Firestudio Project vs Motu 8pre

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Tim the Enchanter
Member Since: Feb 17, 2008

Well I just got my tax rebate money today and I am thinking about upgrading my audio interface. These are the two I've been looking at most closely. What is everyone's opinions on these interfaces? Which one has the better sounding preamps? Is the Firestudio Project expandable like the Motu 8pre? Can I assign any of the inputs/outputs as aux send/returns? It says the Project has the ability to send 5 separate mixes to the outputs. I guess I would have to have 5 sets of monitors to take advantage of that or is there a way I could run each mix to a set of headphones? Also could I utilize my firewire port on my EMU1212M or would I have to buy a separate firewire card?

Sorry, thats a lot of questions!

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SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002


May 17, 2008 05:27 pm

They both work well. I have the MOTU unit( i just did a long comparison on different units). I've found that people have had a few problems with the Presonus units (it could be user error) . The Pre's on the MOTU unit rock. Plus I like the ADAT option. There is only a sterio out on the MOTU but if you have a mixer or Makie Big Knob that's fine. As for as pluging it into the firewre port of the EMU, I'm not sure. I picked up a firewire card (an extra one) from best buy to add more port to my PC and it was like 30 bucks and it work great.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 18, 2008 07:59 pm

I have used both Presonus and MOTU and I do prefer MOTU over the Presonus as Geoff stated. Presonus seem to still have a few bugs to work out on the connection and driver end. MOTU is a lot more stable with a much longer run in the building of these units.

The mixes thing is a pretty hokey selling point and doesn't actually work like they lead on. AS for the firewire port on the EMU card, I'm not sure either but i would be guessing stability wise I would opt for a card to be certain it is stable. And look for a TI chip on the card.

Tim the Enchanter
Member
Since: Feb 17, 2008


May 19, 2008 11:34 pm

Yeah I'm thinking that if I change my audio device to the new one then it will probably render the EMU firewire port useless. I don't know if its a TI chip anyways though so I'll probably just get a card.

I was just looking at the Saffire Pro 10 as well, but I can't find that many reviews. Anyone know anything about it?

Tim the Enchanter
Member
Since: Feb 17, 2008


Jun 11, 2008 08:13 pm

I ended up going with the FSP. I liked the fact that it had multiple outputs and also it came with a free condenser mic (MXL 990) which I was going to need to buy anyways. I also bought some monitor stands, a mic stand, pop up filter, and a pair of Sennheiser HD280 cans.

I haven't had any problems with the FSP thus far, it seems to work great. I made sure and got a firewire card with a TI chipset.

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