Presonus Firebox problem: I can see the audio levels but can't hear. Help!

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Presonus Firebox problem: I can see the audio levels but can't hear. Help!

Searched in the forums to what I think is a basic issue, but couldn't find anyone with an answer...

I have audio routed into my firebox from an external mixer. I can see the audio meter in the "in" sound panel of system preferences moving but I can't hear sound coming out of my soundsticks.

Audio routed out of my computer into external amp/stereo setup is audible, however.

Can anyone help me figure this out so I can move and and start setting Firebox up with Logic? LOL

My hardware specs (I'm running 10.4.11):
Hardware Overview:

Machine Name: Power Mac G4
Machine Model: PowerMac3,5
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.1)
Number Of CPUs: 2
CPU Speed: 800 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
L3 Cache (per CPU): 2 MB
Memory: 1.5 GB
Bus Speed: 133 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.2.5f1
Serial Number:
Sales Order Number:

G4 dual 800 and 1.67 powerbook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 4, 2009 9:10 AM

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Answer 1

May 4, 2009 9:20 AM in response to oliver784

Connect your monitors to the Firebox, not the computer, and select your Firebox in Logic's audio preferences.

OR

If you want the Firebox for your inputs, but your computer's audio output driving your speakers, you need an 'aggregate device;' details of how to set this up are here:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8813763&#8813763

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Answer 2

oliver784 Author

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May 4, 2009 7:13 PM in response to John Alcock

Interesting. One question: do I need to have the spdf midi cable connected? I wouldn't think so since I don't have any hardware for it... (Can you tell I'm a noob? LOL.)

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Answer 3

May 4, 2009 8:39 PM in response to oliver784

oliver784 wrote:
do I need to have the spdf midi cable connected?

No, not until you have some device that needs it. For now, just your inputs (instruments, mics) and outputs (monitor speakers), and the FW cable. Then just go to Preferences/Audio to select the Firebox

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Answer 4

oliver784 Author

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May 6, 2009 3:42 PM in response to John Alcock

Thanks for your help, but the saga continues...

OK, I did as you prescribed, but no luck. On a lark, I plugged into the mic/instrument ins in the front of the unit and I did see levels in the Logic tracks window. Would this suggest there is something wrong with the ins on the firebox unit?

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Answer 5

May 6, 2009 4:11 PM in response to oliver784

As you're plugging in outputs from a mixer, it would connect to the line inputs which I think are on the back of your Firebox. I also think (check the manual) that these are inputs 3-4, so in Logic set track inputs to 3 and 4. Instruments and mics plug in on the front, and are inputs 1-2.

I had a Firebox a long time ago, so my memory is rusty. Check your connections!

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Answer 6

oliver784 Author

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May 6, 2009 5:04 PM in response to John Alcock

Your memory serves you well.

Yes, line outs from the mixer are hooked up to line ins 3&4 on the back of the firebox. What I can't figure out is that the Sound Panel of System Preferences shows a good input level, whereas the meter in Logic shows nothing (rec is enabled and blinking). If I switch cables to the 1&2 instrument ins on the front of the Firebox, I get levels in both Sys Prefs and Logic. I'm thinking, the problem can't be the Firebox, because the computer sees the signal either way. I'm running Logic 6.0 Platinum BTW.

I find Presonus and their manual to be lacking. They take days to write back with curt responses... Either they don't have enough people or the Firebox is not expensive enough for them to devote to customer service... I don't know

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Answer 7

May 6, 2009 5:25 PM in response to oliver784

whereas the meter in Logic shows nothing (rec is enabled and blinking)

But as I suggested in my previous post, in the I/O section of Logic's track, you have to choose input 3-4, not 1-2 if you're using the Firebox' line inputs.

*Did you do this?*

I don't think there's any problem with the Firebox. It's with your input selection on the channel strip in Logic.

I'm running Logic 6.0 Platinum BTW.

It should still work, although I don't remember if there are any differences that would affect this issue.

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Answer 8

oliver784 Author

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May 6, 2009 5:38 PM in response to John Alcock

I feel dumb now, but it was worth it 🙂

Thank you very much. Your patience rivals that of Buddha.

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Answer 9

May 6, 2009 6:23 PM in response to oliver784

You're welcome - have fun!

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