PreSonus Firebox

PreSonus Firebox Description

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.

The Firebox is the most professional-quality mobile interface in its class delivering the following:

• Higher-quality analog to digital converters (Dynamic Range 110dB)
• Class-A microphone preamplifiers - delivers more musical recording
• Ultra wide frequency response (10 - 50kHz)
• Road ready rugged build quality - metal chassis

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.

FREE Software

Cubase LE

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 bus or externally 
• Software router/mixer 
• Windows and Macintosh compatible 
• Fits MAXRACK rack mounting system 

Sample Hook Up Diagram (External Link)

• Diagram

Technical Specifications

Minimum computer system requirements

Windows

• OS: Microsoft Windows XP
• Computer: Windows compatible computer with IEEE 1394 FireWire port.
• CPU/Clock: Pentium, Athlon with 900Mhz or higher (1.5GHz recommended)
• Memory(RAM): 256 MB (512MB recommended)

Macintosh

• OS: MacOS X ver. 10.3.7 or later
• CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/800Mhz or higher (G4/Dual 1 GHz recommended), all Intel/Mac models
• Memory(RAM): 256 MB (512MB recommended)

Note: Due to a circuit design change, Mac Book Pro laptop computers will not supply sufficient power over the FireWire bus to initially boot up the FireBox. Once the FireBox has beeen initially powered on with the included external power supply, you may disconnect the external power supply, the FireBox can then be bus-powered.

for more information check compatibility

Firebox Hardware Specifications

As a commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. reserves the right to change any specification stated herein at any time in the future without notification.