An alternative to the Onyx 1200F?

[jabulani jonny]

Well, I just got it Saturday. All I've had time to do so far is do a quick test recording running all 24 channels simultaneously for 45 minutes. I plugged a mic into all the XLR's at one time just to verify signal, but that's it. I have a live recording coming up this weekend for a drama at a local high school, 18 tracks total. I won't be able to give you comparisons of the pres and converters compared to a bunch of other gear, I can just give you my impressions on the usability and the general sound of the unit.

If you'd like a real-world application go to the Firestudio page at presonus and watch the quicktime movie where they recorded a Jars of Clay concert, 24 tracks, using the Firestudio & two Digimaxes. Found here. Click on the last video on that page.

Jonathan

 

[SteveE9C6]

I'd disagree with this from the reviews I've read. Mind you, I haven't worked with either yet, but the pre's and the A/D conversion have been lauded for an interface in this price point. The clocking has also been reworked and has received lots of good feedback.

I own both a Firepod and an Onyx 400F. While the Firepod is a good unit, the 400F sounds much better to me. The convertors are high end ADK and the pre's are quite useable. The sonic difference between the two is not subtle. At the price point Presonus has set, they simply can't afford to put high end convertor chips in the box. I am waiting for the 1200F, which should begin shipping in January. My understanding is that the drivers for this are the hangup.

 

[jabulani jonny]

You are comparing to the Firepod, not the Firestudio. Just for clarification.

 

[SteveE9C6]

You are comparing to the Firepod, not the Firestudio. Just for clarification.

Uhhmm... if you look at the specs of the two, they are virtually identical. The preamps and convertors appear to be the same. I would expect them to sound pretty much identical. They both use a mid grade Cirrus 24/96 ADC.
Primarily, the Firestudio appears to be an updated Firepod with better software and better routing capabilities. (Especially monitoring) I think if anyone is expecting a significant upgrade in audio quality from the Firepod, they may be dissapointed. Don't get me wrong, I like Presonus and own the Firepod and an ADL600.

 

[warble2]

Uhhmm... if you look at the specs of the two, they are virtually identical. The preamps and convertors appear to be the same. I would expect them to sound pretty much identical. They both use a mid grade Cirrus 24/96 ADC.
Primarily, the Firestudio appears to be an updated Firepod with better software and better routing capabilities. (Especially monitoring) I think if anyone is expecting a significant upgrade in audio quality from the Firepod, they may be dissapointed. Don't get me wrong, I like Presonus and own the Firepod and an ADL600.

This is what I'm curious about. On paper, anything can look kick arse but in the real world, specs don't always add up. It would seem the DICE II chipset would make a difference though - with the included JetPLL and the chipset looks to be capable of some good stuff in regards to ins/outs, etc. If the Firepod and the Firestudio use the same A/D & D/A, my guess would be that tightening up the clock through JetPLL would certainly provide for at least some kind of sonic improvement. No?