PreSonus FireStudio Mobile FireWire Audio Interface

[Tweak]

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile FireWire Audio Interface
http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745/item--PRSFSMOBILE/sid--showroom



Finally, a new-generation, studio-quality FireWire interface that you can use anywhere! The PreSonus FireStudio(TM) Mobile combines the superior analog-circuit design and advanced platform technology of our acclaimed FireStudio rack-mount interfaces with the ability to run on bus power in field applications. Now you can have enhanced audio performance for music recording and creation anywhere you can lug your laptop!

[elperuano]

I own it and love it! Still getting more experience though before I review it. Anyone else have one of these guys yet?

[newsflashmusic]

This looks like a best buy. Add 2 or more preamps to it and you have a pocket sized recording machine. I think i might be picking this up shortly.

[elperuano]

Exactly my thoughts. With a few external pres I can record my entire band. Definitely a versatile little unit.

[newsflashmusic]

Another option is the Saffire Pro 24 [(Sorry, but it's not on ZZounds) I'm sorry, I can't allow those links here ~admin
Similar unit but with less Anolog Input, the kicker here is the ADAT input.
Which do you think is the better bet. The Presonus or the focusrite?

[elperuano]

ADAT is extremely attractive. With the Firestudio Mobile you can daisy chain with other Firestudio products, so at least your expansions isn't completely limited, just to Firestudio family products. All in all they both look like great units.

Does anybody know how the pres compare? or the conversion?

[Tweak]

ADAT is extremely attractive. With the Firestudio Mobile you can daisy chain with other Firestudio products, so at least your expansions isn't completely limited, just to Firestudio family products. All in all they both look like great units.

Does anybody know how the pres compare? or the conversion?

In another thread someone commented the pres were better than the older firebox.

[Customguitar]

I am looking at the firestudio mobile and have a question. Since there is only one button that turns the phantom power on for both inputs, what do you do when you want to plug in two mics, but only one of them needs the phantom power?

[elperuano]

Most of the time that shouldn't be an issue. Some mics (especially older ones) might have problems with it, but I've used dynamics that didn't require phantom power and I didn't notice any difference if the phantom power was on. Having said that, double-check the mics in question (manufacturers site? FAQ? these forums?) and make sure that they can play well with phantom power before you try it.

[jukowalcz]

Has anybody had success running the presonus beta-drivers for Mac Snow Leopard (presonus drivers 3.4.2)?

I have a new i7 iMac running 10.6.2 and when I download the driver - the presonus App (Universal Control) will not launch. So far any recommendations from Presonus tech support have not worked (trashing files, hard drive repair permissions, PRAM reset with fresh reload etc.,).

The driver software installs successfully - shows up in Apps - but will NOT launch.

Just curious if anybody has had any luck in 10.6.2 - I'm wearing out on trying the same 'fix' repeatedly and on the verge of sending the unit back and trying something else - kinda bummed 'cause I like the design and I/O and really wanted to try Studio One.

Thanks!

[newsflashmusic]

Just ordered the studiomobile and some SP B1s. I'll tell you guys what i think of it. Got mine DEMO, 280 seems like a great deal to me.

[Tweak]

Just ordered the studiomobile and some SP B1s. I'll tell you guys what i think of it. Got mine DEMO, 280 seems like a great deal to me.

There are a few for $270 right now.

http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745/item--PRSFSMOBILE

[newsflashmusic]

i like the interface. The mics are great too. But good lord... I really know what everyone means when they talk about he importance of monitors and a good room. I'm still working out the kinks... but i can't wait to set up some nice speakers in my recording area and also to put some treatment up. We recorded in my friends finished basement. Drums sounded mediocre(muddy/dull, i used a recorderman set up with the b1s).... But i'm pretty positive it was the room+a kit in need of tuning.

Plus i can fit all of my stuff in one of those small rubbermaid plastic bins. Very mobile indeed.
Looking forward to building upon this.

[UserZero]

Anyone know if this works with 64-bit Win 7?

UPDATE: these guys seem to think it is, which is encouraging.

[Tweak]

Anyone know if this works with 64-bit Win 7?

UPDATE: these guys seem to think it is, which is encouraging.

Let us know how it goes!

[UserZero]

Another data point.

[ricc333]

All I can say is I have my Firestudio and I love the hell out of it. Also, due to my flash chip dying on me, I also have had to deal with Presonus' people. I had to jump through the usual hoops with them, but when I sent it to them, I had it back quickly and it was game on from there. I'm a fan.

[newsflashmusic]

[url]Myspace.com/newsflashmusic[/url]

New song called ashes. recorded it on the fireStudio. Sounds okay. Not compressed as a stereo mix, but some light eq and stuff on each track. Lost my kick track somewhere. Untreated rooms and not really mixed carefully.

[Customguitar]

Huh, in the few reviews of the mobile on amazon, they really seemed to not like the sound, but that doesn't seem to be the consensus of you guys here...

[elperuano]

I'm very happy with the sound!

[newsflashmusic]

I would say that its not so much only the interface... but most people who are using this probably don't have the best mics, the stock preamps are.... stock, and they probably don't have great rooms and monitoring. But i mean... it's 300 dollars and usually you get what you pay for. It suits my needs pretty well.

[Customguitar]

Another question sorry... Do you think that the preamps have enough clean gain to run an sm57 effectively? I know it's a fairly demanding mic when it comes to gain...

[elperuano]

Absolutely in my experience. I even ran an sm7b through it for my kick drum with no problems.

[Customguitar]

I know, I know, I keep coming back with more and more questions. I'm just trying be as well informed before this purchase as possible, $300 isn't exactly pocket change for me. About half way down the page on the presonus forum discussion about the mobile, people had been complaining that the lower frequencies were a little lacking, but by the end of the thread they had apparently solved that problem by replacing the stock PSU. Do you notice this at all?

Thread- http://forums.presonus.com/showthread.php?t=9409&page=6z The link is to page 6, because that's where this part of the discussion started.

[elperuano]

I haven't noticed that myself, but my monitoring situation is compromised. Having said that, putting a kick drum through those pres worked just fine. A little EQ here, a little EQ there...

I know you want the best quality you can possibly have for the money you are spending. Everyone does. Just know that EVERY pre at this price range will be compromised to some degree. Some may not be that clean. Some may be too brittle. Some may lack details in the highs or lows. Ultimately there are much greater things to consider that will have a much greater impact on your recordings than the pre-amp. Check out this article by Enlightened Hand. http://enlightenedhand.blogspot.com/2009/11/about-preamplifiers.html

So, is there a low-end issue with the stock preamps on the FS Mobile? Maybe. Is it going to make a noticeable difference in your recordings? At this stage, my guess is no. Something to consider.