PreSonus FireStudio Project Reviews

Jim
from Detroit, MI
April 11, 2013Music Background:
Band leader and musician

StudioLive 16.4.2, eat your Heart Out!!! Multiple FireStudio Projects with the SSL Console!!!! More busses, more channels, one third the cost!

Here is some outside the box thinking for you? How about you use the FireStudio Project as a live mixer with your DAW?!?!? I do it every weekend!! ...AND IT'S AWESOME WITH THE FIRESTUDIO PROJECT!

I use 2 FireStudio Project interfaces as a live mixer for my shows. The gigs have been a raving success with the client! It is largely due to the use of the crystal clear and lightening fast FireStudio Project.

I typically run 18 simultaneous in and 8 simultaneous outs with 2 FireStudio Projects (daisy-chained, which makes it act like 1 large interface) via the Reason 6 SSL Console on my MacBook pro. The buffer is set to 64 (1ms) and I get no Latency AND the best part is that I control the SSL Console wirelessly from my iPad (with rsTouch by Delora Software). Below is the typical gig setup for me with the FireStudio Projects:

Note that all channels are utilizing separate compression, gate, and effects processing on each and doesn't effect the performance of the FireStudios.

IN
Full drum mic-up (7 mics)
Bass
Guitar
2 keyboard players
5 Vocals Mics
Stereo Stems

OUT
6 separate monitor mixes
Stereo main

Compared to the much more expensive Studiolive w/ 16X10ish channels of I/O, I got the same XMAX preamps, arguable a better console by using Reason (SSL Console), more I/O, and wireless capability for less than half the price. Oh and I can still add 1 more FireStudio, if I run out of room and end up with 56X56 (I think this is the max channels Presonus will allow).

Not that I am against the StudioLive but the SSL console in Reason gives me much more versatility and 20X20 channels of I/O with my 2 FireStudio Projects at 1/2 the cost of the StudioLive, which I have also used a lot in other bands.

Bottom line: GET ONE!!! or two...or three! You wont be sorry!

Rick
from East Bay San Francisco
January 10, 2013Music Background:
Been playing and recording for years.

Presonus Firestudio Project

Great DAW and the included software "Studio One 2" is awesome. I remember when you had to have a whole rack of gear to do what this does for $350. It's rock solid and well built, I really like the knobs.

I do wish that I had know about Firestudio Project before I bought my 16 track mixer, because I could have easily gotten by with a smaller mixer to run my PA.

Mark Marshall
from Kingston, NY
January 5, 2013Music Background:
Composer/multi-instrumentalist/producer

Quiet, feature-packed and VERY stable.

I had to replace two still functioning but seriously aged MOTU 1224's. I did a boatload of research before settling on the Firestudio Project - and I was NOT disappointed. I had it up and running within 10 minutes of getting it out of the box.

The Mic Pres sound great, the FSP is VERY VERY quiet, and the cherry on top is Studio One, which ROCKS. It ended up replacing my former DAW entirely.

Dave
from Northeast PA
November 24, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist, Student

Great upgrade from an Audiobox USB

This is probably the best 8 Preamp interface in this price range. If you are a drummer or want to record multiple instruments at once then consider this unit.

- The knobs are smooth.
- Level LEDs work well enough.
- Firewire is more efficient at transferring data to your computer than USB 2.0.
- There are 2 firewire ports on the back of this unit meaning that if you wanted to, you can link 2 Firestudios together for a total of 16 Preamps!
- Studio One works well enough and has a lot of features you can download from the Presonus website. (Works flawlessly with REAPER too.)

I highly recommend this interface. Just make sure that your computer has a firewire port or else you may need to install a firewire card. I use this interface on a laptop so I had to pick up a 4-pin to 6-pin Firewire cable because this unit comes with a standard 6 to 6 pin cable. Either way there is no loss to performance and I think this is the last interface I will ever need for recording.

Thanks Sweetwater and Presonus

Randy McDonald
from Pineville, Louisiana
October 12, 2012Music Background:
Live sound and Recording, as well as musician

PreSonus Project Studio Awesomness

I have had a Firemobile Studio for some time. I really liked what it gave me, with the exception that sometimes I was very limited due to only two preamps available for two separate tracks to record simultaneously. Well, it doesn't take a genius to read up and see that the Fire Studio Project can do 8 simultaneously, however, I have been totally blown away by the crispness of those preamps, it's as if I purchased new microphones as well (which I haven't).

This is really far better than I would have hoped, for the money I spent! Keep it up Presonus, and all hail to the experts at Sweetwater who know what I need and how to present it to me!

Anthony
from Philadelphia
October 10, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician, Recording Engineer

I honestly owe my life to this interface.

I ordered this interface on 10/5/2008. Its 4th birthday just passed today, October 10th. October 10th was day that it showed up on my doorstep and I recorded my first piece of audio with a condenser microphone completely by myself. I even got a free faderport too with a cool rebate! Little did I know that this interface was going to decide what career path I was going to take after high school. 4 years ago I was a 16 year old nerd. Today I'm a professional audio engineer, I have bachelors degree in Recording Arts, and I'm making a solid living. Went through all of school, and the beginning of my career still using this interface. I'll admit, I'm upgrading to an HD rig this Christmas, but it has served one hell of a life with me. The preamps are solid. Bright, but solid. It has 2 insert send and returns. I would recommend using a different 2 channel pre for vocals and overheads, then sample out the individual drums. The instrument DI sounds great for bass and guitar. Other than that, the thing is solid and can go through one hell of a beating. If I wasn't recording, I was using this interface to playback music all 1,460 days of its life. It has countless hours under its belt and still going strong! A+ to Presonus. I thank you guys for changing my life.

David Brown
from Baltimore, MD
August 27, 2012Music Background:
Producer, Mixing Engineer, Recording Engineer

Excellent Interface

I have used this interface for over a year in my home studio. I have yet to have a single issue with it (knock on wood). The Presonus Firestudio Project is an amazing interface for it's price range. I would even rival it against interfaces that are slightly more expensive (up to around $700 range). Good internal preamps, firewire connectivity, solid interfacing software(Presonus Universal Control) and comes with Studio One v2 Artist (Amazing DAW). When it comes to "Bang for your buck", nothing compares.

Justin Dean
from Columbus, GA
July 9, 2012Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Producer, Musician, Mixer

WOW

I have just recently made the leap to drum recording and I was on a SUPER tight budget since my wife needed shoes and yoga pants. So I was looking at interfaces and came across the FireStudio.

I could not be happier! The metering is great, it sounds fantastic, and it has plenty of gain to do anything I want! The routing is great for what I need and I have even more options for future upgrades.

I highly recommend this unit to anyone on a budget that needs 8 channels of great recording power!

Bradley
from Boston, MA USA
December 7, 2011Music Background:
Student in Video/Audio

Just Get It!

I know how $400, $500 but honestly, it's really worth it. I had a bunch of gear, panning mixers, several cables to try and get a solid recording but this made it so much easier. Simply power it up, plug in the firewire cable, and open your software. I use yourself

Get yourself a decent compressor ($150), Behringer's MicroAMP ($20), and some decent headphones/monitors and you'll have a perfect recording setup for WHATEVER all for UNDER $800!!!

Stuart Garlock
from Rochester, NY USA
August 5, 2011Music Background:
Student, Recording Hobbyist

So good, I had to pick up a second.

This unit works. It's simple to use. Plug it in, hook up your mics, Record. It sounds great, haven't had any problems with drivers or hardware. PreSonus has a bad rap for their driver updates, but they released the beta for Lion with in a week of the Lions release, and everything works. I'm really happy with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone who is trying to start up a project studio.

from bahamas
July 22, 2011Music Background:
producer

awesome interface

this is an awesome interface. presonus has some of the best D/A converters in this price range. the quality of my recordings skyrocketed after i got this unit. perfect for your rack, because everything is on the front! never understood why some companies put the INPUT connections on the back of a rackmounted unit... and the levels on the front are nice too :)

Alex R.
from SC, USA
May 17, 2011Music Background:
Recording and Live Engineer, Musician, Hobbyist

Great Item!!!

I was looking for an Audio Interface upgrade for my home studio and I came across this one. Overall its was Amazing!! The first time I have used it I was amazed by the sound quality. Before this I had M-Audio and you can tell the difference right away. The Preamps sound great on the FireStudio; they have warm, full sound to it.

One problem I had was to get it to work... It took me to hours to get it to work with mac and windows.

PATT
from La.
April 27, 2011Music Background:
mastering, mixing, recording, production

VERY COOL

VERY IMPRESSIVE INTERFACE. I USE IT WITH SONAR 8.5. I LOVE THE IDEA THAT IT CAN FIT IN THE RACK NO LITTLE BOX SLIDING ALL OVER THE PLACE (lol). THE OTHER GREAT FEATURE IS THAT YOU HAVE REAL KNOBS THAT ARE SLOTTED NO PUSH HERE MOVE THERE NAVIGATION. THE OVERALL QUALITY EXCEEDS OTHERS LOWER AND HIGHER IN COST IN MY OPINION. I HAD A FEW ISSUES WITH STATIC BUT SWEETWATER TECH SUPPORT IS ALWAYS ON TOP OF THEIR GAME. I ALWAYS ENCOURAGE ALL MUSICIANS TO BUY SWEETWATER BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH GEAR THEY "MAKE" IT HAPPEN!

Caleb Fritz
from Bloomsburg, PA
August 16, 2009Music Background:
Pro Musician, Recording Engineer

Presonus delivers with the FireStudio Project

I have been using the FireStudio Project for a year now and I can say with confidence that the thought of upgrading to another so-called "professional" converter hasn't even crossed my mind! I recorded my first demo song with the built in preamps and was pleasantly surprised with how quiet they were. I have since put the Presonus Eureka in front for the added presence and warmth, but for jumping right into recording out of the box, the preamps on this thing are more than sufficient. The converters are super clean and maintain the sonic quality of the recording without any noticeable loss in character. In short, they produce a very professional sound...something that you can be proud to let your friends or professionals listen to. I did a lot of research before I bought this thing, and I have done a lot of research since...I haven't found anything anywhere near this price range that offers not only high quality A/D conversion but also a bundled software package that will get you up and running and keep you there for a long time. I produced my entire CD using the included Cubase LE4, plug-ins, and drum loops that came with the FireStudio Project. If you are serious about recording a great sounding album and don't want to be eating Ramen noodles for the next year because you busted the bank on some other overpriced piece of equipment, then look no further. Presonus has delivered an awesome piece of gear with the FireStudio Project.

Ben Balser, ACT
from Southeast Louisiana
March 10, 2008Music Background:
Live Sound, Composer, Post Production for video and broadcast

Field and Studio, this rocks!

I do broadcast and video production, as well a music composition in the studio. I wanted a flexible I/O solution for my Mac tower and MacBook Pro. It had to work with Final Cut Pro, SoundTrack Pro, Logic (that it also works with GarageBand is a plus, too). This unit does it all! The sound quality is outstanding, pre amps are super awesome. Flexible, powerful, and at a reasonable price. I very highly recommend this unit!

Chet A.
from Cherry Hill, NJ
November 22, 2007Music Background:
Musician/Studio Guy

Pleasantly surprised

I was able to track the entire band and send each musician a separate headphone mix using the built in mixer and several hp4's. Everybody was happy with the Firestudio Project. The drum sounds we got were really shockingly good. The drummer kept asking me what preamp and eq we were using. I tracked all the drums flat with no eq or compression - just the preamps from the Firestudio Project. Cubase LE4 is a HUGE step up from LE as well. Although I'm probably going to upgrade to Cubase4 soon.

Red Rock Recording
from Topeka, KS
November 2, 2007Music Background:
Pro Musician

good one presonus

I was looking at this and the motu8 pre. The meters look and function great and I love the sound of the preamps on the firestudio project. I'll be adding the central station soon.

Ross M
from United States
April 23, 2013Music Background:
Musician, Home Recording, Live Sound

FireStudio Project

Preamps sound fine, low noise, and simple to use. Universal Control is incredible useful for monitoring with no latency, and helps cut down on your DAWs CPU usage when recording since I'm not running the audio live from the DAW, I'm running it from Universal Control. Being able to daisy chain these with other FireStudio's is awesome too, my drummer has a Project as well, so that gives us 16 tracks to record at a time. ADAT would've been a nice addition so I don't have to have to specifically have more FireStudio interfaces to get more channels, but I'm doing fine with it.

It was also incredibly generous of PreSonus to include Studio One. I don't use that particular DAW (I'm an Ableton and Logic Pro guy), but that's super useful for people just getting into recording.

Allan Ronas
from Chicago
October 19, 2012Music Background:
Pro R.E.

A REAL piece of equipment!

It is a real piece of equipment! It works as it should! It feels and performs in very reliable and intuitive manner. Also, remember when almost all studio equipment was housed in a metal enclosure? And knobs and buttons felt hefty and secure? Presonus has revived those reassuring feelings of ruggedness and durability with their products. At this affordable price I expected some corners to be clipped, but – it is housed in actual metal! A real metal face! And real metal knobs with multi-detents as you turn them one way or the other! It’s actually as heavy as it looks!

gene argel
from wailuku, maui
June 29, 2011Music Background:
pro musician

great price, service

so far I love the equipment

Brent
from Atlanta, GA
November 19, 2010Music Background:
Worship Leader, Engineer, Producer

Great Interface for the Money

Just wanted to pop in and give this interface a review due to the extensive use it has had in my studio. Prior to this I was using a.....mmmmmm.....box of some sort. When I received the Firstudio Project, I could not believe the difference in sound quality. Sure, the average listener might not be blown away, but anybody who has had any amount of time in the studio (behind proper monitoring) should have no issue in hearing that this has wonderful Preamps and converters....both the AD and the DA are great quality for the price.

AND.....I love Studio One. As a previous protooler, I understand the DAW world, and Studio One definitely adds up to be the quickest creation station I have worked with (along with Logic).

Kudos Presonus!!

Ian "Mr. Drybones" Wellsby
from Buffalo, NY
September 16, 2008Music Background:
Pro Musician & Producer

great firewire interface for project studios and mobile use

The Presonus Firestudio Project has excellent quality XMAX mic pres. these pres have neutrik combo jacks which accept traditional 3 pin XLR or 1/4" phono plugs. Although i put a preamp in front of the firestudio, these mic pres are certainly good enough to use without any outboard gear.
Presonus includes Cubase LE4 recording software and a decent tutorial dvd to get you started. The 48 track software is more than adequate for recording your entire band at once or doing track by track recording for solo musicians who play all the parts themselves. There are plenty of plug ins included to help add spice and spatiality to your recordings as well as produce broadcast quality masters.
Presonus includes all necessary hookup wires so there is nothing else needed to get started as long as you have a pair of headphones or some other means of monitoring (which by the way presonus made making great monitor mixes a breeze).
All in all, the Presonus Firestudio Project is a great, easy to use firewire interface that can be used as a mobile recording setup, a front end for your home studio or as a mixer for your live performances. When quality counts (as it always does), this is a very inexpensive (and expandable) solution to your digital I/O needs. Purchase with confidance!

Joshua
from Texas, USA
September 16, 2008Music Background:
classical pianist

Good price/performance

I was looking at upgrading my aging Fostex digital recorder with a firewire interface. For the quality and price point, the FireStudio Project can't be beat. Very quiet pre-amps, and an overall nice-sounding package. Works well with the included Cubase software, there is a little bit of a learning curve to it. I had problems getting everything to work properly until I upgraded with the most recent patches from the website.

Matt Osterholt
from Chicago Heights, IL,US
January 19, 2012Music Background:
Lifelong music lover

A great addition to my small studio.

It makes managing all my input/output seemless. I love the flexability not to mention it sounds great!

Cory
from Rocklin
January 4, 2010Music Background:
Musician/Producer

Awsome sounding but has bugs

This Interface workes great and sounds great. If you expirance popping and hissing you need to restart your computer. I believe the drivers are not the best. Mine always works when I turn on the firestudio and then restart my computer befour opening up cubase.

Jeff
from Salinas, Ca.
May 11, 2009Music Background:
Live Sound, Recording, Musician, Hobbyist

Very Nice

I have Sonar 6 and this was reccomended by my sales rep , After I installed the software , driver etc plugged it in ...it did not work , I walked through the install one more time and went online to sweet care and reviewed q/a section on Sonar ... checked my settings on/in Sonar ... perfect it all works !!

Matt
from El Centro, CA
March 2, 2008Music Background:
amature performer and recording engineer

good value

A freind of mine asked me to help him set up his own home studio. When we were shopping for a mixer, we ran across the thing and the salesman really recommended it. Although I thought the thing looked mickey-mouse, we bought it. We got it home, hooked it up and 45 minutes later we were getting very clean tracks with the thing. It comes with good software, but we used it with Sonar 6 and it worked like a champ. Because of the ease of set up (just plug it in and run the installation disk) and the high quality signal we got I would recommend this product to anyone wanting to set up a home studio where space is premium. If you really like all the sliders and stuff, they are still there, only they are virtual, saving a ton of space.

DD
from Howell, MI
March 7, 2013Music Background:
m

Good product, iffy user manual

The FireStudio Project and Studio One Software work as described. No complains about the gear at all but the support documentation is really poor. While I'm new to pro level DAW processes, I'm not new to computers. Many of the software functions are pretty intuitive but several are not and when I referred to the user guide the text often assumed you had familiarity with functions that are not addressed in the guide at all. Thankfully there are plenty of third party videos on YouTube that explain this software clearly and quickly, often highlighting functions that are nowhere to be found in the user guide.

PK
from
December 14, 2012

Be Careful

These units can be a bit touchy. I have two of them. One of them outputs dual mono for no apparent reason. The warranty is up on that unit so I just use it as the slave for extra inputs. The other unit was outputting half voltage on the left for a while, but suddenly decided to work properly again one day, no apparent reason. I often have to quit logic and reset the unit when the inputs go down for no apparent reason. The price is right for the home studio but I would say they are a bit unreliable.

Michael Valeri
from Charlotte, NC
September 16, 2008Music Background:
Hobbyist, Active Musician

Poor Quality, Strongly Recommend a Different Interface

The bassist in my band recently bought this as he was beggining to create a recording setup. We set it up the way the manual said with a brand new macbook (2.4 gHz processor and 2 GB of RAM). The interface constantly made popping and hissing through the monitors and distorted the sound quality. We recieved 3 of these interfaces, and they all contained the exact same problem. I strongly recommend an Alesis interface or M-audio. Presonus has shown a strong lack of quality in this product.