mixer or firepod interface?

the_sixth_biome · 4th December 2006, 01:42 AM

I wanted to plug in 4 or 5 instruments and 1 or 2 mics into a firewire interface then route that to my computer. So I bought a firepod then I found out it only has 2 instrument inputs. So I called Presonus and they said I could use a DI box to hook up instruments to the other 6 inputs on the firepod.

1. Why do I need to use a DI box anyways? The inputs on all 8 of the firepods channels look the same. (They can take a 1/4 or xlr). What is the difference between the signal that comes from a mic and a signal from an instrument?

2. This is the DI box I bought. http://www.behringer.com/DI800/index.cfm?lang=ENG Is it a decent one?

3. Should I have just bought a firewire 8 channel mixer like this Alesis? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...xer?sku=630151
I notice it has reverb and other cool looking knobs that my firepod does not have.

corworld · 4th December 2006, 11:04 AM

When you say 4 or 5 instruments do you mean guitars or do you mean keyboards or both? Most synths output their signal at line level in which case you can run them into the Firepod's line level inputs. If you are taking a line out from a head it might be the same deal.

The difference is the impedence of the signal. A guitar or bass outputs a very low signal which needs to be boosted to match your interface. The firepod cahnnels 1+2 have this as well as any DI box you plug into a mic input.

The beringer DI is useable...

As far as the Alesis mixer you should compare the specs with the Firepod closely. The Firepod is a better interface for your computer. It records at 96k and can use any reverb plugin you might want. The Alesis is a stand alone mixer which is not as good as recording but better at being a mixer.

YMMV

the_sixth_biome · 5th December 2006, 07:48 AM

I want to hook up 2 guitars, bass, keyboard, and a EMX-1. The EMX-1 is kinda like a drum machine. So it looks like I did buy the right stuff.

ricknaqvi · 8th December 2006, 01:17 AM

You should have no problems with the 2 guitars going into channels 1 and 2 and the Keys and EMX-1 going into channels 3-6.

I would probably advise you to get a direct box for the bass so that you will have the correct input impedance.

Also, are the guitars going straight in direct or are you using a processor (like a POD, etc..) ???

If you are using a processor then you can use line inputs for the guitars.

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards,

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4th December 2006, 01:42 AM	#1
the_sixth_biome Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 9	mixer or firepod interface? I wanted to plug in 4 or 5 instruments and 1 or 2 mics into a firewire interface then route that to my computer. So I bought a firepod then I found out it only has 2 instrument inputs. So I called Presonus and they said I could use a DI box to hook up instruments to the other 6 inputs on the firepod. 1. Why do I need to use a DI box anyways? The inputs on all 8 of the firepods channels look the same. (They can take a 1/4 or xlr). What is the difference between the signal that comes from a mic and a signal from an instrument? 2. This is the DI box I bought. http://www.behringer.com/DI800/index.cfm?lang=ENG Is it a decent one? 3. Should I have just bought a firewire 8 channel mixer like this Alesis? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...xer?sku=630151 I notice it has reverb and other cool looking knobs that my firepod does not have.

8th December 2006, 01:17 AM	#4
ricknaqvi Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 226	You should have no problems with the 2 guitars going into channels 1 and 2 and the Keys and EMX-1 going into channels 3-6. I would probably advise you to get a direct box for the bass so that you will have the correct input impedance. Also, are the guitars going straight in direct or are you using a processor (like a POD, etc..) ??? If you are using a processor then you can use line inputs for the guitars. Hope this helps. Kind Regards, __________________ Rick Naqvi www.presonus.com rnaqvi@presonus.com 800.750.0323 x0641

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4th December 2006, 11:04 AM	#2
corworld Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 191	When you say 4 or 5 instruments do you mean guitars or do you mean keyboards or both? Most synths output their signal at line level in which case you can run them into the Firepod's line level inputs. If you are taking a line out from a head it might be the same deal. The difference is the impedence of the signal. A guitar or bass outputs a very low signal which needs to be boosted to match your interface. The firepod cahnnels 1+2 have this as well as any DI box you plug into a mic input. The beringer DI is useable... As far as the Alesis mixer you should compare the specs with the Firepod closely. The Firepod is a better interface for your computer. It records at 96k and can use any reverb plugin you might want. The Alesis is a stand alone mixer which is not as good as recording but better at being a mixer. YMMV

5th December 2006, 07:48 AM	#3
the_sixth_biome Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 9	I want to hook up 2 guitars, bass, keyboard, and a EMX-1. The EMX-1 is kinda like a drum machine. So it looks like I did buy the right stuff.