Quick ? regarding PreSonus Firebox preamp

About to use my new PreSonus Firebox preamp for the first time. Will try with a mic first, then try to run my electric guitar and bass guitar through it.
But which inputs should I use for the guitars? The back "line in" jacks? Or, the front "mic/instrument" jacks? And does it matter which channel I select? 1 or 2?
The manual says the electric guitars can go into the front "mic/instrument" jacks if they "do not" have a preamp in the guitar. If they do, they should go into the back "line in" jacks.
I don't know whether my guitars have a built-in preamp. Never thought about it. It appears possible "damage" could occur, presumably to the Presonus preamp, if I do this wrong. Is that right?
Any thoughts would be deeply appreciated.

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.

Similar Messages

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 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/

PreSonus Firebox w GarageBand 2...not recording

Trying out my new PreSonus Firebox for the first time.
1) Tried bring in song from a tape casssette: used two 1/4" plugs on back of preamp...Lines In 3 & 4. Used the back because the tape deck has a preamp;
2) Tried recording with a mic: 1/4" plug into Mic/Instrument Line 1 on front of preamp.
--iMac System Preferences are set for PreSonus Firebox
--GarageBand Audio Prefs is set for PreSonus Firebox
No sound, and no evidence of recording activity, from headphones either into the iMac or into the Firebox preamp....or from computer speakers.
Is this something to do with a "line out" into the computer? I had thought the FireWire would take care of that.
Hoping this is something simple that I'm just not getting.
Appreciate you help

Definitely hit Radio Shack and get these items:
Stereo Mini Y adapter for iPod (allows two sets of headphones to use one iPod output). Since the two outputs are connected together, you can now use it as a stereo Mini (Male) to stereo Mini (Male) coupler for which you can find cables and adapters to take the audio to split RCA (Stereo Mini to RCA out adapter cable (#422483) or plug (274-883?) and, finally, Standard Phone plug (2 RCA to Phone plug (1/4") adapters.) for use with your interface outputs.
Connect speaker plug (Mini Plug) to stereo Mini Y adapter. Plug Stereo Mini to RCA in other Y. Connect RCA plugs to Phone plug adapters to output of Box. Tape over Mini Y adapter's unused plug.
Definitely NOT elegant, but works. Otherwise clean the whole thing up with a pair of wire pliers and a soldering tool.
I'm SURE there are better solutions, but this was a quick one from Radio Shack's online catalog...
...J
PS Just bought a Firebox solution for my kid at school and he wants to use his JBL Creatures...same thing...computer speakers. Headed out to Radio Shack today to get the same or similar solution for him...Ha ha ha.

Presonus Firebox w/ line-in monters

Garageband has an option to use a different driver for line in and line out. Logic does not seem to have this ability. My monitors (m-audio studiopro 3) won't plug in to the line outputs on the firebox so I plug them into the back of the comp. So basically, I can't monitor as I record. Too hear the recording I have to switch drivers in Logic. The only option I can think of is to use headphones for the firebox.
My question is : Am I missing something or is Logic really less capable than Garageband in this regard?
Mac Pro Mac OS X (10.4.7) Logic Express, Presonus Firebox, M-Audio Studiopro 3

Definitely hit Radio Shack and get these items:
Stereo Mini Y adapter for iPod (allows two sets of headphones to use one iPod output). Since the two outputs are connected together, you can now use it as a stereo Mini (Male) to stereo Mini (Male) coupler for which you can find cables and adapters to take the audio to split RCA (Stereo Mini to RCA out adapter cable (#422483) or plug (274-883?) and, finally, Standard Phone plug (2 RCA to Phone plug (1/4") adapters.) for use with your interface outputs.
Connect speaker plug (Mini Plug) to stereo Mini Y adapter. Plug Stereo Mini to RCA in other Y. Connect RCA plugs to Phone plug adapters to output of Box. Tape over Mini Y adapter's unused plug.
Definitely NOT elegant, but works. Otherwise clean the whole thing up with a pair of wire pliers and a soldering tool.
I'm SURE there are better solutions, but this was a quick one from Radio Shack's online catalog...
...J
PS Just bought a Firebox solution for my kid at school and he wants to use his JBL Creatures...same thing...computer speakers. Headed out to Radio Shack today to get the same or similar solution for him...Ha ha ha.

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.

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....

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 SPDIF input issues

Hello all,
I'm hoping you folks could help me on an issue I've been having with getting the input chain correct to record a SPDIF input signal. I've searched this forum with no other postings found. I've also emailed PreSonus tech support without much luck. The emails I sent are posted below. I'll refrain from posting the replies as they are the property of PreSonus. I'm not looking to bash them. I just want to get on with recording. Please read through them if you feel you could be of help to me.
Thank you,
1st email...
Hello,
I'm an running the following equipment;
PreSonus Firebox
Logic Pro 7.1
Apple 12 inch powerbook running OSX Tiger
Focusrite Voice Master Pro
I recently purchased the digital A/D card with SPDIF for the Focusrite Voice Master Pro (preamp / channel strip). For the life of me, I have not been able to figure out the recording chain for the digital SPDIF input coming from the Focusrite Voice Master Pro. The Firebox manual shows a selection is needed for Windows XP within the Control application. However, non exists for OSX. I'm not a new user to DAW systems. I recently upgraded from a MOTU setup and used SPDIF to / from a DAT recorder without issue. Considering how simple it was to use digital recording with that set up, I know I must be just missing something here. But, after a week of reading the manuals and reading the Logic online forums, I'm still stumped. Please advise and help.
Thank you,
In the reply, I was told I had to download the control app for OSX and select inputs 5-6 within the logic channel strip. I did so and still no go.
2nd email...
Thanks for the reply. I did download the app and tried to use 5-6 input without luck. No signal, bummer. I guess I have more than one issue? I'll have to do some testing by changing cables and running the signal from my DAT player instead of the Focusrite. Maybe I have a bad A/D card on the Focusrite. I'll try running the Focusrite into the DAT as well. Is there any way to test and/or monitor the SPDIF on the Firebox (without Logic) for sync lock and signal? I tried installing the Cubase software included as a test, but I get an error message. So, no go there.
In this reply, I was told I should download the Firebox Mixer and a patch for Cubase. The mixer came with the unit so I really don't see the need to download it unless there's an update. I really don't have a need for Cubase. I just wanted to install it in order to use it as a test.
3rd email...
Hi,
Good news... I was able to send output and record to my DAT player via SPDIF. And, the Focusrite also recorded to my DAT player via SPDIF.
Bad news... No input via SPDIF via the Firebox.
I see that there are many options to route the output signal though the mixer, but no "real" input chain settings. There's a lack meter or peak monitoring on the mixer or the unit. There's no way to be certain the correct sample rate is set and/or received so that I can be sure a digital lock is established. I set Logic to input 5-6. Nothing. I can only assume that when a SPDIF signal is received, it's automatically set to 5-6. Is this correct? If so, something must be wrong with the unit. Perhaps you can tell me (or send me a screen shot of) the correct mixer setting I should be using so that I may test the Firebox.
To be honest, I'm about to trash this unit. I've spent several hours trying to figure what's wrong here. I find the documentation woefully inadequate. It's integration lacking. The fact I had to download the undocumented control software to get the SPDIF capability that was to already to be included with the unit as advertised was not what I was expecting. Partially against other manufactures products I've used. I do appreciate your help in this matter. At the same time, if I have to spend much more effort on this, I'm more likely find myself buying a better box. It will not be a PreSonus.
I sent that email 2 days ago and never got a reply.
I really don't want to buy something else when I'm likely to be just missing something. Please help.
Thanks,
Tim
G4 12inch Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.4)
G4 12 inch Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Well.... I did download that control app and I finally got the SPDIF input working. That's a different version than the 1st control app I was told to download just days before. WHATEVER. I'm a happy guy now. Wheee!!! The funny is/was that's the same download the presonus tech told me was the the mixer app. That's why I didn't download it right away. The 1st couple of times I used it caused some audio shuttering, but then that has gone away. Hopefully, that's not a new issue.
Good luck to all.
Tim

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

Is there a way to run a 2005 PreSonus Firebox(with the firewire) to a mid-2011 iMac 0SX 10.7.2? It says its no longer supporting Power PC? Anything I can do without spending more money on new equipment or a new computer? Please help me.

Is there a way to run a 2005 PreSonus Firebox(with the firewire) to a mid-2011 iMac 0SX 10.7.2? It says its no longer supporting Power PC? Anything I can do without spending more money on new equipment or a new computer? Please help me.

Nevermind, I got it working.
I ended up extracting the new vob within MPEG Streamclip, which gave me an m2v and an aiff audio. I multiplexed those two back together in FFMpegX which gave me a complete VIDEO_TS folder with BUP and IFO files I needed.

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.

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

HT4167 why won't my firewire port recognise my PreSonus Firebox

Logic on my old macbook has decided to stop recognising my presonus firebox, even after all the latest drivers etc have been added. It just isn't showing up as an input or output option, yet is still lit up by the firewire cable....help!

The Shuffle doesn't offer audio output through USB. It only has the four conductors needed for either USB (charge and sync) *or* headphone audio+controls, and can't do both functions at the same time. You would need a Nano, Classic or Touch (with a lightning port or dock connector) to get that feature.
Or, if your stereo also offers an AUX audio input, you could connect your Shuffle using an audio cable with e "headphone" plug at both ends. Note that this will not charge the iPod at all,

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.

Quick ? regarding PreSonus Firebox preamp

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