PreSonus announces Quantum - Flagship Thunderbolt Interface

PreSonus has announced the 26x32-channel Quantum, its fastest and best-sounding audio/MIDI interface, taking advantage of the high-speed Thunderbolt 2 bus and a no-frills, direct-to-DAW signal path to achieve extremely low latency. 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 120 dB of dynamic range and PreSonus' recallable XMAX microphone preamps combine to deliver superb audio quality. For more I/O channels, stack up to 4 Quantum interfaces via Thunderbolt to create a 96x96 system.

The Quantum offers two combo mic/instrument/line inputs and six combo mic/line inputs, each with a digitally controlled XMAX preamp and +48V phantom power. You also get two ¼" TRS main outputs, the aforementioned eight ¼" TRS line outputs, and two independent headphone outs with dedicated volume controls. With ADAT Optical I/O and S/PDIF stereo digital I/O, you can have up to 18 additional digital inputs and outputs for a total of 26 in and 32 out. BNC word clock I/O ensures your Quantum and other digital audio devices operate in tight sync. Of course, you get MIDI I/O, too.

Designed to be the central hub for any recording studio, the Quantum offers two main and eight auxiliary balanced line-level outputs that are great for monitor mixing. An onboard talkback mic can be routed to any mix, and you can listen to any mix from either of two headphone amps. You also get Mute/Dim and Mono controls.

With the Quantum, your audio interface is an integrated extension of your recording environment. Launch the included PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW, and you'll find full preamp control functions integrated into your recording environment. Most of the Quantum's features can also be controlled in PreSonus' free UC Surface control software, so even if you use third-party recording software, you can remotely access the features. To top it off, Quantum owners get the Studio Magic plug-in suite free and can upgrade to Studio One Professional for 50% off.

The Quantum interface is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2017 at an anticipated MAP/street price of $999.95.