Presonus Firestudio or Firepod?

[DC_rhoads82]

Hi there,
I have been looking quite closely at these two audio interfaces but due to money shortages I may be only able to afford the firepod. I was wondering if anyone has had first hand experience with the firepod, I've heard great things about the firestudio, but not much about the firepod. Should I just go for the firepod or wait to get the firestudio. I'm very new to home recording, I'm just looking to get good quality gear for recording as I have good quality gear for playing! Any info or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[String7th]

It depends on what your plans are for recording. I own 2 firepods and I am able to record 8 track each plus 2 more from my PodX3, making a total of 18 tracks at once. But I can only do 2 headphone mixes, plus the main. Depending on your budget and needs, I suggest grabbing the 2 firepods on clearence while they last.

On the other hand, the Firestudio has upwards of 6 or 8 different headphone mixes, 1 for each member of the band performing. The Firestudio can input 8 tracks, but is compatable with any ADAT preamp for 8-16 more inputs. The Firepod is only compatable with another Firepod.

If you are looking for solo artist stuff with a need for 8 or less mics at one time, grab a Firepod.

[DC_rhoads82]

Thanks String7th. I am mostly looking for personal recording. Sometimes I'll be recording with one or two other guitarists or bassists, or a vocalist, so I don't think I'd need more than 8 preamps. I was more concerned about the quality of preamps of the firepod as opposed to the firestudio.

[String7th]

Oh, it's the same pre-amps.
There was a post I asked about if there was a quality difference between interface pre-amps and mixer pre-amps. The answer was that everything that is not API, Neve, SSL or super high end mixers and pre-amps, will be roughly the same quality.

[brandondrury]

I was more concerned about the quality of preamps of the firepod as opposed to the firestudio.

I own the Presonus Firestudio. I also own a Presonus M80, Trident S20, and Vintech 1272. If you notice a difference in ANY preamp in the first two years of recording, I'll be highly surprised.

Check out my preamp shootouts in the member's only section to get an idea.

Brandon