PreSonus FIRE TUBE

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Unleash the full potential of your recordings with the PRESONUS FIRE TUBE, a powerhouse in the world of studio recording gear. This professional-grade FireWire preamp and channel strip is designed to meet the demands of bands, producers, and engineers seeking commercial-quality sound. With its Class-A vacuum tube preamplifiers and advanced limiter technology, the Fire Tube delivers a rich, warm tone with pristine clarity and unmatched headroom.

The front panel is equipped with two "SuperChannels," each featuring a high-gain, military-grade 12AX7 tube. These channels offer Neutrik combo connectors, allowing both XLR microphone and hi-Z instrument inputs, and include preamp gain controls and tube drive for a versatile sonic palette. An 80Hz high pass filter ensures you can clean up unwanted low frequencies with ease.

The Fire Tube's limiter, inspired by the award-winning DigiMax 96K, uses an ultra-fast VCA-based RMS and peak detection circuit to prevent clipping while maintaining musical integrity. The intuitive front-panel LED metering provides instant feedback on preamp input and limiter gain reduction.

In terms of connectivity, the Fire Tube doesn't hold back. It offers 16 analog inputs—enabling seamless integration of your microphones, instruments, and line-level devices. Eight Class-A XMAX mic preamps and six balanced TRS line inputs ensure ample room for simultaneous multi-source recording. The rear panel also includes MIDI I/O for comprehensive control over MIDI instruments and keyboards.

Whether you're recording a full band or a solo artist, the PRESONUS FIRE TUBE is your go-to solution for professional-grade production.

Key Features:

Class-A vacuum tube microphone and instrument preamplifiers
Two "SuperChannels" with Neutrik combo connectors
Advanced VCA-based limiter technology
16 analog inputs, including eight XMAX mic preamps
Integrated MIDI I/O for external devices
Comprehensive software suite with Studio One Artist

Product specs

Win	Windows XP or Vista, Intel Pentium 4 1.6GHz processor or AMD Athlon 64 (Turion), 1GB RAM
Mac	Mac OS X 10.4.11 or Mac OS X 10.5.2 or higher, PowerPC G4 1.25 GHz or Intel Core Solo 1.5 GHz processor, 1GB RAM
Both	IEEE 1394 FireWire 400 Port, Internet connection, DVD-ROM drive, Internal or external 7200RPM storage drive is highly recommended
Recommended	Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz EM64T or better or AMD Athlon 64 3000+ or better, 2GB or more RAM
Windows and Macintosh Systems	Internet connection, DVD-ROM drive, a monitor resolution no lower than 1024x768 pixels
Type	TRS active stereo
Frequency response (±0.5dB)	20Hz to 50kHz
Frequency response (±3.0dB)	20 Hz to 150 kHz
Input impedance (Balanced)	10 KOhm
THD+N (unwtd, 1kHz at +4 dBu output, unity gain	< 0.0003%EIN (unwtd, 55dB gain, 150 ohm input, 20Hz to 22kHz: -126 dBu
S/N Ratio (unity gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4dBu, 20Hz to 22kHz)	> 101dB
Common Mode rejection ratio (1kHz, 55 dB gain)	> 55dB
Gain control range (±1dB)	-4 dB to 50dB
Maximum input level (unity gain, 1kHz at 0.5% THD+N)	+14dBu
Phantom power (±2 VDC)	+48 VDC
Input impedance	1 megohm
Gain reduction	-16 to +20 dB
ThD+N (unwtd, 1KHz at +4dBu Output, Unity Gain)	<.2%Limiter: 0 to -18dBu
Gain control (+/-1dB)	+4dB to +58dB
Frequency response (+0,- 0.5dB)	20Hz to 50kHz
Frequency response (+0/-3.0 dB)	20Hz to 150kHz
THD+N (unwtd, 1KHz @ +4dBu Output, Unity Gain)	< 0.003%S/N Ratio (unity gain, unwtd, Ref. = +4dBu, 20Hz to 22KHz): >101dB
Maximum output	150 mW/CH at 60 ohm Load
Frequency response (±1.0 dB)	10Hz - 70kHz
ADC dynamic range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate)	114dB
DAC dynamic range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate)	114dB
Bit depth	24
Reference level for 0dBFS	+10dBu
Jitter specification	<20ps RMS, 20Hz-20kHzJitter attenuation: >60dB; 1ns in approx.1ps out
Input connector type	IEC
Input voltage range	90 to 240 VAC
Power requirements (Continuous)	20W

FAQs

What type of connectivity does the PreSonus Fire Tube preamp support?: The PreSonus Fire Tube preamp supports IEEE 1394 FireWire 400 connectivity, making it compatible with systems that have a FireWire port for seamless integration into your recording setup.
Is the PreSonus Fire Tube preamp compatible with modern DAWs like Pro Tools and Logic?: Yes, the PreSonus Fire Tube is compatible with any ASIO-, Windows Audio-, or Core Audio-compliant audio interface, allowing it to work with popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Cubase, and Logic.
What is the frequency response range of the PreSonus Fire Tube preamp?: The PreSonus Fire Tube preamp offers a frequency response of 20Hz to 150kHz (±3.0dB), ensuring a wide range of audio frequencies are accurately captured and reproduced.
Does the PreSonus Fire Tube preamp offer phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the PreSonus Fire Tube preamp provides +48 VDC phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require external power.
What are the key features of the PreSonus Fire Tube's audio processing capabilities?: The PreSonus Fire Tube features 32-bit audio processing, advanced automation, and a comprehensive effects library, including dynamics processors, reverbs, and amp simulators, enhancing your recording and mixing capabilities.

Videos

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Presonus Firestudio Tube

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRESONUS FIRE TUBE.

Features and functionality

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The Presonus FireStudio Tube's XLR inputs are noted for their good drive, limiter, and analog valves, offering unique preamp qualities.
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It’s been reported that Universal Control may require manually defining multiple units to keep channels organized, which can affect syncing.
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Software and compatibility

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It's highlighted that the Presonus FireStudio Tube is not supported by MacBook Pro M1, prompting users to find alternative solutions for digital conversion.
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Users have experienced syncing issues when daisy-chaining FireStudio units if other FireWire devices are connected, suggesting using USB drives instead for additional devices.
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Comparisons

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Users recommend the Behringer UCA202 as a simple and affordable alternative for basic A/D conversion, despite concerns about input quality.
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Use cases and applications

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The FireStudio Tube can be used in tandem with other interfaces via SP/DIF to expand input channels, although this setup requires careful consideration of compatibility and functionality.
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A user mentioned successfully using two FireStudio units in tandem to record 16 channels, highlighting the setup's potential for multi-channel recording when configured correctly.
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Mods and upgrades

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MiniDSP USBstreamer and USBstreamer Box are suggested for optical audio input at low latency, potentially resolving compatibility issues with newer computers.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the Presonus FireStudio Tube for its analog features, yet face challenges integrating it with modern systems, highlighting the need for adaptation or upgrades.
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One owner noted that the FireStudio Tube's sync light stays red and blue when not properly synced, indicating a potential unit or setup issue.
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