PreSonus FireStudio User Manual
FIRESTUDIO
26 I/O 24-bit/96 kHz Recording Interface
User’s Manual
Version 3.0
© 2009, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
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, repair or replace, free of charge, any product that proves to be defective on inspection by PreSonus or its
authorized service represen t ative. 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
about 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 packaged.
PreSonus reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair. PreSonus reserves the right to change or
improve the 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 breach 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 from
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
www.PreSonus.com
© 2009, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
SAFE OPERATION GUIDELINES
To avoid damage to your FireStudio and your other audio equipment please review and adhere to the following
safety guidelines:
Follow the safety guidelines in the manual.
Do not drop your FireStudio.
Do not install the unit near a heat source (radiators, heat registers, ampl ifi er heat sinks , etc.).
Do not expose your FireStudio to liquids. Do not place containers filled with liquids near your
FireStudio.
Do not allow dust particles to collect in excess on your FireStudio. Keeping the unit covered
when not in use is highly recommended and will extend the life of your product.
Protect the power supply and its cord from being walked on, wheeled over, or pinched. If the
power supply becomes damaged, purchase a new one.
Unplug your FireStudio when not in use for long periods of time and during electrical storms,
hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather.
Use only the attachments/accessories recommended or manufactured by PreSonus for your
FireStudio.
All domestic PreSonus products should be serviced at the PreSonus factory in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. If your FireStudio requires a repair, contact techsupport@presonus.com to arrange
for a return-authorization number. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local
distributor. Your distributor’s contact information is available at www.presonus.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 OVERVIEW
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Features .................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 What is in the Box ................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 System Requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 6
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 Hardware Installation .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.1 Installation in Microsoft Windows .................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 Installation in Mac OS X .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Studio One Artist ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Installation and Authorization ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.2 Enabling the FireStudio Driver ........................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.3 Configuring Your External MIDI Devices .......................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Configuring Your Audio I/O .............................................................................................................................. 13
2.2.5 Creating a New Song ....................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.6 Cue Mix and the FireStudio ............................................................................................................................. 17
2.2 Sample Hookup Diagrams ...................................................................................................................................... 20
2.2.1 Mobile Recording with the FireStudio and Two DigiMax FS .............................................................................. 20
2.2.2 Full Band Set-up Using the MSR in Track Mode ............................................................................................... 21
3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
3.1 Universal Control and the FireStudio ...................................................................................................................... 22
3.1.1 Universal Control Console Application Icon .................................................................................................... 22
3.1.2 Launch Window ............................................................................................................................................... 23
3.1.3 WDM Settings (PC only) ................................................................................................................................. 25
3.1.4 The Device Window: Overview .......................................................................................................................... 26
3.1.5 The Device Window: Hardware Settings Tab ..................................................................................................... 26
3.1.6 The Device Window: Outputs/Router Matrix ..................................................................................................... 27
3.1.7 The Device Window: Mixer Tab ....................................................................................................................... 32
3.1.8 The Device Window: Naming Inputs and Outputs............................................................................................... 35
3.2 Front Panel Layout ................................................................................................................................................ 36
3.3 Back Panel Layout ................................................................................................................................................. 38
4 CASCADING UNITS
4.1 Using Multiple Units .............................................................................................................................................. 42
5 TECHNICAL INFORMATION
5.1 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.2 Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................ 46
1.1 INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus FireStudio. PreSonus Audio Electronics has designed the FireStudio
utilizing high-grade components to ensure optimum performance that will last a lifetime. The FireStudio is
equipped for professional-quality computer recording, with 24-bit, 96 kHz converters; 8 PreSonus XMAX
microphone preamplifiers; Dual SMUX, 96 kHz ADAT; BNC word clock; S/PDIF and MIDI I/O; Universal
Control software; Studio One Artist music-production software; and the optional MSR Monitor Station Remote.
All you need is a computer with a FireWire connection, a few microphones and cables, monitor speakers or
headphones, and your instruments!
PreSonus Audio Electronics is committed to constant product improvement, and we value your suggestions
highly. We encourage you to contact us at 225-216-7887 with questions or comments about your PreSonus
FireStudio. We believe the best way to achieve our goal of constant product improvement is by listening to the
real experts: our customers.
We suggest that you read this manual to familiarize yourself with the features, applications, and connection
procedure for your FireStudio before connecting it to your computer.
Thank you, again, for buying our product. Enjoy your FireStudio!
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OVERVIEW
1.2 FEATURES
The FireStudio is a powerful and affordable computer recording system. The FireStudio comes equipped with
eight high-quality PreSonus XMAX microphone preamps, MIDI I/O, SPDIF, Dual SMUX 96k ADAT, BNC
word clock and rock solid drivers, as well as a plethora of music recording and production software.
Summary of FireStudio features
High-speed FireWire (IEEE 1394)
24-bit / 96 kHz sampling rate
26 simultaneous inputs and outputs
8 Class A XMAX microphone preamplifiers
2 Insert channels
8 Analog line inputs
2 Instrument inputs
16 Channels of ADAT optical I/O (8 channels via 96k dual S/MUX)
10 balanced TRS outputs
S/PDIF and MIDI I/O
JetPLL jitter control for improved imaging and clarity
High performance A/D D/A converters
OS X and Windows compatible
MSR Monitor Station Remote (Optional)
The FireStudio includes PreSonus Studio One Artist recording software, which comes with over 4 GB of plugins, loops, and samples, giving you everything you need for music recording and production.
Summary of Studio One Artist features
Unlimited track count
Unlimited inserts and sends
20 high-quality native effects plug-ins
o Amp Modeling (Ampire)
o Delay (Beat Delay)
o Distortion (Redlight Distortion)
o Dynamic Processing (Channel Strip, Compressor, Limiter, Tricomp)
o Equalizer (Channel Strip, Pro EQ)
o Modulation (Autofilter, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, X-Trem)
o Reverbs (MixVerb, Room Reverb)
o Utility (Binaural Pan, Mixtool, Phase Meter, Spectrum Meter, Tuner)
Over 4 GB of loops, samples, and instruments, featuring:
o Presence: Virtual Sample Player
o Impact: Virtual Drum Machine
o SampleOne: Virtual Sampler
o Mojito: Virtual Analog-Modeled Subtractive Synthesizer
Innovative and intuitive MIDI mapping
Powerful dra g -an d- dr op f unctionality for faster workflow
OS X and Windows compatible
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OVERVIEW
1.3 WHAT IS IN THE BOX
Your FireStudio package contains the following:
FireStudio recording interface
6-foot, 6-pin-to-6-pin FireWire cable
Power supply
Software installation discs:
o PreSonus FireStudio Universal driver
installer
o Studio One Artist installation DVD
PreSonus warranty card
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OVERVIEW
1.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Here are the computer-system requirements for FireStudio and Studio One Artist.
Macintosh
o Operating Systems:
Mac OS X 10.4.11 or Mac OS X 10.5.2 or higher
o Hardware:
Minimum:
PowerPC G4 1.25 GHz or Intel Core Solo 1.5 GHz processor
1 GB RAM
DVD drive
Recommended:
PowerPC G5 or better or Intel Core Duo o r Intel Xeo n process or or be tter
2 GB or more RAM
DVD drive
Windows PC
o Operating Systems:
Windows XP or Vista
o Hardware:
Minimum:
Intel Pentium 4 1.6 GHz processor or AMD Athlon 64 (Turion)
1 GB RAM
DVD drive
Recommended:
Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz EM64T or better or AMD Athlon 64 3000+ or
better
2 GB or more RAM
DVD drive
NOTE: The speed of your processor, amount of RAM, and size and speed of your hard drives will greatly affect
the overall performance of your recording system. A more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM)
allows for lower latency (signal delay) and better overall performance.
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GETTING STARTED
2.1 HARDWARE INSTALLATION
This installer and driver can be used for any interface in the FireStudio family line (FireStudio, FireStudio
Lightpipe, FireStudio Tube, FireStudio Project, FireStudio Mobile and StudioLive 16.4.2). For more
information on the Universal Control application and multiple interface integration, please review Sections 3.1
and 4.1.
2.1.1 Installation in Microsoft Windows
After you insert the installation CD into your CD or DVD drive, th e FireStudio installer will ta ke you th rough
each step of the installation process. Please read each message carefully, ensuring especially that you do not
connect your FireStudio until the installer has finished and you have rebooted your computer.
The FireStudio Installer was designed to be as simple and easy to follow as possible. Please read each
message carefully to ensure that the FireStudio driver is properly installed.
Before continuing the FireStudio Installation Setup, please close all applications and disconnect your
FireStudio from your computer. If you see any Windows Security alerts, click “Install this driver software
anyway” (Vista) or “Continue anyway” (XP).
At the end of the installation, you will be prompted to reboot your computer to complete the installation.
Click “Finish” to automatically restart your PC. Once your computer has rebooted, connect the FireStudio.
When the Found New Hardware wizard launches, follow the recommended steps. When the sync light
remains solid blue, your FireStudio is synced to your computer and is ready to use!
2.1.2 Installation in Mac OS X
After inserting the installation CD into your disc drive, browse the disc and run the FireStudio installer,
which will take you through each step of the installation process. Please read each message carefully,
ensuring especially that you do not connect your FireStudio until the installer has finished and you have
rebooted your computer.
To begin installing the FireStudio driver on your Mac, double click on the FireStudio logo. Th e FireStudio
installer requires that your user password be entered as a security measure. Once you have entered your
password, click “OK” to proceed with the rest of the installation.
When the Installer has fini shed, connect your FireStud io to your computer with a FireWire cable. Once the
sync light is solid blue, your FireStudio is ready to use.
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GETTING STARTED
2.2 STUDIO ONE ARTIST
Every PreSonus interface comes complete with Studio One Artist recording software. Whether you are about to
record your first album or your 50
th
, Studio One Artist provides you with all the tools necessary to capture and
mix a great performance. As a valued PreSonus customer, you are also eligible for an upgrade discount for
Studio One Pro when you are ready to master your work, create a digital version for the Web, or incorporate
third-party VST plug-ins into your recording process. For more details on the Studio One Pro upgrade program
for PreSonus customers, please visit www.presonus.com
.
2.2.1 Installation and Authorization
Once you have installed the FireStudio drivers and connected your FireStudio, you can use the PreSonus
Studio One Artist music-production software included with your FireStudio to begin recording, mixing, and
producing your music. To install Studio One Artist, insert your installation disc into your computer’s DVD
drive. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation process.
Installing Studio One Artist
To Install Studio One Artist, insert your Studio One Artist installation DVD into
your computer’s DVD drive.
PC Users: Launch the Studio One Artist installer and follow the onscreen
instructions.
Mac Users: Simply drag the Studio One Artist application into the Applications
folder on your Macintosh HD.
Create a User Account
After installing Studio One Artist, launch the program, and the Activate Studio
One menu will appear. If you are a new Studio One user, you will need to create a
user account. Follow the Create Account link if your computer is connected to the
Internet. Once you have created your account, continue to Activating Studio One
Artist Online.
If your computer is not connected to the Internet, visit the Studio One product
page at www.presonus.com on an Internet-connected computer to create your
account. After you have created your account, skip to Activating Studio One
Artist Offline.
Activating Studio One Artist Online
Now that you have created a user account, you can activate your copy of Studio
One Artist. Launch Studio One Artist, and the Activate Studio One menu will
appear.
Click on the Activate Online link and enter your previously created account
Username, Password, and the Product Key you received with the Studio One
Artist installation disc. Click on the Activate button to finish the activation
process.
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GETTING STARTED
Activating Studio One Artist Offline
Once you have created a user account, launch Studio One Artist. From the
Activate Studio One Menu, click on the Activate Offline link. Follow the
instructions to log in to your previously created user account, register the
product, and obtain a license file.
Next, copy the license file to the computer on which Studio One has been
installed, and locate the license file as instructed in the Activate Studio One
menu. The activation process is now complete.
Installing Bundled Content for Studio One Artist
Studio One Artist comes bundled with an array of demo and tutorial material,
sampled instruments, loops, samples, and unique third-party content. The Studio
One Artist bundle includes all that you need to begin producing music.
Upon completing the Studio One Artist installation and activation process, the
Studio One Content Installer will appear. If it does not appear, navigate to
Help/Studio One Installation.
At the top of the installation menu, select the source from which the content will
be installed, as well as the location where you wish to install the content. The
source of the content will be the same DVD from which you installed Studio One
Artist. By default, Studio One Artist will point to your DVD drive as the content
source. Listed in the installation menu are separate entries for each available
item. Click in the checkbox next to each item you wish to install, then click on the
Install Packets button at the bottom left of the menu to install the selected
content.
When finished installing content, click on the Done button to exit the menu.
Studio One Artist content can be installed at any time by accessing the
Help/Studio One Installation menu. If you choose not to install any portion of the
content, you can install it at a later time.
2.2.2 Enabling the FireStudio Driver
Studio One Pro and Studio One Artist are designed with PreSonus interfaces in mind. Your FireStudio is
already integrated into Studio One Artist, so setup is quick and easy. When Studio One Artist is la unched, by
default you will be taken to the Start page. On th is page, you will find document-management and deviceconfiguration controls, as well as a customizable artist profile, a news feed, and links to demos and tutorials
from PreSonus. If you have an Internet co nnection on your computer, these links will be updated as new
tutorials become available on the PreSonus Web site.
Complete information on all aspects of Studio One Artist is available in the
on the Studio One Artist Installation disc. The informat ion in this manual covers only the most basic aspects
of Studio One Artist and is intended to get you set up and recording as quickly as possible.
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Reference Manual
PDF located
GETTING STARTED
Start Page: Setup Area
Shows Active Audio Driver and Sample Rate and Provides Quick Links to
Configure Audio and MIDI
In the middle of the Start page, you will see the Setup area. Studio One Artist
automatically scans your system for all available drivers and selects a driver.
By default, it will choose a PreSonus driver if one is available.
Selecting a Different Audio Driver From the Start Page
If you do not see “PreSonus FireStudio” on the Start page when you launch
Studio One, click on the Configure Audio Devices link in the Setup area to
open the Audio Setup Options window.
In the Audio Device menu, select “PreSonus FireStudio.” Click the Apply
button and then OK.
After you have verified that the PreSonus FireStudio driver has been detected, please continue to Section
2.2.3 to set up your external MIDI devices. If you do not have any MIDI devices to connect at this time,
please skip to Section 2.2.4.
2.2.3 Configuring your MIDI devices
From the External Devices window in Studio One Artist, you can configure you r MIDI keyboard controller,
sound modules, and control surfaces. This section will take you through setting up your MIDI keyboard
controller and sound module with the FireStudio. Please consult the Reference Manual located on your
Studio One Artist installation DVD for complete setup instructions for other MIDI devices.
Setting up an external MIDI keyboard controller from the Start page.
A MIDI keyboard controller is a hardware device that is generally used for playing and controlling other
MIDI devices, virtual instruments, and software parameters. In Studio One Artist, these devices are referred
to as Keyboards, and they must be configured before they are available for use. In some cases, your MIDI
keyboard controller is also used as a tone generator. Studio One Artist views the two functions of these types
of hardware as two different devices: a MIDI keyboard controller and a sound module. The MIDI controls
(keyboard, knobs, faders, etc.) will be set up as a Keyboard. The sound module will be set up as an
Instrument.
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GETTING STARTED
1) From the Setup area in the Start page, you can also set up your
external MIDI devices. Before we set up a new Song for recording,
let’s take a moment to configure external devices. Connect the MIDI
Out of your external MIDI controller to the MIDI In of your
FireStudio.
2) Click on the Configure External Devices link in the Setup area on the
Start page to launch the External Devices window.
Click the Add button.
3) The Add Device window will launch.
From the menu on the left, select “New Keyboard.” At this point, you
can customize the name of your keyboard by entering the
manufacturer and device names.
Specify which MIDI channels will be used to communicate with this
keyboard. For most purposes, you should select all MIDI channels. If
you are unsure of which MIDI channels to select, we suggest you select
all 16.
4) In the Receive From drop-down menu, select the MIDI interface input
from which Studio One Artist will receive MIDI data. In this case,
choose “FireStudio MIDI.”
In the Send To drop-down menu, select the MIDI interface output
from which Studio One Artist will send MIDI data to your keyboard
(also labeled “FireStudio MIDI”). If your keyboard controller does
not need to receive MIDI data from Studio One (say, for moving
motorized faders and the like), you can leave this unselected. If your
keyboard does need to receive MIDI date, you must connect a MIDI
cable from the MIDI output of the MIDI breakout cable to the MIDI
input of the keyboard.
5) If this is the only keyboard that you will use to control the virtual
instruments and your external synthesizers in Studio One Artist, you
should check the box next to Default Instrument Input. This will
automatically assign your keyboard to control all MIDI devices in
Studio One Artist.
Click OK.
If you have a sound module you’d like to connect, leave the External
Devices window open and proceed to the next part of this section. If
not, you can close this window and skip to Section 2.1.4.
Setting up an external MIDI sound module from the Start page:
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GETTING STARTED
MIDI instrument controllers (keyboards, MIDI guitars, etc.) send musical information in the form of MIDI
data to tone modules, which respond by generating sound, as instructed. Tone modules can be standalone
sound devices or can be integrated into a controller, as with a keyboard synthesizer. Studio One Artist refers
to all tone generators as Instruments. Once you have set up your MIDI keyboard controller, take a moment to
configure your sound module.
1) Connect the MIDI In of your external sound module to the MIDI Out
of with your FireStudio.
2) In the External Devices window, click the Add button.
3) The Add Device window will launch.
From the menu on the left, select “New Instrument.” At this point,
you can customize the name of your sound module by entering the
manufacturer and device names.
Specify which MIDI channels will be used to communicate with this
keyboard. For most purposes, you should select all MIDI channels. If
you are unsure of which MIDI channels to select, we suggest you select
all 16.
4) In the Send To drop-down menu, select the MIDI-interface output
from which Studio One Artist will send MIDI data to your sound
module, in this case, choose “FireStudio MIDI.”
In the Receive From drop-down menu, select the MIDI-interface
output from which Studio One Artist will receive MIDI data from your
sound module (also labeled “FireStudio MIDI”). In most cases, your
sound module will not need to send information to Studio One, so you
can leave this unspecified.
Click OK and close the External Devices window. You are now ready
to start recording in Studio One Artist. Sections 2.2.4 through 2.2.6
will go over how to set up a Song and will discuss some general
workflow tips for navigating through the Studio One Artist
enviroment.
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