Review: Presonus Firepod..FW Sound Interface

[joel68]

Hardware

The FIREPOD FireWire recording hardware interface is equipped with eight high-quality PreSonus microphone preamplifiers, 24-bit/96K analog to digital conversion along with SPDIF and MIDI inputs and outputs for professional quality convenient and compact no-hassle recording.

The FIREPOD is loaded with eight custom-designed ultra low noise, high headroom microphone preamplifiers perfect for recording a wide variety of sources including vocals, drums, guitars, bass, piano, keyboards, guitars, synths, horns, orchestras, choirs, and more. Eight potentiometers are on the front panel to easily control the input level of each preamplifier.

Inputs one and two of the FIREPOD can be switched between microphone or instrument level while inputs three thru eight can be switched between microphone or line input. Phantom power (+48V) is available on every channel in groups of four. Channels 1 and 2 feature fully balanced send and return TRS connectors on the rear of the rugged metal chassis for inserting outboard dynamics, EQ and effects processors. The FIREPOD has eight balanced TRS line outputs as well two balanced TRS MAIN outputs as well as CUE outputs for addtional monitoring.

The FIREPOD also includes stereo headphone output on the front panel, as well as mix control to balance monitoring levels between mixed input and main output signals for zero-latency monitoring. Two channels of SPDIF input and output as well as MIDI input and output are also included.

The FIREPOD comes ready-to-go with Steinberg's Cubase LE 48-track 24-bit/96K recording software which can work with MAC/PC, and is also compatible with many popular ASIO/WDM and Core Audio based applications.

Minimum computer system requirements:

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

Macintosh
• OS: MacOS X ver. 10.3.5
• Computer: Apple Macintosh series with on-board Firewire port.
• CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/800Mhz or higher (G4/Dual 1 GHz recommended)
• Memory(RAM): 512 MB or more

Technical Specifications:

• High-Speed FireWire Network Audio Interface
• Up to 96K Sampling Rate
• 8 Discrete Microphone Preamps (+60dB gain) w/ Trim Control
• 8 Analog Mic/Line Inputs, 2 Instrument Inputs
• 8 Analog Line Outputs
• S/PDIF Digital Input and Output, MIDI Input and Output
• Balanced Send / Return for Channels 1 and 2
• Zero Latency Monitoring
• Separate Main and Cue Mix Outputs
• FREE Cubase LE Audio Production Software Included

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Reviews:

What I am willing to say is that the Firepod is an enormously flexible, great sounding, and cost effective firewire recording interface for the professional musician, casual musician, band, or aspiring video producer. The stable drivers, easy to use interface, inclusion of 8 high quality mic preamps, and zero latency recording option make the Firepod an excellent choice for anyone looking for a recording interface as comfortable on the road as on the desktop. If you are in the market for a hardware recording interface, or just want a really high quality portable soundcard put the Presonus Firepod on your short list.

Price : S$1299/- (Retail) / S$1050 (Paid)

 

[lowjk]

Thanks for the review, joel68. You certainly have been treating yourself well this year end.

You managed to get a good price on it. May I know where you bought it from?

Just some comments:
1) Could the instrument line inputs, 8 Mic Preamp inputs and the SPDIF inputs be used simultaneously? I know that in the older Firestation, using the SPDIF input cripples a pair of analogue line inputs.

2) Is the power supply universal? If not, then perhaps, those who travel overseas for recording assignments might want to consider the more expensive MOTU 828 mk ii which has an internal UNIVERSAL power supply.

But still, it's a good buy for just slightly over $1k, especially if you do live recording and need the mike preamps.

Unfortunately, I don't and need something with more inputs which can double as a mixer, which is why I plummed for a MOTU 828 mk ii.

 

[joel68]

1. Powersupply is universal
2. All ins & outs can be used simultaneously (Tested)
3. The Preamps are good..better than 828's

Sorry Low...I dont want to disclose the dealer's name as it is a mutual understanding between us. If anybody is serious of buying this unit, pls PM me..I will get at this price S$1050/-

Cheers !!

 

[yc_]

1050 is a good price. i paid $1155 when it first came out in singapore a few months back

sound quality wise, the Firepod has better dynamic range s/n ratio than M-Audio's 1814 (Rightmark Audio Analyzer measurements).

p.s. whats the lowest latency you can get?

 

[joel68]

Less than 8ms..

 

[veganbleu]

8ms? Have you tried pushing it down to 2.3ms on a laptop?

 

[joel68]

8ms? Have you tried pushing it down to 2.3ms on a laptop?

I tried up to 5ms..no problem at all..sound quality is very crispy and real...much better than Motu 828 Mk2's pre's.. :wink: