Presonus Firestudio Distortion Issue

  • Thread starter Thread starter brokenarcade
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brokenarcade

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Maybe you good people can help me out here:

I'm tracking clean guitar using an SM57 and a large diaphragm condenser, and I've noticed that the signal coming into my DAW from my Presonus Firestudio is quite distorted. The LED indicator on the Firestudio itself says it's not clipping, and the indicator in the DAW says it's not, either. Moving the mic's further away from the source of the sound does nothing to alleviate the issue, and when I turn the gain all the way down on the Firestudio, I can still hear distorted signal getting through. Despite all this, actually turning the amp down seems to help some, although it still clips.

Now, I'm not the the techiest guy, but is it that the Firestudio simply can't handle the signal level coming into it, overloading the preamp? I've never heard my SM57 or my condenser distort from sound levels before, and the amp isn't even that loud. If this is the issue, what can I do to fix it, or what alternative is there to the Presonus? If this isn't the issue, please send your advice!

Thanks.
 
Did you try a different channel? Are you using XLR cables? Open the presonus mixer so you can see the exact level. Could the mic be boned?
 
I've tried different inputs, same issue, and yep, I'm using XLR's. I highly doubt both of my mic's (especially the SM57, workhorse as it is) are done for, and the other factors make me think it's a different issue.
 
Have you checked if the distortion is coming through on direct monitoring as well as when it comes back from the DAW?
 
It is, so I'm thinking the signal is just overloading the preamp. My condenser has a -10db pad, and that seems to solve the issue for it.

This is pretty disappointing, as I thought Presonus' preamps were better than that, anybody know any alternatives?
 
I haven't had any problems with mics overloading the inputs on my Firestudio or my Digimax FS. I do, however have a dead channel on my Digimax FS. I use them with condenser mics closely recording just about everything, including snare and have never noticed a problem and never used a pad. I suspect you have a defective unit. Probably something wrong in the power supply since it has to be something that is common to all channels (probably a lower voltage than is required somewhere in the circuit). Can you post a sample of what is happening? I recorded this last weekend using my Firstudio, Digimax FS and condenser mics on guitar and drums (except kick), dynamic on kick and vocal (violin and bass direct). I point out that I used condensers because they typically have a higher output and would distort an input before most dynamic mics. Black Magic Woman by Richard King on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free
 
I've never had a problem with my Firestudio or Digimx FS clipping. I've used SM57, i5, ES57, and various condensors to record everything from electric guitars to snare drums and haven't had a problem. How old is the Firestudio? You can probably let Presonus know what's going on and they'll take care of you. From what I've heard, they have great customer service. I don't know first hand because I've never had to use them.;) I also had two Firepods and didnt have trouble with them either.
 
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