Presonus firestudio or FireStudio Project?

[pikapikapi]

which is better? the regular or the project?

[Herman Munster]

Just glancing over the specs they look about the same except there's no ADAT in on the project. The regular Firestudio has 16 channels of ADAT input. I suppose if you didn't need the extra channels the project would be fine. To me the Firestudio Project looks like a Firepod version of the Firestudio if that makes sense. It sounds like a good buy...

[ballpein]

There's a very easy answer to this question: MOTU.

presonus' customer support is non-existent. Check around their support forums and look at all the problems that go unsovled, the years old requests for driver updates, the snarky "customer service" replies, etc. etc.

I switched over to a motu 828mkii (which is comparable to the presonus units you're looking at) and couldn't be happier. Sounds way better than any presonus product I've used, built like a tank, very flexible, great drivers, and outstanding customer support. (I've used the presonus firepod and firebox, but not the units you refer to).

[Jonboy79]

Originally Posted by ballpein

There's a very easy answer to this question: MOTU.

presonus' customer support is non-existent. Check around their support forums and look at all the problems that go unsovled, the years old requests for driver updates, the snarky "customer service" replies, etc. etc.

I switched over to a motu 828mkii (which is comparable to the presonus units you're looking at) and couldn't be happier. Sounds way better than any presonus product I've used, built like a tank, very flexible, great drivers, and outstanding customer support. (I've used the presonus firepod and firebox, but not the units you refer to).

I can see you haven't been around here and other forums much. I've actually seen Presonus guys give out their direct lines to help gearslutz out. I'd say their customer service is well above average.

[big country]

Originally Posted by ballpein

There's a very easy answer to this question: MOTU.

presonus' customer support is non-existent. Check around their support forums and look at all the problems that go unsovled, the years old requests for driver updates, the snarky "customer service" replies, etc. etc.

I switched over to a motu 828mkii (which is comparable to the presonus units you're looking at) and couldn't be happier. Sounds way better than any presonus product I've used, built like a tank, very flexible, great drivers, and outstanding customer support. (I've used the presonus firepod and firebox, but not the units you refer to).

they have great customer service
the best...
seriously

[scorpiwoman]

neither

[Jonboy79]

Originally Posted by scorpiwoman

neither

How insightful, you should be commended for the helpful advice you've given in this thread.

[pikapikapi]

Anyone else have some helpful insight?

[Herman Munster]

I'd say it depends on your needs. If you already have a Digimax FS and need ADAT then the project isn't the best option. If you don't and you're new to the realm of digital recording then the project is a great option for $200 less. It looks like to me that they have the same pres and same converters. I've been a Firepod user for some time now and would have bought the Firestudio had it been available at the time for several reasons, but 16 channels of ADAT is worth a lot.

By the way, anyone who says that Presonus customer support isn't good simply isn't clued in. I've never dealt with better customer support. They are one of the reasons I will continue to buy Presonus gear...

[ballpein]

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

By the way, anyone who says that Presonus customer support isn't good simply isn't clued in. I've never dealt with better customer support. They are one of the reasons I will continue to buy Presonus gear...

I wish I could say I were "clued in", if by "clued in" you mean actually getting customer support from Presonus. I have multiple experiences with them, on a few different products, and I have no qualms stating that the service I've received has entirely sucked.

I'm glad to hear that others have received better service - that's great. But to suggest that it's my fault I haven't gotten adequate service - because I'm not "clued in" - is both ignorant and insulting.... not unlike the service I've received from Presonus.

[dobz]

Originally Posted by ballpein

There's a very easy answer to this question: MOTU.

presonus' customer support is non-existent. Check around their support forums and look at all the problems that go unsovled, the years old requests for driver updates, the snarky "customer service" replies, etc. etc.

I switched over to a motu 828mkii (which is comparable to the presonus units you're looking at) and couldn't be happier. Sounds way better than any presonus product I've used, built like a tank, very flexible, great drivers, and outstanding customer support. (I've used the presonus firepod and firebox, but not the units you refer to).

Wow have u used a firestudio for comparison. Because i have and the firestudio converters are a step above the motu.

If you need more than eight inputs get the FS. Great interface and rock solid. I did a review here on it a while back when the drivers were unstable now with updates it's amazing.
Cheers

[djsandman]

To answer the original post, based soley on their stated capabilities: the original Firestudio is better.

One of the key differences between the two is that you will be able to record more than the standard 8+2 channels with the Firestudio by adding inputs via the lightpipe (such as the DigiMax). With the Project you are stuck with the 8 analog line Inputs + 2 Instrument Inputs. You won't be able to add any inputs passed that. I have seen no plans announced from Presonus for expanding this with the extra Firewire port, but who knows, it might be possible in the future.

However, if you are looking for the better bang for the buck and you aren't concerned with recording more than 8 tracks, the Project might be the way to go.

[alchey]

Originally Posted by ballpein

presonus' customer support is non-existent. Check around their support forums and look at all the problems that go unsovled, the years old requests for driver updates, the snarky "customer service" replies, etc. etc.

completely untrue. They have a toll free 1800 number for North America which I used when had problems setting up a firebox I bought. Turned out there was a compatability issue with my firewire card. Its kind of unfair to make this kind of statement unless youre speaking from a first hand personal experience... anyway..

[superjetboy21]

Originally Posted by alchey

completely untrue. They have a toll free 1800 number for North America which I used when had problems setting up a firebox I bought. Turned out there was a compatability issue with my firewire card. Its kind of unfair to make this kind of statement unless youre speaking from a first hand personal experience... anyway..

totally agree. i had an issue with my firepod driver and presonus immediately emailed me the updated driver before they posted it on their website. i havent experienced better customer service ever.

and the question on which is better is really dependent upon what you will be using the interface for. for my uses, the FS Project is better than the original FS because of the internal IEC and metering as well as phantom power in pairs. better/worse......thats your call. if these features would be implemented on the original i would be buying the original. for now, i'll stick with the FS Project.....mines on its way to me now.

[tnjazz]

Originally Posted by ballpein

There's a very easy answer to this question: MOTU.

presonus' customer support is non-existent. Check around their support forums and look at all the problems that go unsovled, the years old requests for driver updates, the snarky "customer service" replies, etc. etc.

I switched over to a motu 828mkii (which is comparable to the presonus units you're looking at) and couldn't be happier. Sounds way better than any presonus product I've used, built like a tank, very flexible, great drivers, and outstanding customer support. (I've used the presonus firepod and firebox, but not the units you refer to).

You're kidding, right?

I think you have it backwards. Presonus tech support is pretty good - MOTU can't even figure out how to answer the phone.

[liquidorange]

presonus always got back to me on questions. thing i liked was they dont try to rush you off the phone with a generic answer. they actually problem solve. they have a good website too. gotta say presonus was very good to me in the past.

[shanabit]

Originally Posted by tnjazz

You're kidding, right?

I think you have it backwards. Presonus tech support is pretty good - MOTU can't even figure out how to answer the phone.

Ill second that, I have 2 MTPAVs and a MOTU 828MKii,
MOTU NEVER ANSWERS THE PHONE!!!!!!!!

[superjetboy21]

ill third that because MOTU is one hard company to get on the other end of the line.....

[Herman Munster]

Originally Posted by ballpein

I wish I could say I were "clued in", if by "clued in" you mean actually getting customer support from Presonus. I have multiple experiences with them, on a few different products, and I have no qualms stating that the service I've received has entirely sucked.

I'm glad to hear that others have received better service - that's great. But to suggest that it's my fault I haven't gotten adequate service - because I'm not "clued in" - is both ignorant and insulting.... not unlike the service I've received from Presonus.

I don't mean to be insulting at all, but based on the posts above you seem to be the only person around willing to state they had a bad experience with Presonus support. I think everybody can make their own deductions from that information as they will. I NEVER suggested this was your fault and would never do so. I say enjoy your MOTU and you're certainly entitled to express your opinion here. Best...

By the way, I agree with the poster above. Think towards the future and get the Firestudio. The lightpipe is worth the extra $200.....

[blondmix]

Gotta say that I LOVE my Firestudio, and the extra ADAT inputs are VERY handy (have a Digimax FS, want another one). If I absolutely knew that I'd never need the extra inputs, I'd say go for the Project.
And in regards to their support, the one time that I needed them, they went above and beyond the call of duty, and I even got correspondence from Rick (the owner). I've also owned a couple MOTU products, and the support (LOL) nearly made me give up on recording..... just my .02

[relayer66]

I agree that Presonus has good customer service and genuinely cares about its customers. Case in point, my Firebox, which I've been recording with for two years supposing that the 96kHz actually worked, as advertised, finally has new drivers which fix the problem.
The Firestudio seems like a really nice piece, unless you use SONAR like myself, in which case you are just plain f*****.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by tnjazz

You're kidding, right?

I think you have it backwards. Presonus tech support is pretty good - MOTU can't even figure out how to answer the phone.

I've never had Presonus leave us OR any of our customers in a lurch before...ever. Caring group of people at Presonus, it makes all the difference when you need a helping hand or guidance.

War

[Mark107]

Try these phone numbers:

MOTU tech support: (617) 576-3066

Presonus: (800) 750-0323

See who answers first. See who answers at all.