Hey, this works nicely as a stand alone preamp without having to connect it to a computer. I think you can set the hardware to pass digital signal also without having to mod it for stand alone use. The pre is really quiet and really detailed. Could be a nice little front end for the MT 2496....
cool. Whats the power like?
Quote from: MattH on November 27, 2005, 11:37:34 PM
Hey, this works nicely as a stand alone preamp without having to connect it to a computer. I think you can set the hardware to pass digital signal also without having to mod it for stand alone use. The pre is really quiet and really detailed. Could be a nice little front end for the MT 2496....
I've got the Firepod (bigger version, 8 ports).
Mine will operate as a preamp, but just on the first two channels. (The first two channels have "inserts", so you can just take signal out of there.)
Does it output a digital signal in stand-alone mode? If so, that would be *great*. I want to hear about it! I thought another thread said no. Presumeably the digital output is directly connected to the computer output.
Oh yeah, I think the pres and ADC are good. Good, but not great. I would say better than the stock UA5, but not as good as the high end stuff. Certainly good enough for my mics (AKG CK91/93) though.
Richard
Takes 12-24V DC
I mean this is a really nice pre for $299 even if the A/D doesn't work w/o computer. But I'm about to confirm that it does. I know it won't dither down to 16 bit but 24/96 to the MT would be sweet!
It does dither to 16bit, I own one, you can run it at any sample rate. Im interested to hear what you figure out about running it stand alone I could be wrong about this
Ok, after a numerous tests, it appears the digi out does not pass signal unless firewire connected. Some kind of C bit error is being indicated. It did continue to pass signal after being firewire disconnected so maybe there's hope for some kind of simple mod.
It definitely works well as a standalone preamp with balanced/unbalanced mains as opposed to inserts and independant left, right and stereo line out level control. A very solid chassis and good size pots as well.
Headphone amp seems noisy when not firewire connected. I guess they monitor the D/A for everything and that's why latency matters. Main outs are ultra quiet though...
It seems that you can set a different sample rate in your recording soft wear, like 16\48 when the firebox is running 24\96, although I have not run any diagnostics to confirm that the files have no errors, however they sound good.
I spoke with Presonus several months about using this piece without a pc and was advised that it is not possible as it is completely controlled via software from the firewire interface. I very highly doubt that you will be able to use this standalone! The same goes for most of the other competitive firewire interfaces on the market.
Quote from: ghibliss on January 12, 2006, 04:06:55 PM
I spoke with Presonus several months about using this piece without a pc and was advised that it is not possible as it is completely controlled via software from the firewire interface. I very highly doubt that you will be able to use this standalone! The same goes for most of the other competitive firewire interfaces on the market.
Yeah, I called Presonus as well and got the same answer.
OK, if you want to spend more money, get the MOTU Traveler. I don't have first-hand experience, but I hear this can operate standalone. Oh yeah, it has other stuff like way cool lights and digital (front panel) level controls so you can know exactly your recording gains. I would buy this if I had to do it all again. Hell, I might even buy it anyway (if G.A.S. strikes).
Richard
Speaking with presonus carries little weight if any with me, they originally told me that the box could not be dc powered, I bought one and looked on the rear power supply, and found that it says 12-24v dc, I called them and they said "well if it says that on the supply then I guess you could try that" At htis point I realized that they had no f'in clue what the hell they were talking about. So keep experimenting people!