I can't comment on any of the hardware, but the diff between Firestudio and Firestudio Project is a software package.

Shad, I have the firepod aka FP10. I'm very happy with it. If you have a bit more $$ to spend the Firestudio may be a better unit. Check the stats between the two.

One thing I did was to create a clean partition of winxp which has absolutely nothing on it except the recording software. I think this is essential as a windows system can be easily corrupted with junk. On this partition I have no internet running (disabled the network card) so no virus or firewall software (which creates bad slowdowns and interruptions in the system) to complicate matters. The result is a lean and fast system to record with and a lot of capability. Just something to consider.

Jim

The partition is a great idea Jim - I'd been thinking about getting a 2nd HD for that purpose, but just always had something else to spend the money on ;]

How do you like the preamps on the FP? If I get one of these units, I'll be ditching my Mackie mixer. Think the preamps are comparable? Better?

The preamp is great as far as audio to digital conversion. That usually is key. But remember, this is pretty much like a line-in device as are all similar products. You may need a nice mixer for eq and other elements unless you plan to do the eq in the software.

I personally like to monitor what the end product is going to sound like as I am recording. For my guitar, I run it through the pod as I always have. So in a sense, I am getting my prerecorded mix sound to my liking.

The firepod does an excellent job keeping everything transparent. What I hear is what gets recorded.

Jim

So if I'm micing up vocals, you'd recommend that I go to my mixer first for it's preamps, then out into the card?

In that case you would use the line inputs. For example if you tested the mic through the unit without the mixer and was happy, then no need for the mixer.

But since you have the ability to adjust eq in your mixer but not on the interface and additionally can apply compression with an external unit, you just have more flexibility. The firepod is a recording interface with good preamps. But there is more to recording a signal than just a straight in to a preamp.

The recoding interface allows you to turn audio content into digital data. It's ability to do so without coloring the signal is what makes it an outstanding unit. It's preamps perform that function. But transparency may not be what you want if you like the sound from your mixer and not just a mic plugged straight in.

Hope that helps... Just my opinion. You should let your ears be the judge.

Jim

Just thought I'd a gree with you and add my $.02 worth.

You can never have too many preamps!!!

They don't have to be expensive either.

I have some pristine Focusrite ISA preamps that are scary transparent and clear, but I usiually use those for vocals or more demanding precussion instruments. Some of my other preamps have been salvaged from reel to reel tape recorders that were sold "cheap" on eBay because their transports were no longer working. Others wer built up or modified from discarded mixers, etc.

I spent the better part of a year building replicas of classic recording console preamps for my studio and if one is good with electronics one can get top shelf gear at a fraction of what it would cost for even used gear of the same quality.


The input impedance of a preamp intereacts with a mic, changing the way it sounds. Not all preamps have the same input impedances. This is a good thing. My Focusrite have variable input impedance (as well as line in and instrument direct in) and you can definitely hear the sound change as you tweek it. Different mics are happier with different impedances.

Each has it's own way it handles the mics and sounds. They are like different "color" one can choose when laying down the tracks so that when they are mixed they define an "sound" which sits in the ear in a way that captures the performance with life and depth instead of a flat mix.


Bill~~~

Jim,
How many tracks are you getting with your current set-up? I'm just curious if off the shelf computers are finally able to really do reliable recording. I really had trouble on my PC on anything over 8 track using the Firestation interface. That's why I eventually went to the "dedicated recording hardware" route. I still use the preamps, though.

Bill~~~

Bill~~~

Hey Bill,

I have not tried any multi since it is usually just me on the tracks. But, I did have a DAW computer built for me, a Q6600 quad overclocked to 3000 mHz which is an awesome setup. Jim Roseberry made it for me from www.studiocat.com

A great guy and he makes great audio PC's. There is a world of difference and I think the PC could do quite well under multi track load if ever required. I put it through some amazing performance hits with sample playback and recording and it really does not break a sweat.

Jim

Thanks, Jim!