Topic: Presonus Firebox Preamp

[MattH]

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....

[bluegrass_brad]

cool.  Whats the power like?

[poorlyconditioned]

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

[MattH]

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!

[THE NIZ BIAAAAACH!]

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

[MattH]

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...

[THE NIZ BIAAAAACH!]

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.

[ghibliss]

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.   

[poorlyconditioned]

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

[THE NIZ BIAAAAACH!]

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!