PreSonus Inspire 1394

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4x4 FireWire Audio Interface with 2 Microphone Preamplifiers, 2 hi-Z Instrument Inputs, Control Panel Software, and Recording Software - 24-bit/96kHz - Mac/PC

Item ID: Inspire1394

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Retail Price $249.00
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Computer Recording Made Easy!

The PreSonus Inspire 1394 is a very capable FireWire audio interface with a handy box-shaped, desktop-friendly format. With it, you get two microphone preamplifiers, two instrument inputs, and included control panel software - the software lets you get inside and adjust functions such as phantom power, gain settings, limiting, sample rate, and more - and it lets you completely recall your settings for blazing-fast setup. Plus, you can daisy-chain other Inspires 1394s together, to create a 16-input system at excellent 24-bit/96kHz resolution! You also get Studio One Artist recording software with the PreSonus Inspire 1394.

PreSonus Inspire 1394 FireWire Audio Interface at a Glance:

Hardware interface with total-recall ProPak software
Compatible with virtually any computer hardware and software
Two microphone preamplifiers and two hi-Z instrument inputs
Plus, daisy chain for more inputs!
FREE bundled Studio One Artist recording software

Hardware interface with total-recall ProPak software
The PreSonus Inspire 1394 is completely controlled by an easy-to-use software mixer interface. With the included ProPak software suite, you have the ability to store and recall all of your settings. Controls include, input gain, phantom power, limiter (off/on), preamplifier boost (off/on), sample rate, headphone volume, main output volume as well as near-zero-latency input mixing with playback mixing. This software control panel also serves as a mixer between your computer playback and your Inspire 1394 inputs for near-zero-latency recording.

Compatible with virtually any computer hardware and software
The PreSonus Inspire 1394 is loaded with state of the art components and technology enabling the easiest computer recording experience ever. The Inspire 1394 installs effortlessly on both Windows XP and Macintosh-based computers and works seamlessly with virtually all popular recording software including Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, Cakewalk, Logic, Logic Express, Digital Performer and many others.

Two microphone preamplifiers and two hi-Z instrument inputs
The front panel of the Inspire 1394 features two custom-designed PreSonus microphone preamplifiers with 48-volt phantom power. The microphone and instrument preamplifiers included in the Inspire 1394 are designed to deliver ultra-low noise, high gain preamplification for all types of microphones and instruments needed for professional quality recordings. Two instrument hi-Z inputs make it easy to record electric guitars and basses. The back of the Inspire features selectable line or phono (with RIAA filter) inputs, great for all types of keyboards, samplers, drum machines, and turntables. Outputs on the Inspire 1394 include RCA unbalanced and mini TRS jacks as well as a headphone output.

Plus, daisy chain for more inputs!
The Inspire 1394 is equipped with two FireWire connectors, letting you daisy-chain up to four Inspire 1394's together for up to sixteen simultaneous inputs at 24-bit/96k recording rate!

FREE bundled Studio One Artist recording software
Don't have recording software? No problem. The Inspire 1394 comes with PreSonus Studio One Artist for free. This awesome recording software suite features a really easy-to-use design, and you can record unlimited tracks. To develop your mixing and production skills, you can use Studio One Artist's extensive effects library, including 20 dynamics processors, reverbs, modulation effects, amp simulators, and more. Beyond that, Studio One Artist gives you versions of Gutiar Rig LE amp-/effects-modeling software, EZDrummer Lite for creating realistic drum tracks, and nearly 1,4000 drum loops. You won't believe the recording power you with your Inspire 1394 for free!

PreSonus Inspire 1394 FireWire Audio Interface Features:

FireWire audio interface with software control panel
24-bit/96kHz AD/DA sample rate
Four simultaneous input channels
Two microphone/instrument preamplifiers
Switchable line input or phono input (with RIAA filter)
Software Control Panel and near-zero-latency mixer
Window XP and Macintosh OSX compatible
FireWire bus-powered or powered externally
Studio One Artist audio recording and production software

Computer recording was never easier - with the PreSonus Inspire 1394!

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Reviews
based on 6 customer reviews

Awesome device!

by Sofs from Singapore
September 10, 2008
Music Background: Musician

I've been using this interface for 1 year now. At first there is a little bit of difficulty in the soundcard setup, but once steady, I realize its effectiveness. I have not upgraded my cubase LE but i... read more [+]nstead I use Magix music maker and works out very well. I usually set the beatbox or drums plugins when I record, plug a dynamic mic for vocals and acoustic guitar, and yes! it sounds great. I add some more piano/strings on line in and some electric guitar feels, then its done, a masterpiece! The IEEE connection is very good and I love it as well as the price. The body is solid, rugged and cool texture! close [-]

The Perfect Small Interface for a Solo Musician/Singer

by Randy from Arkansas
August 31, 2008
Music Background: Musician, Technician

I have been leery of ANY firewire interfaces under $500.00 after previous experiences with some models in the past. However, I can easily recommend the Inspire for anyone who only needs a couple of in... read more [+]puts to record simultaneously.

I took a chance on this for small recoding projects and have been quite amazed. I rate this one 5 stars because it works incredibly well for a firewire interface under $150.00 (and I hate to give anything 5 stars unles it really blows me away). Don't even look at the USB interfaces in this price range - they can't keep up. Latency doesn't exist no matter what I've tried to do.

I have used the Cubase LE4 software that came with it, but it Cubase LE4 no longer has Rewire support. I am currently using it with Reaper (another surprise find in recording software) Rewired with Reason. The fact that it works with Reaper means it will probably work with any recording software you match it up with except ProTools (which is specifically incompatible according to Presonus).

My computer is a lowly P4, and I have yet to make it skip or act up while running guitar or bass through Amplitube or any other combination of plugins. It is self powered through the six prong firewire connection (Apple style), but Presonus includes a power supply just in case you need it. It comes with a cable that features six prong connections on each end so make sure you order a six prong to four prong cable if your computer doesn't have a six prong connection. The nice thing about the six prong connection is that the extra two prongs supply the power saving power outlet space and possible interference. It can also be used as your full time audio interface on your PC if you have a wimpy or hard to access soundcard. It also features a metal frame with a plastic surround. It feels like it could stand up to a lot of abuse.

My previous USB interfaces were iffy at best, and could only run if everything else on the PC was stopped. My only problem was that the supplied driver failed shortly after startup and stopped recognizing the unit, but a quick trip to Presonus.com yielded a driver that worked fabulously.

The Presonus control panel software is minimalist and easy to use with great results. You cannot make any adjustments to your input sound from the hardware (which also means there is nothing to break), but the software is quick and easy to get used to.

The mic preamps are very good, but I still favor my ART Tube MP for my condensors. The built-in preamps won't beat the ones on an interface running several hundred dollars more, but they are in the same ballpark. Some of the plugins included will only work with Cubase, but I was able to get new versions that work in Reaper from the various plugin developers websites as well. I am so impressed with this item that I am now looking to add a Presonus Faderport for mouseless control of my Reaper inputs, and may add additional Inspires as well since up to four can be chained together.

This is a great model to get if you typically only record one or two tracks at a time. My setup is for vocals, guitar and bass through the Inspire (although I may add some field recording as well). I mainly use Reason and a keyboard controller for other tracks. To me this is the best interface to consider if you need a simple yet great sounding input for a very low price. close [-]

Works for me

by Wilbur from VT
May 5, 2008
Music Background: Music Teacher

For the price I'm very happy with the inspire. Worked with my DAW (logic 7) right away. Sounds good with my guitar plugged straight in. You can play with the gain and boost to make any mic sound good.... read more [+] Very portable. For an entry level home recorder/broke college student, this really fits the bill. close [-]

Excellent Value

by Todd Zimmerman from Kalamazoo
March 25, 2006
Music Background:

I am a fan of most of the PreSonus line, although I shy away from
some of the lowest priced units they make. They are fine,
but just not for me. This unit is an exception. I use the ... read more [+]Inspire
for remote recording with my laptop. I am very pleased with the
audio quality of the mic / line inputs. Since I do not mix or
monitor through the unit I don't know how it would fair as the
primary audio interface, but it does a great job getting a good,
clean, strong signal into the computer. I use the unit with Digital
Performer and have found it very stable. I would not reccomend
the unit as your only audio interface, but it is a great secondary unit. close [-]

Smokin!!

by Bobby K. from Dallas, TX
December 1, 2005
Music Background:

This box is tiny and is really a pleasant surprise as far as the quality and sound. The preamps are quiet and I'm loving the fact that you can daisy chain more if you need more inputs (I'm only using ... read more [+]two but might need more one day). I was using USB interfaces and went through hell trying to find one that didn't crap out on bandwidth - needless to say, I never found one and took a chance with the Inspire since it is about the same price as most decent USB boxes (about half as much as an mbox). Firewire is great - no clicks and pops and is great on the Mac since its core audio compatible. Just plug it in and my powerbook sees it. Thanks for a great box. close [-]

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