Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface

Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface

The FIREBOX is the most powerful 24-bit/96k FireWire recording interface that fits in the palm of your hand. The FIREBOX is a complete 24-Bit/96k personal recording studio combining two high quality PreSonus microphone/instrument preamplifiers, 24-Bit/96k sample rate and Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track recording software. The FIREBOX is the perfect hardware and software combination for a powerful professional-quality and compact computer-based studio.

Hardware

The FIREBOX has the highest record/playback track count of its size with the ability to record six inputs and playback through ten outputs simultaneously all at pro-quality 24-bit/96kHz. Two ultra-low noise high-headroom microphone/instrument preamplifiers with 48V phantom power are on the front panel for quickly and easily connecting your favorite microphones and instruments.

The FIREBOX also includes a high quality stereo headphone output with volume adjustment on the front panel. The headphone output has its own two-channel driver stream which can be used as a separate stereo bus or two-channel output giving you the ability to send a “cue” mix to the headphone output and a main mix to the main output. Two additional balanced TRS line inputs are located on the rear of the FIREBOX along with six balanced TRS line outputs.

Two channels of S/PDIF input/output and MIDI input/output are also included via DB9 breakout cable. A software router/mixer is also included for further flexibility and power. The 1/3U-wide metal chassis of the FIREBOX is designed to fit the MAXRACK rack-mounting system from PreSonus and can be racked with the TubePRE, COMP16, EQ3B and HP4 for a neat and compact computer recording system.

The FIREBOX works with both four and six-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) connectors and can be powered by either 6-pin FireWire bus power, or powered by an external power transformer.

The Windows XP and Macintosh compatible FIREBOX comes ready-to-record with Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track 24-bit/96K recording software, and is also compatible with many popular ASIO/WDM and Core Audio based applications including Logic, Sonar, Audition, Digital Performer and others.

Cubase LE is the new music production software based on award-winning Cubase SX technology featuring 48 audio tracks, VST plug-ins and full VSTi support. Cubase LE combines powerful audio and MIDI recording features with professional editing and effects. Cubase LE and all included plug-ins are compatible with both Mac and PC systems.

Also, Cubase LE sessions are completely upward compatible with both Cubase SX and Nuendo. So if you choose to upgrade down the road to Cubase SX or Nuendo, you can seemlessly upgrade all of your existing sessions when you upgrade your software. Cubase LE is the perfect entry into professional recording software giving you the ability to produce professional level recordings right-away, and giving you a system that you can expand into the future!

DSP Mixer Included

The Firebox features a Zero-Latency DSP mixer that allows you to mix all six live inputs with a software output stream, then route that mix to any one of its outputs, as well as assign either that mix or a software output stream to its headphone amplifier. This feature eliminates monitoring through the computer and makes it easy to customize a mix for the artist. It also allows CUEING for DJ’s and live performance where the headphone output can monitor a completely different signal than the MAIN outputs.

Features:

High-Speed FireWire Network Audio Interface

Plug and play FireWire (IEEE 1394) audio interface

24-Bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96K sample rate

Record/playback 6 inputs/10 outputs at 24-bit/96K

2 PreSonus microphone/instrument preamplifiers

2 analog line inputs, 6 analog line outputs

S/PDIF input/output

MIDI input/output

Low latency monitoring

Headphone output

Powered via FireWire b

Model	FIREBOX
Series	Recording Interfaces and Monitoring
Software Included	Yes
Dynamic Range	ADC 107dB / DAC 110dB
System Compatibility	Mac and Windows
Microphone Preamp	Yes
Audio Connections	2 analog line inputs, 6 analog line outputs, Headphone out; S/PDIF input/output
Maximum Sampling Rate	96
System Requirements	WINDOWS: Microsoft Windows XP; Windows compatible computer with IEEE 1394 FireWire port; Pentium, Athlon with 900Mhz or higher (1.5GHz recommended); 256 MB RAM (512MB recommended). MACINTOSH: MacOS X
Bit Rate	24
Included Software	ProPak Software Suite: Cubase LE, Diskwelder Bronze, included plug-ins and audio samples/MIDI loops
Simultaneous Recording Tracks	other
DSP	Yes
MIDI Ports	Yes
Other Features	Record/playback 6 inputs/10 outputs
Expansion Capabilities	none

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface

1.9

(based on 7 reviews)

14%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Cons

Poor sound quality (3)

Best Uses

- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3)

Reviewed by 7 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-7

8/14/2009

1.0

Disappointing Preamps

By T.L.

from St. Pete, FL

About Me Experienced

Pros

Easy To Use

Cons

Misrepresented
Poor Customer Service
Poor Sound Quality
Weak

Best Uses

Home Studio

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

I purchased this product. I used the line-ins it for about two months before buying a set of Shure dynamic microphones for the combo jacks.

The pre-amps in this unit are garbage. Even though it says it "works great" with ALL microphones on the Web site, on the box and in 3 different places in the manual - the premaps lack the headroom to boost a dynamic mic to anything remotely close to decent recording levels. This is a known issue and Presonus loves to dodge this one.

When I contacted Presonus, I was informed that the unit is designed with low preamps on purpose so it can be powered via Firewire. This made no sense since it comes with a power supply. Cheaper products by other companies power dynamic mics just fine.

Presonus blamed it on the microphone (SM57) and the rep said that he uses the FireBox at home and has no problems. He then told me I should buy a Presonus BlueTube Pre-Amp and use it through the line inputs and not use the front combo jacks.

I asked him why should I be forced not use the combo jacks for an industry standard microphone? I told him I paid for the two combo jacks and I can't use them with even anything other than a $200 condenser mic.

He had no answer and now Presonus politely ignores my emails and my calls.

yeah, this works fine for the rep, yet Presonus's forums are full of people complaining about this.

Not cool. Buy something else.

6/2/2009

(0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

Not worth it

By Magnificent Butcher

from Chicago, Il.

About Me Experienced

Pros

Excellent Sound

Cons

Best Uses

Home Studio

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

I've had the device for about 7 months. It worked very nicely with XP home edition and XP64. However, anything with Vista seems to have various problems. Mine include audio dropouts, glitchy sound when scrolling through menus in my DAW software, no sound in media player, no windows sound at all, and a main level knob that makes hissing sounds when being turned. It worked great when I was using XP but fell apart when I bought a new computer. I used to love it but my advice is that it is not worth it. Find something stable!

1/25/2009

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY

By alex S

from NJ

About Me Experienced

Pros

Cons

Poor Sound Quality

Best Uses

Amateur Recording

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

dont waste your time with this piece of waste. got a new computer bought this soundcard and i hear static sounds like scratches after i play something for a while. i have to disconect the soundcard just to reset it and what a waste..called them up and they said the device isnt compatible with my firewire and i have to purchase a new firewire.. wth would i have to spend and extra 40 - 50 bucks on a new product just for the chance that their piece of [*] soundcard MIGHT work properly? they're already rap1ng me with their price..

1/9/2009

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

Audio Drop Out and VST Incompatibility

By Chuck

from Philadelphia, PA

About Me Professional Musician

Pros

Easy To Use

Cons

Poor Sound Quality
Weak

Best Uses

Amateur Recording

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

This unit has major bugs in it. I've had it since it was release, and have followed up with regular driver updates and firmware. However, it has NOT solved the issues that have plagued it from the beginning. I get frequent audio drop-outs, along with VST crashes, Clicks, Pops, and other artifacts during playback in any DAW. And it is NOT the program/plugin, because my built-in audio on my motherboard can handle it without a flinch. Go figure.
Also, the preamps are cheap, noisy, and supply only limited amounts of gain (45db). Good luck trying to get a ribbon mic running on one of these, or even a standard SM-57 without excessive hiss and noise.

12/8/2008

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Driver Problems

By Brad

from Cincinnati

About Me Professional Musician

Pros

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

I have had many different interfaces through the years and know my stuff... The drivers don't work with their "recomended" setup...

Enough said. If I take my time, money and effort to buy thier trash and it does not work with three hours of my time invested (with the right gear) then they should fire the guy writing their software and remove the product from the shelves.

10/23/2007

5.0

"What silliness is this"

By More Cowbell

from Huntington Beach, CA

Pros

Military Issue

Cons

Best Uses

Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Dahhhh

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

I have owned this lil monster for 2 years now and it has never failed me where more expensive ones have. What's great about it is it's so frekin' simple to use and get great results out of it. the comment above is "Crock". the only thing i do not like about are the markers on the anodized blue knobs. Their "white" you cannot see them in the light or from reflection. Just silly I say!!!

9/1/2007

1.0

DONT GET IT

By Ike ELLIS

from North carolina

Pros

Cons

Compatibility Issues

Best Uses

Comments about Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface:

Presonus customer services is terrible. The compapatibility issues is fustrating. The sound quality is great if the box works long enough with out conflicting with something else. I would not advise anybody to buy this product.

Displaying reviews 1-7

Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface
The manufacturer's warranty covers parts for one year and labor for one year from date of purchase. The warranty excludes damage from misuse, abuse, and contains other exclusions.

Presonus FIREBOX 6x10 24 bit 96K FireWire Audio Interface

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