PreSonus FIREBOX 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Recording System

Bang for buck ratio is super. Very versatile for it's size. I've been using this for a long time now and never had a problem from install on. Do wish it has on/off switch. You can clip the input. But once I found the sweet spot I just leave it.

This is one of the bad interface I have ever been used.Firewire is loosing connectivity frequently.Always do the job plug and unplug.Don't buy this product for professional use.

I bought my firebox a little over a year ago. Since then it's been my constant companion both on stage and while recording, be it in my home studio or on location. It has never let me down, has held up, shows practically no signs of wear, and gives me the confidence to do what I do musically anywhere, at any time. My brother in law just went on a 4 week tour with this thing as his front end. No problems whatsoever. This was after borrowing it (of and on)for the previous 4 months to record his album. You can hear exactly what the firebox sounds like at "topher blair" at myspace music. I've owned presonus tube pre, and their little compressor, and have never had a problem. If this thing ever kicks the bucket I'll get either this or that other new compact presonus interface. I'll probably shop around first (like I always do) but I can't put a price on the confidence I've developed in their products. I whole heartedly recommend any presonus gear (not affiliated with them in any way) and especially the firebox.

I don't really understand the technical reasons why I need this as part of my recording set-up. I just know it works - no more audio drop-outs/latency problems and it is noise free. I use Cakewalk Sonar HS6. The PreSonus tech support guys are awesome. I had converted from PC to Mac when I bought the Firebox. I just could not get it to work - after several frustrating days I realised the problem was not the Firebox but a faulty Mac that went back to the store and I got a new PC. Everything worked perfectly first time after that.

Just what I need to do what I have to do. The great thing about this box is that whenever you want, (or, when you are financially and skillfully capable) you can always add professional preamps to the line-ins and high quality converters through the S/PDIF. Remember, people will always hear talent first, not hi-fi setups. Rule of thumb all musicians (that includes recording engineers): (Great Musician) x (Great Mic and Technique) x (Great Converters) x (Great Monitors) = Great Sound Practice hard and play hard - reward yourself with hi-end equipment when possible.

I purchased this unit and it worked right out the box, was quiet and it appeared to be a solid, great unit - until I purchased a dynamic microphone. The pre-amps in this unit are not strong enough to power even an entry-level dynamic microphone. When PreSonus is contacted, they tell you that the unit is designed like that "on purpose" so it can be bus-powered via FireWire. This unit has a power adapter, so that's a little confusing. They then try to up-sell you to a different unit or suggest you buy one of their pre-amps and use it through the line-ins on the back. If you need those line-ins and you have a dynamic mic, you're not going anywhere. This unit is advertised as having quality pre-amps. If they can't even power a dynamic microphone and I'm forced to use a pre-amp with the line-ins - then what's the point?