Hi,
I just got into digital recording and decided to try a cheap but well-recommended interface first.
I got a Presonus Inspire to go with my upgraded Pismo laptop (originally a G3, hotrodded to 550 MHz G4, 40 gig 5400 rpm hard drive with 16 MB cache, 100 MHz system bus).

Using Garageband and the Inspire control panel, I keep the effects to a minimum, and just try recording rehearsals, etc. Nothing too fancy. My band's a trio of mic'd voice, pup'd acoustic, and passive electric bass. Whether directly into the inputs or through my Yamaha powered mixer first, everything is nice and clean and quiet - except the bass. the lower strings tend to overdrive the inputs and clip really badly at the normal levels. Did I get a bad box?
Should I switch to the Firebox which has better pre's?

Thanks,
Bill Oetjen
billoetjen@fastermac.net

Didn't list your settings, but I'm assuming this happens at all level settings.
I've never had this problem, and I've been using my Inspire1394 for a couple of
years. Try cranking back on the bass, starting at the instrument's pots and working
forward through the signal chain. If you're using any FX, go dry first before using them.
Simply simplify. If all this doesn't work for you, try somebody else's bass. If it does the
same thing, call Presonus. They're really helpful and if you've got a bad interface they'll
probably send you a replacement or repair yours if something's wrong