PRESONUS FIREBOX User manual

User’s Manual
Version 1.0
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., © 2005

WARRANTY
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 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
[phone]
[phone]
www.presonus.com
©2005, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
1Overview
1.1 Introduction 4
2 Installation and Set up
2.1 Computer Requirements 5
2.2 Installation of FIREBOX Drivers 6
2.3 FIREBOX Control Panel 7
2.4 FIREBOX Mixer 10
2.5 CUBASE LE – Quick Start Up 11
2.6 Testing your FIREBOX with Cubase LE 13
3 Controls & Connections
3.1 Front Panel Layout and Descriptions 16
3.2 Back Panel Layout and Descriptions 18
4 Mixer
4.1 Mixer 20
4.2 Operation of Mixer 22
5 Application Notes
5.1 Microphones 25
5.2 Sample Hook Up Diagram 25
6 Technical
6.1 Trouble Shooting 26
6.2 Specifications 29

1 OVERVIEW
4
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus FIREBOX. PreSonus Audio Electronics has
designed the FIREBOX utilizing high-grade components to insure optimum
performance that will last a lifetime. The FIREBOX is the most powerful recording
interface of its size, with the ability to record and playback six inputs and eight outputs
simultaneously at 24-bit/96K sample rate. Loaded with four analog inputs, including
two PreSonus microphone preamplifiers and two line inputs, six balanced analog
outputs, SPDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, and Cubase LE 48-track recording software, the
FIREBOX is ready to go out of the box for professional-quality computer recording. For
further flexibility, the FIREBOX can be bus-powered by a six-pin FireWire connector or
externally powered by the included power supply. The FIREBOX is the perfect
computer recording system that gives you the power for professional quality
recordings in the palm of your hand.
We suggest that you use this manual to familiarize yourself with the features,
applications and correct connection procedure for your FIREBOX before trying to
connect it to your computer. This will hopefully alleviate any unforeseen issues that
you may encounter during installation and set up.
Thank you, once again, for buying our product and we hope you enjoy your FIREBOX!

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
5
2.1 COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Below are the minimum computer system requirements for your FIREBOX.
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)
Macintosh
- 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
Note that the speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of your hard drive will
greatly affect the overall performance of your 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.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
6
2.2 INSTALLATION OF FIREBOX
DRIVERS
Windows XP
Installation Steps:
- Quit all currently running applications
- Insert CD-ROM Driver Installation included with your FIREBOX into your
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 your 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.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
7
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 your
FIREBOX to a FireWire port on your computer (power for the unit will be supplied
via the Firewire cable). Your FIREBOX sync light should flash red and then stay
blue to signify that your FIREBOX is properly sync’d to your computer.
2.3 FIREBOX CONTROL PANEL
WINDOWS XP
Once you have successfully installed your audio drivers, the FIREBOX Control Panel
will be available from your system tray (typically located at the bottom right hand
corner of your screen near your clock).
Double click on the FIREBOX Control Panel ICON to open the FIREBOX Hardware
Control Panel.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
8
FIREBOX HARDWARE CONTROL PANEL (Windows XP)
Sample Rate: Drop down the menu to select the sample rate of the FIREBOX – 44.1,
48, 88.2, 96k. This must be set to the same sample rate in your recording software.
Clock Source: Drop down the menu to select the FIREBOX’s digital sync source.
INTERNAL
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 your 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.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
9
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 your hard
drive:
FIREBOX Control
Once this file is saved to your 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” 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 your processor. If you are experiencing
audio drop outs, it is recommended that you select a lower CPU setting.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
10
High: Computer Processor 2GHz and higher
Medium (default): Computer Processor 1GHz to 2GHz
Low: Computer Processor 800MHz to 1GHz
2.4 FIREBOX MIXER
WINDOWS XP
Once you have successfully installed your audio drivers, the FIREBOX Mixer will be
available in your program files. You can launch the Mixer by clicking: Start -> Program
files -> PreSonus FIREBOX MIXER. (For details on the FIREBOX Mixer see chapter
4).
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 your hard drive:
FIREBOX Mixer
Once this file is saved to your hard drive, double click on it to launch the Mixer.
(For details on the FIREBOX Mixer see chapter 4).

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
11
2.5 CUBASE LE – QUICK START UP
Once you have installed your FIREBOX drivers, if you plan on using the CUBASE LE
software included with your FIREBOX, insert the CUBASE LE installation CD and run
the installer. Make sure to keep your 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.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
12
ASIO Driver (pull down menu) – select PreSonus ASIO Driver.
Click Switch to save PreSonus Driver Selection

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
13
2.6 TEST YOUR FIREBOX WITH
CUBASE LE
In order to test your FIREBOX, do the following:
Launch Cubase LE and make sure that you have selected the PreSonus FIREBOX
ASIO driver as described above in Section 2.4.
Create a new project:

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
14
Create one new audio track within your 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.

2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
15
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 your 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
Note that online help available for Cubase LE by pressing F1 or visiting
www.steinberg.net

3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
16
3.1 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT AND
DESCRIPTION
1.Microphone / Instrument Pre-Amplifier.Your 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 award winning PreSonus preamplifier design is
a Class A input buffer followed by a dual servo gain stage. This arrangement results in
ultra low noise and wide gain control allowing the FIREBOX user to boost desirable
signal without increasing unwanted background noise.
2. 48 Volt Phantom Power. The FIREBOX has selectable 48V Phantom power
available for both preamps.
XLRconnector wiring for Phantom Power
Pin 1= GND Pin 2= +48V Pin3= +48V
+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 ¼” phone or XLR connectors in the same female input.
INSTRUMENT INPUTS (Channels 1 and 2): The ¼” TS connector 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.

3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
17
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 ¼” (channels 1 and 2 only): 45dB variable
gain (+8dB to +50dB)
Clip Indicator. The clip indicator will light up if your input signal from the XLR (Mic) or
¼” (line) reaches +18dBu (0dBfs). At this level, your 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 your 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 ¼” Jack. This is where you connect your 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
your 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

3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
18
3.2 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 your country. Note that you can also power your FIREBOX with a six-
pin FireWire port from your computer instead of using the external power supply.
FireWire Ports. There are two firewire ports on the back of the FIREBOX. Both
FireWire ports are standard 6 pin firewire jacks. If your computer has a six-pin FireWire
port you can power your FIREBOX from the FireWire connector. If your computer has
a 4 pin connector, then you will need to get a 4 to 6 pin connector to connect your
FIREBOX to your computer, and use the external power supply. Either port can be
used to connect the FIREBOX to a FireWire port on your 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 your FIREBOX
Hardware Control Panel.

3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
19
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) ¼” cables or unbalanced TS (Tip Sleeve) ¼”
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) ¼” cables or unbalanced TS (Tip Sleeve) ¼” 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.).

4 MIXER
20
4.1 MIXER
The FIREBOX includes a software MIXER/ROUTER for flexible monitoring and
routing of the audio signal before it hits your 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 your
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.