Firestudio 2626 as adat

[Timatron]

Hello to all I’m hoping that I can tap into anyone’s hands on experience and positive outcome to an issue I’m having . I have a Firestudio 2626 from the early 2000’s. And want to incorporate it along with my Quantum 2626 and DigimaxFS (adat) as another adat I/O device. No Windows driver update support since 2014. My new Widows 11 Comp will not except drivers for the older Universal Control software. With the info I’ve been able to find there is a way to set the FS2626 to a stand alone mode, bypassing the need for a computer FireWire connection. Then configuring the internal routing to adat. Connecting to the Quantum & DigiMax via BNC or Toslink. I have an ancient Windows XP computer which is on its last legs that I used back in the day with the FS2626 and DigiMax together. For some reason I can’t figure out the WinXP system stopped recognizing the Firestudio. That’s the problem , I can’t change the internal FS2626 routing until that’s resolved. I have archived every Universal Control update that was released, just to have on hand. Every firmware update was also done but I haven’t found all the install files for those yet. Honestly I just followed the prompts sent out by Presonus back then to update all UC and firmware. Any and all help with this is greatly appreciated and needed. Thanks

 

[Cristofe]

In short....no. The FS 26x26 cannot be used as a standalone ADAT expander or standalone preamp. Very early on, while it was still supported,
this was possible. Early firmware versions supported these functions. It was removed many years ago with a firmware "update". And that "update" cannot be rolled back. Believe me, I know I tried. At one point I had a 24-trk setup. I did that by daisy chaining 3 26x26's together. I do still have a 26x26 and expand it, (and an 1818VSL), with a MOTU 8-Pre. If I didn't have pc's with Firewire capability I'd just ditch the 26x26 and my FSM.

 

[Timatron]

In short....no. The FS 26x26 cannot be used as a standalone ADAT expander or standalone preamp. Very early on, while it was still supported,
this was possible. Early firmware versions supported these functions. It was removed many years ago with a firmware "update". And that "update" cannot be rolled back. Believe me, I know I tried. At one point I had a 24-trk setup. I did that by daisy chaining 3 26x26's together. I do still have a 26x26 and expand it, (and an 1818VSL), with a MOTU 8-Pre. If I didn't have pc's with Firewire capability I'd just ditch the 26x26 and my FSM.

Thanks for the reply and sharing your experience with me Cristofe. Around the early 2000’s I used three linked ECHO Layla units for 24 tracks. I really liked having that type of setup. I was really hoping to expand without spending a lot on it. I believe you in what you’ve told me is true about your outcome, and I may give it a shot anyway. At this point I don’t have much to lose. Thanks again.

 

[Cristofe]

We'll, you have nothing to lose but time and, trust me, you will. I pride myself in my ability to shove a square peg in a round hole.
I spent a lot of time trying to make the 26x26 work as a standalone ADAT expander to no avail. I used to be a Presonus forum mod
and it was Presonus staff that clued me into the firmware problem. I have every driver and firmware "upgrade" ever released for the
26x26 and nothing worked. But, hey who knows, maybe you'll get lucky.