Presonus Firepod and Cubase LE...any good?

[Starcross]

For computer based recording on a tight budget, is the Presonus Firepod any good? Can it record all 10 tracks simultaneously?

Also, the Cubase LE that comes with it? Any good? Not worth bothering with?

I see where I can get both as a package for about $600.
Any pros and cons with either would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[brandondrury]

I highly recommend this thread in regard to Recording Software.

What Recording Software Do You Use and Why?
http://www.recordingreview.com/forum...hp?topic=706.0

I'm not sure if anyone on the forum is using the Presonus Firepod, but it's specs look very good. If I was just getting started, the Presonus Firepod would be the place I would start. As far as the simultaneous tracks, I have a feeling that it will have 8 analog inputs and 2 digital inputs (probably S/PDIF). So if you don't have an external converter, you may only get 8 channels. This is a standard practice with soundcard manufacturers.

Brandon

[Starcross]

Thanks Brandon. I have read the other thread as well, but I'm trying to gain as much info as possible, and this looks like it may fit our budget. We're currently using the Ensoniq Paris, but due to some of the limitations you discussed with In10city on his "large drum kit" thread, this looks like it would alleviate some of them. The Paris only supports 16 tracks at mixdown, and with our equipment only 6 tracks simultaneous at recording.
The Presonus/Cubase combo seems to support 10 at recording (8 mic and 2 line, if I'm not mistaken) and 48 total tracks, which would prevent submixing before final mixing. Plus, for later down the line, the software is upgradeable, and up to 2 more Firepods can be linked together. I was just hoping for some feedback from someone with hands on experience with either this hardware or software.

Thanks as always for the info and for maintaining this valuable resource!

[brandondrury]

Well, I switched to Cubase SX3, which is sort of the flagship of "reasonable" Cubase versions (Nuendo is the big boy, but that thing is so powerful and expensive that it's not really necessary for the average home recording guy) and I totally love just about everything about it. It has a learning curve and it uses a lot of CPU power, but other than that, I've been very very pleased with it.

It's my understanding that Cubase LE is basically the same thing as SX3, but they've reduced a few of the features. Actually, the reduction isn't that much. Only hardcore mixers will require SX3 anyway. I think.

Brandon