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.

 

[Timatron]

Thanks , looks like I’m hoping for a miracle to come my way. Like most people I’ve had it happen before. If it doesn’t happen then I’m no worse off. I’ll work with what I have cause I really didn’t want to spend money to expand. I have a little hope because in mid 2010 I took an hiatus from recording and didn’t pick it back up until 2016 after support for the Firestudio ended . I may not have updated the firmware to that version that blocked the rollback option you referred to. Once I have a working WinXP PC again I will dive into it. It’s just a shame that the business model is to keep us all buying the latest thing due to planned obsolescence. I get it, stuff isn’t supposed to last forever. It would just be right to have support for those who still have working gear and maybe don’t need or want new and shiny. Nothing wrong with those that do. Not having the option really stinks. You and I have had private email conversations about the Firestudio and all your advice and input is greatly appreciated and valued. If I get my miracle I’ll certainly let you know. Thanks again.

 

[Cristofe]

It would just be right to have support for those who still have working gear and maybe don’t need or want new and shiny.

I couldn't agree more. I know many that have been brainwashed into buying the mindset that they must have
the "shiny new precious". I'm not one of them. My feeling is that "if it aint broke....don't fix it" And sometimes
older gear features higher build quality and features that their replacements lack. I have pc's and various audio
hardware, (stiil at work), that have long outlasted newer devices. I also have the full series of VSL interfaces. They
all still work great and, fortunately, the firmware for that series can be rolled back and forth. So if you need/want
the full VSL capabilities for one session and the super low latency of the latest Universal Control drivers you have
both options. They'll have to pry those puppies from my cold dead hands......LOL!!

Best of luck!! Let me know how it turns out for you!!

Cheers........Cristofe