Yes there is a difference.

A pre-amp takes a mic level signal and outputs a line level signal. It's the first stage in amplification.
Pre-amps also can offer phantom power to provide power for mics that need it.

An interface is usually a analog to digital converter with some sort of plug you can stick into your computer, firewire or USB.
Interfaces usually have pre-amps built into them, also they can accept line level and sometimes instrument level. They also usually have a digital to analog converter in them so you can play back your music.
Interfaces are all in one units for handling mics, lines and instruments, recording and playing back.

To use the Firebox you buy it, read the manual then install the drivers and software, plug it all in, turn it on and use it.

I thought I was done posting on anything involving this, but c'mon man, like ten minutes on Musicians Friend or Zzounds and you could have figured that out.

Just get the interface, dick around with it, and come back with better questions.

The presonus firebox @$250.00> is a great product but it is a firewire interface and I am not certain if your Mac (I'm PC) is firewire compatable. It can record up to six inputs (2 by line level 1/4" or xlr.)Accepts instrument or line level inputs.

Has seperate main and headphone outputs and can produce mixes for monitors and phones. It has zero latency (so playback and recording are fully synched) when using the interface through headphones or monitors.

There are other brands, some that use USB as the connection. All intefaces have a minimum requirement for processor and ram but be aware that is for the interface and the attached software recording programs chew up both.

I am not familiar with Audacity but some will work with almost any software others are more specific.
Post your computers specs and I am certain one of the Apple users can help.

I'm using an E-MU 0404 USB and having a lot of success. For now, it does everything I need it to. I only wish it had balanced outputs for my monitors though but at 250CDN, I can't get everything I want:(

jg49 wrote: It has zero latency (so playback and recording are fully synched) when using the interface through headphones or monitors.

Latency has nothing to do with syncing playback and recording. If your DAW is set up correctly your recordings will be properly synchronised even when monitoring through your DAW with latency.

I am not certain if your Mac (I'm PC) is firewire compatable.

in the back there are two firewire ports, so I should be fine right? or is there something else involved?

All you need is one of those FireWire ports -- you are good to go! I use PreSonus equipment and Macs with no problems.

Good luck with your recordings.

FlyBass wrote: Good luck with your recordings.

Thanks :D

also about the thread question, I am just looking for basic how to, levels and stuff, how to set the input volumes and etc.

All that kind of thing is covered in the equipment manuals but on the Presonus stuff it is pretty intuitive, keep the led's from going red.

ok thanks.

Apple invented FireWire. Otherwise it's known as IEEE 1394. Columbus discovered America in 1492. The Americans blew up the Japanese in 1945. Nixon went down in 1972. A new era was born in America in 2008 or, was that 2009? It's been so long I forget.

Forget me knot
Ms. Remy Ann David

Yeah, I know apple pioneered firewire but I remember reading here in the forums that certain new Mac laptops don't have firewire, I just did not want to assume his did.

Apple decided to be LAME and exclude firewire on the latest macbook.

You also don't get more than one FW800 port on their new Pro model, where as the previous MacBook Pro came with both 400 +800, Another LAME decision from Apple! Look for more lame updates to come!

First off, is there a difference?

An interface is an all-in-one recording device, and they usually come bundled with semi-professional recording software (like Cubase LE). A preamp is not what you want right now. An interface is required for good sound, a preamp just polishes the sound (I think that makes sense...). You really don't need more than the ability to record one stereo track at a time, which means you don't really need firewire, but multiple inputs and firewire are certainly nice to have. Just buy a cheap interface.

"A preamp is not what you want right now. An interface is required for good sound, a preamp just polishes the sound"

A standalone preamp polishes the sound when you use it to feed the interface's line level input.

The interface's cheapo preamps are what you really want, and the ADCs will be far superior to your onboard soundcard.

Huh??
A preamp polishes the sound??? How about, a preamp amplifies the mics lower level signal....
An interface will often *have* a preamp - the quality of which varies.

A good preamp into a sound card may work fine. However, you're likely better off with an interface if this is your first foray into computer recording.

IIRS-
If I'm not mistaken, the comment about latency may have been regarding 0-latency mixes for fold back. When a singer is recording a vocal track and the signal has to go into the software, then back out to the vocalist, it's at the mercy of the system's (system=interface+computer+software) latency. If you can run a low buffer (128 samples or less), you may not have a problem. If you're running high-buffers, you will.

Cheers -
J

Guitarfreak wrote: also about the thread question, I am just looking for basic how to, levels and stuff, how to set the input volumes and etc.

Wait. I thought you had experience in pro studios? Anyway, the manual. Yes the "getting started" manual is your best friend. And after that, the pdf manual that comes with Cubase LE included with the Firebox. Use the index for specific questions. When all that has finally failed you, this forum or Steinberg.net will be your next resource.

Huh??
A preamp polishes the sound??? How about, a preamp amplifies the mics lower level signal....
An interface will often *have* a preamp - the quality of which varies.

I meant that a preamp is more of a one-trick pony, and that interfaces come with usable ones anyway, so better to get an interface, because it can do more than just a preamp.

The foldback issue was what I was talking about. Was I incorrect to call that latency? Is there a better terminology to use regarding this?

With everybody saying different things it's tough to make a decision. How about if you had to buy either one or the other. The Presonus Firebox or the Groove Tubes Brick?

No one is saying different things. Everyone is in agreement here except you. There are some minor details are a bit hazy but the basic response is, you NEED an interface with preamp(s). Sure, you could buy a Brick but you will still suffer with latency in your DAW

Where do you live? Is there a GuitCent or something similiar nearby?

Because the best answer to which one is the one thats best for you, is the one you like. The only way to know that is to play around with them.

These units are zebra to elephant, not the same creature at ALL.

There seems to be a point that most posters including Codemonkey, who uses a soundcard to record with, have been trying to get you to look at.

THAT IS AN ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL INTERFACE.

This completely bypasses your soundcard as a way to record audio into your computer.

The Brick is a single channel preamp and will not convert to digital by itself so you will either have to use your existing soundcard (not recommended) or buy an interface that will (more $)

The Presonus is two quality solid state preamps and digital converters bundled with Cubase an extensive DAW platform complete with compressors, reverb, EQ etc.

I know you have Audacity and as I said I am not familiar with it so that might be redundant except that I find it convenient to use Cubase as the Pro Studios I use have Nuendo so anything I do at my project studio can be brought there or vice versa.

IMO and ONLY IMO the Firebox is a better starter kit with the capabilty of making first rate recordings of vocals, guitars, keyboards etc.

But it has to work for you.

right, I might go try them out. I understand how different they are, and the functions each of them perform. I might start with the firebox for a number of reasons. I also read the sticky where TC says he used Presonus stuff and got demo quality stuff, and when he used the tube pre, his stuff sounded a lot better. That's where this "other" opinion is coming from, just in case you were wondering.

BTW I don't use Audacity, I use Logic Pro. And I'm not really a fan of the fact that the firebox comes with software...just more stuff to worry about, when all i want is a box with knobs.

So in conclusion, I think we all agree that I should start with the firebox then yes? Not that the brick is bad or that I shouldn't get it in the long run, but first things first right?

BTW I don't use Audacity, I use Logic Pro.

Ummmmmmmmm, you're using Logic Pro and you don't have an interface? I really hope you didn't steal your software.

my friend had an extra disc because his parents are rich and he is spoiled. As soon as he got it he wanted Pro Tools instead v_v he kept the interface lol.

You have no idea what kind of can of whoop-ass you can open around here for having cracked or stolen software.

Seriously. Its not funny.

Cucco wrote:
IIRS-
If I'm not mistaken, the comment about latency may have been regarding 0-latency mixes for fold back. When a singer is recording a vocal track and the signal has to go into the software, then back out to the vocalist, it's at the mercy of the system's (system=interface+computer+software) latency. If you can run a low buffer (128 samples or less), you may not have a problem. If you're running high-buffers, you will.

Sure. But a properly set up DAW will compensate for any latency so that the recording is lined up correctly with existing tracks. Maybe I misunderstood, but he seemed to be saying that higher latencies would result in misalaigned recordings, rather than just an off-putting delay in the headphones mix.

It's funny, because from your questions, I think everyone here can tell that you wouldn't even know where to create a new track on Logic if someone didn't tell you first.

Three things:
Don't make up BS stories.
Don't bother using Logic, it's much too advanced for you if you can't even figure out where a mic needs to be plugged in
Don't EVER pirate software.

I think Cucco might have something to say about it. He works for the CIA, the NSA, the NAACP, the PHP and the HTML.

Don't be a tool.

Actually frobs I can make new tracks, and record, edit, and mix. Forgive me for trying to get as much information before I make a purchase. someone somewhere in the world may actually consider that smart.

iamfrobs wrote: I think Cucco might have something to say about it. He works for the CIA, the NSA, the NAACP, the PHP and the HTML.

Don't be a tool.

I'm sorry. That made me laugh hard.

"NAACP"

In the UK, the NCP is the National Car Park (or something) - is this the National American Automobile Car Park?

Don't forget, I also work for NAMBLA and (Marlon Brando, Man-Boy) and the MIB.

RUN!!! You ALIENS!!! THE MONKEY HAS A GUN!!!

what's nice about most "FireWire Interfaces" (really an AD/DA converter) is that they incorporate microphone preamps right into the design. Now we aren't talking top of the line pres here, but definitely a great way to learn about pres and line level inputs and all the fun stuff. Heck, most even have a high impedance jack to DI some bass guitar riffs.

Odds are very strong in my favor when I guess that the presonus's ADC will be vastly superior to what your soundcard can provide. Even in spite of the fact that the Brick may (or may not!) offer a better signal than the presonus's in's will, if you're passing the Brick through a crappy soundcard then all of that work is negated entirely.

You have a better bet with getting an interface with pre-amps and phantom power (if you get a condenser mic one day) than letting a consumer audio soundcard do work that it wasn't designed to do. Then just build up from there, you'll get some mileage out of your interface as long as you focus on its strengths, instead of forcing yourself to deal with its weaknesses on a daily basis.

Oh, FYI... if you were going to spend $400 on a Brick, I would strongly consider looking at the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 for $100 more. Good brand, good ADCs, good pre's and plenty of room to expand. Just my $.02...

I have always thought that the Brick is a nice preamp. A fairly one-trick-pony preamp but still a good strong signal, low-noise, nicely rounded sound....very pro. But I wouldnt use it on a lot of vocals. Bass DI=KILLER.

I also like the Brick as a DI for acoustic electric guitars. (Particularly Taylors) I use it live (gotta find a better way to pack it up) and I always put the guitar through it when I'm recording a band live in the studio. I've often found that track more useful than the miced guitar (with lots of bleed). So its got a few tricks.

Guitarfreak wrote: my friend had an extra disc because his parents are rich and he is spoiled. As soon as he got it he wanted Pro Tools instead v_v he kept the interface lol.

which interface did your friend keep? did he keep it to use with his new pro tools?

BDM wrote: which interface did your friend keep? did he keep it to use with his new pro tools?

I'm not sure, I've never heard him mention one, but it is Logic Express I believe, so does that make a difference?

Guitarfreak wrote: [quote=BDM]which interface did your friend keep? did he keep it to use with his new pro tools?

I'm not sure, I've never heard him mention one, but it is Logic Express I believe, so does that make a difference?it does but only because you need a digidesign or M-Audio interface to use ProTools LE.