Well, I've basically made up my mind, I want a PreSonus. after reading around here and getting an idea of what some of the different interfaces offer this is what I'm gonna go for.
Well, since last looking at the things (like 2 years ago, when it was firepod or firebox) have changed a bit. There are now many flavors to choose from. a variety of firestudio's the firebox, and the FP10, which i guess is the reincarnated firepod.
Let me give you guys a breakdown of my experience and my planned useage.
experience = zero
usage = I am moving into a nice large basement where I plan on doing vocal and guitar recordings, i have some roland vdrums so for the time being dont intend on Micing any drums.
Now the most sensible thing to do, as i dont have any experience, and only plan on recording guitars and vocals, would be the firebox.
BUT, I'm not always sensible and i like to have cool gear to play with. I dont like the limitation of only having 2 mics at a time, Although for the time being that is probably the number of mics i'm going to buy. I have an interesting book that has some funky Micing config's and I would like the capability of mic multiple instruments with multiple mics. (I am a complete n00b and maybe this is just unnecessary)
So, what do you think? should i shell out the extra cash for one of the firestudio's/FP10? Which one do you think suits my purposes? Now as I type this, I am tilting away from the firebox now.
I dont have a huge budget but I got myself some expendible income and for something really great like the firestudio tube, i could probably tighten my belt for a while. So i dont want to put a pricepoint on what I'm willing to spend yet, besides to say I dont want to spend more than the 600 for the fp-tube.
is it worth the extra 200 for the tubes? do they make a large difference?
My mic plans as of now are to get probably 1-2 sm57/8's and maybe another different mic for compare and contrast, dynamic perhaps? something like that (haven't done my mic research yet either. got suggestions?)
I'm sorry I'm such a n00b. But that is why I come here to ask questions and lurk^^.
Comments
Right now I am using 2 FS Projects daisy chained, I previously o
Right now I am using 2 FS Projects daisy chained, I previously owned the FP10 and feel the Project line has better converters and a superior sound overall and is about $100.00 more than the FP10.
Personally I think the Tube is a gimmick. There seems to be a misconception that these tubes add warmth to vocals, I just don't hear it that way. You asked if they make a large difference? My answer is no. I would take the extra money and put it into a better mic. It is also my understanding that the tube units can not be daisy chained meaning if you end up going whole hog and want 16, 24 channels you may have to look for a different unit altogether.
As far as the 2 channel, 8 channel thing all I can say is when I first started getting into this I thought about 2 channels decided that the flexibility of 8 for twice the price was definitely worth it. I never regretted that decision in the least.
jammster wrote: I happen to want to have the ability to record 1
jammster wrote: I happen to want to have the ability to record 16 tracks at 24/96. The only way to do this with PreSonus products is with the original FS, which has remained a very useful tool for me.
Actually the Firebox is capable of 24/96 as well, I own it. I think the only PreSonus product that isn't capable of 24/96 is the AudioPod or lower. Obviously can't do the 16 track thing, but just wanted to clear that up. :)
Well, I haven't tried any of these units, but if you can afford
Well, I haven't tried any of these units, but if you can afford it buy something larger than the minimal number of inputs of the firebox. This is especially true because you have no experience. You haven't experimented with a lot of techniques. You don't really know what you will end up doing with recording a month from now.
As I say, I have not used these units, but I think it is good advice to stay away from tube units in this price range. There are too many units where the tubes just act as a stomp box distortion device. It's pretty much a marketing device to attract electric guitar players who are new to recording.
Ok, I was off on that. You can use the FS Tube for 16 tracks @
Ok, I was off on that.
You can use the FS Tube for 16 tracks @ 24/96, however this is only Two channels of tube mic pre and six of the regular presonus xmax and 8 line inputs.
There are no inserts either. The channels 1+2 of the original FS come with inserts. That way you can use the analog processing of your choice if you already have a compressor / limiter that you like.
The tube channels (1+2) look interesting since they have an analog limiter coupled within them.
Be aware that reviewers on Sweetwater are saying the FS Tube has weak line level recording.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FireStuTube/reviews/#anchor
Go with your gut. Do what works for you.
I'm w/ Jammster on the original FS. The options for input/output
I'm w/ Jammster on the original FS.
The options for input/output and ADAT for up to 24 (26 w/ spdif) channels are just too irresistable. I run it w/ a Digimax ADAT in for 16 channels. Though I rarely need the extra channel or two, I'd like to add another (or get the ADAT card for my Focusrite ISA 428).
Plus w/ the Monitor-thing (they changed the name and look a little), you have the ability to switch between ST outs (monitors), check mono, and talkback.
Pretty decent preamps too.
Best purchase I ever made.
Thanks a lot for the help guys. I will certainly stay away from
Thanks a lot for the help guys. I will certainly stay away from the tube after hearing your comments. I definitely would have fallen into the trap of "ooo its got a tube" mentality.
Probably gonna have to look closer at the differences between the project and the regular studio.
Have you checked into the 1394 Inspire? You can expand as you ha
Have you checked into the 1394 Inspire? You can expand as you have the need too do so. You may find it to be a reasonable value since different members of a band can own one, then when you record you can link them together to create more inputs for live recording.
I use the original firestudio, and have not heard any positive or negative feedback on the FS Tube. Generally I would stay away from it, but thats just me.
Tube gear is great, but keep in mind its generally very pricey when its done with class.
I would say go with your gut. Find reviews of what people have to say online.
By the way, the original FS is great. I've had it for two years. I absolutely love the sound I get with it. I always follow one simple rule: Do what works for you.
I happen to want to have the ability to record 16 tracks at 24/96. The only way to do this with PreSonus products is with the original FS, which has remained a very useful tool for me.