Presonus Firebox Interface technical problems.

Just got the PreSonus FIREBOX 24 BIT 96K unit. Have the firewire hooked into iMac - Garageband 2009.
Can only get the right channel to work on input source stereo setting 1/2. Very quiet - I'm getting a minimal signal on both mic and instrument inputs - all levels on the interface are cranked. I cannot make any other input sources pick up a signal. Not even getting a headphone signal back when plugged in.
What am I doing wrong?

That's the thing the stereo input source is the ONLY source in which I can get any signal and only very quietly. All the others I get nothing at all including Mono.

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Presonus Firebox Firewire Power Problem

I just received my new MacBook Pro 15", and my Firewire bus powered Firebox won't power up without the external power adapter (which is sort of a drag). Once it's powered up, I can unplug the adapter and it keeps working.
The PreSonus website does reference this problem for some MacBook Pros, saying it's some sort of a power limiting feature on these computers. When I called PreSonus, they told me they were certian the problem was only for 17" models.
Does anyone else have this problem, or have any ideas about what I can do? Thanks.

Try this goto the manufactures website and update to v 2.01 I think I read somewhere they were having problems running through firewire using older updates. See if that update works.
http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=readme201&newlang=en

Clipping using Firewire Interface Presonus Firebox

Hello, I'm new to this forum and recently just getting acquainted with using GB 2 and my new Presonus Firebox interface, which I acctually bought from reading the recommendations on this forum. So thanks for the suggestions!
My issue is I'm recording my electric bass and acoustic electric guitar (one at a time) and both instruments are clipping during playback. I can't even hear or monitor my playing during recording.
I've attempted adjusting the levels on both the bass and acoustic guitar AND on the Firebox, from low-mid and high AND also in the System Preferences input volume control. Whether I record with low or mid volumes I 'm clipping.
I'm using inputs in the front, lines 1 & 2 for mic/instrument. I've even tried using the rear inputs 3 & 4 but I don't even get a reading. I must be doing something wrong.
So I wonder if this has anything to do with the kind of cables I'm using for recording. Or my computer's speed and memory. I'm using an iMac G4 from a few years back.
Previously, I was using my old Powerbook G4 for recording, also from a few years back, and I did NOT get any clipping when I recorded my acoustic electric guitar, but I did have to raise the levels on the guitar AND on the Firebox - almost to the max! - to get a decent volume recorded.
Please help! I'm still getting acquainted with all this techy stuff. Thanks in advance
imac Mac OS X (10.3.9)

I can't even hear or monitor my playing during recording.
You should be able to listen to (monitor) the tracks. Double click on the instrument icon on the track and from the monitor pulldown menu select 'on'. Monitoring is off by default.
As far as levels, don't worry about the main level. It can clip in the recording stage. Worry about the individual track levels. You may not be able to get them into the yellow but at least get them as high in the green as possible.
You have a number of gains to play with. My suggestion is to leave the system gain on its default setting. Play with the gains on your guitars (if you have any) and the Presonus. There is usually a track gain and a main gain. Put the main on about 1/2 and then adjust the track gain. If this creates too much background noise do the opposite. Every interface is different so you may need to play with it.
Note that the harder you strum the more volume goes to your mic so in setting up the levels make sure you are strumming as hard as you would in the loudest part of the piece. This will give you your top level.
If you are clipping slightly and occasionally it might be all right. I have had several recording go slightly into the red with no digital clipping. There may be a little wiggle room in Garageband's meters.
The main meter is a different story. All tracks combine together, some frequencies are identical which may boost that frequency more so you end in the red a lot. Most of us use some sort of compression to control this. You want the signal high but don't want it to clip.
The best plugin for beginners is the C3 Multi Band Compressor 1.2. It comes with a mess of presets. The mastering presets are particularly useful for your master track. You can download it here. Follow the directions to install it.
Here is a goofy thing. Garageband defaults to hiding the Master track. This is plain silliness because you need to mess with the Master track to get your final product done. In Garageband press ⌘ +b to see the master track. Double click on the master track and you will see pulldown menus that you can select various plugins. This is where you would use the C3 plugin mentioned above. Plugins used in the master track pulldown menus apply to all tracks.
This is a great page to learn more about garageband basics:
Apple - Support - GarageBand
Kurt

I'm having an intermittent problem with my midi controllers triggering Mainstage 3. I'm using a PreSonus Firebox audio interface. It's been working fine for months, but now when I first turn on the computer in the morning , I'm not able to trigger Ma

I’m having an intermittent problem with my midi controllers triggering Mainstage 3.
I’m using a PreSonus Firebox audio interface.
It’s been working fine for months, but now when I first turn on the computer in the morning , I’m not able to trigger MainStage from the keyboard. I tried different midi controllers, different keyboards, different midi cords, and check midi preferences. The audio interface is working fine and is recogonized, but the midi doesn’twork. I re-started the computer several times and then finally it miraculously starts working again.
I’ve been having to this every day now. Any help or ideas is very much appreciated.

I Had the same problem with a FireStudio. Try unplugging the FireWire plug and the power plug. Wait for a few seconds, then plug both back in. The light on my FireStudio was flashing blue/red which means "not connecting." I did what I just described, and everything works again. Hope it works for you.

Presonus Firebox Audio Interface AND LaCie 1T "Big Disk" hard drive

I just bought a G5 primarily to edit video with FCP 5. But of course I also want good audio and want to upgrade my audio interface for recording music. I've read great things about the Presonus Firebox.
I want to connect the LaCie drive to my Firewire 800 port.
The question is: Can the computer handle the Firebox going into a FW400 port AND the LaCie drive going into the FW800 port? I have read murmurs that this is actually a serious problem.
If the G5 and Tiger can't handle both these at the same time, what do you suggest for a solution?
Thanks!
Paul S.
Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

I just bought a G5 primarily to edit video with FCP 5. But of course I also want good audio and want to upgrade my audio interface for recording music. I've read great things about the Presonus Firebox.
I want to connect the LaCie drive to my Firewire 800 port.
The question is: Can the computer handle the Firebox going into a FW400 port AND the LaCie drive going into the FW800 port? I have read murmurs that this is actually a serious problem.
If the G5 and Tiger can't handle both these at the same time, what do you suggest for a solution?
Thanks!
Paul S.
Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Problem with Presonus Firebox and Macbook Pro

I own a Presonus Firebox firewire audio inteface, which seems to have a problem with bus power. If I plug in the the firebox using firewire, it is not seen by the OS, and the blue power light flashes faintly. If I then plug in the mains power cord, it works fine. If I then unplug the power cord, it STILL works fine.
This has me beat...if there isn't enough power from the firewire port, how come it manages to stay on after I unplug the mains?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
17" Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6)

FINALLY someone else has this problem. I was
beginning to feel like the only person in the world!
Thats why I posted as soon as I saw your comments. I was also glad to see I was not alone. I have contacted presonus via email about it. What is the easiest way to contact apple? By phone support? I want to get this problem recognized as high up the ladder as possible, and not have to go the through their usual protocol of trouble shooting that I know wont fix it (i.e. repair permissions, reset pram, ect...).
Also, another thing we should do is post it on presonus's message boards to flag other users with the problem and get this issue into the spotlight so it gets fixed. I thought I saw that presonus has message boards but I could not find them. Please post their link if you know it. MacFix it is another good place that will draw attention to this problem. We should also post there. In addition I am going to email a Mac podcast I listen to about this. I know the host has a 17" MBP. Does this issue effect using external hard drives without AC adapter as well? That way I could have him test this.
Thanks for the work around but I would not even dare attempt that kind of soldering and such do to lack of experience. I'd consider paying you to make me one if you know what your doing and your sure it wont negatively effect anything:)
Paul

Using Presonus Firebox with Garageband

I have a Presonus Firebox and I'd like to use it to record in garageband but I can't seem to get my microphone to pick up in garageband. It's hooked to the front on #1, the computer is hooked to the interface via firewire and my keyboard is connected to the interface as well. My keyboard is showing in garageband but I don't know how to get it on a track as well as my microphone. Someone please help! Thank You!

I don't know if you're experiencing the same problem I've been having using both a MOTU 828 firewire interface and Presonus Firebox. Take a look at the thread "GB and MOTU 828".
If it turns out you are having similar problems it would be great for you to give Presonus a call just to let them know you're having the problem. The more calls they can log the better chance that a fix from Apple will be forthcoming. I'm pretty sure it's not just a Presonus issue since my MOTU box had the same problem.
If you discover a fix I'd love to hear what it is. Unfortunately, at the moment I can't offer any help to you. I'm in the same (or similar) boat.

Just Bought a Presonus Firebox

I just bought a Presonus Firebox and since comments from a lot of people here helped me to make that decision I thought I would add my experience to help others who might be trying to make up their minds.
First, I chose it because I wanted a low-cost solution for digital audio that included MIDI and SPDIF. I primarily play all instruments myself, at this point one at a time so 6 ins is more than I usually need. I like the small footprint on the desktop too.
I read mostly positive things about sound quality and I have to say I am impressed with it, amazed in fact at the quality for the price. I find it very clean and balanced across the spectrum that I can hear.
The other big factor was that a number of people told me that Presonus has good technical support. I have to say that in my experience they are great. Outstanding. I had a number of issues that weren't covered in the manual and I got very quick and helpful feedback that was always accurate. In case anyone else runs into them, here they are with the solutions:
At first the unit seemed dead. The front light went blue-red-off and stayed off. Plugging in the adapter got it working fine, and afterwards the unit worked without the adapter just fine (i.e. powered via Firewire).
The manual seems to tell you to right-click on the Firebox Control Panel to set the CPU speed but the right-click does nothing. It turns out that this is only for Windows XP, and the manual is unclear about this. No big deal.
SPDIF wouldn't work. Core Audio should have detected it but didn't. Presonus sent me a modified Hardware Control that allowed me to choose SPDIF and now it works just fine.
I was really impressed with the help I got from tech support. I should add that I made it clear that I had read the entire manual and tried everything I could to make it work before I contacted them, so this may have inclined them to be more responsive. In any case, they were great.
I hope this is helpful to someone.
Chet

I am happy with my FireBox as well. But the only problem I have is "somtimes" when I shut my computer down and restart it later in the day or the next day, my iMac G5 does not recognize the Firebox. I usually find that if I put the computer to "sleep" for a few seconds then wake it up it will recognize the Firebox. However, sometimes I have to restart a few times or sleep a few times for everything to work OK. During this time I do freak out a bit but once it's working it seems pretty stable.
I sometimes wonder if the Firewire cable just dose not make a good connection with the firebox. Its always seemed to site pretty loose in the firebox's firewire connection.
Any thoughts?
Morris

Presonus FireBox issue

Hi.
I just purchased a Presonus FireBox as an upgrade from a Lexicon Omega audio interface. I have also used an M-Audio Firewire 410 briefly in the past with my black macbook. Before connecting my firebox I removed everything I could find that related to either previous audio interface from my computer so as to not interfere with the new one. But every time I plug the firebox into my macbook I get a blue light for a couple of seconds, then a permanent red light. I installed the drivers on my wife's PC and connected the firebox and it sync'd right up, steady blue light, so I know the firebox is working. I also am assuming that my firewire port on my macbook works since I have used the m-audio interface in the past. I tried plugging the firebox into the already booted computer, and booting the computer with the firebox already plugged in with the same results. I also reset the pram on my macbook and there's no improvement.
Is this an issue with OS X 10.5.8? I've only ever found info about 10.5.7 on Presonus's website. Do I need to move up to Snow Leopard?

Thanks for the response.
I tried messing with the Audio MIDI Setup but the problem is, the firebox doesn't even show up there. It's like the computer doesn't even recognized that there is something plugged in. That's why I tested the firebox on my wife's PC, to figure out which end was having the problem, the firebox or the computer. I suppose my firewire port could have crapped out, but it's obviously powering the firebox and I used it with an M-Audio Firewire 410 a few months ago with great results (the M-Audio wasn't mine, but after using it I wanted to switch to a firewire interface with more outputs for live performing and the firebox fit my budget).
Where is the firmware update on their site? I looked in Downloads for the firebox, and I searched for "firmware" in their main search and in the tech support forum and haven't found it.

PreSonus FireBox As Simple Preamp or It's Fired!

I have a PreSonus Firebox question. Quick background: I haven't been to this forum since Dr. Hangtime prescribed a remedy for a simple problem back in summer '05. I had never even seen digital recording before then but since GarageBand2 is so **** easy to master I never needed any advice after that. At the time I was sifting through all the digital interfaces and finally asked, "Can I just use my Tascam 8track Portastudio as a preamp?" Hangtime replied "yes" and I've been in Digital Recording Heaven ever since.
The only reason I got the Firebox was because it takes up about 1/20th of the desk space. No sooner do I hook the Firebox up I'm dealing with all sorts of problems from this thing like latency, dropouts, pops, clicks, etc. A quick search online reveals that this unit comes with a bag of excuses. I spent a day following recommendations and trouble shooting but life is too short. If I wanted to spend time troubleshooting instead of recording I could go back to tape. Since I know my machine (G5 PowerPC dual 2.7GHz OSX 10.4.8) and GarageBand are fine I have a question once again: Can I simply use the Firebox as a stand alone pre amp into GarageBand? All I'm looking to do is get the mic and guitar up to line level anyway, the PreSonus mixer software had no EQ for me to tweak like the Tascam. That way I'll just record and monitor in GB2 like I always do. I'm guessing I can yank the firewire, power the Presonus with the AC adapter, plug my guitar or mic into the Firebox and run cable from the units line outputs (or "main outs"??) to the Macs line in? I'd simply fiddle with all this myself but I'm paranoid about damaging the Macs Audio circuitry. (Full disclosure: I grew up in the era when your band's bass player would "modify" your amp with his soldering iron and the next thing you knew the tubes in your head were doubling as a smoke machine so I've learned to be careful.)
Robert

I own the movies and I want them to stay in my iTunes library basically forever.
But in both cases the file name no longer shows in the movie list, so I don't know how to re-download it from the Cloud.
iTunes prefs > Store > Show iTunes in the Cloud purchases.
This will show all your iTunes purchases in your library with a cloud icon down arrow. Click the icon to redownload or click on Play to stream without downloading.
Also see this , -> Download past purchases
and techncially, you don't "own" the movie, You simply have a license to use it.
Yet the first thing iTunes does when you hit the delete key is tell you that it will remove the movie forever from all devices and the library.
Actually, no it does not tell you that.
FYI: You should keep copies of all yoru iTnue spurahses as the labels/movie studios/copyright owners can pull their product at anytime and it won't be available to redownload.
Suggestions here -> http://www.apple.com/feedback/

EXS throws Presonus Firebox offline....HELP?!?!?!

posted someting about this last week but I desperately need help. I have clients waiting and I can't even load up one EXS sampler without it immediately throwing my Firebox offline (no sound at all).
Even if I reboot Logic, nothing. Now when I reboot my G5 the Firebox doesn't even appear as an option within System Prefs/ Sound. The only solution is to shut down, unplug the firewire cable connected to Firebox, reboot then replug the cable. DISASTER!!!
Is this a form of SIDS? I have all current software and firmware updates. Should I upgrade to Logic 7.2? Please help, anyone!?!? I'm desperate to get back to work!!! Clients waiting!!!!!!
My current set up is
dual 2.0 G5 / 1.5 G ram/ Logic pro 7.1.1 / 160 GB system / 250 GB media int/
300 GB ext back-up/ Presonus Firebox
G5 dual 2.0Ghz, 1.5 GB ram/ Logic pro 7.1.1 / 160 GB system / 250 GB media int/ Mac OS X (10.3.9)

no you can't upgrade to 7.2 untill you upgrade to Tiger
I think the problem is the firebox and not logic, I have one, or should I say, presonus has mine right now, repairing it because the midi section wouldn't work properly. I have 3 presonus products and every one of them has had problems. I believe they are having quality contol issues.
I would suggest you call presonus, they are very nice and willing to help
in the mean time try to beg borrow or steal another audio interface and see if that works

Premiere Pro CS6 and Presonus Firebox w/Matrox MXO2

Good Day.
I just installed the newest Matrox MXO2 Mini w/Max technology on my 64bit Win7 system.
Got my HDMI monitor working. Yayy! - seriously... that was a real problem a few months back, so I'm happy I can see my Output on that monitor.
My problem is all of my audio is now piped over there too, and I'd much rather have the choice of mixing with my M-Audio speakers through my PreSonus Firebox, OR listening to it through the crummy speakers on my HDMI TV.
I've gone into the Prefs>Audio Hardware and set it to the PreSonus, but that didn't help.
I've scoured the www and YouTube, as well as these forums, the Presonus formums and even the Matrox forums and it SEEMs I'm alone in this configuration - or, at least, I can't find anyone with the same setup and same problems.
Can anyone walk me through the setup of my Firebox to be used with PP CS6 (as well AE and all the rest)? I'd be much obliged, as my frustration level has just about peaked at this point.
Thanks very much for any advice, input and assistance you may be able to offer!

Yikes!
I thought I was being clever by getting the MXO2.
I'm stuck with it now, but what's the "Right" way of getting a correct signal to my HDMI LCD HD TV?
But yeah, it's been a hassle ever since I got it. VideoGuys (from whom I bought it and are normally very nice) were quick to wash their hands of me and the product. I thought I'd have a lot of support from them, since they recommended it, but they passed me off and never looked back.
But the good news is, thanks to this forum, I now have video and audio live from my timeline.

Does anyone on here use a presonus FIREBOX?

Hey guys,
Is anyone on here running an intel mac, with a presonus firebox with gb3?
Im thinking of buying one, but am curious if it will work with GarageBand on the intel machines, because ive had nothing but trouble with my old interface while trying to get it onto the intel.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks!

I'm using another Presonus device, the Inspire, but the basics apply to all of them. Presonus devices use Apple's Core Audio, so you don't need any drivers, and they kept on working seamlessly when the Intel Macs were introduced. The Inspire has a control surface program that was updated for Intels, but I don't think you need any for the Firebox since the buttons and knobs are physical.
For more information on the Firebox, wait until the American forum users got up, there's a couple of them who can tell you more.

Just Bought a Presonus Firebox and want to know if I really need to install

Just Bought a Presonus Firebox and want to know if I really need to install the presonus software that came with it?
Is it really necessary?
thanks, technoreid

The Firebox Mixer allows you to set up different
routings for the monitors and headphones. You may
never use such features, but if you do, you'll
appreciate the flexibility. It can also be used to
provide lower latency monitoring of live signals than
you might get using softwre monitoring in Logic.
For most operation, you won't need it, and you'll
control everything from Logic and the front panel
level controls.
In my opinion, the Firebox is the king of small
interfaces.
Before worrying about a tube preamp, get some mics,
and learn how to use the EQ in Logic.
+1 a solid interface
personally i use the mixer feature to switch my main outs from 1-2 to 3-4 when using traktor to let 1-2 be the headphone cue.... ect....

No Levels in Voice Over Meter with Presonus Firebox Preamp

I've searched a bit through this forum and it seems this has been a problem in the past for several people. Has anyone figured out why the Presonus Firebox Preamp (using a condenser mic with phantom power)will register sound in Garage Band...Soundtrack Pro...etc, but not in Final Cut Pro 5.
Final Cut Pro's VO utility identifies the Presonus Firebox, but no sound comes through at all...even if you try to record...say a few lines...and then play it back...still absolutely silent.
Help!!!
Mr. Pants

Check that the sample rate is set the same everywhere:
Presonus dialog
Audio MiIDI setup
Sequence settings
Audio/Video settings- A/V Devices - Playback Output - Options
and finally, Toolbench Voice Over dialog.

Presonus Firebox Interface technical problems.

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