PreSonus Quantum: Their Fastest and Best Sounding Audio/MIDI Interface

 

PreSonus recently unveiled Quantum, the new audio interface they’re calling “our fastest and best sounding audio/MIDI interface” to date. Early reviews from Superbooth have been positive, and the specs for the machine are incredibly impressive. This has potential to really be their “fastest and best”, so let’s take a closer look.

PreSonus wants the Quantum to be the central hub of your recording studio. Offering 26 inputs X 32 outputs with a high-speed Thunderbolt 2 bus, and a direct-to-DAW signal path with no DSP creates extremely low latency. Incredible 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 120 dB of dynamic range and PreSonus’ recallable XMAX microphone preamps combine to create superb audio-quality. If you need more I/O channels than the already 26X32 Quantum offers, simply stack up to 4 Quantum interfaces via Thunderbolt to create a 96X96 system. For studio use, two main and eight auxiliary balanced line-level outputs are great for monitor mixing. An onboard talkback mic can be routed to any mix, with the ability to listen to any mix from either of two headphone amps. Also included are Mute/Dim and Mono controls.

 

More specifically the I/O setup offers two combo mic/instrument/line inputs and six combo mic/line inputs, each with a digitally controlled XMAX preamp and +48V phantom power. Two 1/4″ TRS main outputs, eight 1/4″ TRS line outputs, and two independent headphone outs with dedicated volume controls provide variety and options in the studio. Up to 18 additional digital inputs and outputs are available through ADAT Optical I/O and S/PDIF stereo digital, bringing users to 26 ins and 32 outs. BNC word clock I/O guarantees Quantum will operate in tight sync with other digital audio devices. In case you think they forgot, MIDI I/O is available.

 

Quantum also aims to be adaptable to any recording environment. The audio interface becomes an integrated extension of your DAW with PreSonus Studio One (included), placing full preamp control into your system. Onboard features can also be controlled in PreSonus’ free UC Surface control software which allows remote access to the controls with the use of third-party recording software. Included is a real-time analyzer to monitor your audio streams.

 

 

Quantum won’t be out until the second quarter of this year but our interest has definitely been peaked. PreSonus’ focus for this product was speed, and they seem to have that on all fronts. Something we’re excited about is the extremely low-latency they’re offering even with processing or use of real-time plug-ins while recording. The anticipated price is $995.95 so it is an investment, but it’s definitely worth checking out. More info HERE.

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