Any need to upgrade my FP10?

[guitarded88]

Am I really missing out? I got the thing for like 200 bucks cause it was the best I could afford at the time (previously was using a Tascam US-122).

Reading people rave about the Fireface though makes me feel like I'm missing out on something spectacular.

Yes I do run into the occasional problem with the Presonus, but they aren't THAT frequent on my macbook pro (once in a while I'll need to reset it, due to pops and cracks occurring randomly on certain preamps). But I just record myself and my band, so its not like im pissing off clients or losing money by having to deal with the occasional glitch.

Soundwise... would I notice an upgrade to a better interface? In terms of preamps, AD and DA converters, outputs for reamping?

Someone tell me i don't need a better interface!

 

[ahjteam]

Atleast my classmate noticed a dramatic difference when he upgraded from Presonus FP10 to RME Multiface, which is one generation older model than Fireface.

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

I noticed a difference (good) when I upgraded from a firepod (not the fp10 model) to a profire 2626.

So my answer is yes you will.

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

I noticed a difference (good) when I upgraded from a firepod (not the fp10 model) to a profire 2626.

So my answer is yes you will.

Same here. I thought it was all placebo, since I thought playing back music sounded considerably better, but then my girlfriend noticed it too without me mentioning it, so I guess there really is a difference.

 

[guitarded88]

Lol thanks everyone.

Not the answer I was HOPING to hear, but you know... it's good to know.

At least I know what's the next piece of gear to save up for.




The girlfriend test is gold... if my gf notices I know I must have changed something pretty significantly

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

Lol thanks everyone.

Not the answer I was HOPING to hear, but you know... it's good to know.

If you don't like the the continuous urge to upgrade every single piece of your gear, you picked the wrong hobby/profession/obsession

 

[guitarded88]

If you don't like the the continuous urge to upgrade every single piece of your gear, you picked the wrong hobby/profession/obsession

Hahah I know. I just spent almost $2k on my guitar rig (new amp, new pedals and a new guitar at the beginning of the summer). Got everything finalized (except the pedaltrain i got was too small , and I want some better cables).

I thought I was safe!! At least for a while. But now that I'm back in recording land.... the cycle starts all over.

 

[jipchen]

And btw, FP-10 and Firepod is exactly the same unit (beside the name). Presonus just re-named it.

 

[wishtheend]

If you aren't able to upgrade right away, look at upgrading your DACs. I noticed a conciderable improvement after I started using the SPDIF output on the FP10s and going to the SPDIF in on my JBL LSR monitors. I doubt these monitors have the best DACs in them, but it is definitely better than using the analog outputs on the FP10s.

You might look at the TC Electronic BMC-2. You can get them for a decent price, and I hear the converters on them are really good especially at that price. Plus, it's just a handy piece of gear to have in the long run even if you update your interface later.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/bmc-2.asp

 

[if6was9]

In fairness the fp 10 is like 1/3rd the price of a fireface and you've to buy external pre's to get up to 8 preamps. There's definately going to be a noticeable difference between the two.

 

[guitarded88]

And btw, FP-10 and Firepod is exactly the same unit (beside the name). Presonus just re-named it.

Yea, i actually own a firepod... but its been upgraded to an fp10. Actually bought it off a Sneapster 2 years ago for like 200 bux.

If you aren't able to upgrade right away, look at upgrading your DACs. I noticed a conciderable improvement after I started using the SPDIF output on the FP10s and going to the SPDIF in on my JBL LSR monitors. I doubt these monitors have the best DACs in them, but it is definitely better than using the analog outputs on the FP10s.

You might look at the TC Electronic BMC-2. You can get them for a decent price, and I hear the converters on them are really good especially at that price. Plus, it's just a handy piece of gear to have in the long run even if you update your interface later.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/bmc-2.asp

Thanks for the tip. That looks pretty awesome... I love the fact that you can just hit a button and it goes to a preset SPL. I would guess that ‘cause it’s TC Electronics the DACs would be top notch as well.
Keep in mind I’m using KRK RP-5s though, I’m thinking my next monitoring need is a sub...

In fairness the fp 10 is like 1/3rd the price of a fireface and you've to buy external pre's to get up to 8 preamps. There's definately going to be a noticeable difference between the two.

I know, I know... I guess a better question would have been “Can I get away with using the FP10 or should I upgrade before I do a whole bunch of recording for my band.” Or “Does the difference in quality justify the extra $1000 to a guy who’s already spent too much on gear.”

I know I’ll need to upgrade eventually, I just didn’t know if I was wasting my time with the FP10.

I’ve done recordings I’ve been very happy with already, but sometimes it’s hard to see how much a piece of gear is holding you back.