Anyone own the Presonus Firebox?

Reag1502 · 30th September 2006

I'm getting a API A2d soon, and need a A/D Converter that has SDIF in and out. Are these any good, and will it effect the over all sound if I run it with my API? Thanks

tnjazz · 30th September 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reag1502

I'm getting a API A2d soon, and need a A/D Converter that has SDIF in and out. Are these any good, and will it effect the over all sound if I run it with my API? Thanks

yes, they're an excellent value for the money and as long as you go SPDIF in it will have no effect at all on the sound from the API. Unless you're needing a few extra inputs here and there, you could get a much cheaper solution (an M-Audio card for instance). If you'll always be coming out SPDIF from the API you could get any inexpensive bit perfect card with SPDIF I/O.

That said, the Firebox is still pretty useful and the preamps and A/D onboard sound good (not great, but certainly very useable).

VO-Guy · 30th September 2006

I've been using one for about 2 years. Very solid and haven't had a bit of problems with it.

barbital · 2nd October 2006

I currently own a Firebox. The mic pres are pretty clean for the money and sound quite good with my MXL V6 silicone valve mic. The main balalnced outputs appear to be very clean. I haven't used the other balanced outputs but I'm sure they're very clean as well.

Overall, great value for money, in my view it pretty much beats any firewire interface out there for the money. Of course, spend a lot more and you can get something that will be obviously better, but the DAC on the Firebox is good enough for a home studio usage. Just don't know if it will do justice to an ADAM monitor setup

Ben

Reag1502 · 2nd October 2006

Thanks for the replies. I am basically just needing a a/d converter that has the sdif ins and outs, but I would also want to hook up outboard gear like my T.C Electronics Fireworx. Sounds like I should go with the Firebox.

Bravin Neff · 2nd October 2006

I have one. I replaced a Lynx Two with it (believe it or not), and I don't miss the Lynx at all, though keep in mind the firewire drivers will not go as low as dedicated PCI ones like the Lynx. That's my only gripe (which would apply to any other firewire device as well), but it's hardly an issue at all.

I even think the preamps are perfectly acceptable.

Methlab · 2nd October 2006

yep..Firebox guy here. Wish it had inserts, but since you are getting an API, that wont be an issue.

roderick · 12th February 2009

how do you go from the API Lunchbox out to SPDIF in the Firebox?

Abbas Alshafai · 12th February 2009

It's good choice for its value. It produces heat, but there is nothing to worry about.

30th September 2006	#1
Reag1502 Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: overlooking the pacific ocean Posts: 367 Thread Starter	Anyone own the Presonus Firebox? I'm getting a API A2d soon, and need a A/D Converter that has SDIF in and out. Are these any good, and will it effect the over all sound if I run it with my API? Thanks

30th September 2006	#3
VO-Guy Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canton NC Posts: 216	I've been using one for about 2 years. Very solid and haven't had a bit of problems with it. __________________ Russ McLamb Voiceovers www.russmclamb.com

2nd October 2006	#7
Methlab Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 3,642	yep..Firebox guy here. Wish it had inserts, but since you are getting an API, that wont be an issue. __________________ Professionally played Basslines for $35 a Track. www.professionalbassguitar.com

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2nd October 2006	#4
barbital Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 256	I currently own a Firebox. The mic pres are pretty clean for the money and sound quite good with my MXL V6 silicone valve mic. The main balalnced outputs appear to be very clean. I haven't used the other balanced outputs but I'm sure they're very clean as well. Overall, great value for money, in my view it pretty much beats any firewire interface out there for the money. Of course, spend a lot more and you can get something that will be obviously better, but the DAC on the Firebox is good enough for a home studio usage. Just don't know if it will do justice to an ADAM monitor setup Ben

2nd October 2006	#6
Bravin Neff Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hockeytown Posts: 187	I have one. I replaced a Lynx Two with it (believe it or not), and I don't miss the Lynx at all, though keep in mind the firewire drivers will not go as low as dedicated PCI ones like the Lynx. That's my only gripe (which would apply to any other firewire device as well), but it's hardly an issue at all. I even think the preamps are perfectly acceptable.

12th February 2009	#8
roderick Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 270	how do you go from the API Lunchbox out to SPDIF in the Firebox?

12th February 2009	#9
Abbas Alshafai Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: El Paso, TX. US Posts: 72	It's good choice for its value. It produces heat, but there is nothing to worry about.