Presonus Firestudio or Mackie Onyx Blackbird

[teleblaster]

I'm looking to get a 'prosumer' interface this january, and then if the royalty checks map out the way I expect plop down for a Lynx or RME later in the year. For now I'm looking for 8 mic/line pres in a single rack with firewire connectivity. Don't give a rip about software and sample bundles persay, just want the best h/w I can afford right now. I think I have it narrowed down to the Presonus and the Mackie, but am interested in any other contendors with this feature set and price range

Anyone have an opinion on either of the units. I like the Presonus because the connections are on the front, but I suspect that the Mackie pre's and converters might be a shade better based on what I've read. If that's the case I'll go with the mackie and build a small patch bay.

Thanks in advance

[Len911]

I guess the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 has to be a contender also.
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan09/a ... epro40.htm

[mazz]

There's a review of the Onyx in the new issue of Mix magazine. They seem to like it.

[timlylemusic]

I just upgraded from presonus to Duet. I personally did not like the presonus as it seemed to be unable to handle large fluctuations in dynamics in recording. I would get way too much distortion at top end.

With the DUET, I get zero distortion with similar dynamics in tracking.