User’s Manual
Version 1.0
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., © 2005
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1Overview
1.1 Introduction
4
2 Installation and Set up
2.1 Computer Requirements
5
6
2.2 Installation of FIREBOX Drivers
2.3 FIREBOX Control Panel
7
2.4 FIREBOX Mixer
10
11
13
2.5 CUBASE LE – Quick Start Up
2.6 Testing your FIREBOX with Cubase LE
3 Controls & Connections
3.1 Front Panel Layout and Descriptions
16
18
3.2 Back Panel Layout and Descriptions
4 Mixer
4.1 Mixer
20
22
4.2 Operation of Mixer
5 Application Notes
5.1 Microphones
25
25
5.2 Sample Hook Up Diagram
6 Technical
6.1 Trouble Shooting
26
29
6.2 Specifications
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1 OVERVIEW
1 . 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N
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!
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
2 . 1 C O M P U T E R R E Q U I R E M E N T S
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
2 . 2 I N S T A L L A T I O N O F F I R E B O X
D R I V E R S
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
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 F I R E B O X C O N T R O L P A N E L
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
High: Computer Processor 2GHz and higher
Medium (default): Computer Processor 1GHz to 2GHz
Low: Computer Processor 800MHz to 1GHz
2 . 4 F I R E B O X M I X E R
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).
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
2 . 5 C U B A S E L E – Q U I C K S T A R T U P
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
ASIO Driver (pull down menu) – select PreSonus ASIO Driver.
Click Switch to save PreSonus Driver Selection
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
2 . 6 T E S T Y O U R F I R E B O X W I T H
C U B A S E L E
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:
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
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.
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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
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
Note that online help available for Cubase LE by pressing F1 or visiting
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3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
3 . 1 F R O N T P A N E L L A Y O U T A N D
D E S C R I P T I O N
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.
XLR connector 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.
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3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
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
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3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
3 . 2 B A C K P A N E L L A Y O U T A N D
D E S C R I P T I O N
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.
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3 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
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.).
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4 MIXER
4 . 1 M I X E R
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.
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4 MIXER
FIREBOX Mixer Flowchart:
Playback from
Software
6 inputs from the FIREBOX go
directly to mixer and software
Mixer Output to one of six
stereo outputs on FIREBOX
To set up your Mixer application for zero latency recording (example):
1. Record enable your desired track – turn off input monitoring function (or
mute the track) in your software.
2. Select playback channels of the main output of your audio software in the
SOFTWARE PLAYBACK channel of the FIREBOX mixer. The input on this
channel will be the output of your software.
3. Connect your microphone to input 1 and turn on phantom power if needed.
4. You can now adjust the levels of your microphone and your software
playback to your desired levels for recording (monitoring only).
5. If using headphones select “Mix” under Mix to Phones. – this will send the
output of the Mixer to the headphone output.
6. In the MIXER OUTPUT section of the FIREBOX Mixer, select the pair of
outputs to send out of the FIREBOX (for example studio monitors connected
to outputs 1/2).
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4 MIXER
4 . 2 O P E R A T I O N O F M I X E R
The silver tracks represent the six possible inputs from the FIREBOX as well as
the software playback. The blue section contains information on the output of the
mixer.
Each input has the following functions:
Pan (green vertical line.) You can click-drag the pan (stereo
image) of each input by moving the green vertical line to the
left or right. Double clicking on the green line will reset the
pan to the center. Holding down ALT or CTRL, or SHIFT
while dragging PAN, puts PAN into fine mode for more
accurate adjustment of PAN.
Level (fader) – Adjusts the input level of each input. Double
clicking on the blue fader automatically sets the fader to full
gain.
Solo – by pressing Solo, all other input channels are muted.
Mute – Mutes input channel.
Link – links the input gain of adjacent channels.
If the two channels do not have the same level
when the link button is pressed, clicking on one
of the faders will send the other input level to the
same level as the channel that was clicked on.
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4 MIXER
Input (software playback channel) – This is the audio return
from your audio software. The same functions are available as
the other inputs including PAN (balance between left and right
channels), LEVEL, SOLO and MUTE. This is a stereo channel.
This channel picks up the audio stream that is sent from your
software and enables you to mix it with the direct input of your
FIREBOX.
PLAYBACK – Indicates the stereo stream output channels from
your software.
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4 MIXER
OUTPUT SECTION
Output Level (fader) – Adjusts the output level
of the mixer.
Global Solo Clear – Clears (ON) or restores (off)
solo’s that have been selected in input channels.
Global Mute Clear – Clears (ON) or restores (off)
mute’s that have been selected in input channels.
Playback to Phones – selects the audio stream
output coming from your software.
Mix to Phones – Pressing this button sends the
Mixer’s zero latency output to the headphones.
Mixer Output – sends the output of the mixer to
the selected pair of outputs on the FIREBOX.
Save – enables you to save your mixer setups.
Load – loads your mixer setups. (note that you
must first save a mixer setup before you load one.
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5 APPLICATION NOTES
5 . 1 M I C R O P H O N E S
The FIREBOX works great with all types of microphones including dynamic, ribbon
and condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones are
generally lower output devices and require no external power source. Condenser
microphones are generally more sensitive than dynamic and ribbon microphones and
typically require external 48V phantom power.
NOTE: If you are using a ribbon microphone, please check the manual for the
mic before applying phantom power. Applying phantom power to some
microphones could cause damage to the microphone.
5 . 2 S A M P L E H O O K U P D I A G R A M
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6 TECHNICAL
6 . 1 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G
Please note that many technical issues can arise when converting a standard
computer into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). PreSonus will only provide support
for issues that directly relate to the FIREBOX interface. It may be necessary to contact
the manufacturer of the computer, operating system and/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 information and updates, firmware updates,
and technical support. Also, technical assistance may be received by calling
PreSonus at 225-216-7887 between the hours of 10 am and 8 PM Central Time.
Pops and Clicks
The light on the front right panel of the FIREBOX 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). If the symbol is solid blue, this indicates that your unit is in sync with the
computer or a S/PDIF device that is plugged into the S/PDIF input on the back of the
unit. If the light is solid red, this indicates that the FIREBOX does not have sync from
the computer and that the unit might not be connected properly. If the unit is flashing
red and blue, the unit is not receiving external sync. This would be caused by the clock
source in the FIREBOX control panel being set to S/PDIF with no S/PDIF sync source
coming in. Here are the three different light modes broken down once again:
Blue – solid sync
Red – sync not present.
Flashing Red and Blue – external sync not present
Pops and clicks can also occur with high CPU loads (ie; running a large number
of plug-ins, etc) at low latency. Windows XP – try increasing your latency settings
in the FIREBOX’s hardware control panel.
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6 TECHNICAL
No Sync (Red) – Macintosh Users –Open Audio MIDI Setup and change the
Format sample rate speed to anything different. This will re-establish
synchronization and the Blue sync light will turn on. Once you have the blue sync
light you can then reset the Format sample rate to your desired setting.
Audio Drop Outs – Can occur when the speed of your processor cannot buffer
audio fast enough. Windows XP – Try lowering your FIREBOX’s CPU to a lower
setting, by right clicking on the FIREBOX control panel icon in your system tray.
Preamplifier
Q: I have a microphone plugged into channel one (or two) but I am not getting
any signal.
Possible Solutions
1. Check your mic cable.
2. Make sure the microphone does not require phantom power. If it does press
the 48v button.
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6 TECHNICAL
Power Issues
Q: I just bought a FIREBOX from (dealer name goes here) in (city and state go
here) and I live in Morocco. When I plugged in my FIREBOX it caught on fire and
smoke came out of the top. What do I do?
A: PreSonus has a distributor in almost every country. Therefore, PreSonus does
not authorize or condone exportation of any of our products by US dealers. If you
have done this and your product has been damaged (more than likely due to
voltage irregularities) then you will need to return the unit to the dealer in the
United States. The dealer can then return it to PreSonus for a non-warranty
repair. After the unit is repaired, the dealer will be billed accordingly and the unit
will be returned to the dealer.
Cubase LE
For help with Cubase LE press F1 while running Cubase LE or visit:
For additional trouble shooting information check online at
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6 TECHNICAL
6 . 2 F I R E B O X S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Preamp Bandwidth..........................................................................10Hz to 50kHz
Preamp Input Impedance ...................................................................... 1.3k Ohms
Instrument Input Impedance....................................................................1M Ohms
Preamp THD ............................................................................................ <0.005%
Preamp EIN.................................................................................................-125dB
Preamp Gain ................................................................................................. 45dB
Line Input Impedance............................................................................. 10k Ohms
TRS Output Impedance............................................................................51 Ohms
TRS Main Outputs Impedance .................................................................51 Ohms
Headphone Output...........................................................150mW/Ch 20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power.................................................................................... 48V +/- 2V
Power Supply ........................................... Ext line Transformer, Internal Switching
Bus Power............................................................................. Six-pin FireWire Port
Analog to Digital Converters.....................................................24-bit / up to 96khz
ADC Dynamic Range ................................................................................... 107db
DAC......................................................................................... 24-bit / up to 96kHz
DAC Dynamic Range ................................................................................... 110db
IEEE1394 Speed......................................................................................400mbps
As
a
commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus Audio
Electronics, Inc. reserves the right to change any specification
stated herein at any time in the future without notification.
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