect per track.

GETTING STARTED

She has never won since I use it, I turn the pc back on and then I connect to or disconnect, not very practical, but not hard to do. I did not find it too unlike some warming. I have not encountered any inconsistency so far, no hassle unlike the two previous maps I had (and FireOne dmx 24/96). The manual is very clear and the card takes over very quickly. Both preamps are sufficient to record vocals (they do not blow easily unlike my previous maps is limited to three quarts and after that blast xlr connected) when I recorded playing piano they pick up sound the digital keys! So it is accurate and it makes me happy, but at the same time that I have a problem, so if someone has an idea to remove the parasite that I'm interested (apart Register piano and voice separately ^ ^ )

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for three months and I am delighted. I still can not achieve the sound I can get with this interface, nothing whopping face rme probably good but the sound is clean without being "the bomb." And it will allow me to make models or to own my first album. the two previous maps were well below in sound quality ....... On my laptop that had trouble with the FireOne the card has never won or buggy as did the FireOne! it really seems to me ultra stable, "What road." I do not put that nine due to the fact that it is necessary to remove the disconnect, but it remains for me a detail. What I like the most is the dsp which allows to have no latency monitoring in a software mao through FireControl, the effects found in live! this is huge, quality of work and mixing indisputable. This card is the same as its big sister if it is not specified either by PreSonus or by sellers in its description
I think the pack is a high quality for a reasonable price, the two microphones also have a good sound, that will allow me to record a violin made almost "natural" ..... and I'm glad !

C is my 2nd post because I vien to acquire active speakers that changes the interface of the!

The fact that it comes with Studio One is a real plus because the software is really full! Features such as Class A preamps, converters, and being able to work 24/96 khz have motivated my choice.

J Ordi aren't very powerful but enough for what I've done, the voice recording only (instrumentals being made by computer music) 64x2 dual core athlon tm 64 1.00 gb ram.

 I use a preamp with SPL GainStation 1, a voice works well, behringer powered speakers and microphones B1031 A Mxl v67g, tt1 prodipe (dynamic), behringer c1 (the cheapest but certainly the focus is quality!)

UTILIZATION

We can not say which is completely stable as sometimes the sync does not work but nothing wicked just disconnect and reconnect (no magic). I use audacity beta in which a I have added 50ene of plugs in, one artist studio, magix musik maker hio hop.
No problem of updates are automatic.

 I obtain latency of 6.05 ms and 6.75 ms input and output say that before having active speakers I worked with my desktop speakers I had a latency of 60ms! the mix was going crazy but that's happy and so much easier, everything is as it should be good music. it feels good to be the result but the investment is everything ...

GETTING STARTED

Installation is fairly simple. you have the instructions in French on the net without problem.
the whole is very simple configuration without any particular concern.
some incompatibilities as described above nothing serious. Hardly need the manual

OVERALL OPINION

The fact that I have a voice works allows me to make very beautiful tracks that are either studio or live but firesudio very good job but in cases tt.  is 6 months and I réelement discovers and although I spend of a 24/192 khz I have not wanted to leave her very ... The price / quality ratio is very good. Javais try m-audio does mavait unsatisfactory.
I keep it before changing pr an interface that is 4 or 5 times its price ... C is ca when you want quality

for quality pre amps
I5 Windows 7 64 bit 4gb ram
used with a guitar, bass, microphones, keyboard ..

UTILIZATION

drivers are stable, I use it with live 8 suite, 2-track simultaneous recording, playback track: much as I want!
or almost zero latency, no worries on that side of the

GETTING STARTED

smooth installation, you just get the new version on the site for Windows 7, you just assigned to track 3 and 4 of his master for the headphone jack! (namely)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year and I must admit that the sound quality is excellent both for the guitar, bass or chant.le only problem: the card I have regularly wins the disconnect-reconnect but it may be just it my motherboard or my firewire connection which I am not on the quality

J uses the PreSonus FireStudio mobile works with a voice over (tc helicon) with 2 micro static (one mxl v 67 g) and a Dynamic TT1 and my pc with Vista.

UTILIZATION

Drivers very stable and has been tjrs. j uses Studio One Artist and magix music maker
I do not know exactly how j gets in latency but is very low!

GETTING STARTED

the installation is in English but very simple! You can find the manual in french on the internet without problem. the configuration is slightly more complicated but once everything is launched nikel

OVERALL OPINION

I used the 1 month and ... c is a pleasure to work with this interface! I have long gallery with the recording quality is nothing to say aujourdui c is tantamount to professional surtt at this price! I like a lot of dynamics and very low background noise, not to say no even at a very high level. For the moment no faults.
If I had to redo this choice would be ca eyes closed!
For those seeking a quality low price, Presonus FireStudio Mobile is for ca.

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What characteristics have motivated your choice?

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The number entered, the qualitée of preamps, the firewire connections and especially the compatibility of Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard).

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For what purpose?

</ul>

Amateur home studio.

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What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?

</ul>

27-inch iMac, 4 GB RAM, 3 GHz dual core CPU, 1TB hard drive, OS: snow leopard

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With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) do you use the connection and how? ...

</ul>

Using a guitar, a battery elec TD 12 as midi sound output jack that is right for me and it is even better than M-Audio <span class="mceEditor defaultSkin"> </span>

UTILIZATION

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The drivers are stable?

</ul>
The drivers supplied with the card are not compatible with Snow Leopard but just download the beta drivers on the presonus website and worked fine, I wonder why they are still in beta

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They are often updated?

</ul>
so contrary to my previous card M Audio Firewire Solo

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What software do you use most often?

</ul>

Logic Studio 9, garage band ...

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What you get lag?

</ul>

almost zero

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How many tracks you get to record / playback simultaneously? ...

</ul>

not tested at this time 4 track simultaneous playback recorded more than 2 other tracks without worries

GETTING STARTED

<ul class="ul">

The installation is done it without problems?

</ul>

yes no problem, you just have to watch out for those Snow Leopard do not install the drivers fournits on the installation CD and install drivers directly from the beta site is more than stable. Appere seller of music in a twelve o'clock toulouse told me that he was walking without install on older Mac

<ul class="ul">

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?

</ul>

And that's not why I chose it.

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The general configuration is easy?

</ul>

very yes it is installed the driver reboot, you plug and it works

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The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

</ul>

English manual as the website for the maj of drivers but hey everything is very intuitive, not require an engineer to use it.

OVERALL OPINION

<ul class="ul">

How long have you use it?

</ul>

A few days so I think can be modified in any case I am delighted and recordings made with my guitar and my battery is more than satisfesent.

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What is so special that you like most and least?

</ul>

FireWire connectivity, the number of inputs, connections for MIDI and notched buttons that exudes qualitée

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Have you tried many other models before buying it?

</ul>

j'aivais but not a firewire solo audio in M ​​I would not recommend very strongly for the monitoring of drivers is not serious or the sav, for several SEAIN I sought a solution to run this card without Snow Leopard by the success of the hotline, the official forum ... a very dark for this major manufacturer of audio interfaces.

<ul class="ul">

How would you rate the quality / price?

</ul>

very satisfactory in view of the quality of the recordings. For 300 euros required for the people.

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With experience, you do again this choice? ...

</ul>

oh, yes, but the test store reassured me and I will go for you to travel in a large teaching music near or far from home, because nothing beats the advice of a professional ... otherwise I am very satisfied.

Presonus Fire Studio Mobile is a great product. I have been using it for years you can take it anywhere you go because it so small and compact. I run it on my windows laptop and this thing has went with me everywhere I go! I use it for recording and mixing my songs.


UTILIZATION

I have updated my presonus fire studio box a few times just to make sure the drivers stay up to date with all of the switching of gear and software that I do on the regular. I use it with two KRK 5’s as the monitors and I run it in cubase and in fl studio from time to time depending on what im working on. The Presonus Fure Studio Mobile has been very stable in my opinion and I have never had a single problem with it, I am very happy with my decision to go with Presonus Fire Studio Mobile.


GETTING STARTED

I had no issues getting started, my windows computer recognized the presonus fire studio box as soon as I plugged it in. I didn’t even need to install anything. This is he type of products us musicians love, because we can get right to doing what we love and that’s making music and now worrying about the tech stuff!


OVERALL OPINION

Overall this is a great product, this was my first time using a product from Presonus. Never really knew too much about them until I bought this. When I had a question I gave them a call and they answered it, it was that simple really quick and easy. It came with a warranty as well just in case something happens to it and its not your fault. They will fix or replace it, the price for this is very affordable so give it a try.

I picked this interface based on the brand and the price.&nbsp;&nbsp;M-Audio's comparable device was a bit more expensive.This interface has 10 inputs and 6 outputs.

I plug my guitar, bass or microphone into the front preamps. I run the outputs on the bus power from the computer.
The software interface is comprehensive and comprehensible. The bundle that comes with the card is also very comprehensive (Studio One + Kore Player + Guitar Rig LE).

The external power supply can not run your PC when you just want to play.&nbsp;

UTILIZATION

When I purchased this interface, the drivers for Windows Seven&nbsp;were still in beta mode.
I had to make sure I configured the Firewire Controller properly, and that my monitor was compatible with the card. I looked this information up on the Presonus site. Once these concerns were dealt with, the installation went very smoothly.

The drivers are no longer in beta, and you can now upgrade the card firmware from the software.

I can record up to four tracks simultaneously without problem, and play back a dozen tracks (I have not tried more). My latency is set to 7ms to 48000Hz. There is probably a way to handle more, but I've found problems with larger projects.&nbsp;

GETTING STARTED

The installation was very simple, except for some problems I had with the Firewire controllers.Important note for laptop ownders; many laptop ports are four-pin, and this device requires a six-pin.
I have not read the installation manual.

OVERALL OPINION

I have used this for 6 months now without any problems. It's a good upgrade from the Terratec Phase 28 that I had before.
I found the sound good and faithful enough to the recording. However, I'm not a pro.

Despite its positive qualities, this card still has its little flaws:

The pre-amp is class A and gets very hot, which can be excellent for some things. My amp Hi-Fi has the same problem.
The preamp has a slight hiss when you turn it up.
The output line of the card is low. Plugged into my amp, I really had to turn up the volume to hear. That doesn't bother me too much. The output is connected to a mixer that goes to the monitor speakers. It can be set to other types of configuration, though. I do not know if the optical output has the same problem.

The value for the price is good. Anyway, Presonus has steadily improved in recent years.

I do not know if I'd choose this again based on my experience. I can choose another brand.
Technical support and equipment updates are also important. Fortunately I have not had to call tech support or update since I've owned the device.&nbsp;

Carecteristiques: The Versatility of the card, the Firewire connection (stability and no loss of audio streams), the class A preamp, inputs and outputs Audio / Midi, the power output of the preamp. Quality Brand Presonus Pro.
Config: Mac OS X 10.4 and Mac OS X 10.6 PowerBook G4 12 "and MacBook Pro 13" 2.4 Ghz with 4GB of RAM.
Usage: Home Studio
Connectors: Audio: Instruments and voices
Midi Keyboards, Controllers

UTILIZATION

Drivers: Rarely drivers were also stable.
Updated regularly from Presonus. The bonus is that you are notified directly by Presonus on the home page of your DAW (StudioOne) ... What does the People? It's nice to see that engineers follow the development of OS and stir to give drivers up to date! for once!
Another bonus on your homepage, you get given virtual instruments and more to download for free.

Software main StudioOne Artist, Live 8, Reason, Garage Band.

Latency: It is almost zero (4ms) Presonus has since developed a monitoring system called Zero Latency.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is no problem. It is best to have an internet connection, because in order to be as current as possible, Presonus you remotely installs the latest versions. But rest assured, no AC connection also moved very well.

The manual provides in French, please, is very well done. Clear and precise. I

OVERALL OPINION

since February 2010.

I started with ISIS to tell you! Then I tried M-Audio Firewire400 and Edirol and RME.

Honestly, I did not expect such quality considering the price. Badly I can, after having tried for almost a year, this map remonstrated to cards 3-4 times more expensive! The quality and powerful sound make me hallucinate! There is not a fart blast! and quality of class A preamp that is happening to external preamp! a first for me.

I was pleasantly surprised by the bundle provided. Nothing to see what manufacturers usually provide. Let me explain: Here it is no simple test version. You have complete and powerful software to express your creativity. The supplied DAW Studio One is very simple there is drag and drop. It's true that it's easier to release a software that corrects for Presonus all the faults of elders. (Cubase, Cakewalk ...) Of course, being the last to leave their DAW.

Plus points: Sound quality, power output, ease of routing with Universal Control, No Breath.
The -: I'm still looking ....( yes, this card should be more expensive given the quality! So do not wait: Go for it!)

Hello,
First, I must say that I have been long hesitant about buying the FireStudio Mobile. Then I said to myself; if the USB connection has increased in theoretic speed, the Firewire must have also increased in actual speed. In addition, a second hand price for new unit presented itself. Connections available on the unit were a great draw (8 inputs, MIDI IN and OUT), along with the solid metal construction and compact design.&nbsp;
I use microphones for vocals, either dynamic or condenser, along with guitar, and keyboard. The interface runs into a&nbsp;PC Core Two Duo 8600, 4 GB, Seven 64, DSR2 Gigabyte G33, 3 Fire Wire. HDD SATA II 1 TB.

UTILIZATION

The drivers worked without a problem.
Current Studio One Artists, why not use it as a gift? The version included is jam packed!
Simultaneous Recording: tested to eight tracks.
The interface read 18 tracks, though no more were tested. Latency between 5 and 6 ms is normal.&nbsp;

GETTING STARTED

Does the unit work perfectly upon first connect? Yes but you must configure the interface type, and the corresponding console is very well done. I had no compatibility issues!
Documentation in French is clear. The interface is quite user friendly.

OVERALL OPINION

Two months ago, my hardware included only USB.&nbsp;I confess to being conquered by the 1394, and many more.

Those units have already been surpassed by the Firestudio.

On the plus side: compactness, solid feel (Aluminum and steel), typical look of an USB Interface, the number of inputs, midi, preamps (I find them between Xmax and Hi-Octane, and can not hear a negative difference in quality, preamps for the "pros"!)
Two FireWire connections...a great idea by Presonus to supply more.
Bundled gift: One Artist Studio is a real bonus unlike others units, provided it lasts.
Considering the price, I do not think I could have found something better at this level.
I would buy two rather than just one, but until then ..