[String7th]

Quality: 8
Tons of functions. I use 2 in a chain so I have 16 mic inputs, plus 2 more stereo inputs with pre-amps with SPDIF. Meaning I can use 12 mics on the drums, 2 for vocals, 1 for bass, 1 for rythym guitar, and my Pod Pro for leads, all on individual tracks, simultaneously.

I can also send the drumer his own mix through the bus outputs.

Not so happy with the preamps, though. Very clean and discreate, but the clip has zero headroom. Massive pop on even the slightest clips

Reliability: 7
My computer was considered a top of the line personal computer about 2 years ago but with only 1 gig of ram trying to handle 16 inputs, the firepods lose connection and crackle if the latency is not set at at least 12 ms. (not very good IMO)

And with the massive ram-eating plug ins I use, I set the FP at about 26 ms when mixing.

But if you got the ram, this Firepod will fly.

Overall Rating: 7
With the Firestudio as the alternative, this is cheaper and does the same things. If you are looking for 10+ inputs for an interface, consider stacking 2 to 3 Firepods for about the same price as a Firestudio and preamps with lightpipe connection.

My computer is the cause of the cut-outs, delay, and freezing, but the Firepods are awesome for whole band recording and multiple headphone mixes.