PreSonus FireBox Manual
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Citation
This article is based on a PreSonus manual and are used with the kind permission from the people at PreSonus.
WikiRecording thanks PreSonus for their support of our community.
The original manuals can be found at PreSonus's Technical Support Website.
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc is not responsible for the content of this article.
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Below are the minimum computer system requirements for the FIREBOX.
Note
The speed of the processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of the hard drive will greatly affect the overall performance of the recording system. Also, a more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM) will allow for lower latency (signal delay) that you might experience while monitoring audio or MIDI signals.
Windows
- OS: Microsoft Windows XP
- Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire port.
- CPU/Clock: Pentium, Celeron with 900Mhz or higher (Dual 1.2 GHz recommended)
- Memory(RAM): 256 MB (512MB recommended)
Mac
- OS: MacOS X 10.3.7 or later
- Computer: Apple Macintosh series with on-board Firewire port.
- CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/800Mhz or higher (G4/Dual 1 GHZ recommended)
- Memory(RAM): 512 MB or more
Installation Steps on Windows XP
Installation Steps:
- Quit all currently running applications
- Insert CD-ROM Driver Installation included with the FIREBOX into the computer. (DO NOT CONNECT YOUR FIREBOX AT THIS TIME.)
- CD should auto run. (If not, navigate to CD and double click on FIREBOX_Installer.exe)
- Carefully read and follow the FIREBOX installation instructions.
- The installer will prompt you to connect the FIREBOX at the proper time. (NOTE: If you are you connecting the FIREBOX via a standard 6-pin Firewire cable, power for the unit will be supplied via the Firewire cable.
- If you are using a 4 to 6-pin Firewire cable, you will need to connect the included external power supply to power the FIREBOX.)
- This installation procedure will also install the FIREBOX Control Panel and Mixer software.
Note: If at any point during installation a Software Installation message appears from Windows regarding Windows Logo testing click Continue Anyway to continue installation.
Installation Steps on Macintosh OSX (10.3.7 or later)
The audio drivers for the FIREBOX are included in the CORE AUDIO of Macintosh OSX 10.3.7 and later.
Once you have verified that you are running OSX 10.3.7 or later, connect the FIREBOX to a FireWire port on the computer (power for the unit will be supplied via the Firewire cable).
The FIREBOX sync light should flash red and then stay blue to signify that the FIREBOX is properly sync'd to the computer.
FIREBOX CONTROL PANEL WINDOWS XP
Once you have successfully installed the audio drivers, the FIREBOX Control Panel will be available from the system tray (typically located at the bottom right hand corner of the screen near the clock).
Double click on the FIREBOX Control Panel ICON to open the FIREBOX Hardware Control Panel.
FIREBOX HARDWARE CONTROL PANEL (Windows XP)
Sample Rate
Drop down the menu to select the sample rate of the FIREBOX. Your options are 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96k. This must be set to the same sample rate in the recording software. High sample rates record theoretically "higher quality" audio, but the resulting files take up more space.
Clock Source
Drop down the menu to select the FIREBOX's digital sync source.
INTERNAL
Uses the FIREBOX's internal clock as the main clock for all audio on the computer.
SPDIF
Must be selected to use the SPDIF input.
(Note that Control Panel settings will be saved upon power down.)
Latency
Sets the amount of delay time of the FIREBOX (1.5ms - 24ms). Latency is the time it takes for the computer to process audio. Lower latency settings demand more CPU resources. In the case of inconsistent audio, (i.e. drop outs, pops and clicks, digital distortion, etc) we recommend that you increase this setting.
Input Level Boost
Clicking this button will boost the input level of each corresponding analog input on the FIREBOX by +12dB. Use this feature for recording quiet instruments or devices with low output.
Macintosh - FIREBOX HARDWARE CONTROL PANEL
The included CD-ROM contains Macintosh software for the FIREBOX Control Panel as well as the Mixer software.
To install the FIREBOX Control Panel, drag and drop the following file to the hard drive:
Once this file is saved to the hard drive, double click on it to launch the Control Panel.
Input Level Boost
Clicking this button will boost the input level of each corresponding analog input on the FIREBOX by +12dB. Use this feature for recording quiet instruments or devices with low output.
FIREBOX CONTROL PANEL ADVANCED SETTINGS:
You can Right Click (or control click) on the FIREBOX control panel icon to select between three different computer optimization settings. These settings optimize the buffers and audio streaming settings based on the speed of the processor. If you are experiencing audio drop outs, it is recommended that you select a lower CPU setting.
High: Computer Processor 2GHz and higher
Medium (default): Computer Processor 1GHz to 2GHz
Low: Computer Processor 800MHz to 1GHz
FIREBOX MIXER Setup
Windows XP
Once you have successfully installed the audio drivers, the FIREBOX Mixer will be available in the program files. You can launch the Mixer by clicking: Start -> Program files -> PreSonus FIREBOX MIXER.
Macintosh
The included CD-ROM disk contains Macintosh software for the FIREBOX Mixer. To install the FIREBOX Mixer, drag and drop the following file to the hard drive:
Once this file is saved to the hard drive, double click on it to launch the Mixer.
CUBASE LE QUICK START UP
Once you have installed the FIREBOX drivers, if you plan on using the CUBASE LE software included with the FIREBOX, insert the CUBASE LE installation CD and run the installer. Make sure to keep the CD envelope sleeve handy to reference the serial number during installation.
To select the FIREBOX in Cubase LE, go to Devices -> Device Setup
Select VST multi-track.
ASIO Driver (pull down menu) select PreSonus ASIO Driver.
Click Switch to save PreSonus Driver Selection
TEST YOUR FIREBOX WITH CUBASE LE
In order to test the FIREBOX, do the following:
Launch Cubase LE and make sure that you have selected the PreSonus FIREBOX ASIO driver as described above. Create a new project:
Create one new audio track within the new project by clicking on Project ->Add Track-> Audio (or you can right click (ctrl-click mac) in the track space within the project:
Record enable the track by pressing the Record Enable button.
Plug a microphone into channel one and turn on 48V phantom power if needed for the microphone.
Turn up the channel 1 trim control on the front panel of the FIREBOX while speaking into the microphone. You should see the input meter in the Cubase LE track info react to the speaking. Adjust trim so that the input level is at its maximum without clipping.
Connect a set of headphones to the FIREBOX headphone output.
Click the monitor button in Cubase LE for Audio 01 to arm the track's monitoring.
PreSonus has also included a Cubase LE session file template on the internet at [www.presonus.com/FIREBOX.html PreSonus's Firebox Website]
Note that online help available for Cubase LE by pressing F1 or go to Category:Cubase Tutorials
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT AND DESCRIPTION
1. Microphone / Instrument Pre-Amplifier
The FIREBOX is equipped with two custom designed PreSonus microphone / instrument preamplifiers for use with all types of microphones including Dynamics, Condensers, and Ribbons as well as instruments and line level signals.
The PreSonus preamplifier design is a Class A input buffer followed by a dual servo gain stage.
2. 48 Volt Phantom Power
The FIREBOX has selectable 48V Phantom power available for both preamps.
+22dBu Headroom
The FIREBOX mic-pre has +22 dBu of headroom. This feature gives you wide dynamic range and excellent transient response characteristics.
Neutrik Combo Connectors
Both preamps of the FIREBOX have a Mic/Line connector using the Neutrik Combo connector. This revolutionary style connector lets you use either 1/4 inch TRS or XLR connectors in the same female input.
The connectors on channels 1 and 2 are for use with an instrument (guitar, bass, and etc.). When an instrument is plugged into the instrument input, the microphone preamplifier is bypassed and the FIREBOX becomes an active instrument preamplifier.
NOTE: Active instruments are those that have an internal preamp or a line level output. Active instruments should be plugged into a line input (3 or 4) rather than into an instrument input. In other words, don't plug an active instrument into the combo jacks on channels 1 or 2.
3. Input Gain/Trim Control
This knob provides the following gain structure for each channel:
- Microphone Input XLR: 45dB of variable gain (+14dB to +55dB)
- Instrument HiZ Input TS(channels 1 and 2 only): 45dB variable gain (+8dB to +50dB)
The clip indicator will light up if the input signal from the XLR (Mic) or (line) reaches +18dBu (0dBfs). At this level, the mic preamp/line trim signal may not exhibit signs of clipping such as [[distortion]. However, this level would cause the A/D (analog to digital) converters to clip. Therefore it is highly recommended that you do not allow the converters to clip (the clip indicators to light up) as the sound quality would not be desirable.
4. Main Level
This knob allows control over the output level for the MAIN CR OUTPUT 1 and 2 on the back of the FIREBOX. It has a range of -80db to +10dB.
5. Headphone Symbol and Jack
This is where you connect the headphones.
6. Phones
The Phones knob controls the amount of volume going to the headphone output on the front of the unit. Notice the volume indicator goes to 11 (loud). Use this setting with caution.
7. Red-Blue Power/Sync Light
This light is a clock (sync) indicator. It lets you know if the unit is receiving word clock correctly. Word clock is the manner by which digital devices sync frame rates. Proper word clock sync prevents digital devices from having pops, clicks, or distortion in the audio signal (due to mismatched digital audio transmission).
Blue: solid sync
Red: sync not present.
Flashing Red and Blue: external sync not present
BACK PANEL LAYOUT AND DESCRIPTION
12VDC Power Adaptor Input
This is where you plug the provided power supply into the FIREBOX. Please check the power supply to ensure that it is the correct voltage and plug type for the country. Note that you can also power the FIREBOX with a six- pin FireWire port from the computer instead of using the external power supply.
Note: Some Revisions of the MacBook Pro do not have enough bus power via Firewire to startup the FireBox without the external power supply. However, once the FireBox is running, the external power can be removed.
FireWire Ports
There are two firewire ports on the back of the FIREBOX. Both FireWire ports are standard 6 pin firewire jacks. If the computer has a six-pin FireWire port you can power the FIREBOX from the FireWire connector. If the computer has a 4 pin connector, then you will need to get a 4 to 6 pin connector to connect the FIREBOX to the computer, and use the external power supply. Either port can be used to connect the FIREBOX to a FireWire port on the computer.
MIDI and S/PDIF IN and OUT
MIDI and SPDIF I/O can be connected to this DB-9 connector breakout cable (included). The S/PDIF I/O allows the FIREBOX to receive and transmit audio from/to other digital audio devices. The S/PDIF standard allows for two channels of audio to be transmitted at up to rates of 24bit/96Khz. Word clock is the synchronizing signal that indicates the sampling frequency or rate of sample words over a digital audio interface. Note: When using SPDIF In, you must select SPDIF in the FIREBOX Hardware Control Panel.
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. However, the MIDI standard goes well beyond just instrumentation and sequencing. The MIDI inputs and outputs allow connection and/or communication with external MIDI equipment. One function of this port is MIDI programming. This port can also be used for MMC (MIDI Machine Control) and MTC (MIDI Time Control). Please consult the manual of the software manufacturer to learn setup and usage of different MIDI applications.
Line Outputs (3, 4, 5, 6)
Balanced line level outputs. These connectors will accept either balanced (TRS Tip Ring Sleeve) cables or unbalanced TS (Tip Sleeve) cables.
Main CR Output
The level of this output is controlled by the Main volume knob on the front of the unit.
Line Inputs (3 and 4)
These connectors will accept either balanced (TRS Tip Ring Sleeve) cables or unbalanced TS (Tip Sleeve) cables. The Line Input can also be used as a standard line level input for devices that do not require pre-amplification (such as a CD player, drum machine, sampler and etc.).
MIXER
The FIREBOX includes a software MIXER/ROUTER for flexible monitoring and routing of the audio signal before it hits the software program. This is helpful to avoid the time it takes to process the audio you are recording, called latency. Therefore, you can mix the input signal going into the FIREBOX with the playback from the software for zero latency recording and monitoring.
NOTE: The default settings (pictured above) for the FIREBOX mixer has all faders set to 0dB and all pans set to center, with the Software Playback set to channels 1/2, the Mixer Output set to Bypass, and the Playback to Phones set to channels 1/2.
FIREBOX Mixer Flowchart
To set up the Mixer application for zero latency recording (example):
- Record enable the desired track and turn off input monitoring function (or mute the track) in the software.
- Select playback channels of the main output of the audio software in the SOFTWARE PLAYBACK channel of the FIREBOX mixer. The input on this channel will be the output of the software.
- Connect the microphone to input 1 and turn on phantom power if needed.
- You can now adjust the levels of the microphone and the software playback to the desired levels for recording (monitoring only).
- If using headphones select Mix under Mix to Phones. this will send the output of the Mixer to the headphone output.
- In the MIXER OUTPUT section of the FIREBOX Mixer, select the pair of outputs to send out of the FIREBOX (for example studio monitors connected to outputs 1/2). Headphone Output can be any playback stream from the software, or the mix from the mixer.
OPERATION OF MIXER
The silver tracks represent the six possible inputs from the FIREBOX as well as the software playback. The blue section contains information on the output of the mixer.
Input Section
Pan (green vertical line)
You can click-drag the pan (stereo image) of each input by moving the green vertical line to the left or right. Double clicking on the green line will reset the pan to the center. Holding down ALT or CTRL, or SHIFT while dragging PAN, puts PAN into fine mode for more accurate adjustment of PAN.
Level (fader)
Adjusts the input level of each input. Double clicking on the blue fader automatically sets the fader to full gain.
Solo
By pressing Solo, all other input channels are muted.
Mute
Mutes input channel.
Link
Links the input gain of adjacent channels. If the two channels do not have the same level when the link button is pressed, clicking on one of the faders will send the other input level to the same level as the channel that was clicked on.
Input (software playback channel)
This is the audio return from the audio software. The same functions are available as the other inputs including PAN (balance between left and right channels), LEVEL, SOLO and MUTE. This is a stereo channel. This channel picks up the audio stream that is sent from the software and enables you to mix it with the direct input of the FIREBOX.
PLAYBACK
Indicates the stereo stream output channels from the software.
OUTPUT SECTION
Output Level (fader)
Adjusts the output level of the mixer.
Global Solo Clear Clears
(ON) or restores (off) solo's that have been selected in input channels.
Global Mute Clear Clears
(ON) or restores (off) mutes that have been selected in input channels.
Playback to Phones
Selects the audio stream output coming from the software.
Mix to Phones
Pressing this button sends the Mixer's zero latency output to the headphones.
Mixer Output
Sends the output of the mixer to the selected pair of outputs on the FIREBOX.
Save
Enables you to save the mixer setups.
Load
Loads the mixer setups. (note that you must first save a mixer setup before you load one.)
APPLICATION NOTES
MICROPHONES
The FIREBOX works great with all types of microphones including dynamic, ribbon and condenser microphones.
Dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones are generally lower output devices and require no external power source.
Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive than dynamic and ribbon microphones and typically require external 48V phantom power.
NOTE: If you are using a ribbon microphone, please check the manual for the mic before applying phantom power. Applying phantom power to some microphones could cause damage to the microphone.
SAMPLE HOOK UP DIAGRAM
TECHNICAL
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Pops and Clicks
The light on the front right panel of the FIREBOX is a clock (sync) indicator. It lets you know if the unit is receiving word clock correctly.
Word clock is the manner by which digital devices sync frame rates. Proper word clock sync prevents digital devices from having pops, clicks, or distortion in the audio signal (due to mismatched digital audio transmission).
If the symbol is solid blue, this indicates that the unit is in sync with the computer or a S/PDIF device that is plugged into the S/PDIF input on the back of the unit.
If the light is solid red, this indicates that the FIREBOX does not have sync from the computer and that the unit might not be connected properly. If the unit is flashing red and blue, the unit is not receiving external sync. This would be caused by the clock source in the FIREBOX control panel being set to S/PDIF with no S/PDIF sync source coming in. Here are the three different light modes broken down once again:
Blue: solid sync
Red: sync not present.
Flashing Red and Blue: external sync not present
Pops and clicks can also occur with high CPU loads (ie; running a large number of plug-ins, etc) at low latency. Windows XP try increasing the latency settings in the FIREBOXs hardware control panel.
No Sync (Red) Macintosh Users:
Open Audio MIDI Setup and change the Format sample rate speed to anything different. This will re-establish synchronization and the Blue sync light will turn on. Once you have the blue sync light you can then reset the Format sample rate to the desired setting.
Audio Drop Outs Can occur when the speed of the processor cannot buffer audio fast enough. Windows XP Try lowering the FIREBOXs CPU to a lower setting, by right clicking on the FIREBOX control panel icon in the system tray.
Preamplifier
Q: I have a microphone plugged into channel one (or two) but I am not getting any signal.
Possible Solutions
1. Check the mic cable.
2. Make sure the microphone does not require phantom power. If it does, press the 48v button. (Note: Some ribbon microphones can be damaged or destroyed by Phantom Power. Be careful and know your equipment!)
Power Issues
Q: I just bought a FIREBOX from (dealer name goes here) in (city and state go here) and I live in Morocco. When I plugged in my FIREBOX it caught on fire and smoke came out of the top. What do I do?
A: PreSonus has a distributor in almost every country. Therefore, PreSonus does not authorize or condone exportation of any of our products by US dealers. If you have done this and the product has been damaged (more than likely due to voltage irregularities) then you will need to return the unit to the dealer in the United States. The dealer can then return it to PreSonus for a non-warranty repair. After the unit is repaired, the dealer will be billed accordingly and the unit will be returned to the dealer.
FIREBOX SPECIFICATIONS
Preamp Bandwidth: 10Hz to 50kHz
Preamp Input Impedance: 1.3k Ohms
Instrument Input Impedance: 1M Ohms
Preamp THD: <0.005%
Preamp EIN: -125dB
Preamp Gain: 45dB
Line Input Impedance:10k Ohms
TRS Output Impedance: 51 Ohms
TRS Main Outputs Impedance: 51 Ohms
Headphone Output: 150mW/Ch 20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power: 48V +/- 2V
Power Supply: Ext line Transformer, Internal Switching
Bus Power: Six-pin FireWire
Port Analog to Digital Converters: 24-bit / up to 96khz
ADC Dynamic Range: 107db
DAC: 24-bit / up to 96kHz
DAC Dynamic Range: 110db
IEEE1394 (FireWire) Speed: 400mbps
