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| | Product Details | | Product Length: | 23.5 inches | | Product Width: | 11.75 inches | | Product Height: | 3.0 inches | | Product Weight: | 5.94 pounds | | Package Length: | 23.5 inches | | Package Width: | 12.2 inches | | Package Height: | 6.8 inches | | Package Weight: | 8.6 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 3 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review: ( 3 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
4.5 stars for the "SuperChannels", 2 stars for the line-in's Jul 10, 2010
By wadrad
In an attempt to streamline my home studio a bit and replace a fritzy Alesis IO-14 audio interface (don't buy! bad quality!) I bought the PreSonus FireStudio Tube (PFT) for the higher quality preamps on the two SuperChannels. Moving slowly from a more MIDI/hardware based synth studio, I've started using more softsynths and doing more miked recording (vocals, acoustic guitar, various percussion). BUT, I still have a few analog synths and modules that frequently get pulled into the mix (love that zero-latency!), and I envisioned keeping at least 3 pieces of hardware directly plugged into the 6 line-inputs on the back of the PFT to call up when needed.
In total the PFT has 2 "SuperChannel" inputs (good for mic or instrument level), 8 XLR mic inputs, and 6 quarter-inch/line-in inputs, supposedly good for plugging in line-level devices like synths, drums machines, mixer inputs, etc. To control all those inputs, PreSonus provides some mixing software that decently lets you monitor and adjust input levels where needed.
Soooo...I removed a big mixer that was taking up desk space, screwed the PFT into my rack, and moved the small, 12-unit rack to the desk space formerly occupied by the mixer. I then plugged 3 synths into the PFT and started recording in Sonar.
And THAT'S when I realized something was wrong. I have a Yamaha Motif Rack that I usually use to set-up some basic elements for song writing, and I tried recording the inputs from a keys/drum/bass mix, but the meters barely registered. I thought maybe I had something connected or adjusted incorrectly. I cranked input levels in the PreSonus mixing software, maxed the MIDI-volume to 127 for each of the parts, cranked the master volume on the Motif Rack, and STILL was just barely getting little bumps on the recorded clip graphics.
Frustrated, I decided to hit the PreSonus Forums on the internet and discovered this is a known problem. The line inputs for the PFT are just...incredibly...QUIET! Someone in the forum suggested you have to use pro-level gear that outputs a min of +4db. So I checked my Motif Rack and discovered it outputs at +6db...more than hot enough of a signal. More than a year ago, one of the PreSonus techs stated on the forum he would ask if the problem could be fixed in any of the upgrades, but so far, it hasn't. And the fact it has been a known problem for well over 2 years would indicate they either CAN'T fix it, or have no interest to. Other two suggested work-arounds (from PreSonus techs, no less) were to use the 2 "SuperChannels" on the front of the unit ("but be really careful with your input levels...you could damage the mic-pres" they said) or getting quarter-inch to XLR adapted cables and use the mic-pres on the back of the unit, again suggesting to be VERY careful because they weren't intended for line-input level devices but "should work if the levels were kept low". Lastly, several other users of the device stated if you use a preamp with your hardware (like my powered mixer I had put away), you can drive the levels loud enough to make the line-inputs usable and to more easily record with them. Yeah, getting back out my mixer really helps my whole studio-stream-lining effort, eh?
WTFO? PreSonus' OWN techs are giving scotch tape, work-around solutions to a real problem. Wow...thanks for the massive assist and attentive customer support.
BUT...all in all, the REST of this unit is pretty decent (hey, I'm a fair-minded person!). If you don't need the 6 line-level inputs or you DO have equipment that outputs REALLY hot (my unusually "loudest-of-the-bunch-of-synths" Alesis A6 is the only piece of hardware I've found that pumps enough power to be plugged, unassisted, into the line-ins), then this might work for you. The "SuperChannels" really are super, and best of all, the copy of PreSonus' "StudioOne Artist" DAW software that comes with the device might actually give Sonar a run for its money (for me anyway). But for the money, I've basically bought 2 really good "SuperChannels" and 8 other mic pres I could use should I decide to record an entire band or some drums. I'm not quite sure it was worth it.
Oh yeah...almost forgot to mention...this interface has a history of problems working with Sonar. My experience isn't horrible, but I do have a lot more drop-outs and interruptions than I ever had with the Alesis IO-14. PreSonus Forums suggest the problem lies in using ASIO drivers instead of WDM drivers, but I haven't tested that one.
Pros:
- The super "SuperChannels"...GREAT recording quality
- The "StudioOne Artist" DAW software that looks pretty super as well
Cons:
- The 6, almost-unusable line-level inputs
- No digital input/output
- Occasionally problematic with Sonar
- The price, given the almost unusable line-level inputs and no digital I/O
I have to say my experience with this is disappointing enough, I'm researching a replacement, and will likely sell it if I find something better.
Those are my thoughts...the rest is your call....cheers...
Added to the review on 9 Sept 2010: PreSonus has interestingly wiped all the old entries in their forum. I found none of the previous complaints I'd read about the PFT line-level problem, and even my own question was deleted from the forum. The forum has a new interface, so I'm sure they would probably claim that was the reason the old complaints were deleted.
 A bit pricy...but worth it in the end Oct 04, 2011
By Christopher A Gill
Before purchasing the Presonus Firestudio Tube (PFT) I was running a Tascam US-1641 interface which did a decent job of getting my feet wet in the whole 'home studio' thing. After months of research and reading reviews I decided on the PFT. Right out of the box it looks and feels very professional. Knobs are very sturdy and don't 'wiggle' around. Connections for XLR and 1/4" inputs are very solid. The included Studio One software is FANTASTIC (but that's another review for another time) and very easy to use. Once I got everything in place and ready to use it simply worked. No issues with connectivity, noise or anything else.
The mic pres in this little beauty are C-L-E-A-N clean with TONS of headroom! I've read forums and reviews of people saying that the inputs are too quiet. It all depends. My first project for the PFT was a rock band who insisted on playing loud enough to crack the foundation of the building we were in! Too quiet? Not on your life!
The 'Super Channels' are decent. Even after letting the tubes warm up I never did notice any difference when turning up the Tube Saturation knob. However, I've read on several forums that upgrading the tubes to a Groove Tube 12AX7 does the trick. The Limiter on both tube channels came in very handy on more than one occasion! Perfect for vocalists with a wide dynamic range.
PROS:
Beautiful, sturdy, quality knobs and jacks, zero latency, very high quality mic pres, lots of headroom
CONS:
A bit pricy, stock tubes aren't very effective, no LED meters for channels 1-8
 Good idea.........Bad result Oct 25, 2010
By bruce wayne
That is all true. This is a great idea for an audio interface, but the final effect is...... ru$##@sh. What is the point of having line level inputs you can not use. Presonus solution to that problem is "get yourself a keyboard with output boost" but what if I own or want one that has no such feature. If line inputs on this device were designed to work with high out preamps, why did not presonus use another six XMAX pres in the first place, instead of confusing potential buyers Complete waste of time. I also think advices you get from Presonus tech support are silly. They will tell you to use Super Channels or XMAX preamps (they also accept synthesizers and drum machines, etc.), but what if only available inputs I have left are line level? THAT IS THE WHOLE POINT OF HAVING MULTIPLE I/O RECORDING INTERFACE - FLEXIBILITY. I will take my money elswhere
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