All user reviews of 5/5 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 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 !

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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?

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Amateur home studio.

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

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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? ...

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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?

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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?

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so contrary to my previous card M Audio Firewire Solo

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What software do you use most often?

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Logic Studio 9, garage band ...

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What you get lag?

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almost zero

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

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

GETTING STARTED

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The installation is done it without problems?

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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

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Have you experienced any incompatibilities?

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And that's not why I chose it.

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The general configuration is easy?

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

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The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

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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

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How long have you use it?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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How would you rate the quality / price?

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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? ...

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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.

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 ..