FIREstation
FireWire™ Recording Interface
User's Manual
VERSION 2.0
PreSonus Audio Electronics
Presonus Limited Warranty
Presonus Audio Electronics Inc. warrants this product to be free of defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty
is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser. To be protected by this warranty, the
purchaser must complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days of purchase.
During the warranty period Presonus shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or
replace, free of charge, any product that proves to be defective on inspection by Presonus or
its authorized service representative. To obtain warranty service, the purchaser must first call
or write Presonus at the address and telephone number printed below to obtain a Return
Authorization Number and instructions of where to return the unit for service. All inquiries
must be accompanied by a description of the problem. All authorized returns must be sent to
the Presonus repair facility postage prepaid, insured and properly package. Proof of purchase
must be presented in the form of a bill of sale, canceled check or some other positive proof
that the product is in within the warranty period. Presonus reserves the right to update any
unit returned for repair. Presonus reserves the right to change or improve design of the
product at any time without prior notice. This warranty does not cover claims for damage due
to abuse, neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel, and is limited to
failures arising during normal use that are due to defects in material or workmanship in the
product. Any implied warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the length of this limited warranty. Some states
do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may
not apply to you. In no event will Presonus be liable for incidental, consequential or other
damages resulting from the broach of any express or implied warranty, including, among
other things, damage to property, damage based on inconvenience or on loss of use of the
product, and, to the extent permitted by law, damages for personal injury. Some states do not
allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights, which vary form state to state. This warranty only applies to
products sold and used in the United States of America. For warranty information in all other
countries please refer to your local distributor.
Presonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
7257 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-216-7887
www.presonus.com
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Limited Warranty Outside of The U.S.
Presonus Audio Electronics products are warranted only in the country where purchased,
through the authorized Presonus distributor in that country, against defects in material and
workmanship. The specific period of this limited warranty shall be that which is described to
the original retail purchaser by the authorized Presonus dealer or distributor at the time of
purchase. Presonus does not, however, warrant its products against any and all defects: 1)
arising Out of materials or workmanship not provided or furnished by Presonus, or 2) resulting
from abnormal use of the product or use in violation of instructions, or 3) in products repaired
or serviced by other than authorized Presonus repair facilities, or 4) in products with removed
or defaced serial numbers, or 5) in components or parts or products expressly warranted by
another manufacturer. Presonus agrees, through the applicable authorized distributor, to
repair or replace defects covered by this limited warranty with parts or products of original or
improved design, at its option in each respect, if the defective product is shipped prior to the
end of the warranty period to the designated authorized Presonus warranty repair facility in
the country where purchased, or to the Presonus factory in the U.S., in the original packaging
or a replacement supplied by Presonus, with all transportation cost and full insurance paid
each way by the purchaser or owner. All remedies and the measure of damages are limited to
the above services. It is possible that economic loss or injury to person or property may result
from the failure of the product; however, even if Presonus has been advised of this possibility,
this limited warranty does not cover any such consequential or incidental damages. Some
states or countries do not allow the limitations or exclusion of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. Any and all warranties, express or
implied, arising by law, course of dealing, course of performance, usage of trade, or otherwise,
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are limited to a period of two years from either the date of original retail purchase or,
in the event no proof of purchase date is available, the date of manufacture. Some states or
countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty last, so the above
limitations may not apply to you. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights, which vary from state to state, country to country.
Presonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
7257 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-216-7887
www.presonus.com
ii
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction.....................................................................1
1.2 Notes on Computer -Based Recording ........................................................... 1
2.1 Basic Setup & Applications................................................2
2.2 Computer Setup........................................................................................... 2
2.3 Recording..................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Mixing........................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Internal Mix Mode........................................................................................ 4
2.6 External Mix Mode........................................................................................ 5
2.7 Stand-Alone Mode (Special ADAT Mode)...................................................... 6
2.8 Stand-Alone Mo de (With DigiDesign 001™)................................................. 7
2.9 ADAT Mode ................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Features...........................................................................9
3.2 Switchable Preamps..................................................................................... 9
3.3 Zero-Latency Line -Mixer...............................................................................9
3.4 Volume Control ............................................................................................. 9
3.5 Clock Control................................................................................................ 9
3.6 mLAN/FireWire........................................................................................... 10
3.7 Footswitch Input ......................................................................................... 10
3.8 MIDI 10
3.9 ADAT.......................................................................................................... 10
3.10 S/PDIF........................................................................................................ 11
3.11 BNC 11
4.1 Front Panel ....................................................................12
4.2 Preamps..................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Inputs......................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Meters........................................................................................................ 13
4.5 +48V.......................................................................................................... 13
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4.6 Pad 13
4.7 Zero-Latency Line Mixer ............................................................................. 14
4.8 Channels One -Eight.................................................................................... 14
4.9 MLAN Return.............................................................................................. 15
4.10 Master Control ............................................................................................ 16
4.11 Headphone/Main Out Control..................................................................... 17
4.12 Mixer.......................................................................................................... 17
4.15 S/PDIF........................................................................................................ 18
4.16 ADAT.......................................................................................................... 18
4.17 ADAT To mLAN ........................................................................................... 18
4.18 S/PDIF To mLAN......................................................................................... 18
4.19 Clock .......................................................................................................... 19
4.20 External Control (Slave Mode) ...................................................................19
4.21 BNC 19
4.22 mLAN ......................................................................................................... 19
4.23 ADAT.......................................................................................................... 20
4.24 INT 20
4.25 Buttonology Notes ......................................................................................20
5.1 Back Panel.....................................................................21
5.2 IEC Power Connector .................................................................................. 21
5.3 Power On/Off .............................................................................................. 21
5.4 FireWire/IEEE 1394 I/O .............................................................................. 21
5.5 MIDI And S/PDIF Port................................................................................ 22
5.6 MIDI Daisy -Chain Example ......................................................................... 23
5.7 ADAT.......................................................................................................... 23
5.8 BNC 23
5.9 Footswitch Input ......................................................................................... 24
5.10 TRS Line Ins/Outs...................................................................................... 24
5.11 TRS Preamp Sends ..................................................................................... 25
5.12 Main Out ..................................................................................................... 25
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6.1 Top Panel.......................................................................26
6.2 Analog To Digital Converter Line Level Adjust ............................................ 26
6.3 Heat Vent................................................................................................... 26
7.1 Software........................................................................27
7.2 Operating System...................................................................................... 27
7.3 Recording Software.................................................................................... 27
8.1 Troubleshooting.............................................................28
8.2 The ADAT Input/Output Doesn’t Support Optical S/PDIF........................... 28
8.3 Pops, Clicks, And/Or Distortion Are Present In The Audio Signal............... 28
8.4 ADAT I/O Cannot Be Used In Conjunction With The Line Or S/PDIF I/O.... 28
8.5 The Preamps Noise Floor Is Higher When The Tube Drive Is Engaged....... 29
8.6 mLAN Returns Three And Four Do Not Work In ADAT Mode...................... 29
8.7 Word Clock Synchronization (Sync)........................................................... 29
8.8 MIDI ........................................................................................................... 30
8.9 Footswitch.................................................................................................. 30
8.10 Latency....................................................................................................... 30
8.11 Drivers ....................................................................................................... 31
8.12 Operating Systems .....................................................................................31
8.13 Non-Presonus FireWire/mLAN Devices....................................................... 31
8.14 Line-Mixer Doesn’t Work When Using FIREstation As Stand -Alone A -D..... 32
8.15 The EXT Button Is Blinking ......................................................................... 32
8.16 The Sample Rate LED Is Blinking............................................................... 32
8.17 S/PDIF Feedback Loop............................................................................... 32
9.1 Technical Specifications..................................................33
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1.1 INTRODUCTION
Thank your for purchasing the Presonus FIREstation. We feel that we
have created a reliable, versatile and affordable piece of audio
equipment. It is designed to meet a multitude of professional digital
recording applications. If you have any questions or comments in
regards to this or any other piece of Presonus equipment, please feel
free to contact us!
1.2 NOTES ON COMPUTER-BASED RECORDING
The Presonus FIREstation is a recording interface only. Many problems
can arise when converting a standard computer into a DAW (Digital
Audio Workstation). Presonus only provides support for issues that
directly relate to the FIREstation. It may be necessary to contact the
manufacturer of the operating system or software to obtain additional
technical support. Presonus does not provide support for issues in
regards to operating systems, additional hardware or software. Please
check our website, www.presonus.com regularly for software,
firmware, and technical support updates.
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2.1 BASIC SETUP & APPLICATIONS
2.2 Computer Setup
Place the provided driver’s software in your computer after powering it
up. If an install wizard appears, direct it to the provided CD- ROM when
prompted. If the install wizard does not appear, o pen the CD- ROM and
run the Auto Installer from there. Follow the directions on your screen.
NOTE: It is essential that the FIREstation not be connected to the
computer when the drivers are installed. If you accidentally leave the
FIREstation connected, disconnect the unit, uninstall the drivers,
reboot and then reinstall the drivers.
After the driver fully installs power down your computer. Turn off all
external devices before connecting the FIREstation(s). Connect all
external devices to the FIREstation( s). Power up the FIREstation and
then connect the FIREstation to the computer using the provided 6-pin
FireWire cable. Fasten your seatbelt and then power up the computer.
Three different items will be loaded on your computer at this point.
The first item that is loaded is the actual software driver. The driver
allows your computer to recognize and communicate with the
FIREstation. A control panel is also loaded. The control panel indicates
if the FIREstation is connected properly. It also indicates and helps
control sample rate and clock control (sync). A patchbay is also
loaded. The patchbay allows the user to route the inputs and outputs
of the FIREstation in computer. It is important to note that each
FIREstation has a unique Identity. So, if a FIREstation is connected
and routed, that routing scheme that is saved will only work for that
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specific FIREstation. If a different FIREstation is added, it will need to
be rerouted.
2.3 Recording
When recording the headphone output can be used for headphone
monitoring and the main outs can be used for control room monitors.
This setup negates the need for an external mixer. The volume setting
of the Main/Headphone outs and the Line Mixer do not affect the
recording level.
2.4 Mixing
As far as the use of the FIREstation goes there are two different mix
modes: Internal and External. Each mode has its benefits that are
determined by your overall computer speed and capacity, familiarity
with recording software, and creativity.
3
2.5 Internal Mix Mode
Created,
Designed and
Manufactured
In The USA
MIC/INSTRUMENT
SPEAKER SPEAKER
POWER
PreSonus
FIRESTATION
115/230 VAC ~
By internal Jumper
30Watts
-32 -16
CLIP
MIC/INSTRUMENT
48V
0
293
PAD
92 494
-12 +12
TUBE
GAIN
PREAMP 2
DRIVE
GUITAR
MIDI - S/PDIF
(S/PDIF input and output
FIREWIRE PORTS
on channels 7/8)
-32 -16
CLIP
48V
0
293
PAD
92 494
-12 +12
TUBE
GAIN
DRIVE
MICROPHONE
COMPUTER
CD RECORDER
1 3 5 7
IN
FOOTSWITCH
(Record Punch)
ADAT™
optical
CLOCK
2 4 6 8
OUT
MIC/LINE IN 1/2
LINE IN 3/4
LINE IN 5/6
0
0
C
0 0
-80 +10
-80 +10
-80 +10
L R L R
dB dB dB dB dB
ONE TWO
THREE FOUR
PAN LEVEL
Mono
Mono
Stereo
LINE OUTPUTS - TRS BALANCED
SPDIF/LINE IN 7/8
C
-80 +10
PAN LEVEL
Stereo
mLAN RETURN
0
-80 +10
1/2 3/4
Stereo
1 3 5 7
LINE INPUTS - TRS BALANCED
2 4 6 8
MASTER CONTROLDIRECT PATCH LINE MIXER
MIXERSPDIF
6
0
ADAT TO
mLAN
-80 +10
0 12
dB
PHONES MAIN OUT
HEADPHONES
1
L
PREAMP
MAIN OUT
SEND - TRS
2
R
CLOCK
ADAT
EXT INT
SPDIF TO
mLAN
BMCmLANADAT
32k 44.1k48kPREAMP 1
Internal mode signifies that you are using software and internal plugins to mix a project. In this instance only the master outputs and
headphone outputs would be used. The internal mode is preferred in
some situations dependent on the environment and other factors. Fo r
example, wouldn’t it be nice to mix a song over headphones while
sitting in a hotel room between live performances?
4
2.6 External Mix Mode
SPEAKER SPEAKER
POWER
PreSonus
Created,
Designed and
Manufactured
In The USA
FIRESTATION
115/230 VAC ~
By internal Jumper
30Watts
(S/PDIF input and output
FIREWIRE PORTS
GUITAR MICROPHONE
COMPUTER
MIDI - S/PDIF
on channels 7/8)
CD RECORDER
1 3 5 7
IN
FOOTSWITCH
(Record Punch)
ADAT™
optical
CLOCK
OUT
LINE OUTPUTS - TRS BALANCED
2 4 6 8
1 3 5 7
LINE INPUTS - TRS BALANCED
2 4 6 8
1
SEND - TRS
2
L
PREAMP
MAIN OUT
R
MIXER
External mode incorporates other equipment beyond the FIREstation.
For example, an external mixer and other proc essors may be used. In
this mode, the outputs of the FIREstation could be routed to external
equipment for dynamics processing, effects and other forms of
manipulation. The master outputs could then be returned to two
channels of the FIREstation to record the “Master Mix”.
5
2.7 Stand -Alone Mode (Special ADAT Mode)
MASTER CONTROL
MIXER SPDIF
6
0
-80 +10
0 12
dB
PHONES MAIN OUT
ADAT TO
mLAN
SPDIF TO
mLAN
ADAT
The FIREstation can be set in stand -alone mode by pressing the Mixer
and ADAT buttons simultaneously. Stand-alone mode allows the
FIREstation to do two main things: act as an ADAT line mixer and
perform A/D and D/A conversion. The signal plugged into either the
ADAT I/O will be routed to the opposite set of analog ports. For
example, if a DigiMAX were plugged into the ADAT input, the same
signal would be sent to the TRS outputs. The line mixer w ould also
function, allowing the user to monitor all eight channels.
ADAT Input
Mixer
Line Outs
Analog ADAT Out
NOTE: When using the FIREstation as an Analog to Digital (A-D)
converter, the line mixer does not contain the analog inputs, just the
ADAT inputs.
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