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|  | |  | | | PreSonus FireStudio Tube 16x8 FireWire Recording Interface | | | | | | | |
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| | Features | 16x8 FireWire recording system w/2 tube channels114dB dynamic range A/D converters16 simultaneous analog inputs2 "super" channels with tube preamp and compressor/limiter34 x 4 mixer matrix for sending multiple monitor mixes with no latency
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| | Description | The FireStudio Tube is a world-class 24-bit/96k professional FireWire recording system loaded with the perfect combination of inputs and outputs for bands, producers, musicians and engineers to produce commercial-quality recordings. | |
| | Product Details | | Product Length: | 23.5 inches | | Product Width: | 11.75 inches | | Product Height: | 3.0 inches | | Product Weight: | 4.75 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 1 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review:
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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
4.5 stars for the "SuperChannels", 2 stars for the line-in's Jul 10, 2010
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...
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