PreSonus Central Station Studio Monitor Control Center

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The PreSonus Central Station is a studio monitor control center that features a passive audio path, 5 stereo inputs and 3 sets of monitor outputs.

The Central Station is the ultimate studio-monitoring interface for the modern digital studio. The Central Station features 3 sets of stereo analog inputs to switch between input sources such as: DAW, mixer, CD/DAT/Tape player, or keyboards/samplers. Two stereo analog inputs feature TRS balanced and the 3rd stereo input features RCA inputs with trim control for level matching of input signals. In addition, the Central Station will accommodate 2 digital inputs via S/PDIF or TOSLINK providing D/A conversion up to 24Bit/192kHz. This allows you to monitor DAW and CD/DAT outputs through the same professional quality converter for the most accurate A/B comparison and highest quality monitoring environment. The digital to analog converter offers the highest possible audio quality with over 117dB dynamic range and ultra high quality analog circuitry. The Central Station features 3 sets of monitor outputs, each with their own set of passive trim controls. The monitoring section also provides Mute, Dim and Mono switches. In addition, the Central Station includes a set of CUE outputs that can feed headphone amplifiers and a separate stereo Main line level output.

Features:

- Passive Audio Path - no op amps or IC's in main audio path
- 5 stereo inputs (2 digital and 3 analog)
- 24-Bit/192kHz DAC (>117dB dynamic range) via SPDIF and TOSLINK
- 3 sets of monitor outputs; each with passive volume control
- Talkback microphone with volume to feed headphone and cue output
- Accurate dual read more 30-segment LED for metering
- 2 front panel headphone jacks with separate volume control
- MAIN and CUE stereo output have independent input source
- Optional console remote control with input, output, talkback, and volume

Purely Passive Signal Path

The Central Station features a purely passive signal path for ultimate sonic performance. The main audio path of the Central Station uses no amplifier stages including op amps or active IC's (integrated circuits) that add noise, color, distortion, and give that "pinched" sound. Distortion produced by op amps and IC's also gives added ear fatigue.

Signal routing in the Central Station is acheived utilzing 34 sealed mechanical relays (instead of active IC's) maintaining a minimal signal path design wherein extraneous electronics are hard-wire bypassed. Using relays ensures the most transparent signal path maximizing dynamic range, frequency range, and headroom, while minimizing noise and coloration. The Central Station uses the highest quality passive components including military grade 1% tolerance metal film resistors, multi-element potentiometers and ultra-durable connectors to deliver the highest sonic performance.

Metering

The Central Station features dual fast-acting 30-segment peak/hold LED's for accurate metering. The front panel of the Central Station includes both dBu and dBfs scale as well as peak/hold clear switch and meter alignment switch for addtional metering options.

Talkback

The Central Station has an onboard Talkback microphone which is routed through the Cue outputs for communication between artist and engineer. The Central Station also includes a Microphone XLR input on the rear panel for use with an external microphone. When Talkback is used the Cue mix is automatically "dimmed" for added ease of communication.

Optional CSR-1 Central Station Remote Control
The Central Station Remote Control (CSR-1) can be connected to the rear of the Central Station via DB9 connector to control Volume, Talkback, Mute, input source switching and speaker output switching functions. Keep the Central Station in your rack with your gear and use the CSR-1 for ultimate control and flexibility.
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Audio Input
TRS 1 & 2 Type: 1/4 in. TRS Passive-Balanced
Input Impedance: 2K-5K Ohm (Speaker load and Trim level dependent)
S/N Ratio: Greater than 140dB
THD+N: Less than .0005% (1KHz @ 0dBu)
Frequency Response: Greater than 1MHz

AUX Type: RCA Active-Unbalanced
Input Impedance: 8Kohm
S/N Ratio: Greater than 115dB (1KHz @ 0dBu, Unity gain)
THD+N: Less than .002% (1KHz @ 0dBu, Unity gain)
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
Gain Range: -90dB to +20dB

S/PDIF Types: RCA 75Ohm-coax and Toslink optical
Dynamic Range: 117dB
THD+N: 0.0025% (1KHz @ -1dBfs)
Maximum Output: +18dBu (Active-Balanced)
Sample Rates: 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192K

Note: All Input specifications (except Input Impedance) measured at Speaker A output, Trim and Main Level set to maximum.

Audio Output
Speakers Type: 1/4 in. TRS Passive-Balanced
Type-Mono Activated: 1/4 in. TRS Active-Impedance Balanced
Trim Range: -90dB to 0dB
Main Level Range: -90dB to 0dB
Dim Attenuation: -30dB

Main Type: 1/4 in. TRS Active-Balanced
Output Impedance: 51Ohm
THD+N: Less than 0.0025%
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB

Cue Type: 1/4-inch TRS Active-Impedance Balanced
Output Impedance: 51Ohm
THD+N: Less than .003% (1KHz @ 0dBu)
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
Gain Range: -90dB to 0dB
Dim Attenuation: -30dB (Talkback activated)

Headphones Type: 1/4 in. TRS Active Stereo
Maximum Output: 150mW/channel @ 60 Ohm load
THD+N: 0.015% (150mW/channel @ 60 Ohm load)
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, +1dB

Talkback
Dynamic Microphone Input Type: XLR Female Balanced

Input Impedance: 2400 Ohm

Internal Microphone Type: Electret Condenser

Sensitivity: -42dB

Mic Preamp Gain Range: 15-55dB

Input Meters
Type: Dual 30 segment LED with Peak Hold

Range: -48dB to +18dB (-66dBfs to 0dBfs)

Accuracy: Better than .25dB

Frequency Range: 10Hz-22KHz

Calibrate Range: +/- 18dB

Power Supply
Type: External A.C. Transformer/Internal Linear

Power Consumption: 40VA

Physical
Main Chassis Package Type: 1U - steel chassis
Dimensions: 19(W) X 1.75(H) X 5.50(D) inches
Weight 5.0 lbs.

External Power Supply Package Type: Molded Plastic
Dimensions: 2.5(W) X 2.3(H) X 4.0(D) in.
Weight: 2.5 lbs.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 225-216-7887
Web: https://support.presonus.com

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (19 ratings)
Submitted December 24, 2007 by a customer from gmail.com

"This is the best purchase I've made in a long time."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I really can't imagine doing a mix without the Central Station now that I've had it in my studio for a while. Only small gripe is that I wish it had AES inputs. But hey, you can't ask for too much with a $500 pricetag.
Sound
what you put in is what you get out. Also the D/A converter sounded better than my interface.
Features
I can't mix without this box ever again. It is designed perfectly for professionals and allows you to check your mix through different speakers plus compare your mix with other sources. I have a CD player plugged into the optical inputs, my IPOD in the RCA inputs and my DAW coming in from SPDIF of my RME interface.
Ease of Use
It's really self explanatory. one thing i just discovered is the fact that you can send different mixes to the headphone amps than what you hear in the control room. GREAT FEATURE.
Quality
It's built solid. Doesn't feel cheap at all.
Value
Just buy it. You won't regret it. There's nothing that comes close to this below $3k.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't needed any support with the Central Station I've called Presonus in the past and they were very helpful.
The Wow Factor
Works perfectly. This is a great addition to any studio.
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No longer available at zZounds

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