I’ve cut my Firebox (to cool it down)
To prevent from hijacking unsuspecting threads, here it is:
I don’t like my equipment to be running that hot and this summer was a bit too hot. So, few weeks ago I lightly modded Presonus Firebox sides to allow more natural airflow. Until now, it’s been running pretty hot (for 1-2 years) and some users on the presonus forums have been complaining that their fireboxes might have fried themselves (but they were leaving them on all the time, even when computer was off).
A small hand-dremel would probably be the best ( if you have a steady hand ) but I did not have access to any.
I used a large cutting-dremel-tool (used for steel cutting, not hand-held hobby one) with the cutting stone marked 115 x 1,6 x 22,23mm ( Image ). I also tried thinner ( 1.0 mm ) wheel but it was wobbling too much.
Also you can just drill many holes. I think this method of mine ruined ( just a bit) the Faraday-cage protection that full-metal(-intact) enclosure has.
I’ve cut in-between the “ribs”, along the recessed lines, but not all the way, leaving top and bottom (horizontal) support beams intact. This way, side panels are still tough to serve it’s purpose (and they are important part of the firebox case).
There are no fans, it is that much cooler just by being allowed to exchange hot air naturally. Aside from that, I did not find a place where I’d tap into the power supply to insert fan (although I did not really try to hard). I think you don’t want fan inside it, since it might introduce noise into the circuitry.
It is a minor mod but a lifesaver (hope it extends firebox’s life). Sides got a bit scratched in the process but it is a small price to pay for a chilled-out soundcard.
Story: The other day I was playing in a cramped booth and only place I could put the firebox was on top of a amplifier. When amp gets hot, firebox get extra warmth, not a pleasant thought. Anyway, with this mod, it was all nice and peachy.
My cool-cat:
