Comments

DouglasClark wrote on 10/12/2004, 8:01 AM
Hi Mark

Thanks for your nice review. I've been looking at the Firepod since it was first announced, but was a bit put off by the lack of any software mixer and routing of ins and outs (like my Mia has). I have also waiting to hear that it works well with Vegas (5b).

Questions:

1. Can the Firepod be used off-line as a stand-alone preamp? (not connected to PC).

2. Does the Firepod remember the sample rate last set in the software, or is it only the driver that remembers? (this would be relevant if used stand-alone)

3. Is the power supply a "universal" unit for 110-240 volts, or is it specific to US 110 V (or Europe 220 V)? (relevant to "travel" with the Firepod)

Douglas
Denmark
farss wrote on 10/13/2004, 2:00 AM
Don't know about you're other questions but even if the power supplu isn't you can easily buy such a unit. Go for one with a IEC mains connector and you can usually buy the appropriate lead in the country you're travelling to. Saves lugging aound lots of adaptors.

Bob.
DouglasClark wrote on 10/14/2004, 5:59 AM
You're right, Bob. Especially since the Firepod power socket accepts "12 to 24 VDC or 15 VAC" as is printed by the power switch. That implies that the Firepod has most of the DC power conditioning built-in, rather than depending on a high-quality external power supply.

But I really like the power supplies that take 110 to 240, such as the "World"/"Universal" power supply on Mackie or RME units (or my Philips electric shaver ;-) ). Then you really only need the right IEC mains connector. It also means you can buy the units from whereever you want (USA/Europe) without concern for the power supply.
PipelineAudio wrote on 10/14/2004, 2:39 PM
Great review!

You mention ZLM. Does this mean that running ASIO DM you can do the onchip mixing as Samplitude and Cubendo do with RME? If so, then theres another reason for Vegas to take a VERY sensible leap forward into basic functionality next version
Hulk wrote on 10/17/2004, 10:12 PM
Hi guys. Sorry I haven't stopped back, been busy lately. I'll try to answer your questions the best I can. If you're unsure about any specific Firepod function that I can positively answer I suggest e-mailing they're tech support. There is no crazy process you need to get an e-mail address from their site, and they respond pretty quickly.

I'm going to be doing a big audio/video semi-live recording gig in a few weeks with the Firepod. I'll be sure to stop back with an update. Everything has been great in a controlled environment, but as you know, Murphy's law comes on strong when you have 8 musicians, a sound engineer, and 3 cameramen on the clock.

"You mention ZLM. Does this mean that running ASIO DM you can do the onchip mixing as Samplitude and Cubendo do with RME? If so, then theres another reason for Vegas to take a VERY sensible leap forward into basic functionality next version"

I'm not familiar with the software/hardware you've mentioned, but using Vegas you can set up a ZLM situation by sending Vegas mix to the Firepod and simply playing along. But I'm not sure I'm following you 100%. For one overdub at a time, no problems without an external mixer. There could be monitoring problems with 2 or more musicians overdubbing if they each wanted a separate ZLM level. Then you'd need and external mixer.

"1. Can the Firepod be used off-line as a stand-alone preamp? (not connected to PC). "

Preamp inputs are routed to line outputs, so yes.

"2. Does the Firepod remember the sample rate last set in the software, or is it only the driver that remembers? (this would be relevant if used stand-alone)"

Not sure about that, I'd have to test that...

"3. Is the power supply a "universal" unit for 110-240 volts, or is it specific to US 110 V (or Europe 220 V)? (relevant to "travel" with the Firepod)"

I don't think so, but I'm not sure.

- Mark