VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

JBarrett · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 3:51 pm Post subject: Interface on the fritz?

I bought a PreSonus FireStudio Mobile a month or two ago when my other interface started flaking out. It was working fine until about a week or so ago, when it started doing something really strange during playback. The sound would be fine for a second or two, but then it would quickly degrade into a harsh buzz, and eventually trickle down to silence.

The software audio meters don't reflect this degradation of sound because it's not a problem with the waveform. My guess is that something may be going wrong with the amp in the interface, but I'd like to get some other opinions. The link below is the playback of part of an audition that I recorded at the time the problem first appeared. (The only way I was able to capture this behavior was by putting my iPhone up to my headphones.)

Sound degradation sample

The sound actually degrades more quickly now than it did when the problem first manifested itself, and I've had the unit completely unplugged since then thinking that maybe a good cool-down would help. Apparently not.
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

Mike Sommer · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 5:00 pm Post subject:

Call Presonus and tell them what's going on. Since it is new, it should be under warranty- they should either repair or replace the unit. If you bought it locally you might be able to take it back to the retailer. You should have done this at the first sign of trouble.

One more reason to have a backup for everything.
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

JBarrett · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 5:21 pm Post subject:

I can barely afford what I've got. Once I can afford to have multiples, I'll most certainly have a backup.

I'll contact PreSonus and see what they'll do. I doubt that Guitar Center will do anything seeing that I no longer have any of the packaging. (If I do have it, it's who-knows-where in the garage along with most of the rest of our things while we try to sell our house).
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Justin S. Barrett
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Presonus probably has a certified service provider for warranty repair through guitar center or locally. U should only need a receipt.

Frank F · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 1:26 pm Post subject:

Just a quick note: Presonus is notorious for poor quality soldering. If it will not void the warranty, open it up and check for loose wires.

The Presonus products are pretty good for the bucks, and much better with a few tweaks and swaps. Something to think about.

Frank F
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 2:32 pm Post subject:

Opening any electronic device VOIDS the warranty. Only do so at your own risk and or loss.

Just take it back.

( Call your local Guitar Center where you bought it from, and talk the the manager and find out what their return or replacement policy is on defective equipment -without being specific (if there is another GC in the area you can even call and ask them- so you wont raise any red flags). Most likely you will need to deal with Presouns directly.

If they have a liberal return policy, then go for it. If can't return it without the packaging, you could pull the old switcheroo: buy another new unit put the old defective unit in the box and return it as defective. Just make sure their are no serial numbers on the box. If they offer an exchange you can say this has left a bad taste in your mouth and you would prefer a refund. Just know their return policy first.)
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

Zach · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 3:11 pm Post subject:

Justin,

If you need it, I have a fastrack pro that I am not using at the moment.

Zach

JBarrett · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 6:06 am Post subject:

Thanks for the additional input. I put in a support request with PreSonus on Saturday, and am awaiting their reply.

Zach: I'll be in touch via PM. Thanks!
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

JBarrett · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 6:24 am Post subject:

Just pulled up my GC receipt, and was reminded that I'd paid the extra $ for a 24-month upgraded warranty. Methinks I'll contact them after all.
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/