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FIREBOX FireWire Recording System
FIREBOX FireWire Recording System Presonus Debuts New FireWire Audio Interface Presonus has just started shipping its new Firebox digital audio interface to dealers, a FireWire-based home studio recording solution that offers up six inputs and ten outputs, and also comes bundled with Steinberg's Cubase LE audio sequencing software. Because it uses FireWire and is so compact in size, the Firebox could be ideal for laptop-based recording sessions.
What is it? A compact, portable FireWire interface that can be bus powered. 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 24bit/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 perfect hardware and software combination for a professional quality, powerful, yet compact personal computer-based studio.
What does it do? Allows you to record into your favorite DAW program with ease and low-latency. The Firebox has the highest record/playback track count of its size with the ability to record 6 inputs and playback through 10 outputs simultaneously. Two ultra low noise high-headroom microphone/instrument preamplifers with separate trim control and 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. Two additional balanced TRS line inputs are located on the rear of the Firebox along with six balanced TRS line outputs. Two channels of SPDIF input/output and MIDI input/output are also included via DB9 breakout cable. Firebox comes with a software router/mixer to control your inputs and outputs in the computer. The 1/3U wide metal chassis of the Firebox is designed to fit the MAXRACK system from PreSonus and can be racked with the TubePRE, COMP16, EQ3B and HP4 for a neat and compact computer recording system. Additionally, the Firebox can be powered by a computer that provides 6-pin FireWire bus power, or powered by an external power transformer. The Firebox is also equipped with a second FireWire port making it possible to connect a Firebox or a Firepod to your system for additional inputs and outputs.
Who would use it? While primarily aimed towards musicians with portable rigs and live performance, the FireBox is equally well suited for anyone looking to get a 4 In/6 Out interface. Take It With You. Like all Presonus gear the FireBox feels as sturdy as a brick. I only have two minor complaints. First, I wish the brushed aluminum look of the front and side panels continued on the top. As it is now you have about an inch of the brushed aluminum on top and the rest is a standard black metal. The reason behind this is probably two fold: one, it saves on costs, and two it allows you to easily stack other Presonus gear like their Tube Pre right on top. My second complaint is that the 1/4” jacks on the back are not recessed, or flush with the interface. They stick out a bit and have a plastic washer/nut that can be twisted off. I call both of these minor complaints because neither one actually hinders the reliability or ruggedness of the FireBox, and are more of my own “aesthetic” opinion.
How does it sound? Great! The quality you get at this price point is amazing . Just like my experience with the Presonus FirePod, the FireBox did not disappoint when it came to latency. For example, I was able to get latency settings in Ableton Live of 2ms or 32 samples with no pops or clicks at a sample rate of 44.1kHz. If you like to monitor your live inputs with software plug-ins than the low-latency of the FireBox will serve you well.
What is so great about it? Flexible monitoring via software, low latency, simple set-up, bus power, and great sound makes the FireBox a great deal. The 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. Software 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. In addtion, you can upgrade Cubase LE to the full version of Cubase at any time. 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!
Conclusion - The FireBox is a simple, compact, bus-powered FireWire interface with just the right amount of I/O for most location recording/performing needs. While it doesn’t have a bunch of bells and whistles it does have flexible routing, low latency, quality construction, and a great sound, which is exactly what you need when traveling around and gigging. It would be equally useful in a home setup for anyone who is looking for great quality and price, but doesn’t need the standard 8 In/8 Out rack interface. If you have been waiting for a great compact Firewire interface for your laptop, look no further.
PreSonus Firebox Recording Bundle
***FireBox PDF Manual***
PreSonus FIREBOX 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Recording System
PreSonus FIREBOX Recording Bundle
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Updated: 2/24/07 |
