PreSonus Quantum 26x32 Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Record high channel counts with super-low latency! PreSonus delivers tons of I/O including 8 mic pres, and 2 Thunderbolt ports for chaining up to 4 Quantums.
Overall User Ratings (based on 3 ratings)
Submitted April 1, 2018 by Christopher V in Rochester, NY
"Quantum is the Only Interface You'll Ever Need"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Hands down, the Presonus Quantum has exceeded every expectation and hope I had. From the build quality to routing, ease of use and functionality – Quantum has it all.
To preface, I work as a studio engineer. My system revolves around Logic Pro X. I'm far more into ease of use over esoteric and expensive gear. So I skip the studio's Neve preamps and Avid converters for a streamlined approach.
After years of using a MOTU 8pre as my main interface, I needed to upgrade to something with far more versatility.
I bought a Focusrite Clarett interface. But I found the mix software to be less than intuitive. So I sold the interface and sprung for the Quantum.
And boy am I thrilled I did. I've been using the Quantum for the last 6 months.
Here are some of the features I adore about this thing:
+ Latency is Non-Existent
The Quantum's major billing is how fast it is. The latency is non-existent thanks to its Thunderbolt connection. But on top of that, the Quantum has no obtrusive Mix Software. You know how interfaces always have their own mix software? Well as far as I've gathered that Mix Software exists to circumvent any issues around Software Monitoring and Latency. But the mix software itself, it turns out, adds its own latency. So Quantum skips the middle man and ditched the Mix Software. This is perfect, because I much prefer monitoring through Logic.
Quantum does come with software to manage preamp levels, phantom power and outputs of the hardware unit. But there's no middle man here. Software Monitoring within the DAW is all you need.
+ Talkback Mic
The integrated Talkback system is worth the price tag alone! Instead of having to pick up a separate talkback to patch in, Presonus included one with Quantum.
Fire up a track, set it's input to Input 27, and you're off to the races. The Talk and Dim switches are easy to engage.
I say download SoundRadix's free Muteomatic plugin and you won't have to wear the buttons out. That's what I use, so I'm able to leave the talkback running for the whole session.
+ Recall-able Digital Preamps
Digital preamps are the way to go! I love being able to set these preamps to a specific value. And when I turn off the unit and return later, Quantum remembers the values. Digital Audio rules for its instant recall-ability. Now there's an interface that capitalizes on the brilliance of digital technology. Each channel is accessible through two buttons under an infinite rotary knob. Press the left or right buttons to flip through the channels. Use the rotary knob to adjust the channel's volume.
I was a little nervous because none of the channels have any sort of dB pad. But it turns out I never need one. These preamps seem to have a tremendous amount of throw. Plus they sound great too!
+ All the Routing You Could Possibly Need
There's plenty of inputs and outputs to cover any need you might have. If you ever need to expand, there's SPDIF and ADAT (I connect my Eleven Rack via SPDIF).
But the cherry-on-top is the dual Thunderbolt inputs. This makes it super easy to daisy-chain devices. In my case, I get to use my external monitor through my Quantum.
+++
If you can't tell, I love this thing! Using Presonus' Quantum is effortless. I don't expect to be looking at interfaces anytime soon.
Musical Background:
Producer and Studio Engineer; Guitar & Bass
Musical Style:
Rock, Hip Hop
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Submitted November 11, 2021 by a customer from gmail.com
"Everything I'd Expect from PreSonus"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
No DSP? No problem. If you're like me and don't want to buy hardware just so you can run some special software, this is a solid choice. I chose to avoid DSP processing so I wouldn't ever have to worry about running out and for the lowest possible latency. PreSonus didn't disappoint. I upgraded from a PreSonus Firestudio Project and have found my experience with the Quantum to be far superior to the Firestudio. The quality of conversion, the I/O, and the ease of use have far exceeded my expectations.
Sound
Clean with lots of available gain. Good stereo image. My biggest concern upon purchase was the stereo image. All of my monitoring happens through an Antelope Pure 2 interface which serves as the DA converter as well as the word clock. That thing is fantastic and I did not want to lose sound quality when adding an interface to the mix. With the Quantum, I connect to my Mac via Thunderbolt, I take WC in from my Pure 2, and I have the S/PDIF set to mirror the main output and to send audio to the Pure 2 for monitoring. No quality lost in that confusion, so no complaints here.
Features
The best feature is the auto switching inputs. It's by no means a marquee feature, but I use outboard preamps so the thought of double preamping my signal always worries me. Luckily, the Quantum knows what kind of connector you've got plugged in. For example, if I were to plug a microphone into one of the preamps with an XLR, the built in preamp will be activated and function as normal. If I plugin in a 1/4", the preamp is bypassed by default, which gives you a standard line level input. I'm glad there aren't any buttons or settings I need to change to make this change. They were a step ahead when designing this.
Ease of Use
Plug in your microphone, give it some gain, and if you have half a clue of what you're doing, you'll get a good recording. XMAX preamps have never given me anything to complain about. Like most interfaces, they are very transparent. I use this interface in conjunction with some outboard preamps to get the color I'm after.
Quality
This interface feels like a better build quality than my previous interface (a PreSonus Firestudio Project). It does have more features and cost more than my previous interface, but the weight and quality of this product inspire a great deal of confidence when using it regardless of price.
Value
Yes. I have only owned PreSonus interfaces, and my experience with them will keep me buying them.
Manufacturer Support
PreSonus support has been incredibly helpful. I'm always wary of companies that don't provide easy to access phone support, but when I created a support ticket, I could always expect a reply within 24 hours.
The Wow Factor
The appeal is lacking, but then again, I believe that is by design. I considered getting an interface that would provide me with DSP, but decided against it. I think that could have an effect on it's wow factor to many customers. I am lucky enough to have a good variety of native plugins and a computer that can handle them, so the DSP was not something I found to be essential.
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Submitted January 14, 2019 by Talia Shell in Arlington, TX
"This interface is legit"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is my first multi-channel interface sense the m-audio profire 2626 I'm currently using a PreSonus ione. Firstly the clarity is very noticeable I literally listened to some of my favorite tracks on my PreSonus ione and switched to my quantum and there was a big clarity difference that was apparent to even folks in my house that don't have a trained ear that spoke major volumes to me also the low end is tighter not only that the pres on this interface are very clean and clear. If you are on the edge about buying this interface just go ahead and jump off the cliff and get it YOU won't BE DISAPPOINTED. GET IT ITS WORTH THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Musical Background:
Singer, Musician, Engineer
Musical Style:
Rnb,Gospel
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