For those of you who are not interested in the the technical aspects of recording, I would suggest that you skip this blog.
First off, I must state that I was satisfied with the overall performance of my Presonus Firebox firewire audio interface. I found the preamps to be clean and it offers multiple outputting which is unusual for a comparable model. If you click on the right, where it says free mp3 downloads, you can download and hear songs which were recorded with the Firebox.
The unit has served me well for 2 channel recording and has proved especially useful when performing with a click track, which requires the use of multiple outputting. If you have many usb devices, it is also nice that this audio interface connects via firewire as to not take up valuable usb ports.
That being said, the other day I went to work on a project and there was no sound. The computer did not recognize the device, the light on the interface would not illuminate and it just plain didn’t work. After multiple diagnostic tests, troubleshooting and internet searches, I concluded that Presonus Firebox firewire audio interface was totally fried. My suspicion was confirmed after disconnecting the unit and performing the smell test.
The Firebox lasted about 2 years and performed admirably. But, be aware that its shelf life may be limited. Of course, it could be that my particular Presonus Firebox firewire audio interface had just enough of Mad Francis.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
you are not alone sir i purchased one… about 6 months in… POP… gonzo… guitar center helped me get a replacement… and wouldnt you know it .. about 9 months later… zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz dead…
i am going to write presonus just for the heck of it.. but will probably never buy another product from them again based off this one product.
2 years is the absolute minimum an electronic device in this price range should last IMO
My Firebox did the same. Stopped working and smells fried. The shop where I bought it didn’t seem surprised. “Oh it’s fried”. But now Presonus are changing its name so people won’t associate these comments with the new name. I agree with Bill – I will never buy another Presonus product.
great post, thanks for sharing
Same with my device, died after i’d say 2-3 years…same symptoms as well. First the light went off, wasnt recognized, and smelled like it burnt out. PreSonus replaced it for me but only after i shipped it to them (out of pocket) and paid a 78.00 replacement fee. At the time I didnt want to shell out the money for another AI but looking back now, I shouldve. OVerall the little box, when working gets the job done for what recording I need to do.
At this site you can hear music recorded through a Firebox
http://www.reverbnation.com/ericmays
This happened to me with my Firebox as well. I owned mine for a little over 4 years before it burnt out on me…no power from one of the firewire jacks so I switched it to the other jack and it worked. Wanting to troubleshoot, I switched back to the unresponsive jack then POP! and cue the black smoke and burning smell. After reading that this problem is not uncommon, I think I’m going to shy away from Presonus (I did like the Firebox a lot though).
Sounds like my Firebox has suffered the same fate as yours…crap. It’s been working beautifully for about four years then 2 days ago, poof!
I am thankful that the computer and equipment connected to the interface were not damaged when it “fried”, but the timing seriously blows as I was supposed to get 3 songs written and recorded this week, instead I’ll be researching an appropriate replacement for the damn thing. :(