My Firestudio died - now what?

[ratherdashing]

I got the "red light of doom" on my Firestudio, which means there's a hardware problem. I've opened a support ticket with Presonus and I intend to get it repaired if it's less than $100 to do so (warranty is long gone).

That aside, I'm wondering if having something like the Firestudio or any other 8 in 8 out unit makes much sense for me. 8 inputs isn't enough for recording a full band, or even a drum kit (not properly, at least), but it's total overkill for doing vocals, guitar, keys, or anything else really.

I'm thinking I'd like to down-size, but also improve quality a bit - not that the Firestudio isn't a nice interface. I can't see myself needing more than three or four mic pre's, plus it would be nice to have some good EQ options. For that reason I'm looking at the Mackie Onyx line.

What do you guys think?

 

[cream123]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite-mk3

Out of my price range, but its my long term goal. 2 i/o but up to 8 if you wish to expand with a mixer. USB and firewire is a nice feature

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

Not bad, but pretty expensive for a 2 in, and I don't want or need the onboard effects.

 

[lpmarshall]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

I usually only do a track at a time, so I have the PreSonus Firebox. My version is a couple years old though and doesn't have all the bells and whistles.

I've always been in the same situation, for me it's either a 2 input unit or something that will include drum mics plus instruments which drives up the price quite a bit.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

If you are equipped for Firewire, look at the Focusrite Saffire series.

Everyone knows Focusrite pres are great.

I am looking for a new CAI and this is my top pick right now.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

Also, here are a lot of good recommendations: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/634563-best-cheap-interface.html

Take "best cheap interface" with a grain of salt - this is gearslutz we're talking about :laughing: (some of the stuff recommended is over $1000)

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

Also, here are a lot of good recommendations: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/634563-best-cheap-interface.html

Take "best cheap interface" with a grain of salt - this is gearslutz we're talking about :laughing: (some of the stuff recommended is over $1000)

It seems there is almost no consensus on that forum, except that everyone loves the Apogee stuff. Hmm.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

Have a look over at the Sound On Sound forum. There are plenty of knowledgeable people over there, and there's a good proportion of their back issue reviews available to view too, so you can drag an awful lot of good information off the site that's been well researched and tested.

 

[JulienBrasart]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

I got the "red light of doom" on my Firestudio

Did you plug your firewire the wrong side ?

If so you may have burn the firewire chip and there's a way to fix it by replacing this small componant (6$).

I have the same problem on a Firepod, I'm working on it...

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

It seems there is almost no consensus on that forum, except that everyone loves the Apogee stuff. Hmm.

That's what gearslutz is AWESOME for - all those guys are so in tune with the fact that some people like Coke better and some people like Pepsi better and that's just the way it is, that there's very little argument that isn't based on quantifiable evidence.

Sure, some guys will say "I had a MOTU pre and it sounded metallic to my ears, moreso than my Focusrite," but it's never "I heard that MOTUs sound metallic," it's always "I owned one, and used it a lot, and formed this opinion empirically."

God bless 'em.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

Did you plug your firewire the wrong side ?

If so you may have burn the firewire chip and there's a way to fix it by replacing this small componant (6$).

I have the same problem on a Firepod, I'm working on it...

What do you mean "the wrong side"? There is no "wrong side" on Firewire.

It has been sitting on my desk plugged in the exact same way for two years. When I came back from visiting my family over Christmas it was toast.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

That's what gearslutz is AWESOME for - all those guys are so in tune with the fact that some people like Coke better and some people like Pepsi better and that's just the way it is, that there's very little argument that isn't based on quantifiable evidence.

Sure, some guys will say "I had a MOTU pre and it sounded metallic to my ears, moreso than my Focusrite," but it's never "I heard that MOTUs sound metallic," it's always "I owned one, and used it a lot, and formed this opinion empirically."

God bless 'em.

Yeah, I definitely appreciate that aspect.

Really, all the gearslutz thread (and all other threads on that forum honestly) taught me was that there are many ways to skin a cat.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

Regarding the Focusrite pres, their expensive stuff is good but I've owned the lower end stuff and it's not all that.

 

[xntrick]

Re: My Firestudio died - now what?

What do you mean "the wrong side"? There is no "wrong side" on Firewire.

It has been sitting on my desk plugged in the exact same way for two years. When I came back from visiting my family over Christmas it was toast.

That's exactly how my Presonus Inspire (bought used) was being used and the 2nd 1/4" input failed after 15 months of use. I picked up a used tascam US-144 interface and i am hoping this one lasts longer but this unit is also made in china so we shall see.